5 simple things to do while you're stuck inside

Some parts of the country are experiencing unseasonably warm winters and other parts are the exact opposite. Here' in Colorado it's been about average but we are getting ready for a big snowstorm that is coming our way and I though it would be a good time to do some simple home maintenance tasks that I tend to procrastinate over.

If you find yourself stuck inside due to bad weather and need to take a break from surfing the internet here are 5 simple things you can do so you can feel somewhat productive in between watching youtube videos or playing Texas Hold 'em on Facebook:)

1. Inspect your roof from inside your attic.
   I recommend that homeowners do this at least once a year, especially if you don't regularly get on your roof to clean gutters like we do.  This is a pretty simple task although you'll need a good ladder and flashlight.  You might want to put on a dust mask, too.  The main thing you're looking for is any staining around penetrations like the one pictured here.  This may indicate you have a leak. If you inspect the attic on a regular basis you'll know whether this staining is new or from a previous problem that you've already fixed.
2. Clean out your tub and shower drains. There is a great little tool called a "Zip It" that you can pick up at your local Ace Hardware or home improvement store.  It is simple to use and very effective.  I have to clean my tub drain about once a month since I have longer hair.  If you haven't done this in a while, now is a good time. 
3. Re-caulk tubs and showers.This is one of those jobs that is most often ignored but can cause a lot of damage if it is ignored for too long.  Here's a link on some tips on caulking your tubs and showers. http://homeinfosource.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-caulk-tubs-showers-sinks-and.html . Be sure to remove all the old caulk before applying the new!
4. Clean out your dryer vent.This can sometimes be a 2 person job as it may require that you move your dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent.  If your laundry room is as small as mine this can really be a chore but it is still something that should be done.  If you can access it more easily from the outside this might be a chore better left for a nicer day.  You can purchase vent cleaning kits that have brushes attached to long flexible tubes. Here's a link to some information about dryer safety.  http://homeinfosource.blogspot.com/2010/11/clothes-dryer-fire-safety-maintenance.html 
5. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) website for recall notices for products you have in your home.  You're going to be on the internet anyway, it might as well be productive.  Here is a link to the search function on the CSPC website.  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html

For Example here is a list of all of the Refrigerators that have been recalled according to a search done on the CSPC site:

Liebherr Expands Recall of Refrigerators Due to Injury Hazard; Door Can Detach (November 16, 2011)

Liebherr Recalls Built-In Refrigerators Due to Injury Hazard; Door Can Detach (March 3, 2011)

Fagor America Inc. Recalls Refrigerators Due to Fire Hazard (December 16, 2010)

Liebherr Recalls Built-In Refrigerators Due to Injury Hazard; Door Can Detach (January 27, 2010)

Maytag Expands Recall of Refrigerators Due to Fire Hazard (August 25, 2009)

Viking Range Corporation Recalls Built-In Refrigerators Due to Injury Hazard; Doors Can Detach (June 16, 2009)

Maytag Recalls Refrigerators Due to Fire Hazard (March 10, 2009)

W.C. Wood Company Inc. Recall of Upright Freezers and Single Door Refrigerators (September 27, 2005)

LG Electronics and Sears, Roebuck and Co. Recall to Repair Refrigerators (June 29, 2005)

Kenmore Elite-Brand TRIO Model Refrigerators Recalled by Maytag Corporation (April 7, 2003)

Norcold Recalls Refrigerators (October 18, 2001)

Servel Gas Refrigerators Still In Use Can Be Deadly (July 22, 1998)

Amana/Kenmore Refrigerator Hazard Fix by Amana (November 3, 1994, Revised June 29, 2006)

Sub-Zero Will Inspect Refrigerators (September 19, 1994)

Refrigerator repaired by Kelvinator (December 20, 1977)

Refrigerator Repaired by Magic Chef (December 20, 1977)

Refrigerator Repaired by White-Westinghouse (December 20, 1977)

Refrigerator Repaired by Amana (August 22, 1977)