One of the best ways to protect your home’s value is to maintain it well. A thorough spring cleaning and maintenance routine is a great way to keep your home in top condition.

We’ve compiled this handy guide to help you break down your spring maintenance routine into manageable bits. Break tasks down room by room and you’ll be well on your way to a clean and well maintained home. And keep in mind that you don’t have to accomplish all of these tasks in a day.

 In every room, start your cleaning routine by wiping down the walls and ceilings. Use a vacuum or dry mop to remove dust, then surface dirt and grime. Test your cleaner on an inconspicuous area on painted walls to make sure that your finish can withstand contact with water or gentle cleaners. Rub away finger prints and other grime. If your walls still don’t look clean after scrubbing, it may be time to repaint.

 Next, thoroughly dust books, knick knacks, shelves, framed pictures, ceiling fans, window casings, molding and blinds. Take everything off the shelves, and wipe with a feather duster. Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to reach into tight spots. Wipe down all of the shelves contents before replacing them. Machine wash or dry clean window treatments. Clean furniture with a thorough vacuuming and take cushion and pillows outside to gently beat the dust out of them. Polish or wax wooden furniture. Work from top down, so you can vacuum the dust that settles on the floor. One that’s done, you can vacuum and shampoo carpets. Have them professionally cleaned or rent a machine. Throw rugs without backing will need to be professionally cleaned.

 In wet areas, like kitchen and baths, now is a good time to reseal your grout. First check to make sure the grout isn’t cracked or missing, and replace it if necessary. Then clean any dirt or stains away with a kitchen and bath cleaner. Finally, you can reseal the grout with sealant and a small foam brush. And speaking of grout, if you’ve got stone tile in your house, it may be time to wax or seal them again. Do an internet search for the best way to care for your particular stone to avoid damaging tiles.

Maintain your appliances. In the kitchen, pull the refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum behind and beneath. Clean out any dust from vents and coils, and clean the drain pan. Clean filters in the stove’s hood and clean the oven, too. In the laundry room, vacuum the dryer vent and around the lint trap. You may want to hire a chimney sweep to clean your vent lines to the exterior. Have your HVAC systems tuned up at this time and check expiration dates on any fire extinguishers. Don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Finally, a really satisfying way to wind up your spring cleaning is to thoroughly wash your windows, tracks and window screens. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and brighter the house feels with clean windows!

 For more information about maintaining a home or for recommendations on service providers, ask your MetroTex REALTOR. Interested in buying or selling a home? Visit www.dfwrealestate .com for the most accurate, local and trusted real estate information available.