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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31
Aug
Clean and inspect solar lights
Clean solar lights to keep them bright and extend their lifespan.
What you will need
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Mild soap and water
- Cotton swabs
- Replacement batteries (if needed)
- Small screwdriver
- Wire brush (for corrosion)
Steps to follow
- Remove solar lights from stakes or mounting hardware for easier cleaning and inspection.
- Wipe solar panel surfaces with damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt, pollen, and grime.
- Dry panels completely with a clean cloth to prevent water spots that can reduce charging efficiency.
- Open battery compartment and check for corrosion on terminals (white or green buildup around connections).
- Clean corroded terminals with cotton swab or small wire brush, then test battery voltage or replace if old.
- Reassemble lights and test operation by covering solar panel to trigger nighttime mode.
Benefits
Protect your eco investment
Extends lifespan of solar lights, avoiding replacements ($20–$40 per unit)
Maintain outdoor safety
Keeps outdoor areas safer with brighter lighting
Improve effeciency
Maintains energy savings by ensuring efficient charging
30
Aug
Clean out your chimney
Remove soot and creosote buildup from your chimney to reduce fire risk and improve airflow.
What you will need
- Drop cloths or tarps
- Vacuum cleaner
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Dust mask
- Work gloves
- Plastic bags for debris
- Chimney brush (for basic cleaning)
Steps to follow
- Lay drop cloths around fireplace area and ensure damper is closed to prevent debris from falling into room.
- Remove grate, andirons, and any remaining ashes or debris from firebox using vacuum or shovel.
- Open damper and shine flashlight up chimney to check for obvious obstructions such as birds' nests or large debris.
- Use chimney brush to scrub firebox walls and smoke chamber area that you can safely reach.
- Vacuum loose debris and soot from accessible areas, working from top of firebox upward.
- Schedule professional cleaning if you notice heavy creosote buildup, white staining on exterior, or strong odors.
Benefits
Good fire safety
Prevents $10,000-$50,000+ house fire damage from chimney fires caused by creosote ignition
Avoid costly repairs
Extends chimney life, avoiding costly repairs ($450+)
Preserve professional results
Maintains $150-–$00 annual professional cleaning effectiveness by extending time between services
29
Aug
Check your car’s oil and coolant levels
Check oil and coolant levels in your car to prevent overheating and engine damage.
What you will need
- Paper towels or rags
- Funnel (if topping up)
- Engine oil (correct grade)
- Coolant (pre-mixed or diluted as recommended)
Steps to follow
- Park on level ground and turn off engine. Wait 10-15 minutes for oil to settle back into the oil pan.
- Locate the oil dipstick (usually has a yellow or orange handle) and pull it out completely.
- Clean dipstick with cloth, reinsert fully, then pull out again to check oil level against minimum and maximum marks.
- Find the coolant reservoir tank (translucent plastic container near radiator) and check fluid level against minimum/maximum marks.
- Check coolant color - it should be clear green, orange, or pink depending on type. Brown or rusty coolant needs replacement.
- Add appropriate fluids if levels are below minimum marks, but do not overfill.
Benefits
No roadside assistance costs
Avoids roadside breakdown costs ($100–$300 towing fees)
Keeps engine running longer
Extends engine life through proper lubrication and cooling
No pricey engine repairs
Prevents engine repairs that can cost $2,000–$5,000
28
Aug
Check the pool pump basket
Inspect and clean your pool pump basket to prevent clogs and keep water circulating properly.
What you will need
- Garden hose
- Gloves
- Screwdriver (if needed)
- Bucket or trash bag
- Small brush or old toothbrush
Steps to follow
- Turn off pool pump at the circuit breaker or timer to ensure safe access to equipment.
- Remove the pump lid by unscrewing or lifting off the plastic cover on top of the pump.
- Lift out the plastic basket from inside the pump housing using the handle or rim.
- Empty debris into trash bag and rinse basket thoroughly with garden hose to remove stuck dirt.
- Check basket for cracks or damage that could allow debris to pass through to the pump.
- Replace basket in pump housing and secure lid tightly before restarting pump.
Benefits
Avoid replacement costs
Prevents $500 pump motor replacement from overheating due to restricted flow
Save on pool chemicals
Improves water circulation, reducing chemical use by $50–$100 yearly
Keeps pump going
Extends pump lifespan by reducing strain
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