Here are a few early summer jobs to attend to before heading to the beach.
You probably know to remove the lint from your dryer’s filter after each use. However, cleaning your dryer vents is equally important. Although you do not need to clean it as frequently as the air filter, summer is a great time to clean the duct that vents the moist, warm air outside. Long-handled brushes especially for this purpose are available at hardware stores.
Another item to tend to at the beginning of summer is your lawn mower. If your mower has left over fuel from last year, empty it before adding fresh fuel, as gas can become stale. You can run the mower until the tank is dry, or use a siphon pump to pump the gas into a gas can. To make your mower last, avoid cutting the grass when it is wet because wet grass is hard on the engine. Manufacturers recommend replacing lawn mower blades annually as well, to get the best cut and extend the life of the mower.
Early summer is also a good time to clean out your often-overlooked gutters. Clear out leaves, pine needles and other debris. Clean gutters allow rainwater to flow away from the home, protecting it from the possibility of mold or rot.
Another good chore for the summer season is to prepare your deck for a full season of use. To do this, you should scrub the deck of mold, fill holes with putty and replace all rotted boards. Afterward, you will want to seal the deck, which will ensure protection from the elements and reduce splintering.