Autumn has finally settled in Howard County! Windy days and rainy nights can have adverse effects on any home. Try these fall homeowner maintenance tips and tricks to get your home in tip top shape for the season.

Deep Clean Your Kitchen – Your Dorsey kitchen is where you’ll be preparing those big holiday dinners. Start your fall cleaning with an in-depth purge and wipe down your kitchen. Use this easy to makeall-purpose surface cleanerfor the best results when cleaning counters and table tops.  Move on to the fridge by emptying it completely to wipe away any dried up spills and crumbs. Sprinkle a little baking soda once you’re finished to freshen up your fridge.

Coffee Cleanup- This neat trick is for our morning coffee drinkers. Run vinegar and hot water through your automatic coffee pot to get rid of excess coffee grounds that have built up in the ridges of the coffee maker.  

Boot Tray- No need to clean up slush, mud, and leaves from your Dorsey home’s entryway! Try these fun and creativeDIY shoe traysto hold your families muddy and wet footwear. The wood tray with rock filters fromReality Daydreamis our favorite! For an extra touch, place a sock bowl near your foyer so guest can keep their feet nice and warm while waiting to be entertained in your Dorsey home. 

Reverse Your Fans- Reversing your ceiling fans during the colder months can help reduce your home’s energy bill. The warm air generated by your homes ceiling fans will naturally rise to the highest point in your house. Running your ceiling fans blades counterclockwise will assist in naturally keeping your home warm without blasting your heat all winter.

Keep the Warm Air In- Cracks in your window seals and gaps under exterior doors, allows cold air to seep into your home. Check and repaircaulkingaround doors and windows that show signs of air leakage. Head to your local home improvement supplier for a door draft stopper. TheUltimate Twin Draft Guardfrom Bed Bath and Beyond is sure to do the trick!