July Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist

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The weather’s warm, the sun is out, and summer is in full swing. Between backyard barbecues and summer vacations, take some time to tick these items off your to-do list.

From the back porch to the basement, doing a little home maintenance in July can keep your home in good shape for the rest of the year. Check out our list below to get started.

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July home maintenance checklist


1. Spiff up the kitchen

Clean out the pantry and fridge

Before you head out for vacation, throw away expired food and tame that mess in the fridge. Don’t forget to wipe down all the shelves and crisper in the refrigerator too. This will keep your fruit and veggies fresher all summer.

Vacuum the refrigerator coils 

Your fridge may be chill, but that gives it no excuse for dust-clogged coils. Help it out by cleaning the coils this month. Pull your fridge out from the wall, and put that vacuum attachment to good use.

Clean the oven and appliances

After a year’s worth of cooking, your oven needs some lovin’. Grab a face mask, gloves, and oven cleaner (or water and baking soda) and scrub out the baked-on debris at the bottom of the oven.

Cleaning your oven regularly (even once a year) will keep it running more efficiently.

While you’re waiting for the cleaner to set, wipe down your kitchen appliances too. Your coffee pot, toaster oven, blender, and anything else that sits on your kitchen counter will look much better after a quick spritz.

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Microwave cleaning pro tip

Get rid of all the gunk inside your microwave by heating a bowl of water for five minutes. The steam from the water will loosen the leftover food mess. Then all you have to do is wipe it down.

SafeWise picks for kitchen cleanup

Eco-friendly
A woman cleans an induction stovetop with gloves on to protect her hands. Get the price on Amazon.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

No scratches
Scotch-Brite 6-pack of zero scratch sponges. See price on Amazon.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Cruelty-free
Three spray bottles of Mrs. Meyers natural Clean Day all-purpose cleaner. Get price and details on Amazon.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

No fumes
Can of Easy-Off fume-free oven cleaner. Visit Amazon for details and pricing.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

2. Do a safety check

Check all locks and deadbolts

Make the rounds and check every window and door. Tighten or replace any loose locks, and pay special attention to any access point at ground level. You can also find locks for your windows and sliding glass doors.

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Consider some upgrades

Think about replacing your old deadbolts with a smart lock that you can control from your phone. These devices let you open the door remotely, making it easier for the house sitter to come in while you’re on vacation.

Move large valuables out of view

Don't give thieves a front row seat to window shop all your goodies. Take a look at your house from the outside to see if tempting valuables like your television, stereo, or computer are easy to see from the street. If so, it’s time to rearrange some furniture.

Take inventory of your safe

If you have a home safe, take inventory of everything inside, and add any other valuables you have around the house. Keep important documents, jewelry, firearms, or any other important items away from prying eyes.

Bell

Don't forget about the gun safe!

Between 200,00 and 500,000 firearms are stolen from individuals every year. Guns are one of the most-stolen items during residential and vehicle break-ins (with guns stolen from cars making up the majority). Take inventory of your firearms, and if you don't have a gun safe yet, it's time to invest. 

3. Check your water wellness

Check water softener

If you’ve noticed that your water seems to leave spots everywhere, your softener likely needs attention. Add salt only when the reservoir is completely empty.

Drain the water heaters

Even in the heat of summer, you need reliable hot water. Just like your car needs its oil changed, your water heater needs regular maintenance too.

Take a close look at your water heater for any leaks or loose areas. Testing the water pressure release valve will clue you in on your water heater’s condition. Avoid surprises by using a water leak sensor near your hot water heater.

Drain the water heater to clear it of any built-up sediment that could be blocking it. Careful—this water can be hot.

Water leak sensor
A homeowner places the Moen Flo water leak sensor by the hot water heater. Get more details and pricing on Amazon.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Thumbs Up
Tips for draining your water heater
  • Be sure to shut off power to the water heater before starting.
  • Use a garden hose or bucket to divert water and debris.

4. Do a bathroom inspection

Check for leaks around sinks and toilets 

It’s normal for condensation to collect on toilets and pipes, but puddling or dripping is a sign of trouble. In the summer months, conserving water can be essential. Plus, nobody wants to come home to water damage from an unattended leak.

Scrub that tub

A cool shower after yard work is super refreshing. But you may come out feeling unclean if your shower or tub is in bad shape. Take a moment to deep clean your bathtub or shower space to remove grime, mildew, and hard water stains.

Stop bathroom slips

More injuries happen in the bathroom than any other room in your home. It makes sense, things are wet, we're often in bare feet, and if you're like me (not a morning person), we may also be in a rush. That's a perfect storm for slips and falls. In fact, at least 235,000 people end up in the emergency room each year due to a fall in the bathroom.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent falls in your powder room:

  • Install grab bars for extra support getting in and out of the shower or when using the facilities.
  • Trade out regular throw rugs for non-slip rugs or add a rug pad with grippers to keep rugs in place.
  • Add non-slip decals to bathtubs and showers.
  • Make sure lights are bright enough and add a nightlight that is triggered by motion.
  • Install a raised toilet seat to make it easier to sit down and stand up (easier can equal safer!).
  • Add a panic button that can be reached from the shower, bath, toilet, and floor. Most medical alert systems come with easy-to-install panic buttons that instantly connect you to help if you fall.

SafeWise picks to keep your bathroom safe

Top-rated
A hand grabbing a bar in the shower to prevent slipping in the bathroom. Get details and pricing in Amazon.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Cute and safe
Flower-shaped anti-slip bathtub stickers and tool to make them easier to apply. Learn more and get pricing on Amazon.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Extra bright
GE motion sensor night light makes nighttime trips to the bathroom safer. Get the details and pricing on Amazon.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Best slip resistance
A non-slip rug makes getting out of the tub safer. See colors and pricing on Amazon.

Amazon information current as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

5. Clear the air

Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Get in the habit of testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a month.

It only takes a few minutes to press the test button on each detector in your house and make sure the batteries still have juice. Regular maintenance for your smoke detectors can save your family’s life in an emergency.

Change the air filter

The pollen and dust from spring cleaning may be out of the air, but it’s also trapped in your HVAC filters. Swap out that dirty old filter for a clean one to improve the air quality in your home.

Checklist

Learn how to test your air quality

You don't need an advanced degree or a penchant for science to test the air quality in your home. You can buy an indoor air quality monitor that measures for contaminants like allergens, mold, and dust mites. Read our guide to learn how to test your air quality this summer.

6. Make some summer updates

Automate outdoor lighting

Keep the lights on even while you’re out of town by getting automated lights. Smart light bulbs can go in or outside of your home. You can set them on a schedule, timer, or any routine you want.

Smart light bulbs can deter potential home invaders, and they can also prove helpful to anyone in your family who comes home late.

Find a trusted house sitter or pet sitter

If your pets aren’t joining you for the big summer trip, be sure to find a reliable pet sitter to keep an eye on them.

If friends and neighbors aren’t available, apps like Rover can connect you with experienced sitters.

House sitters can also help out with tasks like simple maintenance, gathering mail, and watering the plants. They’re helpful to have on your contacts list, especially if you’ll be gone for more than a week.

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Send bugs away!

Nothing's worse than having your time on the patio or deck disrupted by flies, wasps, and mosquitoes. Here are some ways to keep those pests at bay:

  • Cover food and clear it away as soon as you're finished. Make sure to look for bits that fell on the ground, too—bugs can sniff goodies out no matter where they are.
  • Make sure lids on garbage bins are tight and don't let them overflow. 
  • Use scents to repel bugs. If you prefer natural repellents, consider planting or using oils from citronella, mint, lavender, rosemary, and basil. Marigolds are also known to deter insects. Oils are more effective than plants on their own (even though plants look nice).
  • Add a ceiling or standing fan. Moving air can make your space less hospitable to flying bugs.

Clean outdoor sitting areas

The elements can take a toll on your deck and patio furniture. Take a moment this July to wash any outdoor cushions, sweep the outdoor areas, and tidy it up for guests (or your own enjoyment). Keeping the area clean makes the deck feel more inviting and attractive for use.

FAQ

To set off fireworks safely, look for a flat, open space far away from buildings, trees, and vegetation. Keep a distance from the fireworks after they’ve been lit too. No matter what, if you’re celebrating Independence Day from home this year, be sure to play it safe with your fireworks

Before you travel long-distance this summer, make sure you’ve arranged everything you need at home and in your car (if you’re driving)

Get a pet sitter or house sitter if you’ll be gone for more than a few days, make sure your doors are locked, and leave at least one light on. 

It’s also wise to bring extra food, water, and a first aid kit in case of an emergency.

Disclaimer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.


Katie McEntire
Written by
As a renter, pet-owner, and woman living alone, Katie McEntire takes safety seriously. She’s tested devices like pet cameras, home security systems, and GPS trackers in her own home and devices in the name of safety. In addition to testing, writing, and reviewing for SafeWise, she also makes videos for the site’s YouTube channel. She’s been featured on publications like TechGuySmartBuy, Forbes, Healthy Moms, and Digital Care. Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She’s held previous writing positions at Overstock.com and Top Ten Reviews.

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