September Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist

Sitting between summer and spooky season, September is the perfect time to finish those odd projects that get put off the rest of the year. The weather's warm enough to work outside, but reminders of the coming cold seasons are starting to appear. 

As kids return to school from summer break, many homes are left unoccupied during the day, making it important to revisit home security and safety features like smoke alarms and security cameras.  

Use this home maintenance and safety checklist for ideas for keeping your home safe and looking great all September long. 

It won't be long until all the trees change color and drop their leaves into your gutters. While falling debris is unavoidable, clearing out your gutters and downspouts before fall is in full swing is smart. If you live in an area that gets lots of rain during the fall, you'll want to make sure these channels are clear and can move water away from your home, preventing leaks and water damage. 

Whether it's a single video doorbell or a whole system of outdoor lights, September is a good time to double-check all your smart gear outside. With a few months of good weather left, use this time to ensure all your cameras are charged and working properly. You also have time to set up smart outdoor lights and clean up any areas for hosting or outdoor hangouts. 

It's time to say goodbye to the kiddie pool, sprinklers, and beach towels. September is the time to put up all the summer gear. If you have an in-ground pool, be sure to drain, clean, and lock up the area for the winter.

In September, half the country watches for hurricanes while the other half watches for wildfires. Whatever hazard you face in your area, trimming back brush, branches, and debris in your yard can minimize risk. Dry plant matter is a powerful fuel for wildfires, making it spread quickly. Large branches near windows and other structures can cause serious damage in high winds.

Before summer's completely gone, put another healthy dose of fertilizer on your lawn. Your grass will wake up in the spring and thank you.

If you live in an area that sees below-freezing temperatures in the winter, now is a good time to turn off the water line outside your home and start winterizing any garden irrigation. As morning lows drop in September, it won't be long until those lines are at risk of freezing.

It’s tempting to leave all that mess for another time, but your lawn will suffer under the weight of that muck. Remove leaves and mulch from your yard and dispose of it at your local green-waste facility.

After months of inaction, check your home's furnace or heating system to make sure everything runs smoothly. If you haven't changed your air filter in the last six months, September is a great time to do it. A well-maintained system will keep your home warm and the air clear during those months you and your family are inside.

As the colder months approach, you and your family will be inside more often, increasing the risk of house fires. Pick a date on your calendar to test all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and add fresh batteries to any units that need them. Most smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have an easily spotted "test" button. Just press it, and if the alarm sounds, it's working!

Did you know this was a thing? This is a thing.

Once the weather starts to cool, change the direction your fan spins to circulate heat in winter. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions if you’re not sure how to do this on your model.

Keep the cold out (and the heat in) by making sure your weather stripping hasn’t slipped out of place around windows and doors. Replace any worn caulking that leaves gaps, or you’ll find the wind whistling through more than you might like this season.

If you need to replace your doors, we've researched the best doors for better security.

For many parts of the country, September means hurricanes and severe storms. If you live along the eastern seaboard or southeast, it's time to check the emergency kit and minimize dangerous debris around your home. 

Long before you're in the path of the storm, start by securing all your outdoor furniture and tools. Not only do you want to keep your furniture, but a flying lawn chair is also a dangerous projectile in strong winds. 

Take a peek at your emergency kit. Stock it up with essentials like first-aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food. Run through scenarios with your family in case of evacuation or accidental separation. 

If you’ve got them, install ‘em. Lock in those storm windows before the first big nor’easter hits.

If your home has stairs, dust off the handrail. It's hard to make your grand entrance with dust all over your hands.

Mildew, hard-water buildup, and age can deteriorate the caulking around your tub, so be ready to replace it to keep things looking fresh and safely sealed.

Accidents happen in and out of the bathroom. Add a grippy mat to your bathtub and replace that rug that slides everywhere to prevent falls in your bathroom.

Greasy doesn’t even begin to cover it when it comes to this major appliance. Your range hood funnels odors and smoke out of your home, and a dirty fan isn’t just unsightly—it’s dangerous. Wipe it down and ensure it’s functional to avoid fire hazards in the kitchen. 

Hate scrubbing? Try cleaning out your microwave by warming a bowl of water for about a minute. The steam will make it easier to scrape off all those caked-on leftovers. Make things really sparkle by adding a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice to the bowl of water.

Cooler mornings mean even more reliance on a steaming cup of joe, but whether you use pods or filters to brew your coffee, now is a good time to make sure you're getting the cleanest—and tastiest—cup. 

For drip coffee makers

1. Fill the reservoir with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.
2. Start a brewing cycle.
3. Stop it about half way through the cycle and let the solution soak in the reservoir and carafe for about an hour.
4. Finish the brewing cycle and then flush the coffee pot with water to rinse away the vinegar residue.

For Keurig or pod coffee makers

1. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning before you start.
2. Wipe down all outside surfaces, scrub limescale with a toothbrush and a solution of vinegar and water, if needed.
3. Scrub all removable parts.
4. Flush the machine with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.
5. Use a large mug to capture the solution.
6. Repeat until the machine asks you to add more water.
7. Let the coffee maker sit for at least 30 minutes.
8. Rinse the reservoir to get rid of all vinegar residue. 
9. Flush the machine one more time with plain water. 

Getting these tasks done in September means you can kick back and relax, knowing your home is safe and ready for whatever the fall and winter bring. Plus, staying on top of these things will save you from bigger headaches later. Happy September!

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