Home Sweet Home – your monthly essential home maintenance checklist

Looking after your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or overly technical. By tackling a few small jobs regularly, you can keep things running smoothly, spot issues early and help avoid bigger (and more expensive) problems later on.

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so a little routine care really does go a long way. Staying on top of basic maintenance helps protect the structure of your property and keeps it comfortable and enjoyable to live in.

Monthly maintenance tasks

These are simple checks you can build into your routine, which you can either spread out across the month, or tackle all in one go, depending on your style! Most take just a few minutes but can make a real difference over time as well as keeping your home in good condition – and don’t forget, problems caused by general wear and tear aren’t covered by your home insurance.

This isn’t a full list of everything you could do, just a guide to help you get started.

Heating and ventilation

• Check your boiler pressure is within the recommended range and keep an eye out for any error messages.
• Use an extractor fan in your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room to help reduce moisture (and if you’re thinking about installing one, it’s best to speak to a professional).
• Check extractor fans are working properly and venting outside, rather than just recirculating air.
• Open windows on warm, dry days to improve airflow throughout your home, just don’t forget to close them after!
• Clear dust from heating and cooling vents so air can circulate properly.
• Bleed radiators if they feel cold at the top as trapped air can reduce efficiency and create chilly, damp-prone spots.
• Make sure air bricks and external vents aren’t blocked by leaves, soil or debris.

Kitchen & laundry

• Clean and check tiles, grout, cupboards and other fittings for signs of wear or moisture.
• Remove lint from the dryer filter and make sure the appliance is well ventilated to prevent damage or, at worse, a fire in your home.
• Inspect hoses for leaks or drips.
• Open windows where possible to improve airflow and help prevent mould.
• Check seals around sinks, splash backs and worktops for cracks that could let water seep in.
• Wipe down cupboards under sinks as moisture often builds up here unnoticed.
• Try to avoid drying clothes indoors without ventilation; if you do, use an extractor fan or dehumidifier.

Bathroom

• Clean and inspect tiles, grout, cupboards and other bathroom fixtures.
• Check taps, shower heads and toilets for slow leaks.
• Look at pipes under basins and vanities for water stains or damp patches.
• Inspect sealant around baths, showers and basins and replace it if it’s worn or cracked.
• Leave doors or windows open after showers to let moisture escape more quickly.
• Make sure extractor fans switch on automatically or remember to turn them on during and after bathing.

Plumbing and appliances

• Look for signs of leaks under sinks, around toilets and behind appliances.
• Clean dishwasher filters and tumble dryer vents to help appliances run efficiently and reduce the risk of breakdowns or overheating.
• Check electrical sockets for frayed cords, loose plugs, overloading or cracked switches.
• Know where your stop tap is and check that it turns easily, just in case you ever need to shut off the water quickly.
• Make sure washing machine and dishwasher hoses aren’t kinked or rubbing against hard surfaces.
• Listen out for unusual noises from appliances, as these can be early warning signs of a fault or leak.

Tips for first-time homeowners

If you’re new to home ownership, it can help to set aside a small maintenance budget each month, so costs feel more predictable. Know when to call a professional - electrical work, gas appliances and structural issues should always be handled by qualified experts. Don’t be afraid to ask for their qualifications and certifications when booking them in for a job. Staying organised with a digital calendar or reminder app can also make it easier to keep track of jobs without relying on memory alone.

Regular home maintenance is about keeping your property safe, comfortable and enjoyable to live in. While no checklist can prevent every issue, staying on top of routine jobs can reduce the risk of costly repairs down the line.

Having suitable home insurance in place adds another layer of support, helping you feel more prepared when the unexpected happens. Take a look at our cover for more info.