It's time for a seasonal refresh: The complete guide to keeping homes clean all-year-round

When the seasons change, your home deserves a bit of extra attention. Whether you're preparing for the warmer months ahead or settling in for winter, a thorough home refresh can save you money, boost your comfort, and prevent those unexpected breakdowns that always seem to happen at the worst possible moments.

This isn't about turning your house upside down in a single weekend. Instead, think of it as giving your home the same care you'd give yourself—regular check-ups, preventive maintenance, and addressing minor issues before they become big, expensive problems.

The money-saving power of regular maintenance

Regular upkeep saves money, improves safety, and reduces the chance of sudden breakdowns or costly emergencies.

For Australian homeowners, especially those on fixed incomes, this approach makes perfect financial sense. Not only can failing to maintain the health of your home result in injuries to yourself or others, but the costs can also add up. Many issues in the home are quick and inexpensive to repair early, but can result in expensive and time-consuming problems if left unaddressed for too long.

Filter replacements: your home's breathing system

If you have heating or cooling systems, inspect and replace air filters monthly. Clogged filters reduce energy efficiency and degrade indoor air quality. With Australian energy costs continuing to rise, this simple task can genuinely impact your quarterly bills.

Most Australian homes use standard filter sizes, but it's worth checking your specific measurements before heading to Bunnings or your local hardware store. Clean the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems, as well as the condenser and evaporator coils, and replace the filters if required.

Standard filters cost $15-30 each. Meanwhile, washable filters could cost more upfront but will last you two to three years with proper care and cleaning. Professional HVAC service costs around $150 to $ 300 annually.

Apart from your air conditioners, your fridge filter works harder than you might think, especially if your local water quality isn't ideal.

Most manufacturers recommend replacement every six months, though this can vary based on usage and water quality. Look for the filter indicator light, or mark your calendar—many people find it helpful to change filters when daylight saving starts and ends.

If you're using a Brita or a similar water pitcher system, regular filter changes ensure your water tastes fresh and removes impurities effectively. Similarly, that box of bicarb soda in your fridge loses its effectiveness over time—swap it out every three months for optimal odour control.

Professional services worth scheduling

Some parts of our home need a professional touch to keep them working. Here are some of the services you can have done.

Hot water unit service ensures connections and valves are working and calcium build-up is removed from instantaneous gas units. Flush out storage units to ensure they are working at capacity. This is definitely a job for the professionals—gas connections and electrical elements require licensed tradies.

Annual servicing costs around $150-200 but can prevent a $2,000+ replacement bill.

Meanwhile, make an appointment to get your air conditioning system serviced. Professional servicing before summer and winter ensures efficient operation when you need it most. Pay attention to your HVAC vents and grilles as well—especially if you've had bushfire smoke or dust storms in your area.

Some cleaning tasks may be overwhelming and require professional assistance. Image Credit: Pexels/SHVETS Production

Deep cleaning your hardest-working appliances

The appliances we have at home also need some care. Here are some tips to keep them working properly.

Refrigerators: Start from the inside out—remove everything, check expiry dates, and wipe down all surfaces with warm soapy water. Don't forget the rubber door seals where spills love to hide. The exterior receives daily attention, but take time to clean the coils at the back or underneath, if accessible.

Stovetops and ovens: Your stovetop bears the brunt of daily cooking, so it deserves thorough attention. Remove burner grates and drip trays if possible, and give them a proper soak. For the oven, that mysterious grime on the glass door will come off with some patience and the right cleaner—or use the self-cleaning cycle if your oven has one.

Washing machines, dryers, and range hoods: Clean filters in your range hood, washing machine, and dryer. This will extend their lifespan and improve efficiency. Front-loading washing machines are particularly prone to mould build-up in the rubber seal. Always leave the door open after use to air-dry, and run a cleaning cycle monthly with white vinegar or commercial washing machine cleaner.

For your dryer, cleaning the lint filter after every load is crucial for fire prevention, but don't stop there. Check and clean out your dryer vent. Lint buildup in the exhaust vent can significantly reduce efficiency and create a fire hazard.

Dishwashers and proper kitchen disposal: There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and the best all-around solution is vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades.

Even if you hand-wash most dishes, your dishwasher needs occasional attention. Run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar to remove soap scum and eliminate odours.

Pay attention to often-forgotten areas

Baseboards and window treatments: These collect dust gradually, making the buildup almost invisible until you really look. A damp microfibre cloth works wonders on baseboards, while cellular blinds and curtains might need a gentle vacuum with the brush attachment.

Drains and plumbing: Inspect plumbing for leaks. Slow drains often indicate building blockages that are easier to address early. Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try removing visible blockages manually or using a drain snake.

Smoke alarms and safety devices​

Smoke alarms and safety devices: These items are the ones that need to be tested. Batteries need to be replaced, or detectors replaced, to bring them up to new standards. Australian regulations require specific types of smoke alarms in different situations. You should test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're functional. This is especially crucial in households with gas appliances or fireplaces. Replace batteries as needed.

Safety considerations for seniors

For those who are older but still living independently, a senior safety inspection can likewise highlight any slip or trip hazards, as well as where safety modifications that could potentially improve accessibility (such as handrails) are needed.

Remove clutter from walkways and common areas. Ensure adequate lighting in all rooms, hallways, and staircases. While conducting your maintenance rounds, take note of any areas where improved lighting or grab rails could make daily life safer and easier.

Seasonal timing for Australian conditions

Autumn and spring are the best times to improve your home and garden. Unlike our Northern Hemisphere friends, Australian seasonal maintenance follows different patterns.

• Spring (September-November): Prepare cooling systems, check for winter damage, pest control

• Summer (December-February): Focus on indoor maintenance during hot weather

• Autumn (March-May): Gutter cleaning, heating system prep, garden maintenance

• Winter (June-August): Indoor deep cleaning projects, appliance maintenance

How often you need to carry out home maintenance checks varies between individual tasks, with many jobs able to be carried out by yourself (so long as you feel safe and comfortable using a ladder). But for other checks, you'll want to call in the experts for a job done well and safely.

For seniors especially, there's no shame in calling professionals for tasks involving heights, heavy lifting, or technical skills. If you don't have the skills or time to complete the work, consider hiring a general maintenance handyman to assist you with these unfinished repairs.

The energy efficiency bonus

With energy costs continuing to rise across Australia, your maintenance routine can double as an energy-saving strategy. Check weatherstripping on doors and windows. Worn seals can increase your heating and cooling costs. Replacing them is inexpensive but makes a noticeable difference.

Clean appliances run more efficiently, and well-maintained heating and cooling systems use less energy to achieve the same comfort level. It's a win-win situation that benefits both your household budget and the environment.

Rather than tackling everything at once, spread these tasks across several months.

• Monthly: Test smoke alarms, check HVAC filters, clean garbage disposal

• Quarterly: Deep clean appliances, check weatherstripping, inspect plumbing

• Bi-annually: Replace fridge water filters, professional HVAC service

• Annually: Hot water service, comprehensive safety check, pest inspection

Community resources and support

Many Australian councils offer home maintenance workshops for seniors, and some provide subsidised services for eligible residents. However, programs like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) ensure that older Australians receive the assistance they need to live comfortably in their own homes.

The Australian Government funds these essential support services, offering everything from government cleaning services for the elderly to lawn mowing services for pensioners and home maintenance for pensioners.

Whether you're handling tasks yourself or relying on professionals, consistency is the key to keeping your home in good shape. Start with one area, build momentum, and before you know it, your home will be running like clockwork.

Your home has served you well—returning the favour with regular care and attention ensures it'll continue doing so for years to come. What area of your home will you tackle first? Share your maintenance wins and challenges in the comments below—we'd love to hear what's worked well for you!