Preface

I'll never forget the excitement of moving into my own place for the first time. Finally having my own space where I could decorate however I wanted and put up as many posters as I desired. But reality quickly hit me with a blow - the air conditioner stopped cooling! I felt like a soldier without weapons, completely clueless about what to do.

To be honest, I think our generation of young people all face this struggle. Having grown up under our parents' protection, suddenly living independently and facing various household issues can leave us at a loss. Let alone fixing things, we don't even know who to call for repairs. After several years of trial and error, I've finally accumulated some experience that I'd like to share.

Regular Inspections

When it comes to home safety inspections, it's truly a love-hate relationship. The hassle is what we hate, but the sense of security after completion is what we love. I now set aside one day each month specifically for checking home safety equipment, and this habit is really crucial.

Let's start with smoke detectors. They may seem insignificant, but they're truly lifesaving devices. A friend of mine avoided a potential fire thanks to their smoke detector's timely alarm. Checking is super simple - just press the test button. If you can't hear the alarm or if it's very faint, it's time to change the batteries. I suggest marking battery replacement dates directly in your phone calendar to avoid forgetting.

Carbon monoxide detectors are also vital lifesavers. They're expensive, but absolutely worth the investment. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it impossible to detect otherwise. Last winter, this little device's alarm alerted me to a problem with my gas water heater. Remember to press the test button during checks to ensure it's working properly.

Door and window security systems need regular checks too. This is especially important if you're renting a first or second-floor apartment. I now check door locks and window seals weekly. This habit once helped me discover a loose lock on my balcony sliding door, allowing me to fix it before it became a security risk.

System Maintenance

Air conditioners are definitely the most love-hate home appliance - indispensable in summer but troublesome to maintain. When I first started living independently, I had no idea the filter needed cleaning until one day I noticed a strange smell in the room, which turned out to be from the AC.

Now I clean the filter monthly, more frequently during summer. The cleaning method is simple: remove the filter, vacuum off surface dust, rinse with clean water, let it dry completely, then reinstall. It's crucial to ensure the filter is completely dry before reinstallation to prevent bacteria growth.

Here's a tip about AC cleaning. After cleaning the filter, use the remote to run the AC in heat mode for half an hour to dry out any moisture inside the machine, preventing bacterial growth. Since learning this trick, my AC has never produced any strange odors.

Plumbing system maintenance is also crucial. Especially drains - the earlier you maintain them, the better. I now pour hot water down all drains weekly, including the sink, shower drain, and kitchen sink. It seemed bothersome at first, but after sticking with it, I've seen great results with no more clogs.

The toilet might be the most troublesome when it comes to plumbing maintenance. I learned this the hard way when mine kept clogging due to poor maintenance. Now I use a toilet brush to clean thoroughly every week, paying special attention to the rim jets. I've also developed the habit of not flushing toilet paper, which has basically solved the clogging issues.

Water heater maintenance shouldn't be neglected either. Gas water heaters need annual professional inspection, while electric ones need regular tank cleaning. I once had to pay for expensive repairs because I neglected maintenance when my water heater's temperature became unstable. Now I do a comprehensive check every fall during the season change.

Daily Care

The kitchen truly requires the most dedicated attention. I now have a habit of cleaning the kitchen immediately after cooking, even when I'm exhausted. If oil stains are left until the next day, they're not only harder to clean but can also damage kitchen equipment.

Range hood cleaning is particularly important. I remove and clean the filter monthly and do a deep clean with special cleaner every three months. Safety is crucial during cleaning - always wear gloves and wait until the hood has completely cooled down.

Stove maintenance is also key. Clean after each use, especially around the gas burner eyes. If the flame becomes uneven, you can gently clear the burner holes with a toothpick. Just remember to shut off the main gas valve first.

Refrigerator maintenance can't be neglected. I now check food expiration dates weekly and wipe down the interior. Every three months, I completely empty the fridge, clean the inside with warm water, paying special attention to the door seals. This maintains cleanliness and extends the fridge's lifespan.

Bathroom maintenance requires quite a bit of work. I clean the bathtub and toilet weekly with special cleaners and clear the drain every two weeks. Showerheads also need regular cleaning - I've found soaking them in white vinegar works great. Just remove the showerhead, soak it in vinegar for an hour, then gently scrub with a toothbrush to remove limescale.

Wall and floor maintenance is also important. Tile grout needs regular cleaning to prevent mold. Wood floors need protection from water - don't use an overly wet mop. If you notice scratches, they can be fixed with special floor wax.

Outdoor Maintenance

Honestly, I completely ignored exterior maintenance at first, until a heavy rain last year taught me a harsh lesson. Clogged rain gutters caused water to back up, nearly flooding my storage room. Since then, I've paid special attention to exterior maintenance.

First is rain gutter cleaning. I clean them twice a year, in spring and fall. While cleaning, check carefully for cracks or loose spots in the pipes. If you find problems, fix them promptly - don't wait until heavy rain makes it worse.

Exterior wall inspection is also important. Especially before rainy season, check carefully for cracks. Small cracks can be repaired yourself with waterproof materials. But for large-scale cracks, it's better to call professionals.

Balcony and window waterproofing needs attention too. I now check window seals monthly for aging or detachment. Balcony tile grout also needs regular inspection - if gaps widen, apply waterproof sealant promptly.

If you have a garden or yard, there's even more maintenance work. Lawns need regular mowing, trees need timely pruning. Especially before typhoon season, check large trees for potential safety hazards.

Useful Tips

When it comes to home maintenance tips, there's endless experience to share. For example, using a walnut to rub wooden furniture scratches really works. Just crack open the walnut, rub the meat on the scratch, then wipe with a soft cloth.

Don't rush to call a plumber for leaky faucets. Usually, replacing the washer solves the problem. Remember to shut off the main valve first, then use a wrench to disassemble the faucet and replace the washer.

Filling nail holes in walls is simple too. Use toothpaste or wall putty to fill, let it dry, sand smooth, then touch up with wall paint until it's invisible.

There's also a solution for squeaky floors. Sprinkle talcum powder where the noise occurs and brush it into the gaps. This not only eliminates noise but also prevents moisture damage.

Don't worry too much about rusty furniture. Make a paste with vinegar and baking soda, apply to rust spots, wait ten minutes, gently scrub with steel wool, then rinse with clean water.

There are many tips for electronic devices too. For example, regularly dust TVs with a soft brush. Computer keyboards can be cleaned effectively with clear tape.

Through these tips over the years, I've not only saved on repair costs but more importantly developed handyman skills. Now I can handle most minor household issues myself.

Finally, home maintenance is really a process of gradually accumulating experience. It might seem difficult at first, but if you persist, you'll discover the joy in it. Plus, the satisfaction of solving problems yourself is something money can't buy.

Do you have any home maintenance experiences to share? Or any unsolved problems? Feel free to tell me in the comments section so we can learn from each other.