Welcome to Week 4 of the Weekly Home Check

Before we dive into this week’s home check, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the severe winter storms impacting so many homies across the country right now. If you’re in one of the affected areas, please stay safe and take extra precautions.

A few quick reminders:

• Avoid unnecessary travel and stay off the roads if you can
• Keep phones and backup batteries fully charged
• Let faucets drip slightly to help prevent frozen pipes
• Check in on neighbors, especially elderly or vulnerable ones

I’ve made my Emergency Preparedness Checklist available for free to help you stay organized during situations like this. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to download it and feel free to share it with someone who might need it.

Here it is as a Google Doc or a PDF.

We’re all in this together. Now, let’s get into this week’s home check.

🍽️ Cleaning the Dishwasher

While the dishwasher may not need a complete deep clean this week, check the filter to make sure there isn't too much buildup, then run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar & baking soda.

• Empty the Dishwasher: Ensure it's completely empty before you begin.
• Clean the Filter: Remove the filter. Use a scrub brush and dish soap to clean it, then replace it. Refer to your owner's manual for specific filter removal instructions.
• Wipe Down the Interior & Soap Dispenser: Wipe the sides, door, and soap dispensers with a microfiber cloth. Pay close attention to the rubber seals along the edges.
• Clean with Vinegar then Baking Soda: Spray the interior walls with vinegar. Place a bowl on the top rack with 1-2 cups of vinegar. Run a hot cycle with no detergent. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a second hot cycle with no detergent.
• Clean with a Dishwasher Cleaner: Instead of using vinegar and baking soda, you can always use a dishwasher cleaner which will only require one cycle.
• HOT TIP: Find a digital copy of your owner's manual on Google and add the link to the Journal & Log Book for New Home Owners for easy reference.

🍲 Cleaning the Disposal

A clean garbage disposal helps reduce odors and bacteria in the sink. Follow these steps:

• Clean the Rubber Flaps: Use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to clean the rubber flaps with dish soap. This is where alot of the smell can come from.
• Cleaning the Blades: Freeze some vinegar into ice cubes, then grind with a little water to create a slush. Rinse with water.
• Deodorize: Pour some baking soda and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Follow with a lemon peel or a cleaning tablet.
• Run Water: Run cold water for about 30 seconds while the disposal is running to help flush out any remaining debris.

Lastly, don't forget to replace the baking soda box in your fridge!

-Kyshawn

P.S. Do you know someone who could benefit from our Weekly Home Check reminders? Forward this email and they can sign up here.

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