Reminders
It’s our mission to help you win every day. Our daily reminders feature helps you remember the things you need to do on the days you need to do it.
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27
Aug
Check fridge and freezer door seals
Inspect and clean fridge and freezer seals to maintain efficiency and food safety.
What you will need
- Warm soapy water
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Cotton swabs
- Dollar bill (for seal test)
Steps to follow
- Clean door seals with warm soapy water and soft cloth, removing food particles and sticky residue from grooves.
- Use cotton swabs to clean tight crevices and corners where buildup accumulates.
- Inspect entire seal perimeter for cracks, tears, or hardened areas that indicate wear.
- Test seal effectiveness by closing door on dollar bill - you should feel resistance when pulling it out.
- Check for gaps by looking for light leaking around closed door edges in darkened room.
Benefits
Save on energy bill
Reduces energy bills by $50–$150 annually through improved insulation and compressor efficiency
Keep your fridge going longer
Extends fridge life, avoiding replacement costs ($800–$2,000).
Avoids food waste
Keeps food fresher longer, reducing spoilage and waste ($20–$50 monthly)
26
Aug
Check fences for any gaps or weak spots that pets could exploit to escape
Inspect fence perimeter for holes, loose boards, and gaps underneath that allow pets to escape the yard.
What you will need
- Flashlight
- Shovel
- Hammer
- Nails or screws
- Extra wood, wire, or boards
Steps to follow
- Walk the entire fence perimeter, examining each section for loose or missing boards, broken pickets, or bent chain link.
- Check ground level along the fence line for holes or gaps where pets could dig under or crawl through.
- Test fence stability by gently pushing on posts and boards to identify loose connections or rotting wood.
- Examine gate hinges, latches, and closures to ensure they function properly and close securely.
- Measure any gaps larger than your pet's head, as animals can often squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
- Note locations and sizes of problems found for repair planning.
Benefits
Don't lose your furry friend
Reduces risk of liability if a pet escapes and causes damage
No pricey vet bills
Avoids potential $475–$1,080+ veterinary bills from traffic accidents or injuries while loose
Stay secure
Extends fence life by fixing small issues before full replacement
25
Aug
Install fencing or plant guards to protect garden from pests
Use fencing or plant guards to keep pests from damaging your garden.
What you will need
- Garden fencing
- Fence posts or stakes
- Wire cutters
- Hammer or post driver
- Zip ties or wire
- Measuring tape
Steps to follow
- Identify target pests and select appropriate fencing.
- Measure garden perimeter and purchase extra fencing material to account for corners and overlaps.
- Drive fence posts every few feet around garden perimeter using hammer or post driver.
- Attach fencing to posts using zip ties or wire, ensuring bottom edge touches ground to prevent burrowing.
- Bury bottom 2–3 inches of fencing underground or bend outward to deter digging animals.
- Install gate or removable section for garden access and maintenance.
Benefits
No need for pesticides
Eliminates need for expensive pesticides and repellents costing $50–$150 per season
Save on seed costs
Protects investment in seeds, plants, and garden preparation time valued at $200+
Protects green investment
Avoids replanting costs and labor
24
Aug
Check the AC drain pipe for clogs
Inspect your AC drain pipe for clogs to prevent water leaks and damage.
What you will need
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Garden hose
- Wire coat hanger or drain snake
- Flashlight
Steps to follow
- Turn off AC system and locate condensate drain line - typically a PVC pipe near outdoor unit or utility room.
- Check for standing water around indoor unit or water stains on walls indicating backup.
- Remove drain cap and inspect visible portion of pipe for obvious blockages or algae buildup.
- Use wet/dry vacuum to suction debris from drain line opening for 2-3 minutes.
- Flush line with garden hose from outside end, forcing water back toward indoor unit to clear remaining blockage.
Benefits
Avoid costly repairs
Prevents water damage repairs costing $500–$3,000
No need for repairman
Avoids AC service calls ($100–$250 per visit)
Maximise AC usage
Extends AC life by keeping the system moisture-free
23
Aug
Check dishwasher door for mildew or mold and clean the seals
Inspect dishwasher seals for mildew or mold and clean them to keep your appliance hygienic.
What you will need
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Mild bleach solution or vinegar
- Microfiber cloths
- Cotton swabs
- Rubber gloves
Steps to follow
- Remove bottom dish rack to access lower door seal and inspect for black spots, discoloration, or musty odors.
- Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water or use white vinegar for cleaning solution.
- Dip toothbrush in solution and scrub door seals, paying attention to grooves and crevices where buildup occurs.
- Use cotton swabs dipped in solution to clean tight spaces and corners around door frame.
- Wipe down all cleaned areas with damp microfiber cloth to remove loosened debris and cleaning residue.
- Leave dishwasher door slightly open after cleaning to allow complete air drying and prevent moisture buildup.
Benefits
Avoid paying for replacement
Prevents $50–$125 door seal replacement costs from mold damage and deterioration
Keeps it around
Extends dishwasher life, avoiding early replacement ($400–$1,200)
Stay safe
Keeps dishes sanitary, reducing health risks
22
Aug
Clean out the pantry of expired items
Remove expired and spoiled food items from your pantry to prevent pest infestations and food poisoning.
What you will need
- Trash bags
- Cleaning cloth or paper towels
- All-purpose cleaner
- Storage containers (optional)
Steps to follow
- Remove all items from pantry shelves, placing them on a counter or table for easy inspection.
- Check expiration dates on each item. Look for "best by," "use by," or "expiration" dates printed on packaging.
- Inspect canned goods for dents, rust, or swelling. Discard any damaged cans regardless of expiration date.
- Examine dry goods like flour, rice, and cereal for signs of insects, webbing, or unusual odors.
- Wipe down all pantry shelves with all-purpose cleaner before returning items.
- Place items back in pantry with earliest expiration dates in front for easy access.
Benefits
Stop food waste
Prevents monthly food waste from expired items going unused
No need for pest control
Avoids $100-$300 pest control costs from insect or rodent infestations
Save on your grocery bill
Saves money by avoiding duplicate purchases when the pantry is organized
31
Jul
Ensure your doghouse is moved to a shady spot and has ventilation for air flow
If you’re hot, your dog’s hotter. It’s National Pet Backyard Safety Day. Let’s sort their shelter. Move the doghouse to a shady spot. Check for airflow to keep them cool—you can cut vents if needed. Add a cooling mat or frozen water bottle inside. Hydration and shade make one happy pup.
30
Jul
Clean out irrigation filters and check sprinkler timers
Do you have brown patches on your lawn? Your sprinklers are slacking. It’s National Garden Sprinkler Day—let’s tune them up. Here’s how. Turn off the water. Remove and rinse filters, clean nozzles with a toothbrush, and test zones one by one. Reset your timers if it’s needed. Your garden deserves precision.
29
Jul
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
Rain’s coming. Is your gutter ready or growing its own forest? It’s Rain Day, so it’s time to clear the gutters. Use gloves and a scoop to pull out leaves, twigs, and muck. Flush the downspouts with a hose. Check for any clogs and cracks. Doing this quick task will keep water flowing where it should and down your walls.