We may earn revenue from products available on this page and may participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
July’s long days and warm weather mean there are plenty of good reasons to be outside, and no shortage of tasks to tackle. There’s plenty to do indoors, too, and the good news is you can keep cool while doing it. This month’s to-do list includes some cleaning, some plant feeding, and preparations for both the storm and the vacation.
1. Spruce up your basement
In most homes, the basement is the coolest room in the entire house, which makes it great A place to hide in summer. If you don’t have the time or money to devote to a full basement remodel, you can make a few simple changes to maximize the space. Consider Concrete floor paintingOr other DIYing Basement flooring Alternatives If you’re not eager to do a reno, consider shopping for a secondhand pool table, table tennis setup, or another way to keep your crew entertained indoors.
2. Keep up with swimming pool maintenance
At this time of year, pool care and maintenance may seem like a part-time job, but it’s one with big, rewarding rewards. Be sure to test the water as well Pool Test Kit At least twice a week, Treat the water with pool shock Every week, maintain chlorine and pH levels to reduce algae growth, and remove leaves and debris that can clog pool filters and drains.
3. Be prepared for storms
Don’t wait for storm clouds or tornado warnings before stocking up on your extreme weather supplies. Make sure to have Flashlight And stock up on batteries, and food and water on hand. When you receive news that a severe storm may be headed your way, be sure to charge your mobile devices. If you live in a flood-prone area, be sure Sump pump is in good working order. Finally, make sure your Bug-out bag required Always fresh and ready to go.
4. Secure your home before leaving town
Before you embark on a journey, take some time Protect the house against intruders. Overgrown lawns, overfilled mailboxes, and dim porch lights all signal to would-be burglars that your home is unoccupied and an easy target for a home invasion. Stay on the defensive by hiring the neighborhood kid to mow the lawn and contact the post office to stop your mail. To keep the lights on while you’re out, use or invest in a light timer Smart light switches.
5. Remove bugs from outdoor light fixtures
There are few summer pastimes as relaxing as enjoying a quiet evening on the porch with friends and family, but fraught with mistakes. Outdoor light fixtures Can kill the mood quickly. After making sure it’s cool to the touch, open the glass part of the fixture, rinse off any debris or dead flies, then replace it. To reduce insect activity in the area, look for hanging Bug Zapper nearby
6. Clean the refrigerator
Here’s a project for a fun summer day: Deep-clean the inside of the refrigerator. Remove food, condiments and fridge liners and clean everything with warm water and mild dish soap. Clean crumbs from gaskets, as well as wire racks, crevices and crisper drawer backs. Wipe the spice jars and cartons to remove sticky spots before returning them to the fridge. Take some time to make sure The refrigerator temperature is at its optimal settingAnd switch out Refrigerator water filter If there is time to do so. We wouldn’t blame you if you spent an extra minute or two in the cold air!
7. Maintain the best birdbath on the block
Help backyard wildlife beat the heat this summer by adding a Bird bath in your garden. Water will attract songbirds to the yard, bringing some excitement to your outdoor space. Be sure to dump the water regularly to remove mosquito larvae, and Keep the bird bath clean And safe for your feathered friends. If you’re not sure where it should go in the yard, read our guide Best places to put a birdbath.
8. Feed the flowers
Now is prime growing season for plants, but they still need food to keep them big and lush. Use liquid fertilizerFeed outdoor container plants twice a week. Feed the soil, not the leaves; Avoid soaking plant foliage to reduce the risk of burn. Your garden will reward you with rapid growth and beautiful flowers, practically overnight.
9. Repair and seal the driveway
If your home has a driveway, identify a sunny but not hot spot for a few days this month to give your home some TLC. Depending on whether your driveway is asphalt, concrete, gravel, or another material, this may include special attention Filling cracks in asphalt or concrete, adding more gravel (and killing any weeds that are growing out of the stones), and Removing stains from driveway surfaces. Once these tasks are done, think Sealing the driveway (Recommended every 3 or so years for asphalt and every 4 to 5 years for concrete). Now your home approach is good as new!
10. Nurture roses
If you have it in your garden, you know it Roses need special care to reach their full potential. Since their roots go deep, frequent watering is important. So, too, does a dedicated use Rose fertilizerWhich you should put down after each flush of new blooms.
Meet the tools of the year 2025
