It’s a common thought in my head when a new inspection pops up on my calendar, and it’s a home that’s over 100 years old, “Oh no, it’s going to be a long inspection with lots of finds”. Old equals difficult. Sometimes I’m fooled. I had a recent experience while inspecting a charming home built in the early 1920s right here in Central Iowa. While it naturally had some aspects that needed updating, what truly struck me was its remarkable cleanliness. That’s when it hit me: cleaning IS preventative home maintenance.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. The term “preventative home maintenance” can sometimes sound dull or overwhelming. Trust me, as a busy inspector with over a decade of inspecting homes across the Des Moines area, I get it! After a long day of work, family, and other commitments, the idea of proactively maintaining our homes can easily fall to the bottom of the to-do list. We might just hope everything stays as it is. However, with thousands of home inspections under our belts, we’ve consistently observed a clear pattern: homes where homeowners paid attention to those seemingly small cleaning tasks often fared significantly better in larger preventative maintenance categories.
It’s more than just keeping things tidy. These small acts of cleaning not only prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs but also cultivate a homeowner’s awareness of their property. This heightened attention allows you to catch potential problems early before they become major headaches.
The Forgotten Places: Where Cleaning Makes a Big Difference
Over my years inspecting homes in the Des Moines and Central Iowa region, I’ve noticed a few recurring areas that are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Let’s break down some often-neglected areas where a little cleaning can go a long way in preventative home maintenance. These are things you can realistically tackle this week:
Bathtub Surround
This is a prime example of a spot that doesn’t always get the thorough attention it needs, especially the critical junction where the tub meets the wall. Showers constantly expose this area to water. To address this, regularly spray the corners with your preferred shower cleaner. Also, use a medium-stiffness brush to scrub away soap scum and mildew. Importantly, if you notice any crumbling or missing grout or caulking, don’t delay in removing the old material and applying fresh sealant. By diligently cleaning and maintaining this area, you’re actively inhibiting mold growth and significantly extending the lifespan of your shower and tub.
Under the Kitchen Sink
If the space under your kitchen sink in your home resembles mine at times, it’s likely a collection point for grocery bags, paper towels, and various cleaning supplies. While these items are useful, they can obscure potential plumbing issues lurking beneath. We (Chuck) did this recently and discovered a storage bin over halfway filled with murky, smelly water. Our garbage disposal had obviously been leaking for some time. Leaky chemical bottles can also go unnoticed, causing damage to the cabinet floor. We strongly recommend taking a few moments a couple of times a year to completely empty this space. This allows you to thoroughly inspect the sink and faucet plumbing. Look for any signs of leaks or corrosion and clean up any past spills. Keeping this area clean and clear can prevent costly damage to your walls, cabinets, and flooring.
Bathroom and Laundry Room Ceiling Vents
If the home is equipped with ceiling exhaust fans in the bathrooms or laundry room, regular cleaning is essential for optimal performance. These vents are designed to reduce moisture buildup during use. When they become clogged with dust, lint, or other debris, their efficiency decreases. This can potentially lead to premature wear or even failure of the unit. To clean these vents effectively, carefully remove the outer cover. Wash the cover with mild, warm, soapy water and ensure it’s completely dry before reattaching it. Then, use a cloth to wipe away any debris from the vent housing itself. If a vacuum is necessary, exercise caution around the fan blades. Maintaining clean vents is a crucial aspect of preventative home maintenance and helps protect against moisture-related issues.
Final Thoughts from Your Central Iowa Home Inspector
As you consider your current home or a potential new home here in Central Iowa, take a moment to mentally walk through each room to identify those less frequently thought-about areas. Make a list and take a closer look to see if they need some attention. If time doesn’t allow for you, then hire a professional organizer or home cleaning service now and again. As my experience from thousands of home inspections in the Des Moines area has shown me, consistently cleaning these often-neglected spots is a highly beneficial form of long-term preventative home maintenance. These seemingly small tasks can add up significantly over time, helping you avoid much larger and more expensive problems down the road.