Anyone who's lived in the Midwest for at least a summer knows one thing: the month of July is scorching, like "leave an oven mitt in the car and it melts into your dashboard" hot. Especially here in the Kansas City area where July brings thick humidity, surprise hailstorms, and mosquitoes that look like they could bench press a lawn chair! We understand how tempting it is to crank the AC and put off tiring home tasks until the weather cools off.

However, a little mid-summer home maintenance now can save you from costly surprises down the road. So, what cleaning and repairs should you prioritize this month? Here's your go-to homeowner checklist for July; it's smart, quick, and Midwest-weather-proof.

1. Seal Up and Cool Down

Why: Hot and humid air sneaking in through cracks leads to an unwanted increase in electric bills and an overworked AC. Make sure to check inside and outside around openings such as doors and windows to seal in that precious cold air!

What to Do:

• DIY: Grab a tube of exterior-grade caulk and seal gaps around doors, windows, attic access panels, outlets, and switch plates. Also, check around dryer vents and hose bibs where bugs and hot air love to sneak through.
• Tip: Hold a lit incense stick near the edge of a window or outlet. If the smoke wavers, you’ve got an air leak. Additionally, the best time to do this is in the morning, before the sun turns everything into a skillet.
• Pro Move: Hiring an HVAC tech to seal and insulate your ductwork can reduce cooling costs by up to 30%! (Yeah, ducts leak that much.)

2. Deck, Patio, and Party-Ready Prep

Why: You deserve to enjoy your backyard without tripping over spiderwebs or sticky mildew. This is a perfect DIY task to do in the morning or evening (the midday sun can be too intense) to ensure a clean and comfortable deck, patio furniture, and umbrellas.

What to Do:

• Sweep off debris and power wash surfaces. You can rent a pressure washer for around $40 per day, but if you’re short on time, a stiff brush and soapy water will get the job done.
• Wash patio furniture cushions with dish soap and water, then let them air-dry in the sun.
• Wipe down any umbrellas and spray them with mildew-resistant cleaner if needed.

3. Pool Perfection

Why: Algae and unbalanced chemicals can turn your pool into a murky mess faster than a Midwest rainstorm rolls in. Make sure to keep up with pool maintenance weekly during summer, especially after heavy use or rain. Pool chemistry is DIY-friendly, but you can always hire a pool pro for around $100–$300 a month in the Kansas City area.

What to Do:

• Test the pH level weekly; the ideal range is 7.2 to 7.8.
• “Shock” your pool water every week or two by increasing the chlorine level to kill off bacteria. Always ensure that you do this at night so the sun doesn’t deactivate the chlorine before it takes effect.
• Never add pool shock directly to the water, make sure to dissolve it in a bucket first.

4. Washer and Dryer TLC

Why: Extra laundry means extra wear and tear, and dryers are a top cause of home fires in summer. These simple tasks can be done by anyone at any time, but it's essential to check them off before your dryer becomes a fire risk. Call a professional ($100–$200) if your dryer vent hasn’t been cleaned in over a year.

What to Do:

• Run a cup of white vinegar through your washer on the hottest setting. Then, wipe down the gasket and detergent tray to prevent mold.
• Clean the dryer lint trap, then vacuum out the vent hose and back of the machine.
• Extra credit: Clean the moisture sensors with soapy water. These sensors tell your dryer when clothes are dry, and residue can interfere with them!

5. Drain the Water Heater

Why: Sediment builds up over time, making your water heater less efficient. In KC’s hard water zones, this is a must. You can do this task yourself if you're comfortable, or hire a KC plumber for around $75–$150 to get the job done.

What to Do:

• Turn off the gas or electric power.
• Hook a hose to the drain valve and let it empty outside or into a basement drain.
• Open the pressure relief valve, then open the cold water valve to flush out remaining sediment.
• Close it all up and turn the unit back on.

6. Bug Battle: Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Wasps, Oh My!

Why: High heat and high humidity make a terrible recipe: buggy chaos. Midwest critters love hiding in the yard, gutters, and under patio furniture throughout the summer months and after heavy rains. Since ticks carry diseases and wasps love crashing patio parties, it's essential to take some time to clear out these unwanted pests!

What to Do:

• Dump standing water (planters, toys, birdbaths, clogged gutters).
• Spray the yard perimeter and under decks with a mosquito barrier spray.
• Use cedar oil, garlic sprays, or hire pest control for monthly treatment.
• Inspect eaves and overhangs for wasp nests. Spray them early morning or at dusk when they’re dormant.
• You can DIY most of these tasks, but consider hiring pest control if bugs are relentless.

7. Window Screens and Weather Stripping Check

Why: You want to open windows during cooler evenings without inviting the bug circus in, so make sure windows, doors, and sunrooms have the proper protection to keep out unwanted critters.

What to Do:

• Inspect window screens for tears or gaps. You can repair them with a screen patch kit or replace the screen entirely for around $5 to $15 each. You can make these small replacements yourself, but replacing multiple large screens may require some extra assistance.
• Feel around windows and doors for drafts and replace worn-out weather stripping or caulk the gaps.
• Make sure to do this task during daylight so you can see clearly as small rips and tears can be hard to notice.

8. Check Attic and Basement Humidity

Why: Kansas City's humidity often sneaks into attics and basements, leading to mold, wood rot, and warped insulation. Make sure to wear a mask when checking for mold and hire a Kansas City professional for any major ventilation work.

What to Do:

• Use a hygrometer (you can buy one online for around $10) to monitor humidity levels. An ideal level for basements and attics is under 60%.
• If humidity levels rise, run a dehumidifier in the basement and inspect attic ventilation.
• Insulate cold pipes in the basement to prevent condensation.

9. Mid-Summer Roof and Gutter Check

Why: July thunderstorms and hail shouldn't be taken lightly—they can damage your roof or cause leaks before you even notice. Make sure to inspect your roof, gutters, and downspouts after big storms or heavy winds, and call the pros for any repairs.

What to Do:

• After storms, walk the perimeter and look for missing shingles, sagging gutters, or downspouts that have been knocked loose.
• Use binoculars or use the zoom feature on your phone camera to look for roof discoloration or granules in your gutters (a sign of aging shingles).
• Clean leaves and debris that have accumulated since spring to keep gutters clear and prevent standing water from forming.

10. Start Planning Your Fall Garden

Why: Mid-July is the perfect time for fall veggie planting in the Midwest, but make sure to do the majority of the work in the early mornings or evenings to avoid heatstroke.

What to Do:

• Use raised beds, garden plots, or containers to cultivate the perfect backyard garden.
• Plant crops like broccoli, spinach, chard, kale, and cauliflower by the end of the month.
• Mulch around the seedlings to protect them from summer heat and retain moisture.
• Keep them well-watered during the first few weeks as they take root. You don't want the scorching summer sun to kill your hard work!

Last but Not Least: Safety Check Reminder

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check fire extinguishers.
• Ensure your grill is cleaned and not leaking gas.
• Review your emergency plan. July can bring unexpected tornadoes, so ensure your household knows where to go if needed.

Final Thoughts

While July may not be the coziest month to tackle home chores, knocking out these tasks now means fewer headaches when fall hits. Stay cool, stay safe, and keep your home happy!

Need help with any of these? Give me a call at 816-328-2887 for a great list of trusted Kansas City professionals. I’m always happy to connect you with someone who will get the job done right!