February may tease the idea of spring, but let's be real: it's still winter in Kansas City. Your home still needs winter care, so it's essential to use this month to refresh your space, tackle overlooked maintenance, and stay ahead of spring prep. Here is your guide to the top home maintenance tasks for the month, broken down into simple steps and helpful tips:
1. Touch Up Interior Paint (DIY or Pro)
Why: Winter's dry air can be frustrating, but it actually has a benefit: it helps paint dry faster and adhere better. This indoor project is perfect for tackling as an escape from the freezing outdoors.
How to do it: Walk through your home and look for scuffed trim, chipped doors, or dinged-up walls. Clean the surface first and open a window slightly for ventilation on a milder day. For small areas, use a trim brush or a foam brush for a smooth finish.
Pro Tip: If you're repainting a whole room or doing cabinets, consider hiring a KC professional now while rates are lower, since paint pros often offer off-season discounts this time of year. Store leftover paint cans inside—not in an unheated garage—and stir in a little vanilla extract to help with odor.
2. Tune Up the Garage Door (DIY)
Why: Winter's cold and constant use can wear out moving parts. Lubricating and tightening hardware now helps avoid annoying squeaks or worse, total breakdowns.
How to do it: Pick a mild weather day and inspect hinges, rollers, and tracks. Tighten bolts and apply silicone-based lubricant to moving parts, then test the auto-reverse safety feature by waving a broom under the closing door. The door should stop and reverse without issue.
Pro Tip: If you hear loud bangs or the door feels off-balance, call a garage door technician. Springs can be dangerous to handle without the right tools.
3. Prune Trees and Shrubs (DIY or Pro)
Why: It's easier to shape plants and spot dead branches while they are dormant. Additionally, trimming now keeps limbs from threatening your home and causing damage during spring storms.
How to do it: The best time to tackle this chore is on a dry day above freezing. Use clean, sharp tools to trim away dead limbs or anything overhanging your roof, blocking vents, or touching siding.
Pro Tip: Does your yard have larger trees? Hire a certified arborist while the ground is still firm and less prone to damage from heavy equipment.
4. Clean Range Hood & Garbage Disposal (DIY)
Why: Grease builds up fast in kitchen vents, and leftover food can make disposals smelly. February is an ideal time to catch up on these often-overlooked chores.
How to do it: Remove the metal filter from your range hood and soak it in hot, soapy water or pop it in the dishwasher (be sure to check your manual first). Scrub under the splash guard—it hides more grime than you think. Grind up ice cubes and citrus peels in the disposal to rinse and remove odor.
Pro Tip: Incorporating these tasks into your monthly routine can help extend the lifespan of your kitchen appliances. Vacuuming refrigerator coils and tossing expired pantry items can also be done during this time.
5. Check Sump Pump & Basement (DIY or Pro)
Why: Late-winter thaws and spring rains are coming. A working sump pump now could save you thousands in water damage later.
How to do it: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and ensure the pump activates and drains properly. Inspect the basement walls and floors for damp spots, musty odors, or new cracks.
Pro Tip: If your pump isn't running or hasn't been serviced in a while, schedule a plumber or waterproofing professional before storms roll in.
6. Redo the Laundry Room (DIY or Pro)
Why: Since you're indoors anyway, why not make this chore zone easier to use and more visually appealing?
How to do it: Scrub dried detergent spills, toss unused products, and wipe down appliances. Add wall hooks for storage, insert a slim cart between machines, and hang a drying rod above.
Pro Tip: A professional organizer can overhaul your space in a few hours, but Pinterest hacks are always a great source of inspiration!
7. Clean Dryer Vents (DIY or Pro)
Why: Clogged dryer vents are not only a serious fire hazard, but they will cause your energy bill to spike and drain your wallet.
How to do it: Unhook the vent hose and use a vacuum or leaf blower to remove debris, then go outside and clear debris from the exhaust cap. Check that birds haven't made a cozy nest inside during the winter.
Pro Tip: Cover the vent opening with a fine mesh screen to keep critters out. Hire a professional for under $200 if you want a thorough cleaning and inspection for bigger issues.
8. Clean Refrigerator Coils (DIY)
Why: Dirty coils make your fridge work harder, using more energy and wearing it out faster.
How to do it: Unplug and pull out the fridge, vacuum behind it, and then use a coil brush (or a vacuum upholstery tool) to clean the coils.
Pro Tip: While you're at it, you can mop the floor behind the fridge and toss any expired condiments that have built up over winter.
9. Flip and Clean Your Mattress (DIY)
Why: Dust mites, crumbs, and uneven wear all accumulate quickly. Cleaning and rotating your mattress helps it last longer and feel better.
How to do it: Vacuum the top and sides, then rotate it 180 degrees. If it's a double-sided mattress, flip it over as well.
Pro Tip: You can add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender) to your vacuum filter for a fresh scent. Don't forget to vacuum and turn the box spring as well.
10. Look for Leaks (DIY or Pro)
Why: Winter damage to your roof or foundation might not show until the next big storm. Don't wait until April showers bring a lot more to your home than flowers!
How to do it: Climb into the attic during or after a rain to check for drips, wet insulation, or water stains. Outside, look for cracked vent boots or gaps around flashing. Inspect foundation walls for new cracks.
Pro Tip: Seal small cracks with caulk now. If you encounter recurring issues, it's essential to call in the professionals for help before the spring rains arrive.
Final Thoughts
Overwhelmed by this list? No need to stress! You can complete many of these February home maintenance tasks in a single weekend, and your future self will thank you when spring hits and you're ahead of the game. If you're looking to call in some professionals, I'd love to share my list of reliable local experts—give me a call at 816-328-2887 today!
