Alair Homes

Summer is in full swing, and that makes these long, hot months practically zip by. While a part of you might be anxious for the cooler fall season to arrive, don’t forget to make the most of these long summer days by taking a little time to spruce up your home. Here are some tips to get you started.

Safety Tips for Summer

Step away from the backyard barbecue and clambake for a bit, and take some time to think about safety. A great place to start is with your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Optimum replacement time for batteries is about once a month, but make sure to check them at least every two or three months so they are in good working order should your family ever need them. If any of the units in your home are more than 10 years old, go ahead and replace the detector completely. Newer technology is more efficient, and having it in your home can help keep your family safer. Finally, look at your fire extinguishers. Each will have an expiration date. Go ahead and replace those too if it is beyond that date.

Shiny Windows to Let the Sunshine In

Everyone thinks of spring cleaning as the time to tackle windows, but summer is a great time for this task too. Newspaper and a squirt bottle filled with white vinegar will do the trick. Spray and clean them inside and out, and then finish things off by wiping them dry with a microfiber towel. Your windows will look shiny and clean, letting the sunshine in and instantly brightening your entire house.

Covered Porch-Shillington
Photo by Alair Homes CharlotteBrowse traditional deck photos

Keeping Summer Whites Bright

While you are freshening up the inside of your home, take a look at your summer whites. Crisp, white towels, slipcovers and bedding work well with any décor, but you need to keep them looking great to get the optimum effect. Launder or dry clean white household linens and slipcovers in your home, removing pet dander, dirt and stains. After they are clean, vacuum blinds and furniture weekly to keep everything looking its best.

Staying Cool in Your Outdoor Living Space

Summer is the ideal time to enjoy the outdoors, but doing so without adequate shade can be a mistake. Make your back deck or patio more enjoyable with the addition of an umbrella shade sail, retractable awning or some simple large umbrellas above lounge chairs and tables. This will give your family and guests spots in your garden to enjoy even as temperatures rise and the sun beats down.

Pets are Like Family

When pets are part of your family, the hottest months of summer can pose some unique challenges. Keep your furry friends safe by ensuring that they always have a fresh supply of water and place to lie in the shade nearby. This is especially important if your dog or cat spends a lot of time outdoors when the temperatures are high. Never leave your pet unattended in a car, and always make sure to board him or have someone stop by daily to provide care if your summer plans include travel away from home.

Travel Away from Home

Speaking of travel, while visiting exotic destinations in the summertime, it is important to secure your home and keep it safe. Before leaving, let a trusted neighbor know about your travel plans. Make sure that all doors are locked, and don’t forget to set the alarm. Make your home look lived in while you are away with motion sensor lighting, hedges trimmed short and by having someone visit to collect your mail and take in your trash cans.

Summer is short, but make the most of it by inviting in sunlight and making your home safer and more comfortable for all. Proudly hang that American flag on your front porch, and welcome summer in while the days are long, the nights are warm and you are provided with endless opportunities to entertain family and friends.

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