Luckily, we're here to make it a breeze with our handy checklist of home maintenance chores to tackle this month. Some of these are so quick and easy that you won't even miss a beat of that "Friday the 13th" marathon (although we'd recommend skipping "Jason X." He's in space—do we need to say more?) Read on for details about where to start.
1. Clean your dryer vents
"A key indicator of a dryer vent needing to be cleaned is if clothes aren’t drying as fast as they usually do, or if it takes multiple cycles to get them completely dry," says Maria Vizzi of Indoor Environmental Solutions.
Prevent buildup from the get-go by emptying your lint trap every single time you use your dryer. If possible, move your dryer closer to an exterior wall; if your vent pipe is particularly long or has to snake around corners, you're at a greater risk of a clog.
2. Seal your outdoor surfaces
Clean the surface first—taking care to remove any built-up ickiness between planks or in crevices—using a screwdriver or putty knife.
Wait at least 48 hours before sanding the surface using 80-grit sandpaper, then sweep or vacuum, and apply your sealant.