Tips for Preparing for a Particularly Hot Summer

As the weather in Washington D.C. is shifting to intense heat, the summer days can be welcomed by having some easy chores completed ahead of time.

Kiss winter goodbye

Heaters, heavy blankets and sheets, and fire logs can be stored until fall comes again. Simple summer updates can create a bright feeling in the home, like fresh flowers and hanging clothes out to dry.

Create space for ice cream

Defrost and empty out your freezer entirely, and ensure that build-up of ice is melted. Items that have been stored for more than a year should be thrown away; and chicken, ground meat, and leftovers will not last as long.

Revive interior airflow

Adjust the settings on your ceiling fan to spin counter-clockwise, so that the blades point up while spinning which makes the draft more powerful. Install a new filter for your HVAC unit, or contact an air conditioning repair specialist to ensure the unit is working effectively before the heat becomes too unbearable.

Consider fresh paint

Winter can be hard on outside furniture, so your picnic table, house trim, door, or even the deck may require new paint. Each piece of wood should be sanded individually, and a primer can be applied afterward. Then, exterior paint can be applied to the pieces and will have them looking good as new.

Spruce up the windows

The windows of your home can also welcome summer by cleaning the glass and by hanging lighter curtains that can dance with the breeze. Any dirt on the windows can be removed gently with vinegar. The exterior of windows can be pressure washed, but the screens cannot be as they are too fragile.

Have necessities on hand

Ensure that you are prepared with the summer necessities that your family will need, including new insect spray, aloe vera, and sunblock. Picnic blankets may be a summer favorite, and now is the time to pull out the beach towels. Garage cleaning may be required, and it couldn’t hurt to locate backyard games so that they’re ready to go.

Organize outside storage

It is important to have your lawnmower, hose, fertilizer, garden tools, and sprinkler ready to go and easily accessible. Winter equipment can be moved to the back of the shed or garage until the weather becomes colder again.

Give your deck extra attention

Your deck could be the perfect place to relax on warm summer nights when the breeze is just right. Most decks are simple to clean with a washrag and soapy suds – the deck, as well as the furniture, can likely benefit from a complete wipe down.

Deep clean your grill

First, ensure the gas is no longer connected, and then take the grill apart by following recommendations by the manufacturer. Soapy water and a wire brush can work wonders for a dirty grill, but difficult build-up may require grill cleaner. Before cooking food, let the grill cook off any chemicals for at least ten minutes.