If you feel overwhelmed by your daily to-do list and can’t imagine where you could fit in “regular maintenance”, you’re not alone. So many people feel like they are falling behind on things that should get done, often sacrificing it for things that have to get done. However, if we make a commitment and get into the habit of making time once a week to maintain regular, everyday things, then that ends up on the “has to” list and will finally get done. These are some basic tasks that you should be tacking onto your weekly “to-do’s”
- Your Car
It’s easy to fall into the mindset that if you change your car’s oil when the sticker tell you to, you’re better than fine. The truth is that a car runs on more than fuel and oil, and it will need proper maintenance to service you properly for years to come. Though no one has time to do a full check up on a weekly basis, it’s a good idea to at least check your tires’ pressure weekly, along with an exterior body check. Take a few minutes to give your car a once over, checking for any scratches and dents that could have occurred over the last week, cracks in mirrors or windows, and signs of paint chipping or rust. These are things that should be dealt with, or at least recorded, as soon as possible. Every few weeks, check your fluid levels, the functioning of all your lights, and the battery. To keep your car looking fresh and new, vacuum the inside, wash the outside, and rinse your rubber mats. This way, your car will retain good resale value, as it will look newer and in good shape, no matter the age.
- Your Bicycle
More and more people are beginning to use their bicycles to get to work and run errands, especially in urban areas. Some of these people think that because it’s not a car, their bicycle requires no maintenance. And though it definitely has fewer things that can go wrong, a bike still needs to be properly and regularly maintained, especially when it is used often. On a weekly basis, it’s important to check the pressure of your tires. Having fully inflated tires means that you will have an easier time getting around as you’ll be putting in less effort and moving faster. Isn’t that great? Another simple thing you can do, even if you are not mechanically inclined, is to keep all the bicycle’s moving parts clean. Use an old t-shirt or a soft rag to remove any dust or small particles which could be trapped in the chain or gears. Then get a few drops of WD-40 or any cleaner on your rag to remove any rust and resistant dirt which might still be on there. To top it off, spray some rust resistant products to keep the chain from being affected by water, and then lubricate as necessary. The cleaner the bike, the smoother your ride.
- Filters Around the House
Some of us don’t know (or pretend not to) that there are several different kinds of filters in a home, all of which need to be replaced at one point or another. Depending on the type, these filters need to be replaced monthly, quarterly, annually, or every few years. However, most of us don’t even check up on, not to mention fail to replace, filters in the kitchen hood, the HVAC, the water tap, or around the drains in our bathrooms. Make a list of filters which need checking, cleaning, or replacing, and make a point of addressing at least one filter a week. It will make for a cleaner and healthier home.
- Dishwasher and Laundry Machine
Home appliances all have different roles in our lives and require different maintenance to keep in top shape. However, some require weekly attention in order to do their job properly. Any appliance which is supposed to clean something, like the dishwasher or the laundry machine, should be clean itself. Far too many people make this an annual occurrence, but frequently cleaning out your washing appliances is not just good hygiene, it’s common sense. Once you empty the dishwasher drain from any gunk you may fund, run an empty dishwasher cycle with some baking soda and a cup of vinegar to get all your racks and dishwasher walls nice and clean. With your laundry machine, also apply a baking powder and white vinegar treatment, but before you turn on the hot water cycle, soak and scrub any removable parts and wipe down the exterior with a cloth. After you run the washer, wipe down the inside drum with your cloth and a little vinegar, and voila, you’re done!
- Your Skin and Hair
Finally, we can get so caught up maintaining all of your major appliances and assets, that we forget to spend some time on maintaining ourselves. Regardless of whether you are a man or woman, it’s important to set some time away weekly for personal maintenance, which includes taking care of your nails, skin, hair, and body. Schedule a massage if you are feeling tense or are in pain, or benefit from a glycolic peel to exfoliate a thin outer layer of dead skin cells, eliminate impurities and tightens pores. Don’t ignore or forget about scheduling time for your body, because proper maintenance means better health, being more in tune with yourself, and respecting all that your body is and can do.
Take care of it, and it will take care of you. Though it’s not always the case, in general, regular maintenance protects your investment, keeping your possessions and yourself in good shape for a healthier and safer life.
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