you're probably looking forward to that extra hour of sleep you get each fall when we turn the clocks back. But a little more shut-eye (and the threat of being an hour early to work on Monday) aren't the only things this time of year should signal. Use this time to take care of important biannual tasks around your home.
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 in as 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 pillowtop? 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 need a good cleaning twice 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 declutter your stash of food and medical supplies. Toss anything that has expired.
5. Vacuum out your dryer’s vent and ducts.
Lint lodged in the vent pipes, the space behind the dryer, and ducts outside your home is often the cause of dryer fires. Your vacuum's crevice tool can help you get the job done.
6. 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 filter in your vacuum.
7. 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.
8. Check your emergency kit.
If you’ve depleted your supply of flashlight batteries, bandage, and other just-in-case items over the past six months, use this time to restock.
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