Category: Homeowner Maintenance

Maintaining Your Water Heater

On By Rachel MersingerIn Homeowner Maintenance, Learn

Your water heater is a modern-day convenience. We don’t always think about it like that or having to live without them until something goes wrong. Many of us have experienced when a water heater has died – and it’s not fun. Cold showers or water leaks are not welcomed surprises.

Water heaters last an average of 10 years and like any appliance, they require a little maintenance to keep working efficiently. To get the most out of your water heater it’s a good idea to do some check-ins.  Once a year, schedule time to either hire someone to complete maintenance or make plans to do it yourself. Also, be sure to consult the owner’s manual that came with the water heater so that you can follow the manufacturer’s recommended steps and to safely perform the maintenance.  In addition, hire a licensed plumber or pipe fitter to aide in any maintenance if you are unsure how to safely accomplish these tasks.

A visual inspection is something you can do yourself. This helps to identify any issues on the exterior such as loose screws, nuts, bolts, and gaskets. The goal with the visual inspection is to see what is worn and may need replacing and check for signs of rust or corrosion.

General Maintenance Tips to Consider:

  • Have the tank drained once or twice a year. During this process, flush the tank a couple of times to make sure all the sediment and debris is cleared out of the tank.
  • Besides just cleaning the water, the anode rod should be checked once a year. The purpose of this rod is to attract all the debris and sediment. This rod typically needs replacing every three to five years.
Photo of Water heater in utility closet

  • If your water heater has a temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve), add checking the T&P valve to your list to make sure it is in proper working order. This is important to check as pressure can build up in the tank.  As mentioned above, be sure to consult the owner’s manual in order to safely perform this task. Not all water heaters have a T&P valve.

If your water heater is gas, it will have this valve. Some electric water heaters also have this.

  • If you have a tankless water heater, make sure to descale your water heater to rid the sediment and debris. Make sure the tankless heater is set appropriately and not too high. Doing this will decrease the buildup.

Signs your water heater may need maintenance:

  • leaks
  • low water pressure
  • hear clicking or if your water is rusty

Keeping a mindful eye on your water heater at least once a year will clue you into when it is nearing the end of its life span and help to keep it working efficiently. Doing this should help prevent any of those unwanted surprises.

Keep Maintaining Your Home!


woman cleaning in her spring kitchen

Say Hello to Spring with these Seasonal Maintenance Ideas

On By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance

Winter is hard on your mobile home, but spring is here! With that in mind let’s explore how you can prepare your home for the season change. This is a time for cleaning. So find your overalls, pull your hair back, and gather your tools – it’s time to freshen up your home from the inside out!

If you’ve got a nicely landscaped yard, you’ll definitely need to get busy. Plants and grasses need prep work in March. Even though weather is pretty unruly during this time – one thing is for sure: warmer air is coming. Check out some of the options below to get you started.

“Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

Front_Porch_Lifestyle_2017-14
Make your home shine by trying some spring maintenance!

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Tips for Hanging Curtains in Your Manufactured Home

On By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance

Manufactured homes often have smaller or nonconventional sized windows, thin window frames, or vinyl on gypsum walls that will require unique options for curtains. With a variety of different home types, this often requires you to be creative about how to hang curtains. We’ll look at some ways that will make it easy to enjoy curtains in your home.

  1. Easy ways to hang curtains –
  • Tension rods – These are probably the easiest, most affordable option. Tension rods fit to the frame using an internal suspension system. You will have to measure the maximum stretch of the rod to your window frame to ensure that it will reach. It’s best to pick one that is somewhat larger than it needs to be so that the fit is snug.
  • Magnetic rods / magnetic curtains – If your window frames are metal you may want to think of a magnetic option. You can find rods that connect magnetically, or you can even look for magnetic curtains that need no rod and connect at the top and bottom or all the way around your window frame.
  • Adhesive strips – These can be a quick option for lightweight curtains. These can add up in cost, so you’ll want to pick a curtain type that only has a few loops, or you also can lace a string or ribbon through the loops and just hook the ends.
  • Wall anchors – Thin wall anchors are helpful when you’re trying to hang something heavy in a mobile home. If you’re wanting to use a traditional rod – this is a good option to ensure it doesn’t damage your wall and stays put. Learn more about how to use thin wall anchors here.

2. Tips for how to hang curtains –

  • To make your windows seem larger and the room feel bigger, try purchasing curtains longer than your window. This is common advice found in home magazines. Often using curtains that hang to the ground looks best regardless of window size, but it’s up to you.
Curtains hung in a mobile home.
See how much light and space this trick adds!
  • If you’re using a regular rod, try hanging your curtains higher than the window. This will also make the windows feel bigger and will balance out the space around your window by framing it higher.
  • For magnetic or tension rods, try tying the curtain up in the middle or to the side for an added touch of style.

3. Tips for types of curtains to use-

  • Try using curtains that are light weight and opaque to keep your home well lit. With lightweight curtains, you will not have to worry if the fabric is too heavy for the rod or the hanging option you choose.  These add a classy touch to your home by allowing the light to stream in.
  • If you need curtains to block the light, try to find lightweight ones and ensure their weight will not bring down the hanging device you have chosen.

We hope that this has you inspired to hang or try something new with your curtains in your home.

More Homeowner Tips!

Man closing window.

7 Affordable Remedies for Drafts in Your Mobile Home

On By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance

Making your home well insulated is an important way to keep your home energy efficient. We pay for heat and air, but how much do we pay for air that escapes or seeps in? If your home is drafty, older, or just needs some reinforcement this is the article for you. Check out these simple ways to reduce drafts!

  • Draft snake – These are great for sealing doorways where the door is too short or doesn’t quite line up correctly. There are various types of draft snakes that slide on the bottom of the door to buffer both sides or ones that you can place directly in front of the door. 
  • Window plastic film – If you have old windows or just windows that let air in you may find placing a plastic film is a good, cost efficient solution – especially in winter. Most of them apply easily with a tape or have you use a hair dryer to bond the edges to your window frame.
  • Weather stripping – Updating your weather stripping is a great way to seal out cold/ hot air. Check around those doors and windows for easy places to put new weather stripping or to place some where there needs to be.
  • Chimney balloon – Fireplaces are great for logs but are notorious for letting in air. Sealing it with an inflatable chimney balloon will keep critters out and keep that air from filling your home.
  • Landscaping around your home – Oddly enough having a flower bed or landscaping around your home isn’t just pretty – it helps keep your home warm. Try placing some large bushes around your home to keep your home snuggled up for the cold season and keep cool air in during the warm months. 
Caulk gaps around your window.
  • Caulking – This one is a timeless classic. Caulk is usually best used around windows and will keep drafts out as well as being super easy and inexpensive to apply. It’s also perfect for small cracks.
  • Spray foam – A lot of times the issue with drafts in a home can be linked to poor insulation. However, that can add up or be a bigger project than you might be willing to take on. If so, spray foam insulation can be a good option. It’s easy to do and you only need one person to get the job done.

We hope that this can be a quick reference to hopefully help you find ways to improve energy efficiency in your home as well as stay warm or cool give the respective season.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

On By Maggie S.In Featured, Homeowner Maintenance

It’s time to prep your mobile home for winter. There are plenty of easy and efficient ways to protect your home from the elements and clean out seasonal build-up. So print out this checklist and get started! If your home could talk – it would thank you for following this guide!

  • Change air filters: Easy to do and it maintains indoor air quality and ensures your AC/Heat flows efficiently
  • Remove window units or winterize them
  • Check for leaks: Do your windows need to be caulked? Have a dripping sink? Remedy these areas to save on your utility bills.
  • Clean + prepare chimney/ fireplace: Consider hiring a chimney sweep. Clean up your fireplace if it can be used or stuff the chimney appropriately. Be sure to ask for professional help if you’re unsure how to clean or use your fireplace.
  • Clean out gutters
  • Put garden hoses up: drain the hose and disconnect it so the water doesn’t freeze and ruin your hose.
  • Seal interior/ exterior gaps: Be sure your home is well insulated.
  • Collect firewood: If you have a wood stove or want to have bonfires now is the time to start collecting.
  • Check your roof: Weathering over time has probably left your roof with some wear and tear. Be sure it’s fixed before winter when snow and freezing temperatures can damage your roof.

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Here’s to being prepared and a great winter! This may also be a great time to consider checking into insulation options for your home if you notice a need for it in your mobile home!

Fall Home Maintenance: Clearing Leaves

On By Rachel MersingerIn Homeowner Maintenance

When the leaves change color, it is one of the most loved moments of fall. Their bright colors add so much beauty to the world. With the leaves changing, it is means it is time for them to fall. While leaves can look pretty both on the ground or on the trees, leaves can cause some issues around the home.

 We suggest focusing on problem areas such as gutters, flower beds, wood surfaces, and walkways for clearing leaves.

  • Clearing leaves from your gutters will ensure they can drain properly in the upcoming season.
  • Removing leaves from flower beds will prevent animals from setting up residence close to your home. It will also allow plenty of sunlight to reach the soil so in the springtime your plants will thrive.
  • Leaves can potentially stain wooden areas such as a deck or porch. It can also cause the wood to rot. Sweep them off as often as you can!
  • Removing leaves from walkways is important as they can cause the area to be slick when it rains.
Someone removing leaves from a gutter with bright orange gloves.

Clearing leaves in your yard is not a must, but it is good for the environment. However, it does help to keep the areas around your home clean and safe if you choose to pick them up.

Removing leaves is a simple process, you can either use a rake, mulch them up with a lawnmower, or gather them in a pile with a leaf blower. Once they are collected into a pile, there are several solutions for ridding the leaves.

  • Use the leaves for your compost pile
  • Burn leaves (check your local area to make sure there is not an ordinance about burning leaves or if there is a burn ban)
  • Bag them for trash
  • See if your community has leaf pickup days

Leaf maintenance can be a year-round job, so do not stress every time a leaf blows into your yard from somewhere else. Creating a good routine will help to keep the project manageable.

For more items you need to prepare your home for, check out our fall maintenance list.

Woman organizing dishes in the kitchen cabinet.

Decluttering Your Home with a Monthly Walk Through

On By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance, Lifestyle

The best remedy for a busy household is a routine that sticks. You might be thinking of your morning or nightly routine, and that is definitely part of it. However, the routine I’m thinking of is when it comes to your home. That’s right – I’m talking about home organization. It’s amazing what a monthly check in can do for your home and your sanity!

So, let’s break this down and discover some great options for keeping your home in order.

The monthly walk through can sound intimidating, I get it. Bear with me. If you can find a few hours toward to beginning or the end of the month to walk through your home and process the items – you’ve won half the battle. Schedule this in advance if you have kids or a busy schedule to where someone helps you or watches your kids for a bit. It can change as the months do – make it work for you.

Utensils in organizers in a kitchen drawer.
Knowing where your utensils are makes for a happy kitchen!
Dishes in a kitchen cabinet with a cookbook and coffee mug tree.
Pantry of food organized into containers.

How to get the most out of your walk through:

  • Set a couple boxes out for donation or sale (depends on how much you must sort through)
  • Set out a trash bag
  • Use a designated area for items in the wrong place or that need to be relocated
  • Grab some post its (To label or write out where you want something to go later)
  • Motivation: caffeine, music, having guests at your home, clearing more space for family, etc.
  • Focus on the room you’re in until your done with it
  • Ask yourself: “Have this been used or worn in a year?” “Is this in the most practical place it could be?” “Do I need this or really want it?” Etc.

As you go through each room you don’t have to pull things out of closets, drawers, or under the bed. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Start with clutter or items sitting out. Then after you’ve done this system for a while you can dig deeper into the details, or you may already have things pretty organized. Start where you’re at and let yourself progress. You’ll find not only will your home become more organized, but you’ll be downsizing some of your stuff.

Once you’re able to go through your home fully you should have 3 areas/ bins/ boxes. One for donations/sale, one for items that can relocate to another room or place, and trash items. Follow up after your monthly organization by going ahead and putting these items in their new place.

Click For Cleaning Tips!

I hope that you can implement this strategy and that it serves you and your family well.  Happy organizing!

Man spraying outside of mobile home for bugs with a natural spray.

Natural Remedies for Keeping Bugs Out of Your Space

On By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance, Lifestyle

Being outside is probably one of my favorite things. However, summer can make the outside and even the inside of my home breeding ground for an array of insects.

As I’ve started a veggie garden and have pets running inside and out – I’ve wanted to find natural, safe ways to get rid of bugs so as not to harm the animals, plants, or people. I’ve found that even though these remedies may not act as fast, they are still perfectly efficient. Plus, many of these homemade options are cheaper than a heavy-duty alternative. Obviously, huge infestations or structural issues with your home will need a professional, but for your small to moderate bug issues – try the ideas below!

Make your own natural remedies to protect your home from pests!

Bugs in general –

  • Lavender – you can spray a lavender mixture around your home or keep dried bits of it around to repel annoying bugs like flies and mosquitoes. Another great herb to ward off flies is basil!
  • Catnip – put a few plants around your porch, deck, and outdoor spaces to deter mosquitoes. Check out more bug repellent ideas from this home improvement website. 
  • Coffee grounds – Placing these around common entry points of your home will discourage pests that don’t like strong smells. Be mindful of leaving these out in areas where you have your pets.
  • Purchasing/ keeping helpful bugs – you might want to introduce some bugs that take care of other pests naturally (if they aren’t already present in your yard). Praying mantis are an example of these types of bugs. They eat fruit flies, aphids, and spiders.
  • Citrus – tons of solutions can be made from citrus to keep bugs away. For example, you can mix citrus of your choice with witch hazel or vinegar and water.
  • Earth based / or natural store made solutions – there are plenty of human and pet safe sprays you can buy that do the same thing as the toxic sprays, such as Neem oil. It may take them a little longer to do the job, but you keep everyone safe.

Ants –

  • Cleaning with vinegar is a good option to ward off or keep your kitchen or food preparation areas free of ants.

Stink bugs / fruit flies –

  • Dish soap can repel both of these critters. Mix  dish soap with apple cider vinegar in a small dish to attract and catch fruit flies.

Carpenter bees – According to a bee and removal company, these bees love untreated or wet wood, so, a great way to prevent them is to seal or stain the wood around your home.

  • You can also try a plethora of natural sprays. One easy one it to try using peppermint essential oil mixed with water and white vinegar. This will lure them out so you can seal the area.
  • Carpenters also aren’t a fan of noise. You can play music right by their nests and this can push them out for good.

I hope that these options take care of your pest issues and give you and your family an amazing, safe time outside and in! Do you have any great natural remedy ideas? Let us know at mediacontent@vmf.com.  Happy summer!

exterior of mobile home

Prep Your Mobile Home for Summer

On By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance, Lifestyle

As summer approaches, it’s time to give your mobile home a little love! In this post, I’ll be looking at some easy ways to prepare your home to have the best season yet. Take a little time to focus on these items. Be thinking of ways to protect your home from heat, seal in the cool air, and just prep your home for all the activities in summer. Check out the ideas below to get started!

  • Try filling or patching up your driveway. Whether you have a gravel, concrete, or even an asphalt driveway – you can fix those edges and fill in dips or holes. You don’t have to do a complete overhaul, just work on the problem spots that weather and time may have disrupted. Check out options for your type of driveway!
  • Take care of the weeds in your yard. You may have already done this if you planted some new items late winter or early spring, but either way it’s a great time to spray and/ or pull weeds. Be sure you deal with the roots or recover an area with wood chips or rocks.
  • Clean and repair windows. You lose a lot of cool air if your windows aren’t sealed well. Caulk where needed and fix screens as necessary. You can also clean windows well as a housekeeping piece. Check our post to help you with your windows! Woman cleaning windows in house
  • Make sure your AC and fans are in working order. You can clean your unit. Dust those ceiling fans or if you’re in a warm climate you may already feel the need for some fans. Try installing some fans to help circulate and push the air through and keep you cool.
  • Clean your deck. Does your deck need a good pressure washing or leave in cleaner? Mine does! The rain and tree leaves can do some damage to your deck, so be sure to clean them up yearly if you’re able. It looks great and protects your deck by giving it a longer life. Could your deck use an extra layer of protection? Staining your deck is a great early summer project!
  • Set up outdoor tools if you haven’t already. Garden hoses, grills, sprinklers, lawn chairs, etc. Dust them off, spray them down, and get them clean for all those summer celebrations and projects. Needing to add some tools to your collection? – these are great ones to have for your mobile home!
  • Repair skirting. The underside of your home is an important focus when it comes to keep the air you want in and keeping unwanted critters out from under the bottom of your home. Take this time to repair your skirting, maybe add some all new, or even check out the condition of your vapor barrier.

Clean Your Vinyl Siding!

I hope this gets you thinking of other ideas and that you can make a day of projects and simple updates before summer comes! Happy prepping!