Did you know that changing the clocks isn’t the only important “fall back” task? This Sunday (November 5th) at 2:00am Daylight Saving Time ends. That means not only do we get that extra hour of sleep, but this is a perfect weekend for some household maintenance before the winter really hits!
1. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
You’ve likely heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating. Take the time to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and have fresh batteries. Flames can consume a home inas little as five minutes, and the risk of dying in a fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
2. Flip your mattress.
To make sure your mattress wears evenly, you should flip it every six months. Got a pillow top? Just rotate it instead of turning it over.
3. Wash your pillows.
Oils from your face, dead skin, and dust mites accumulate in your pillow over time, so they needa good cleaningtwice a year. Owned a pillow for more than two years? Replace it.
4. Take stock of your medicine cabinet and pantry.
Now is a great time to de-clutter your stash of food and medical supplies. Toss anything that has expired. (This one is TOP on my list this weekend!)
5. Clean your fridge’s coils.
To keep your unit running efficiently, use your vacuum’s wand to suck away layers of dirt and dust.
6. Vacuum out your dryer’s vent and ducts.
Lint lodged in the vent pipes, the space behind the dryer, and ducts outside your home are often the cause of dryer fires. Your vacuum’s crevice tool can help you get the job done.
7. Replace or clean filters around your house.
You should inspect the filters in your heating and air-conditioning units to make your systems are still running well, but also check the water filter in your fridge and HEPA filter in your vacuum.
8. Clean the oven.
In preparation for holiday parties, make sure your kitchen is in tip-top shape by running your oven’s self-cleaning function — or getting on your hands and knees and doing some old-fashioned scrubbing.
9. Check your emergency kit.
If you’ve depleted your supply of flashlight batteries, bandages, and other just-in-case items over the past six months, use this time to restock.
Enjoy your extra hour of sleep Minneapolis! And don’t forget to turn those clocks back before bed on Saturday! #24RestoreTips
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