Repairmen say you're damaging your home if you aren't doing these simple things

According to Paige Warrington, project manager at ASAP Restoration LLC, “Your dryer vent ducting can get clogged with lint and particulate just like the screen does. The difference is that when this happens in the ducting, it can cause a fire that spreads to the rest of the home.” So, she recommends this best-selling dryer vent cleaning kit that includes two durable, synthetic brushes with flexible nylon rods that extend up to 30 feet. You can attach the rods to a power drill or use them solo to clean out the lint from your dryer’s gaps and exhaust port.

“It isn’t difficult to pull out your dryer and use a duct cleaning tool to extract any runaway lint that might clog your vents and cause a structure fire if left unaccounted for,” says Warrington. “Do this once a year or so for peace of mind and better energy efficiency too!” If you want to speed up the removal process, try this dryer vent cleaning kit that will help you remove lint buildup with your vacuum cleaner. The hose attaches to your vacuum via an adapter and is slim and flexible enough to fit inside hard-to-reach gaps and behind the dryer. It also fits into the dryer catch when you remove the lint catcher.

“Overloading your appliances is a common mistake that some homeowners make, as this puts a strain on all the moving parts of an appliance and makes them wear out faster,” says Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly Company. Try these cable labels to keep track of which appliances you have plugged in. A pack features nine color labels to help you differentiate (or color-code) your devices, plus each label has a spacious writing surface. And a reusable hook-and-loop closure means these won’t leave sticky residue behind on your cables.

Lewis also emphasizes the costly price of undone home maintenance. “Neglecting regular maintenance is another issue — all machines need proper maintenance to live long and productive lives,” he explains. In line with his advice are these washing machine cleaning tablets. They’re crafted to break down quickly into a deep-scrubbing powder — thoroughly cleaning your washing machine’s drum, tub seal, and pipes. Simply drop a tablet in the tub, run a cycle, and wipe the inside clean when the cycle is done.

Per Lewis’s advice, your dishwasher is another machine that might get neglected. To keep it running smoothly, use these dishwasher cleaning tablets formulated to clean and deodorize. They will remove limescale, invisible buildup, and hard water stains, targeting hard-to-reach interior areas, including the pipes, filter, and spray arms. They’re super easy to use, too — just place a tablet in the detergent tray and run an empty cycle.

Since it’s easy to forget about the regular home maintenance that Lewis recommends, make it easier on yourself with these magnetic dry-erase calendars. A set comes with three handy calendars to stick on your fridge, including a daily, weekly, and monthly planner. Use the six dry-erase markers to write down chores and the eraser to clean and reuse them.

“Using improper cleaning methods or products can damage the surfaces [of appliances],” says Lewis, who adds that avoiding “harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and overly acidic or alkaline solutions” will prevent unwanted damage. One such cleaner option is this stainless steel cleaning kit. Its coconut oil-based formula will leave a streak-free shine on your fridge, dishwasher, and other stainless steel appliances while protecting against scratches, fingerprints, and smudges. Use the gentle microfiber cloth to buff it in, and enjoy the fresh scent of lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus.

As for a cleaner on your washing machine and other surfaces, try this mold remover gel. Its gentle, bleach-free formula aligns with Lewis’s advice and is safe for your washing machine’s seal, tile grout, and stainless steel sinks. It applies in seconds via the applicator tip. Then, wait at least five hours. Rinse to reveal a clean, mold-free surface.

Tyler Hull, Co-Owner of Bubblegum Flooring, says it’s essential to test your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. “Non-functional detectors can fail to alert you to dangerous conditions, risking safety,” he says. “Test detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.” This carbon monoxide detector simply plugs right into an AC outlet (and has backup power via AA batteries). Press the “Test/Reset” button to test. A loud alarm will sound if it detects CO. It also has memory settings that log the last time you tested, so you can stay on a schedule.

“Leaks under sinks or behind appliances can grow mold and cause water damage if left in place,” says Hull. “Inspect regularly for leaks and repair promptly using pipe sealant.” When you find a leak, he recommends using this pipe sealant, which seals, lubricates, and protects threaded pipes and fittings. It has a soft-setting, slow-drying formula that reviewers consistently praise for its quality and performance. It’s also designed to be used in areas that get up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hull also advocates for maintaining your gutters. “Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and damage the foundation, roof, and walls,” he explains, adding that you should clean them at least twice yearly.” Try this lightweight gutter cleaner to maintain your gutters. It has a telescoping pole that extends up to nearly 6 feet and a comfortable, padded grip. The head features a durable, rotating nozzle for precise spraying at multiple angles to remove buildup and debris. Plus, it has earned over 4,000 five-star ratings.

After you clean your gutter per Hull’s advice, maintain it by installing these easy-to-use roll-out gutter guards. Cut some of the durable plastic mesh to fit your gutter, and it’s designed to stay completely rust-free. The clever and low-profile mesh design will also keep leaves and debris out of your gutter, preventing overflow in the downpipe.

One thing you might be overlooking in your home is caulking, according to Brandon Walker, construction manager at ASAP Restoration LLC. “Going through seasons may cause thermal stressing, which can cause gaps and cracks to form in the casements for doors and windows, which can reduce energy efficiency in your home, as well as give an easy entry point for pests and vermin,” says Walker. He recommends this silicone sealant that’s cleverly designed to seal any gaps and cracks in windows and other areas. Its 100% waterproof formula is mold and mildew-resistant, won’t yellow, and even seals out air and moisture. Once applied, it can get wet in as little as 30 minutes.

“Houses and the gaps and cracks that they acquire over time need to be healed as well to keep the home in the best condition and to prevent disasters,” says Walker. To seal gaps, remove old caulking and lay new caulk super quickly — grab a tool like this three-in-one caulking tool. It has a stainless steel blade to remove old caulking, a plastic scraper to scrape away debris, and a silicone end to smooth new caulk into place.

Take Walker’s advice on energy efficiency (and pest control) by installing these draft stoppers on your doors. They quickly secure to your doors via preinstalled adhesive strips. Once up, their clever silicone design will work to dampen drafts and noise from door gaps while being gentle on your floors as you open and shut the door.

Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration LLC, says leaky faucets are a quick and easy fix that’ll save you money in the long term. “If you have a leaking hose bib or a faucet that is slowly draining your account, it might be time to replace the unit with one that works and saves you cash and resources. Swapping out faucets is a pretty easy DIY task if you have some basic tools and a lot of patience,” he says. He suggests this sleek stainless steel kitchen faucet with a brushed nickel finish that has earned over 14,000 five-star ratings. The head attaches to a crossbar for stationary use but also pulls down and swivels up to 180 degrees for precision spraying. There’s also a button to switch between shower or full spray settings.

• Available colors: 9

“Prevent catastrophic floods and mold growth from water damage through slow leaks might be causing,” says Rudin. These leak detectors are an easy way to detect if you have a slow leak. They’re battery-operated (and batteries are included), so they’re totally wireless. Just place them underneath your sink or faucet, and dual groups of probes will detect drips and leaks from pipes, triggering a loud alarm.

“The wear and tear on things like the intake line to your refrigerator’s ice maker can easily fail over time, and when it does, it usually causes a flood that is way more costly to fix than replacing the line ever would be,” says Rudin. He recommends replacing an old intake line with this refrigerator hose to prevent this costly disaster. It has a universal fit for any fridge and is a breeze to pop on with easy-to-tighten brass nuts. Once installed, it’s designed to not kink or crimp (thanks to a flexible design), and its braided stainless steel is burst-proof and corrosion-resistant.

• Available sizes: 2

Andrew Prchal, president and co-founder of Gunner Roofing, says damaged siding on your home can be a costly problem. “Holes from animals, bugs, or other direct physical damage can seem harmless at first but can allow water to seep behind the siding and into the house. It also can leave an area exposed for more bugs or termites to get into the house and eat away at the structure,” he explains. Instead, grab this easy siding repair kit to patch up damaged areas, as Prchal suggests. It comes with 24 thin, trim-able PVC patches that are weather-resistant from 5 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. And they’re easy to install — clean the area, peel the backing off, stick it on, flatten it, and paint it to match your siding.

“Caulking on the windows can become dry or cracked and ultimately fall out, leaving a void that is a perfect place for water and bugs to break through and into the home,” says Prchal. If replacing caulking seems a bit daunting, try this easy weather-sealing tape. Like Prchal’s advice, it gives windows an airtight, watertight seal. It’s also designed to last through all seasons, thanks to its weather resistance. Use the wood-safe tape on window and door gaps — it easily applies without curling and smoothes down with light pressure.

“Windows are another source where water infiltration or bugs can get into the home. Simply leaving the windows open or cracked can allow for infiltration,” Prchal notes. If you like to leave your windows open, put up these window fly traps to help mitigate the problem. Just stick one on your window — its transparent design will attract flying insects without blocking light. And since its high-viscosity glue keeps insects stuck, all you need to do is throw it away once it’s full.

You can also stop bugs from flying inside by repairing torn screens with this window screen repair tape that has a durable triple-layer structure of long-lasting fiberglass. Cut some to fit, then apply and smooth the strip on (adhesive layer down). Once patched, you won’t have to worry about extreme weather — it’s temperature-resistant between -4 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Available sizes: 3

Prchal also mentions a spot you may not think to check — your chimney. “Cracks or gaps in the mortar can allow for water to get in, and in the wintertime, ice can form and shrink or expand and loosen the mortar further,” he warns. An easy fix is to use this mortar repair that comes in a quick-to-use squeeze tube. It has a water-resistant sanded acrylic formula, adheres to brick, stone, and concrete, and has a color and texture resembling real masonry mortar. The applicator tip is also made with mortar joints in mind, with a convenient square shape that fits 3/8-inch mortar joints.

“Another common spot of damage comes directly from the roof. If you have an attic space, it is always smart to check in on a regular basis to see if you notice water spots or any active leaking,” says Prchal, who adds that you should check around pipe vents, chimneys, and other penetration areas. This best-selling digital moisture meter tests wood and drywall for moisture via sensitive probes. Its backlit LCD screen will let you know the percentage of moisture with a corresponding LED indicator light for low-, mid-, and high-risk levels. It’s also designed to let you know how at-risk you are for mold and mildew.

Tony Perez, franchise owner at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of the Twin Cities, a Neighborly company, says that “using flushable wipes can damage your sewer system.” Instead, keep this easy-access toilet paper basket within reach, so you always have toilet-paper on-hand. It’s a lightweight, compact container that holds up to 12 rolls and conceals them with a stylish bamboo lid and a cloth body. Set it up in a few minutes, and you’ll always have toilet paper within reach when needed.

• Available colors: 5

Another alternative to damage-causing flushable wipes is this adjustable bidet attachment. It’s crafted from rust-resistant materials, so it's both durable and easy to use. Simply install it by hooking it up to your water supply and quickly popping it onto your toilet. Then, you can use the control panel to select the angle and pressure of the spray.

“It is never a good idea to use chemical solutions to unclog a drain, as chemicals can do more harm than good by damaging the pipes that the solution encounters and weakening the integrity of the pipe,” explains Perez. Instead of chemicals, try these budget-friendly clog remover tools. Their durable yet flexible plastic easily snakes down drains and has a barbed construction to grip hair and other debris clogging your drain. An easy-grip handle helps you maneuver the snake’s 20-inch length into pipes around the house. After inserting it, gently pull it out to unclog the drain.

After removing clogs from your drain, you can easily prevent them from reoccurring with this drain protector, that’s an effective, easy-to-install option. Just stick it into your drain. Its innovative mushroom design will capture loose hairs as they head down the drain. It neatly gathers strands without choking the water flow, and cleanup is easy, too.

As for bathroom sink clogs, grab this hair catcher specifically designed to blend in with your sink. It fits neatly inside standard sink drains and comes in chrome or nickel to match your faucet. Meanwhile, it will wrap hairs around the flange, keeping them out of sight and, more importantly, out of pipes. When it’s full, remove the hair with a tissue.

Perez also advocates monitoring your home’s water pressure. “Too high of water pressure can cause things to fail prematurely, and too little water pressure can cause things not to work properly,” he says. To keep an eye on water pressure, use this water pressure gauge which easily screws onto threaded faucets and outdoor spigots. Simply pop it on, turn the water on, and adjust the red needle until it aligns with the black needle. The red needle will move to let you see a precise pressure measurement.

Bill Taylor, HVAC contractor manager at South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas, says you should replace 1-inch filters once per month. “They tend to become clogged and prevent airflow. If left unchecked, it may lead to your coil freezing up in your system, meaning you don’t have AC, which is the last thing you want during the summer,” he says. This air filter option features bonus allergen defense, and they’re designed to capture micro particles. They’ll effortlessly remove lint, dust, and pet dander, so your air is cleaner. Plus, they’re easy to install — remove the wrapping, point the arrow toward your unit, and place the filter into the unit.

Another clever way to maintain to keep your AC extra-clean is to clean the metal grates outside the filter with this vent and duct cleaner. Just shake the can and spray the AC grates. The formula is designed to help remove dust and dirt while tackling odors caused by stale air, smoke, and mildew. After treatment, open windows for 15 minutes for proper ventilation. Plus, you can also use it on your car’s AC.

“While most people tend to push this task off or not even do it at all, manufacturers recommend that HVAC systems are maintained yearly as dirt, dust, and grit can collect in the unit, which will make the system work harder and less efficiently,” says Taylor. This air conditioner cover will help prevent dirt and other debris from falling into your unit between maintenance. It easily attaches via anti-scratch bungees with hooks, and its mesh will cover the entire top of your unit without restricting it. It may also help reduce moisture inside the unit.

• Available sizes: 3

“If you’re paying for highly efficient equipment and not keeping up with proper yearly maintenance, the efficiency of your system suffers,” Taylor explains. This heavy-duty foam coil cleaner is an easy option for removing grease or oil and loosening dirt off your unit. Its 360-degree spray valve will make it easy to spray the foam from any angle, and there’s no rinsing required. Its formula also neutralizes odor and leaves behind a light, lemony scent.

Taylor also points out an overlooked problem with your AC — closing vents can increase pressure and cause your HVAC to leak. “Closing vents can [also] cause your HVAC system to overheat and lead to more problems in the long run,” he adds. So, grab this telescopic hook to easily open hard-to-reach vents around your space. Its S-shaped hook will make maneuvering the vent latch easy. It extends to over 5 feet and has a comfortable, nonslip grip. Its durable stainless steel supports up to 100 pounds, making it a versatile tool for other chores, like opening curtains or hanging bird feeders.

George Matusyan, owner & operations manager at United Windows Pro, explains that drafty windows can be a true “nightmare” for homeowners. “They over-tax your HVAC system and use up energy, costing you money and making you uncomfortable. Check your windows to see if any of the seals are blown or have dried out and cracked, letting in air,” he says. If you do find bad seals, use some of this silicone caulk that’s specifically for your windows and apply it along “drafty spots.” It’s waterproof and weatherproof, which will keep moisture out, and it’s also shrink-resistant, so it can resist cracking due to temperature changes. It’s also designed to remain mold-free for up to 10 years.

In line with Matsuyan’s advice about repairing window drafts, this window insulator kit simply sticks on like a sticker to make your home more energy efficient by sealing out drafts. One kit insulates five 3-by-5-foot windows. Simply apply the adhesive tape, measure and cut the film to fit, press it into place, and use a hair dryer to shrink it.

Another option for sealing drafty windows is this heavy-duty rubber weather stripping that you simply stick on. To apply them, just separate the strips, remove the adhesive backing, smooth them onto a window, and trim them to size. Its long-lasting material also won’t freeze or crack, even in extreme weather.

“Just like any moving part, your window hardware can benefit from occasional TLC,” says Matusyan. “A simple wipe-down of the hardware with a damp cloth removes dirt and debris that can cause sticking or grinding of parts.” This set of window track cleaners features cleverly shaped sponges that fit perfectly into the track of your windows to give them a thorough clean. It also includes four replacement sponges and two dustpan brushes with integrated scrapers for caked-on dirt. Plus, the scouring sponges are washable and reusable.

“To help your windows move more smoothly when you want to open them, you can also spray the moving parts of your hinges and latches with a small amount of silicone spray,” explains Matusyan. Spray your windows with this silicone spray with a professional-grade triple-action formula to make your window open and shut smoothly. Use the precision straw to spray it onto smaller metal parts, or fold the straw down to use the larger sprayer for bigger parts. It dries clear in just a few minutes.