Opening Thoughts

As the owner of an old apartment, I've lived in this home for ten years. When I was house hunting, the realtor smiled and described the place as having "vintage charm." Young and naive, I thought it sounded appealing, but looking back, I was truly too innocent. Over these ten years, I've transformed from someone who knew nothing about home maintenance to a "semi-professional" who can handle things independently.

I remember when I first moved in, I had to call property management even for a leaky faucet. Now, I can handle about 80% of household issues. Honestly, this experience was gained through both time and money. Today, I'd like to share my decade of experience, especially with those who have just bought or are preparing to buy a home, hoping you can avoid some of the pitfalls.

Safety First

When it comes to home maintenance, many young people's first thought might be: making the home look beautiful and Instagram-worthy is the priority. However, I must emphasize that the most important aspect is checking safety systems.

A friend of mine who works in the fire department told me that many young people don't take home safety equipment seriously. He said that during emergency responses, they often find fire incidents occurred because smoke detectors were either malfunctioning or not installed at all. That's terrifying!

Last winter, late one night while I was binge-watching shows, I suddenly heard a "beep-beep" sound that startled me. After searching around, I discovered it was the smoke detector. At the time, I thought, "It's so late, maybe I'll deal with it tomorrow?" But when I checked, I found out it was a low battery warning. Honestly, if it weren't for this experience, I wouldn't have known that smoke detectors remind you to change batteries.

Now I've designated the 1st of each month as "Safety Day," and I religiously check all safety equipment. Speaking of which, why don't you try it now? Press the test buttons on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to check if the alarm sounds are clear. If they don't sound loud enough, replace the batteries immediately. This small expense isn't worth skimping on - it might save your life someday.

The Daily Life of Plumbing

When it comes to home hassles, the plumbing system takes the crown. Last year, a seemingly minor leak almost bankrupted me. Here's what happened: there was a water pipe under the master bedroom floor that had developed a small crack, probably due to age. I didn't notice it at first, until one day I found the floor was bulging and felt soft when stepped on.

When someone came to check, oh boy, the water had seeped into the walls! We had to tear up the entire master bedroom floor and redo the waterproofing on the walls. During that time, I slept on the living room couch, watching contractors come and go daily while my wallet got thinner than I did.

After this lesson, I now pay special attention to checking the plumbing system. I conduct a comprehensive inspection every month, and I'll share how to do it:

First, listen for sounds. Choose a very quiet time, like midnight (I usually pick around 1 AM when neighbors are asleep). Turn off all water sources in the house, then listen carefully for dripping sounds. Pay special attention to bathroom and kitchen corners, and areas where water pipes run.

Next, check the water meter. This is especially useful! First, ensure nothing in the house is using water (including toilet tanks), then record the meter reading. Check again after half an hour - if the number has changed, there's a leak somewhere. The first time I did this test, I discovered 0.5 cubic meters of water had leaked in just half an hour! I quickly called a plumber who found that the toilet's inlet valve was faulty.

Finally, feel around. Often leaks aren't visible, but you can feel moisture by hand. Now I trace along the pipes during each inspection, especially at the joints. Once, I discovered moisture at the washing machine's water inlet connection this way and replaced the gasket in time, preventing a potential leak.

Speaking of plumbing maintenance, here are some more practical tips:

Clean the drain pipes of sinks and kitchen drains monthly with specialized drain cleaner. I've tried many brands and found that effervescent tablet types work best and are gentler on pipes. It's best to do this at night since the cleaner needs to sit in the pipes for 6-8 hours.

For toilets, I recommend scrubbing weekly, focusing on the flush holes. I used to use regular toilet brushes, but later discovered a specialized brush with a curved hook works much better, reaching places you normally can't see. Also, never flush anything other than toilet paper, especially those "flushable" wet wipes - they really aren't flushable.

Hot water heater pipes also need regular inspection. I have an electric water heater, and I empty the storage tank every six months to flush out accumulated scale. By the way, it's best not to set the water temperature too high - 42°C is usually sufficient, which saves electricity and extends the heater's lifespan.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Air conditioners are truly a love-hate relationship. Love them for the comfort they bring, hate them for their frequent issues and high electricity consumption. When I first bought the house, my AC wasn't cooling properly - even after running all day, the room remained warm. Later, when the maintenance guy came to check, he said, "Your filter's become a blanket - air can't even pass through, of course it won't cool!"

That experience taught me a lesson. Now I change the AC filter every three months, which might seem frequent, but the results are worth it. First, the electricity bill noticeably decreased - I've calculated that for the same usage time, it saves nearly 15%. Second, the indoor air quality improved significantly - before, the air felt particularly dry with the AC on, but now it's much better.

Here's how I maintain the AC now:

Every month, I vacuum the visible parts, especially around the air intake. This step is super important because accumulated dust not only affects cooling efficiency but can also breed bacteria.

Every three months, I remove and clean the filter. Note that different AC brands may have different disassembly methods, so I recommend checking the manual first. During my first cleaning attempt, I was too rough and broke the filter's clips, forcing me to buy a new one. Just use warm water for cleaning - not too hot, as it can affect the filter's lifespan.

Every six months, I have professional AC cleaners do a deep clean. This expense is necessary because there are places we can't clean ourselves, like behind the fan blades. I previously thought hiring professionals was too expensive and tried to do it myself, but after opening it up, I realized the structure was much more complex than imagined and ended up calling professionals anyway.

There's also an often-overlooked detail: the outdoor unit needs regular cleaning too. Especially after spring, when things like willow catkins often accumulate on the outdoor unit. I rinse it with a water hose, being careful not to use too much pressure to avoid damaging the cooling fins.

Kitchen Matters

I believe the kitchen best reflects one's quality of life. Food from a clean and tidy kitchen always seems to taste better. But honestly, kitchen maintenance is the most troublesome because there are so many details to handle.

The range hood gives me the biggest headache. Initially, I was very casual about it, thinking cleaning the surface was enough. Until one time when a repairman came to check the electrical system and casually lifted the filter screen - the scene was horrifying! A thick layer of grease with a strange smell. The repairman said it was dangerous, as accumulated grease could cause fires.

Since then, I've paid special attention to cleaning the range hood. After multiple attempts, I've developed the most effective cleaning method:

First, cleaning the filter screen. I prepare a large basin with hot water (about 60°C), add two spoons of baking soda and a bit of dish soap. Soak the filter for about 15 minutes, and the grease will loosen automatically. Then gently scrub with a soft brush - it's very easy.

Cleaning the hood's exterior is also important. I spray specialized grease cleaner on the surface, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. Remember not to use rough scrubbing pads as they'll scratch the surface.

The ventilation duct also needs cleaning. It's best to have professional cleaning teams do this every six months. I used to think this was optional until I saw the bucket of grease they cleaned out - then I realized it was worth every penny.

There are many other kitchen details to note:

Gas stove cleaning requires special attention. I wipe it with a dry cloth after each use to prevent grease buildup. Use toothpicks to clean the burner holes regularly, or they might clog and affect burning efficiency.

The sink is most prone to dirt accumulation. I now use a draining basket that hangs on the sink edge instead of placing it directly on the sink bottom. After the last use each day, I clean with detergent and dry with a towel.

Cabinet maintenance is also important. My cabinets are wooden and especially susceptible to moisture. I place desiccant packets in the cabinets, replacing them every three months. The door hinges need regular oiling to prevent rust and squeaking.

Bathroom Mold Battle

The bathroom is definitely one of the most challenging areas at home, especially in northern climates. My bathroom used to worry me constantly - blackened corners, moldy tile grout, impossible to clean no matter how hard I tried.

After researching extensively, I discovered the main issue was insufficient ventilation. Now I manage my bathroom like this:

First, ventilation after showering. No matter how cold outside, the exhaust fan must run for at least half an hour. In winter, I close the bathroom door, ensuring ventilation while preventing cold air from entering other rooms.

Next is routine cleaning. I now use a diluted bleach solution (following the instructions for proper ratio) to wipe the walls and tile grout weekly. It might seem tedious at first, but trust me, once mold takes root, it's much harder to clean.

I've also hung a dehumidifier box containing activated charcoal to absorb excess moisture. This needs sun-drying or replacement every three months, or its effectiveness decreases.

Other bathroom details to note:

The shower head needs regular cleaning. With our hard water, it easily develops scale. I soak it in white vinegar then gently scrub with a toothbrush, making scale easy to remove.

The drain needs frequent clearing. I now pour drain cleaner weekly, followed by hot water. This prevents hair and dirt from clogging the pipes.

The towel rack must stay dry. I installed a heated towel rack, which prevents towel odors. Though it increases electricity costs slightly, it's very comfortable to use.

Mirror fogging is another issue. After trying many methods, I found anti-fog spray works best. Apply monthly, and the mirror won't fog up during showers.

Floor Care

Speaking of floors, that's truly one of my concerns. I have solid wood flooring, which the contractor said was top-grade and most durable. But over the years, I've found that even the best flooring shows age quickly without proper maintenance.

After years of exploration, I've developed a floor care routine:

First is controlling indoor humidity. I bought a clock with temperature and humidity display to monitor the environment constantly. The ideal humidity is between 45%-65% - too dry causes floor cracking, too humid leads to mold. In winter with heating, I use a humidifier; during summer's rainy season, a dehumidifier.

Next is immediate stain treatment. This is crucial - whether water or oil stains, handle them immediately. I keep wet wipes under the coffee table for unexpected situations. For water stains, immediately absorb with dry towels, then use a hair dryer. For oil stains, use specialized wood floor cleaner.

Daily cleaning is key. I use specialized floor cleaner and never use an overly wet mop. Each mopping should be quick, not letting water linger on the floor.

Here's a particularly useful tip: for furniture indentations, try this method: cover the dent with a damp cloth (not too wet), then iron on medium heat over the cloth. The wood slowly expands, restoring the dent. I fixed my dining table marks this way, with excellent results.

Other floor care details:

Put anti-slip pads under furniture feet. This investment is worthwhile, protecting floors and preventing noise when moving furniture.

Regular waxing is important. I wax every six months, protecting the surface and maintaining shine.

For minor scratches, try rubbing with walnut meat. Walnut oil penetrates the wood, making scratches less noticeable. I learned this trick from my grandmother - it really works.

Closing Thoughts

Writing this, I suddenly realized something: the most important aspect of home maintenance isn't these specific techniques, but developing regular inspection habits. Like brushing teeth daily, when these inspection items become habits, they don't feel particularly troublesome.

I now designate the first weekend of each month as "Home Maintenance Day." This day is for checking and cleaning everything that needs attention. Though it might take half a day, it prevents many problems and saves time in the long run.

Finally, I want to say that home maintenance truly requires gradually accumulated experience. What I've shared comes from years of exploration, but every home is different, and you can adjust based on your situation. The important thing is to start acting, and slowly you'll find methods that work best for you.

These are my experiences to share, hope they help. If you have any unique home maintenance tricks, welcome to tell me in the comments, let's improve together. After all, life is like this - learning new things every day and making our homes more comfortable is itself an interesting journey.