Featured image: A woman is standing at a kitchen counter. AI-generated image; not a photograph of the reported event.
Small, regular tasks can save homeowners money over time. Preventive care helps avoid expensive replacements and emergency repairs. Source: theguardian.com.
Keep Appliances Running Efficiently
Electrical appliances like kettles, washing machines, and boilers can develop limescale buildup over time.
This reduces efficiency and may shorten their lifespan. Regular descaling helps maintain performance.
- Kettles: Use baking soda, lemon juice, or white vinegar to remove limescale. A limescale catcher costs about £1.50 from Dunelm.
- Washing machines and boilers: Descale using products like Waitrose’s Essential Liquid Appliance Descaler (£2.50).
- Tumble dryers: Remove lint from filters after each use. A deep clean every few months helps prevent overheating and damage.
For tumble dryers, vacuum the filter. If your vacuum lacks a fine nozzle, a lint cleaning extension kit costs £7.99 on Amazon.
Maintain Your Dishwasher
Regularly top up dishwasher salt and rinse aid to keep dishes clean and protect the machine.
- Buy a 3kg bag of dishwasher salt for £3.75 from Tesco.
- Get a bottle of rinse and shine aid for £4.
Most modern freezers are frost-free. If yours isn’t, defrost once a year to prevent ice buildup.
Follow these steps: unplug the freezer, empty it, place towels to catch water, and add hot water to bowls inside to melt ice. Wipe the interior with washing-up liquid or white vinegar to keep it fresh.
Clean Drains Regularly
Plumbing drains can trap grease and food waste. A weekly pour of boiling water helps clear blockages.
- For clogged drains, use Mr Muscle Sink & Drain Unblocker Gel (£6.20 from Waitrose).
- Prevent blockages with drain strainers and coil cleaners.
Wickes sells sink and bath strainers for £1.80. A 1.8-metre coil drain cleaner is £9. A 7.6-metre flexible rod from Screwfix costs £16.99.
To remove odours, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of white vinegar and pour down the drain.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Check your roof regularly without scaffolding. Use binoculars to spot cracked tiles, moss, or sagging sections.
Small repairs—like fixing flashing or replacing tiles—cost far less than full reroofing. Early action prevents internal water damage.
After heavy rain, check your loft for leaks or poor airflow. Clean gutters twice a year to prevent water from spilling onto walls.
Gutter brushes help keep gutters clear while allowing water to flow. Wickes sells a four-metre roll for £24. A three-pack from Screwfix is £79.99.
When hiring a tradesperson, use local WhatsApp or Facebook groups to find trustworthy workers. Unregulated tradespeople can lead to poor work or missed claims.
Some home insurance companies deny claims if gutters are dirty or malfunctioning. Always follow maintenance guidelines in your policy.
Service Your Boiler
Boilers should be serviced annually. A standard service costs £70–£110.
A new boiler costs £1,200–£2,000, plus installation. Preventing a breakdown in winter saves both money and stress.
Test Smoke and CO Alarms
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month. Press the button until it sounds.
If there’s no sound, replace the battery. A constant beep means immediate battery change.
Failure to maintain alarms may result in denied fire insurance claims. Many policies require proof of regular testing.
For more on fire safety, see Fire England.
Build a Maintenance Fund
Set aside money each month for unexpected repairs. A ‘just in case’ fund protects your bank balance.
According to Checkatrade, homeowners should budget 1–2% of their property’s value annually. Older homes over 20 years may need 3–4% of value saved annually. This helps cover higher maintenance costs.
Consider saving into a regular savings account to earn interest.
These steps are based on advice from the HomeOwners Alliance, Fire England, and consumer groups like Which? and GoCompare.
