Clean and re-seal your tile grout to keep it looking great and prevent costly leaks and replacement. Read how expert Bob Vila does it by clicking here .

If you have cleaned your grout and are unhappy with the results, it may be time to replace the grout. Other indicators that your grout needs replacing are:

• Cracks in the grout
• Crumbling grout
• Grout pulling away from the tile
• Areas of missing grout
• Tiles coming loose
• Mold and mildew that won’t clean off

If you take care of and clean your tile grout regularly, you should only have to replace it every 12 to 15 years. Failure to care for the grout may lead to the need for replacement every eight to 10 years. If you need to replace your grout, you could consider doing it yourself. There are a number of expert videos on the internet that detail how to remove and replace grout. However, if you aren’t comfortable doing the job properly, you should call an expert.

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Cleaning household faucets and shower heads should be added to your annual cleaning schedule. Keeping these items clean will improve water quality and pressure.

Clean household faucet aerators by removing them and rinsing to remove grime and mineral deposits. Shower heads that don’t come apart can be soaked in place. First, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and pour it into a plastic bag. Secondly, put the plastic bag around the shower head immersing the holes in the liquid. Finally, secure the bag with a tie and leave it to soak. Once you have cleaned your faucets and shower heads, check all parts for leaks.  Be sure to replace washers, knobs, shower heads and faucets that are leaking.

Water leaks can cause major damage. As a result of annual maintenance, you could avoid costly repairs. You may find after cleaning that your faucets and shower heads leak or are still inefficient. This is typically the case when they are older. Replacing these items is fairly simple and cost effective. You may find that updated shower heads are more efficient at saving water while providing better pressure. Updating faucets can also go a long way to providing an updated appearance to your bathrooms and kitchen.

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It’s a great time to clean all of your fans and vents! When making your list, don’t forget to include the following items:

• Ceiling fans – In most rooms you can simply wipe off all of the blades with a dusting cloth. For ceiling fans located in and near a kitchen, you may need a de-greaser first.
• Bathroom fans – It is important for these to be working properly to prevent excess moisture in your bathroom. Remove the cover and carefully vacuum away accumulated dust near the motor. You’ll also want to clean the vent cover itself.
• Dryer vents – While it’s important to clean your lint trap after every load, don’t forget to clean the vent itself. Dryer vents are not only a significant fire hazard, not cleaning it regularly can reduce the efficiency of your dryer.
• Range hoods – Range hoods require regular cleaning to prevent grease build-up. Make sure you remove the metal filter and soak it a couple of times a year. If you are unable to clean it, it’s something you can replace fairly easily.
• Heating vents – Before you turn on the heat for the winter, remove and clean the register covers and vacuum out any debris in the vent itself. 
• Duct work – You will find plenty of information for and against this process. However, if you change your filters regularly, you shouldn’t have a problem. There are times when it may be beneficial in older homes. 

Also, make sure to replace fans and vents that are damaged or don’t work properly. As a result, you’ll keep your family safe by improving air quality and preventing fires.

Looking for more maintenance tips? Click here. Or maybe you have questions about the current real estate market in your local area? Give us a call, we’re happy to answer your questions.