Everyone remembers to mow the lawn. But there's a whole list of tasks that get quietly ignored until they become problems.
The Forgotten 15
1. Fridge Coils
What: Condenser coils at the back or underneath your fridge.
Why it matters: Dust buildup makes your fridge work harder, use more electricity, and die sooner.
How often: Once a year.
How to do it: Pull out fridge, vacuum coils with brush attachment, wipe down.
2. Washing Machine Seal and Drawer
What: The rubber door seal and detergent drawer.
Why it matters: Black mould builds up. It smells. It gets on your "clean" clothes.
How often: Monthly wipe of seal. Quarterly deep clean of drawer.
How to do it: Wipe seal with diluted bleach solution. Remove drawer, soak and scrub.
3. Gutters
What: Those channels you never look at until water pours down the wall.
Why it matters: Blocked gutters cause overflows, damp, and damage.
How often: Twice a year (autumn and spring).
How to do it: Ladder, gloves, scoop out debris, flush with hose. Or call someone.
4. Extractor Fan Filters
What: The grease filters in your kitchen hood.
Why it matters: Clogged filters don't extract. Fire risk in worst cases.
How often: Every 1-3 months depending on cooking habits.
How to do it: Remove, soak in hot water with degreaser, scrub, rinse, dry.
5. Boiler Service
What: Annual check by a Gas Safe engineer.
Why it matters: Efficiency, safety, and warranty requirements.
How often: Annually - ideally autumn before you need heating.
How to do it: Book a service. Put it in your calendar.
6. Smoke Alarm Batteries
What: The batteries you only remember when it starts beeping at 3am.
Why it matters: Smoke alarms save lives. Dead batteries don't.
How often: Test monthly. Replace batteries annually (or when chirping).
How to do it: Press test button. Replace batteries. Mark in calendar.
7. Dishwasher Filter
What: The filter at the bottom of your dishwasher.
Why it matters: Catches food. When blocked, dishes come out dirty and it smells.
How often: Monthly.
How to do it: Twist out, rinse under hot water, scrub with brush, replace.
8. Radiator Bleeding
What: Releasing trapped air from your heating system.
Why it matters: Radiators with air pockets don't heat properly.
How often: Annually (autumn) or when you notice cold spots at top of radiator.
How to do it: Radiator key, cloth ready, open valve until water runs (no air), close.
9. Stopcock Check
What: Your main water shut-off valve.
Why it matters: In an emergency, you need to know it works.
How often: Every 6 months.
How to do it: Turn it off, turn it back on. Confirm it moves freely. If stiff, work it gently.
10. Sealant Around Baths and Showers
What: The silicone that keeps water out of gaps.
Why it matters: Failed sealant = water damage = expensive problems.
How often: Inspect annually. Replace when degraded or mouldy beyond cleaning.
How to do it: Remove old (Stanley knife, scraper), clean, apply new (caulk gun).
11. Window Tracks
What: The channels your windows slide in.
Why it matters: Dirt buildup prevents proper closing and sealing.
How often: Twice a year.
How to do it: Vacuum, wipe with damp cloth, lubricate with silicone spray.
12. Tumble Dryer Lint Filter
What: The filter you're supposed to clean after every use.
Why it matters: Fire hazard. Also reduces efficiency dramatically.
How often: After every use. Deep clean monthly.
How to do it: Remove lint. Monthly: vacuum the housing area and check vent pipe.
13. Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve
What: The safety valve on your hot water cylinder.
Why it matters: It's a safety device. If it's stuck, it can't work.
How often: Annually.
How to do it: Lift the lever briefly (water should release), let it snap back.
Caution: Water will be hot. Have a bucket ready.
14. Door Hinge Lubrication
What: The hinges on every door in your house.
Why it matters: Squeaks, stiffness, and eventual wear.
How often: Annually.
How to do it: WD-40 or light oil on each hinge. Work the door. Wipe excess.
15. External Drains
What: The gullies and drains around your property.
Why it matters: Blocked drains cause flooding, smells, and damage.
How often: Twice yearly and after storms.
How to do it: Clear visible debris from gratings. Remove and clean trap if accessible.
The Forgotten Maintenance Calendar
Monthly
- ☐ Washing machine seal wipe
- ☐ Dishwasher filter clean
- ☐ Smoke alarm test
- ☐ Tumble dryer lint filter (or after each use)
Quarterly
- ☐ Extractor fan filters
- ☐ Washing machine drawer deep clean
- ☐ Check visible sealant
Twice Yearly
- ☐ Gutter clear
- ☐ Window track clean
- ☐ Stopcock check
- ☐ External drains clear
- ☐ Door hinge lubrication
Annually
- ☐ Boiler service
- ☐ Smoke alarm battery replace
- ☐ Fridge coil clean
- ☐ Radiator bleed
- ☐ Sealant inspection
- ☐ Water heater PRV check
The Cost of Forgetting
| Forgotten Task | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|
| Gutter cleaning | Damp, rot, water damage: £500-5000+ |
| Boiler service | Breakdown, void warranty: £200-2500 |
| Sealant maintenance | Water damage to floor: £500-2000 |
| Smoke alarm batteries | Life safety |
| Washing machine seal | Mould, smells, potential flooding |
Prevention is always cheaper.
Getting Help
If the list feels overwhelming:
DIY-friendly:
- Smoke alarms
- Filter cleaning
- Radiator bleeding
- Lubrication tasks
Worth getting help for:
- Gutter cleaning (height/safety)
- Boiler service (legal requirement)
- Sealant replacement (skill needed)
- Anything you're not confident with
Need help catching up on maintenance? I do general maintenance visits across Exeter - work through your list in one session. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
