Oosouji is the Japanese tradition of end-of-year cleaning that literally means “great cleansing,” and has its roots in Shinto beliefs.The Oosouji became a means of purifying one’s environment to welcome the New Year and the kami (Shinto spirits or deities). The ritual also symbolizes the end of bad experiences, regrets and failures of the past year, paving the way for a new beginning.
Oosouji is much more than a routine house-cleaning. It’s an exhaustive cleaning of the entire house, where every nook and cranny is carefully treated. From windows to baseboards, from the underside of furniture to the back of appliances, nothing is left to chance. Japanese families take this task very seriously, and it’s common to see all members actively participating in the housework.
The process also involves the sorting and elimination of unnecessary or cumbersome items, reflecting the Japanese concept of “mottainai,” which expresses regret at waste. This step creates a more uncluttered and serene space, ready to welcome in the New Year. In the offices, old papers are discarded and files reorganized. As for the students, they tidy up their desks, taking part in the collective purification effort.
HOW TO PERFORM OOSOUJI AT HOME
Here practical advice for integrating this spirit of deep cleaning into your end-of-year routine:
Planning and preparation: Set a date for your big clean and prepare all the necessary tools in advance.
Zoning: Divide the work by dividing your home into several zones, either by room or by category of object.
Decluttering: Take the opportunity to sort through your belongings and get rid of unnecessary items.
Deep cleaning: Clean every nook and cranny, including often overlooked areas such as behind appliances or the tops of cupboards.
Organization and tidying: Reorganize your spaces to create a more functional and serene environment.
Don’t hesitate to involve all family members in this process, as the Japanese traditionally do. This can be an excellent opportunity to prepare together for New Year’s Day in Japan (their biggest holiday), creating an atmosphere conducive to celebration and renewal.
TIPS ON HOW TO CLEAN
From top to bottom. Start with the heights of the furniture and gradually go down to the final step, which is sweeping and mopping the floors.
Follow clockwise. The goal is to start and finish in the same place to have the feeling of having closed a circle.
Use boxes and try to donate. That’s better than throwing away. You never know which person is going to use something that you no longer need.
Have trash bags on hand. It is to easily throw away everything that we do not need and the dirt that we have removed.
Fix little things. A snag on a cushion, a stain on a carpet or a scratch on a piece of furniture. Fixing those small details goes a long way. Damage affects our mood.
Let the whole house participate. Never decide about the personal belongings of your family members; let each person decide for themselves.
ADAPTING OOSOUJI: LESSONS TO BE LEARNED
Although Oosouji is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, its principles can be adapted and appreciated in other cultural contexts. The idea of an annual cleansing as a means of purification and renewal can be universally appealing. It offers an opportunity for reflection and refocusing, while creating a clean and orderly environment for the year ahead.
In an international context, Oosouji can be seen as a practice of mindfulness and gratitude towards one’s living space. It can be combined with other end-of-year traditions, such as the festival of seven herbs (Nanakusa no sekku), to create a meaningful personal or family ritual. The key is to capture the spirit of Oosouji: a moment of pause to clean up, tidy up, and prepare mentally and physically for a fresh start.
By adopting certain aspects of Oosouji, we can not only improve our physical environment, but also cultivate an attitude of respect and gratitude towards our living space. This practice can help us to leave behind negative energies, as the Japanese symbolically do, and welcome the New Year with a renewed spirit and harmonious environment.
Sources:
I.D.O. “Ôsôji: Japanese-Style Cleaning.” Japan Experience, Japan Experience, 18 May 2024, www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/understanding-japan/osoji-le-grand-nettoyage-a-la-japonaise. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.
“Oosouji. The Japanese Method to Clean Your House.” Home Healthy Home, Home Healthy Home, home-healthy-home.com/en-gb/blogs/blog/oosouji-el-metodo-japones-para-limpiar-la-casa-que-cada-vez-siguen-mas-personas. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.
Christmastime can be a little chaotic, a little messy, and the addition of new toys and other gifts might make your home feel extra cluttered.
Having a concrete post-holiday cleaning and organizing strategy BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS can help make the holidays feel less messy and more relaxing! If you love and are motivated by checklists, this one’s for you!
Follow us for more home maintenance tips, real estate advice, and fun family ideas at @carealestategroup — we are more than just real estate!
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CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate
Christine Almarines @christine_almarines,📱 714-476-4637, DRE #01412944
Anaid Bautista @anaidrealtor,📱 949-391-8266, DRE #02179675
Letty Luna @lettylunarealestate,📱 562-879-4181, DRE #02174000
Serving Buena Park, Cerritos, LA County, Orange County and all surrounding areas
Think smarter, not harder, when it comes to keeping your living area tidy using these home organization hacks.
If your family spends a lot of quality time in the living room, it’s unlikely that it always—or ever—looks pristine. And that’s OK! This space is designed to be lived in and hold your favorite comfort items. But throw blankets, pillows, toys, games, remotes, and chargers don’t need to take over every visible surface, especially in between uses. This daily clutter can cause stress at the end of the day when all you want to do is relax and recharge.
The good news is that your living room has far more storage potential than you may realize. You just need to know where to look. Many of the best spots are hiding in plain sight, disguised as decor or embedded in furniture. These places should be attractive enough that guests hardly notice them, yet accessible enough so you can reach for anything you need without missing a second of your latest Netflix obsession.
Whether you’re working with a small space, a busy household, or simply want the space to look calmer and more intentional, these secret storage spots can help you reclaim your living room. These are five sneaky spaces you might not be utilizing yet, but definitely should.
1. Furniture With Hidden Storage
If you have furniture with hidden storage you haven’t been using, this is your sign to start. And if you’re in the market for new living room furniture, consider brands that design pieces like coffee tables, ottomans, benches, and even couches with storage in mind. After all, this is prime concealed real estate, especially in homes with limited space.
Start by deciding what not to store here, which should include anything heavy, fragile, or used multiple times per day. Instead, store things that you want accessible but not visible. Some examples include:
If none of your furniture doubles as storage, or you’re not looking to buy anything new at the moment, try an oversized decorative basket or two to hold many of the same items listed above. You may already have one that’s housing extra blankets or pillows. If you have enough floor space, designate another to what drives you the craziest to see out in the open, whether it be dog toys or workout gear.
Arrange baskets in a corner where they won’t be in anyone’s way, and aim for a style that matches your living room. If they’re tall enough, they can conceal their contents while making it easy to grab what you need when you need it. If items still poke out, layer a folded throw on top to help disguise what’s underneath. That way, you maintain the cozy aesthetic while sneakily doubling its function.
Many living rooms feature open shelving, whether in built-in bookcases, freestanding furniture, or floating shelves. This type of shelving offers plenty of room for creative styling, but it can look cluttered if you’re not careful. If your shelves tend to collect miscellaneous items alongside your books and decor accents, consider cute containers your secret weapon. Small to medium baskets (open or lidded) instantly turn open shelves into sneaky storage.
As with oversized baskets, look for ones that fit your living room’s aesthetic or color palette. Ensure they fit the depth and height of your shelves so they don’t appear out of place. Use them to corral odds and ends such as backup remotes, coasters, reading glasses, bookmarks, and electric lighters. You still get the curated ook, but with the added bonus of hidden storage.
Similar to under the bed, the space beneath your sofa may be underutilized. If you’re cramped for space, though, it’s a spot you might not have thought to use for storage. Measure the height, width, and depth beneath the couch, and use shallow under-bed containers (wheeled ones are smart if the area lacks carpeting, and lids prevent dust from piling up) to keep items neat and out of sight.
Not enough clearance to slide something under the furniture? Try adding a narrow console table behind it instead. Depending on where your couch is located in the living room, you may need to pull it forward a few inches and place the table between the back and the wall. Use decorative trays or lidded boxes to contain small essentials like remotes, glasses, coasters, or chargers so they don’t pile up on the coffee table.
Making use of available vertical space is an overlooked method to maximize storage and get clutter off surfaces in any area of your home. Shelving is one simple way to go about it, but it’s not the only. Lean a vintage ladder against a blank wall and fold blankets over each rung. For a more modern look, try mounting a handful of wall hooks and hanging a throw on each one.
You can also attach pretty baskets to a wall and designate each one to hold a category, such as magazines in one and gaming equipment in another. Stack books horizontally on a tall, floating bookcase. The options are endless when you think outside the box! And although some of these methods won’t necessarily hide the things you’re storing, they will at least look organized and make finding what you need a breeze at the end of a long day.
Enjoy dinner and tackle stains later with this helpful guide to removing common Thanksgiving Day stains.
Whether you’re in the kitchen preparing a feast, or you’re lounging on the couch watching football enjoying a plate of appetizers, stains are inevitable on Thanksgiving. Once the pie has been eaten, plates have been cleared, and thanks have been given, it’s time to survey the damage to your table linens.
Red wine, chocolate, candle wax, and gravy are all common holiday culprits. But don’t fret just yet if one of them takes a tumble. A holiday full of good times with friends and family and delicious food shouldn’t lead to clothes or a favorite table cloth being ruined by a small stain.
The following Thanksgiving stains can be fixed with a little effort and on-hand ingredients. So feel free to gobble down all your favorite Thanksgiving foods—sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and more. This easy stain guide will keep you and your home stain-free.
Put dish soap on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before laundering with cold water. Repeat if there are still traces of the stain. Remember: You should always confirm a stain is completely gone before using the dryer.
Scrape off any excess with a dull knife and run the fabric inside out under cold water to flush out as much of the stain as possible. Pretreat with a laundry stain remover, then wash the fabric on hot.
3. Cranberry Sauce
Rinse the stain with cool water. Add 1 Tbsp. white vinegar and 1/2 tsp. liquid laundry detergent to 1-quart cool water. Blot the mixture on the stain with a clean cloth until the spot has disappeared.
Red wine stains can be tricky to get out. Saturate the area in white vinegar, then rub in liquid detergent. Next, run under hot water to lift the stain. Remember to have your water very hot, not just warm, for the optimal stain-removing power.
Scrape off what you can with a dull knife, then use a hairdryer to melt the remaining wax. This will leave an oily residue you can dab away with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Launder the item as usual.
Add 1/4 tsp. dishwashing liquid and 3 drops ammonia to 1/2 cup warm water. Using a clean cloth, press the solution into the stain; do not rub. If the spill is on wool or silk, use club soda instead of ammonia.
7. Chocolate
Remove any crumbs or hardened chocolate with a dry, clean toothbrush. Add 1 tablespoon dish soap to 2 cups warm water and apply the mixture using a microfiber cloth, gently dabbing the stain. Do not rub, which can work the stain deeper into the fabric. Repeat a few times before soaking up the solution with a clean towel.
8. Butter and Oil
Much like treating a grease stain, spilled butter or oil can be treated with plain dish soap. Pour several drops of dish soap directly on the stain, making sure it’s completely covered. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a clean, wet cloth to wipe away the detergent. Wash the garment as normal on cold, making sure the stain is gone before putting the item in the dryer.
9. Mashed Potatoes
The best mashed potatoes are loaded with butter and cream, which can leave stains if you’ve dropped a forkful in your lap. To treat the stain, wipe away any potato residue and then spot treat the area with dish soap. Rinse with cold water (hot water will set the stain) and repeat if necessary before tossing the item in the washing machine.
10. Coffee
An after-dinner coffee spill is easy to treat. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water and use the mixture to rinse out the garment over the sink. Repeat several times until you can no longer see the stain, then wash the item on cold in the washing machine.
Pretreat with liquid laundry detergent, working it in with a toothbrush. Allow the detergent to sit for at least 15 minutes, then wash the fabric on hot. If necessary, repeat before drying.
For some people, cleaning can be a satisfying and productive way to wrap up their day. However, not all household chores are appropriate for nighttime. Tasks like wiping down counters or folding laundry can be done quietly and efficiently, while others may pose risks, disrupt sleep, or annoy nearby neighbors. The time of day you choose to clean can affect effectiveness, safety, and even the lifespan of some appliances.
Cleaning after dark can also lead to minor, albeit annoying, issues, like streaky windows and splotchy surfaces. What’s worse, chemical fumes can pose health risks and linger longer if your home is kept tightly locked at night. To ensure you’re keeping your home and its inhabitants healthy, here are the cleaning chores you should avoid doing at night, along with why it’s better to wait until morning.
1. Cleaning with Chemicals
Many cleaning products contain strong chemicals that require proper ventilation. Ingredients like bleach and ammonia can release fumes that may cause headaches, dizziness, or respiratory irritation. Unless you leave windows open overnight, it can be challenging to air out the rooms you clean. If doing a bit of light cleaning at night, aim to use natural cleaning products to reduce health risks. And if you need to use heavy-duty cleaners, wait to do so during the day when you can open windows or doors to allow for proper air circulation.
2. Washing Windows
Cleaning windows works best in good lighting to achieve a streak-free finish, making nighttime an unsuitable time for the task. Artificial lighting can create shadows and make it challenging to spot smudges, meaning you could wake up to less-than-ideal results. Additionally, wet windows can accumulate condensation overnight, potentially ruining your hard work.
3. Vacuuming
Even if you have one of the latest vacuum cleaners to hit the market or use a robot vacuum, the sound of it running at night will likely disturb your household. If you live in an apartment complex or other type of community where the homes sit close to one another (such as a duplex or townhouse), you also risk being a bother to neighbors. Many local noise ordinances restrict loud activities during designated “quiet hours”, so vacuuming at night could actually land you in trouble. If you need to clean up a mess quickly, try using a broom and dustpan or a handheld vacuum for a quieter solution.
4. Mopping
Mopping the floors after hours can pose an unexpected danger. Wet spots can pose a slipping hazard, especially if someone gets up in the middle of the night, unaware that the floor has just been mopped. It’s also easy to overlook dust, dirt, and stains, resulting in an incomplete clean. If you need to wipe up a late-night spill, consider using a dry mop or spot-cleaning the affected areas instead of attempting to clean the entire floor.
5. Decluttering or Rearranging
If you were the kind of kid who loved to rearrange your bedroom in the middle of the night, you might get the occasional urge to do it as an adult. But, that doesn’t mean you should! Late-night decluttering or moving furniture around can be dangerous, especially in dimly lit spaces. You risk tripping over objects, stubbing toes, or dropping things, leading to injuries or waking others up. Consider these projects to work on when the sun is shining.
6. Deep-Cleaning the Kitchen
Performing late-night light cleaning of kitchen surfaces, like wiping down the counter from leftover dinner spills, is usually no big deal. But scrubbing the oven, tossing expired food from the fridge, and even running the dishwasher can be disruptive. Dishwashers, in particular, tend to be quite loud, which might disturb light sleepers and—in rare cases—can cause a fire, which takes longer to react to if you’re asleep. Moreover, deep cleaning tasks that involve scrubbing or reorganizing cabinets can take longer than anticipated, leaving you feeling exhausted before bed.
7. Doing Laundry
Washers and dryers can be overly noisy, particularly in smaller homes where sound travels easily, and depending on the location of the appliances. The sounds of running water, hard objects (like buttons on a pair of jeans) tumbling around, and the machine’s signals can be grating for those trying to sleep. As with dishwashers, dryers pose a fire hazard if lint buildup leads to overheating, so it’s safer to be awake and alert when using these appliances.
8. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaners are all the rage right now, but it might be a good idea to wait until daylight hours to use yours. Spills can lead to burns, and accidents are more likely to occur at night when lighting is dim and you may be tired. Furthermore, carpets cleaned with steam can take longer to dry in the cool night air, making them susceptible to mold or mildew growth.
(TIP from CA Real Estate Group: Visit the above link to view a sample photo of each fence type for ideas!)
Increasing the privacy of your yard can be as simple as putting up a fence. However, if you’re on a budget, a traditional fence can be out of reach, as privacy fence installation costs can cost up to $13,000. Luckily, several affordable fence ideas can provide you with the privacy you long for without draining your savings. Below, we’ve provided our top six affordable fence ideas for privacy on a budget, along with installation guidelines, maintenance tips, and average costs, so you know what to plan for.
1. Bamboo Panel Fence
Suppose all you want is a little privacy, but you’re not concerned about keeping animals in or actually increasing the security of your yard. If those priorities were the case, there are few materials better than bamboo panels. An 8-foot section of bamboo privacy fence is around $150, plus the cost of posts and other structural materials.
Although there are undoubtedly more affordable options, bamboo is ideal for small sections of a privacy fence, as it completely blocks visibility into your yard while offering a stylish aesthetic to your outdoor space.
2. Pallet Fence
Pallets have long been used as a starting point for many DIY projects. Unsurprisingly, pallets are a great option for an inexpensive privacy fence because they’re basically already fence panels. Once you place them together and securely fasten them to the ground and one another, you have a fence.
Best of all, you can often find pallets for free by browsing online marketplaces. Even if you want to spring for the premium pallets, you can typically find them for less than $5 each, as businesses often have a surplus they’re looking to dispose of. Lastly, if you don’t love the look of the pallets themselves, you can break them down and utilize the lumber, which is far cheaper than buying lumber from the hardware store.
3. Lattice Fence
Lattice screens are an accessible option for a DIY privacy fence that won’t break the bank. The pressure-treated lattice itself will cost under $30 for an 8-foot section of 4-foot-tall fencing.
When building a DIY privacy fence using lattice panels, factor in the cost of fence posts and structural members. Lattice panels aren’t very strong materials, so you’ll want to make sure they’re secured to something solid to prevent them from sagging, warping, and falling over.
You can further increase the privacy and beauty of a lattice panel fence by planting climbing plants along the base, then training them to fill in and climb the fence. If doing so, make sure your posts are strong enough to support the additional weight of the plants.
4. Living Fence
One of the most effective and visually appealing ways to bolster your yard’s privacy level is to plant a living fence comprised of fast-growing plants like Arbovitae, English Laurel, Privet, Forsythia, Leeland Cyrpruses, and more. While large, established plants can cost hundreds of dollars per plant, you can buy small saplings for under $20 each.
To get the most privacy out of a living hedge, make sure you plant each plant close enough to one another that there are no gaps between them once the plants reach full maturity.
5. Dead Hedge
If you have lots of trees that are constantly shedding limbs, you’re in luck. Use those fallen sticks, twigs, and branches to create a dead hedge. Drive posts into the ground, then weave the sticks around the posts along your desired path, pushing them down as you go.
Over time, you’ll create a gorgeous hedge of branches that both complements your outdoor space and increases your property’s privacy. If you use branches for your posts, you can build this privacy fence completely free of charge.
Weave the branches around the posts while they’re still green and supple. If you wait until they’ve dried, they tend to break.
6. Repurposed Material Fence
If you love a vintage, repurposed look, you can get very creative with your privacy fence. Utilize repurposed materials like old wooden doors and windows, shutters, wood flooring, galvanized metal, barnwood, and whatever else you can find to create the privacy fence you’ve been dreaming of. Oftentimes, you can find these materials for free, though you’ll need to buy posts and other materials to support your fence structure.
If you’re simply after visual privacy, you can construct a privacy screen by building a frame similar to a wooden swing set, then hanging your repurposed materials from the top using chains and hooks. Since most of these materials aren’t intended for outdoor use, you can extend their lifespan by painting or sealing them with a sealant rated for outdoor use and UV exposure.
Find out which staging color combos agents say resonate the most when they’re working with sellers to get a home ready to sell.
When it comes to getting a home market-ready, paint beats almost any other home improvement upgrade. A new Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate poll found that three out of four real estate agents say repainting the interior can add the most value before a sale—sometimes boosting the listing’s value by as much as 10%, or up to $20,000.
“Painting is the most cost-effective upgrade, and you can cover the most space with it,” says real estate broker Josh McGrath, the owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central in South Charleston and West Virginia and the 2025 President of the West Virginia Association of REALTORS®. Paint and supplies tend to be cheaper than most other house projects, so if a homeowner had $1,000 to spend, McGrath would generally suggest putting it all toward paint.
“Even if you just paint the walls the same color, you get that fresh look. The dents and dings are gone, and you get that clean paint smell,” McGrath says. “That’s the biggest impact you can make.”
Color Choice Matters
Real estate agents understand the value of freshly painted homes. It’s why painting the entire home or at least one interior room is the home remodeling project they most often recommend to homeowners before listing, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 Remodeling Impact Report.
And, the BHGRE poll confirmed what many agents see every day: Color can make or break a first impression. The color of the walls can make buyers feel welcome or turn them off. The poll revealed that buyers often hold strong impressions of certain colors.
For example, more than half of respondents said red is the number-one dealbreaker for them in homes they view.
“Red has subliminal messaging,” McGrath says. “Red means stop. Red means caution. It subconsciously drives your blood pressure up. It’s great for a restaurant—but not for a house. A home should feel calm and inviting.”
Other bold hues like orange, neon hues, purples and saturated pinks were also ranked as home buyer turn-offs, according to the survey.
Meanwhile, neutrals still dominate in real estate. Eighty-four percent of agents in the BHGRE survey said whites, grays and beiges remain top choices. McGrath points to an emerging favorite that bridges both cool and warm tones—his favorite Sherwin-Williams’ Worldly Gray, which is mix of beige and gray.
The BHGRE poll revealed the following favorite color combinations when staging a home before listing it:
Beige and soft green (tied as the favorite staging palette)
White and gray (tied as the favorite staging palette)
Navy and white—which offers a contrast without turning off mainstream buyers
Bold combos—such as black and gold or taupe and teal—but used sparingly and often reserved for luxury listings
Half of homeowners say they repaint not to change out the color but simply to refresh their home, according to the BHGRE survey.
“Think about buying a pre-owned car,” McGrath says. “You expect it to be detailed—clean looking nice and smelling fresh. Buyers expect the same thing with a house. Fresh paint makes it feel like its new again.”
Whether selling or not, he recommends repainting a home every three to five years, depending on how you live in the space. “Life leaves marks on the walls,” he says. “A fresh coat of paint can bring it back.”
Stainless steel appliances add a sleek, modern touch to any kitchen, but keeping them free from fingerprints and smudges can be a serious challenge. Between cooking splatters, greasy hands, and everyday wear and tear, it may feel like your stainless steel appliances look messy. While there are plenty of store-bought cleaning products available, they can come with hefty price tags, strong chemical smells, and ingredients you may not want in your home. Luckily, there’s a simple, cost-effective solution that uses everyday household items.
This three-ingredient, DIY stainless steel cleaner is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to commercial cleaners that still delivers impressive results. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to make. Here’s everything you need to know about creating and using this magic spray, along with a few bonus tips to keep your stainless steel looking flawless.
1 drop of dish soap (preferably a gentle, grease-cutting formula like Dawn)
How to Make the Spray
Start by carefully pouring boiling water into a heat-resistant spray bottle. Next, add distilled white vinegar to the bottle. Its natural acidity cuts through fingerprints, grease, and bacteria without scratching surfaces. Then, add a single drop of dish soap. Remember, a little goes a long way, and adding too much can leave a soapy residue. Secure the spray bottle cap and gently swirl the mixture to combine the ingredients.
Note that it’s generally advisable not to clean stainless steel with straight or high-strength vinegar, as it can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface. However, this formula is diluted enough to be safe for use.
How to Use Your DIY Stainless Steel Spray
Ensure the stainless steel surface is cool and dry before you start cleaning. Lightly mist a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution (avoid spraying directly onto the surface). This technique gives you better control and prevents unnecessary moisture.
Wipe the surface in the direction of the stainless steel’s grain to avoid streaks and result in a polished appearance. For stubborn spots or heavy smudges, spray the affected area lightly and let the solution sit for about a minute before wiping it away.
After cleaning, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface and enhance the shine, removing any remaining moisture.
How It Works
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in effectively removing grime without damaging your appliances:
Boiling water loosens grease and grime, making it easier to clean.
White vinegar naturally breaks down grease, removes fingerprints, and eliminates bacteria due to its mild acidity.
Dish soap cuts through oily residues and lifts dirt without scratching or harming surfaces.
Together, these ingredients create a gentle, yet powerful, solution that restores shine to stainless steel without dulling its finish.
More Tips for Keeping Stainless Steel Clean
Maintaining your stainless steel appliances is easier with a few simple habits. Here are some tips to keep them looking pristine day after day:
Wipe Regularly. Don’t wait for dirt to accumulate. Wiping stainless steel surfaces once or twice a week with the DIY spray will help prevent grime from becoming stubborn and difficult to remove. Pay extra attention to handles and edges as they tend to collect the majority of fingerprints.
Avoid Abrasives. Steer clear of steel wool and other rough scrubbers. Use only soft microfiber cloths or sponges, as abrasive materials can scratch the surface, making it even more prone to buildup.
Polish with Oil. After cleaning, apply a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to the surface using a clean cloth. This creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints and gives your appliances a sparkling finish.
Clean Spills Immediately. Acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, citrus juice, or vinegar, can cause discoloration if they sit on stainless steel. Be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen (or as you spot them) to prevent stains.
Tackle Tough Stains. If you encounter heavy buildup or stubborn stains on your stainless steel surface, create a paste using baking soda and water. Gently rub it onto the stain with a soft cloth, always moving in the direction of the grain, before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Stainless Steel
While the DIY spray is safe and effective, it’s important to avoid certain products and practices that can harm your stainless steel.
Bleach or ammonia. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or glass cleaners that contain ammonia, can damage the protective finish of stainless steel.
Hard water. Hard water can lead to the formation of mineral deposits and streaks. If possible, use distilled or filtered water when preparing your DIY cleaner.
Air Drying. Allowing water to air dry on stainless steel can result in water spots. Always dry the surface with a cloth after cleaning.
The pleasures of owning a home are many: You have a sanctuary you can customize to your tastes while you build wealth.
Alas, you can’t just sit back and watch your home equity grow. To keep your property in tiptop shape, you also have to shell out for the expense that never goes away: home maintenance.
Combine that outlay with your monthly mortgage payments, homeowners association dues, and utility bills—and you’re staring down a big chunk of change.
To help you keep as much of your money in your bank account, we reached out to the experts for advice. They broke down five of the most expensive home maintenance tasks to reveal what you can do to keep costs low.
The rising home maintenance equation
For years, the rule of thumb on annual home maintenance costs has been to expect to pay between 1% and 4% of your home’s value. For a house valued at $400,000, you might plan on spending anywhere between $4,000 and $16,000.
However, in recent years, homeowners have reported spending closer to the top of that range maintaining their homes.
Some more significant fixes, like septic repair, are known to cost an arm and a leg. Yet lately, the cost of smaller jobs, like landscaping and cleaning your chimney, has increased dramatically.
The home services company Thumbtack recently reported that home maintenance costs had reached an all-time high after increasing 8.5% year over year, from $5,984 in 2022 to $6,493 in 2023.
Read on for the best ways to lower your maintenance bill this year.
1. Keep appliances clean
Appliance repairs typically cost between $100 to $250 per job but can be as much as $500, depending on where you live and what needs fixing. This cost only increases if you end up needing to replace the appliance.
Luckily, you can cut down on these outlays by simply giving your appliances some TLC.
“Maintaining your appliances is a great way to avoid repairs,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. “This can be as simple as keeping your oven clean, using a vacuum to clean your dryer vents, and making sure the coils on your refrigerator are clean.”
Other tasks Micetich recommends are regularly replacing the filter in your HVAC system and scheduling a check-in at the midpoint of an appliance’s life span, generally about five years.
“It might be worth hiring a professional for a tuneup to help extend the appliance’s life and avoid having to pay for a replacement,” says Micetich.
2. Get your chimney inspected off-season
If you have a wood-burning stove, you’re probably familiar with the expensive (and messy) annual cleaning routine.
Wood stoves typically cost between $200 to $500 per cleaning. Depending on the kind of wood you burn and how much you use your stove—you might need to do this more than once per year.
“One way to save money here would be to plan to do this project out of season,” says Micetich. “Most folks will think about cleaning their chimney in the fall right before they want to use it, but if you instead do it in the spring or summer, you might be able to save a bit.”
HVAC systems are one of those often forgotten parts of our home—until they stop working.
While HVAC repairs typically cost $350 on average, they can run as much as $3,000. Avoid these expenses by monitoring your system and learning what you can do to keep it humming.
“Homeowners should change their filters regularly,” says Steven McCullough, franchise owner of WIN Home Inspection. “Also, they can consider lowering their thermostat settings in the winter and setting it a little higher in the summer to help prolong the life of the units.”
4. Refinish your deck yourself
Refinishing a deck is one of the most expensive items on Thumbtack’s annual report—costing an average of $1,022 to complete.
If you plan to replace any boards or upgrade the design, that cost will only rise. While quality paints and stains aren’t cheap, labor drives this project’s price.
“This is definitely a DIY job,” says McCullough. “Even if sanding or repairs are involved, homeowners should be able to apply stain and sealing with just a little research and minimal tools.”
5. Tackle your lawn care
Another incredibly pricey item that homeowners spend the big bucks on every year? Lawn care and tree trimming.
A bit of elbow grease and weekend motivation can save you thousands per year on both of these fronts.
“If your trees aren’t too tall and you have the right tools for the job, this can be a great project,” says Micetich. “If the trees cross any electrical lines or are very tall, it’s time to call in a pro.”
Larissa Runkle is a seasoned real estate writer and marketing strategist. She’s published over 1500 articles across top markets, and also works with select developers and brokerages to create high-impact content that drives engagement and builds brand authority. She lives in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with her husband, son, and two German Shepherds who take their shedding—and squirrel surveillance, very seriously.
August is officially here, and if fall is on your mind, you’re not alone. With the season about to get busier, now is the perfect time to plan ahead and tackle home maintenance tasks—before life gets hectic and Pumpkin Spice Latte season begins.
Here are ten maintenance tasks to complete both inside your home and around your property before the end of August.
01 | Check for Storm Damage
Did it rain a lot this summer? There could be damage to your home you may not have noticed yet. “Check your roof and gutters for signs of summer storm damage,” says Winder.
After all, you want to catch a minor problem early before it becomes a major one.
02| Check Your Doors and Windows
Before winter arrives and your heating bills are suddenly higher than ever, Winder notes a bit of preventative maintenance to save you money and stress in the colder months. “Reseal any caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors,” suggests the home builder.
Fresh caulking will both prevent heat from escaping as well as cold from coming in—keeping those expensive heating bills at bay.
03 | Swap Out Your Smoke Detector Batteries
Your smoke detector batteries won’t work if the battery is dead, and this is something you definitely don’t want to fail. “Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety,” says Winder.
If you can’t remember the last time you changed out the battery, it’s probably time to put this task on your to-do list.
04 | Deep Clean Carpets
Mónica Taher, chief operating officer at Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, says it’s a smart idea to deep clean your carpets before the end of summer, especially if you have allergy issues. “During the Summer, carpets trap lots of dust, pollen, sand, and even pet dander,” she says. “Giving a deep cleaning to your carpet will refresh it before you keep your windows shut for the fall and winter. This is also the perfect time to wash your windows inside and out and remove pollen, rain streaks, and dust.”
If you haven’t deep-cleaned your carpets in a long time, you may want to hire a pro to do the job.
05 | Pressure Washing
Pressure washing can be an incredibly satisfying home task. It’s also easier to do while it’s still warm out. So Taher recommends doing it before the end of August. “Summer also brings mildew, grime, and algae,” she says. “August is a great time to pressure wash sidewalks, driveways, and even garages and preserve the curb appeal around your property.”
06 | Close Out Your Outdoor Pool (If You Have One)
Fall can get really busy, and those barbecue and pool days will soon be a thing of the past. So, Brenda Prinzavalli, organizing strategist at Balanced Organizing Solutions, LLC, advises cleaning and closing out your outdoor pool for the season before September hits—assuming you live in a colder climate and you won’t be using your pool.
07 | HVAC Maintenance
Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer at Maid Brigade, Westchester, suggests doing your regular HVAC maintenance in the coming weeks, including dusting your vents and replacing air filters. “You’ll be closing windows soon and using heat—make sure you’re breathing clean air,” she says.
08 | Tidy Your Entryway
Whether you enter your home through a front door, garage, or mudroom, Murphy recommends giving this space a thorough decluttering and cleaning, especially before school starts and things get extra busy. “Make space for boots, jackets, and school gear before they pile up,” she says.
09 | Vacuum Tight Spaces
The end of August is the right time to vacuum under beds and behind furniture. “When the heat comes on, it stirs up hidden dust—get ahead of it now,” notes Murphy.
So, move your furniture if need be. If this isn’t physically feasible for you, consider hiring a pro to do the job so your home can be thoroughly cleaned without you risking injury.
10 | Clean Your Windows
Before temperatures drop, Murphy advises wiping down window sills and frames. “Rain and condensation can turn built-up grime into moldy messes,” she says.
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