Maintenance and Damage Prevention for Your Home

It is important to maintain the kitchen extractor fan by cleaning it at regular intervals.

Over time, the kitchen extractor fan will become full of cooking grease. It will then be in a poorer condition to capture fumes of steam and grease from cooking. Cooking fumes, steam and smoke will then settle around the house instead. In the worst case, grease could drip down from the fan and cause a fire when it comes into contact with hot hobs.

How to clean your kitchen filter

1. Check whether your filter can withstand cleaning with water and soap. If not, replace it with a new one and disregard this list.
2. Unplug the cooker hood.
3. Fill the kitchen sink with warm water mixed with washing-up liquid and stir.
4. Remove the filter from the cooker hood and leave it to soak in the sink for a few hours so that the grease dissolves.
5. Use a washing-up brush to remove as much grease as possible.
6. If the filter can withstand it, wash it separately in the dishwasher.
7. Clean the fan itself with a cloth and kitchen spray. Wipe thoroughly around the entire fan.
8. When the filter is dry, you can put it back in place in the fan. If you have washed a charcoal filter, you can reactivate the charcoal by drying it on a low heat in the oven.

Having a clean filter in your tap is important for maintaining good water pressure and clean water.

How to clean the filter in taps

1. The filter is located at the very tip of the tap, where the water flows out. Unscrew the outermost tip. Use your fingers to unscrew it, or use an adjustable spanner if you cannot unscrew it with your fingers. Turn anticlockwise to remove the filter.
2. Let the water run for a short while after you have removed the filter.
3. Rinse the filter and ensure that all dirt is removed.
4. Screw the filter back into place.

Having a clean filter in your shower head is important for maintaining good water pressure and clean water.

How to clean the filter in the shower head

1. Unscrew the shower head from the hose.
2. Rinse and clean the inside of the shower head with soapy water.
3. If you have a shower head with silicone nozzles, you can rub these free of dirt and limescale.
4. Place the shower head and hose in a bucket with water and a little chlorine for approximately one hour.
5. Rinse the hose and shower head thoroughly before reassembling.

You should clean the filter in your dishwasher approximately once a month. Food residue, dirt and limescale accumulate throughout the machine, especially in the filter. This can result in dishes not being cleaned properly, and in the worst case, the filters becoming blocked and water overflowing onto the floor.

How to Clean the Filter in Your Dishwasher

1. The dishwasher must be empty when cleaning.
2. Remove the filters at the bottom of the machine.
3. Wash the filters under running hot water and scrub gently with a washing-up brush to remove dirt before placing them back in the machine.
4. Use a cloth and kitchen spray to wipe the sides of the dishwasher door.
5. Use dishwasher cleaner and run the machine once with only the cleaner inside.

Cleaning the filter in your washing machine is important to prevent unusual noises, vibrations, stoppages, clothes coming out soaking wet and poor washing results. The filter easily collects lint, buttons and other foreign objects which, in the worst case, can damage the washing machine. Therefore, it is wise to clean the filter regularly.

How to Clean the Filter in Your Washing Machine

1. Ensure that the washing machine is not connected to power, and preferably shut off the water supply.
2. Open the service hatch of the machine. It is usually located at the bottom front of the machine.
3. Place a towel on the floor. There will usually be some spillage when you clean the filter.
4. Some washing machines have a drainage hose so that you can drain water into a container. Others require you to unscrew the cover and filter, and let residual water run out onto the towel.
5. Once you have removed the filter, you will be able to remove foreign objects and lint. Clean the filter by rinsing it in warm water.
6. Clean the inside, the threads on the pump cover and the pump housing with a cloth.
7. Reassemble all parts and reconnect the power and water supply.

By cleaning the filter in the tumble dryer, it becomes less at risk of damage and problems, and will operate more efficiently. In the worst case, a blocked filter can cause a fire, but this is fortunately rare.

The filter collects lint, hair and other debris that must be removed.

How to clean the tumble dryer filter

1. Disconnect the power to the tumble dryer.
2. Remove the filter and clear away lint before washing it with a cloth or soaking it in warm water. The filter is often located in the door or door opening.
3. Also wipe the filter housing, the inside of the door and other areas where lint and debris can accumulate.
4. Reassemble all parts.

Dust, soot, insects, pollen and other airborne particles accumulate in extractor fans. This leads to poor ventilation and air quality, and can also create condensation problems.

How to Clean Filters in Extractor Fans

1. Ensure the fan is switched off before you begin.
2. Vacuum or wipe the exterior and opening of the fan. If the fan is very dirty, you can wash the exterior and opening with water and soap, or use mould-removing products if there is mould on the fan.
3. If the fan can be dismantled, you can also wash the interior with water and a cloth, and place the cover in an empty dishwasher. Once everything is dry, reassemble it.

Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate in the filter of fan heaters. When in use, the heater will then burn the dust, which creates poor indoor air quality. In the worst case, this can lead to overheating and fire.

How to Clean Filters in Fan Heaters

1. Ensure it is not connected to the power supply.
2. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust that has accumulated in the fan oven. You can also wipe it with a microfibre cloth.

In the indoor unit of an air-to-air heat pump, there is a filter where dust, pollen and other dirt accumulates. This will cause the heat pump to function less efficiently.

How to Clean the Filter in a Heat Pump

1. Disconnect the heat pump from the power supply or remove the fuse.
2. Remove the cover of the heat pump's indoor unit.
3. Vacuum the filters using a nozzle with a brush. You can also rinse them in clean water.
4. Reinstall the filters once they are completely dry.
5. Replace the cover and wipe the outside with a microfibre cloth.

Cleaning drains is important to ensure water flows properly and to prevent blocked drains and water damage.

Hair, grease, soap residue and other debris accumulate in drains, especially in the shower. This makes it difficult for water to flow down the drain, and water can pool in the shower. This can lead to water damage, as well as unpleasant odours.

How to clean a drain

1. Remove the drain cover.
2. Most modern bathrooms have a cup inside the drain where hair and other debris collect. Pull up or unscrew the cup from the drain and clean it along with any other dirt remaining in the drain. It can be useful to use an old washing-up brush for cleaning. If you don't have a cup, simply clean the drain itself as thoroughly as you can.
3. Rinse thoroughly and let the water run for a while so you can see if everything looks fine.
4. Put the cup back in place.

The most important thing is to remove waste from the drain. You can also use drain cleaner for extra cleaning. Read the instructions carefully before using cleaning products. You should use a gentle product, preferably liquid, and not use more than recommended. Drain cleaners are strong substances, regardless of which type you choose, so be careful.

Cleaning traps is important to ensure better water flow in the sink, where food scraps, grease, soap residue and other debris accumulate over time. This can lead to blocked sinks, water damage and unpleasant odours.

How to clean the water trap

1. You will find the water trap directly under the sink. Loosen and dismantle the water trap. Be careful, as there is often a fair amount of water collected in it that can easily spill out when you disconnect the trap.
2. Clean each part of dirt with warm water, cleaning agent and preferably a brush. Be careful with rubber seals.
3. Once all parts are loosened, it may be wise to check whether anything needs replacing.
4. Reassemble the water trap in place, and ensure that it fits tightly.

A clean and well-maintained home has reduced risk of damage and retains its value longer. If you do a thorough round of cleaning from time to time, it is easier to spot faults and defects, and you can prevent damage.

Here are some cleaning tips

• Vacuum both floors, carpets, skirting boards and furniture.
• Dust – including places that are hidden and you don't normally check.
• Wash doors, skirting boards, frames and switches.
• Wash the floor.
• Give the bathroom a thorough scrub.
• Clean the oven, microwave and other white goods.
• Tidy and clean inside cupboards and drawers.
• Wash windows.

A clean fireplace burns more efficiently and is more environmentally friendly, and is also safer. Clean fireplaces produce less soot, and soot that accumulates in the chimney can cause a chimney fire.

How to clean your fireplace

1. Only clean the fireplace when it is extinguished and the ash is cold.
2. Crumple and dampen newspaper before dipping it lightly in the ash and rubbing the paper against the inside of the fireplace glass to clean it.
3. Remove the ash from the fireplace and empty the ash drawer. It can be useful to keep a thin layer of ash at the bottom of the fireplace – it makes it easier to light a fire. Use a fireproof bucket or ash vacuum cleaner when cleaning the fireplace for ash.
4. Check that the fire plates and vault in the fireplace are intact, and that the seals around the fireplace door are in order. Consider whether you should replace parts that are worn.

Over time, old food residue and dirt can accumulate in the fridge. You should clean this to prevent food contamination, but also to take care of the fridge so that it lasts longer. You should clean the fridge every month. This also gives you a better overview of the food in the fridge and can reduce food waste.

How to clean the fridge

1. Pull out the plug or remove the fuse for the fridge.
2. Clear out the food and all loose parts.
3. Wash shelves, drawers and the inside of the refrigerator with warm water and a little washing-up liquid. Use a brush to scrub places that are difficult to reach with a cloth. Don't forget to clean the rubber seals.
4. Check that the drainage hole in the refrigerator is not blocked. If it is blocked, it can lead to water accumulation in the refrigerator and may cause unpleasant odours. Also clean the drainage.
5. Vacuum or wash behind the refrigerator.
6. Plug it back in and put the shelves and loose parts back in the refrigerator. Ensure that the refrigerator is set to 2–4 degrees.
7. Wipe off sticky food packaging. Sort and put the food back.

When the freezer door is opened, warm air meets the cold air inside the freezer. The air condenses, turns into ice, and can form an insulating layer inside the freezer. This forces the freezer to work harder and can increase your electricity costs, or spoil your food if the temperature is not correct. In addition, excess ice can prevent the freezer door from closing properly, which can lead to melting and water leakage. If you have a freezer without automatic defrosting, you must defrost it regularly yourself. It may be wise to plan this task so that the freezer is not completely full of newly purchased items when you start.

How to clean the freezer

1. Switch off the freezer.
2. Empty the freezer of food. What you want to keep can be stored in a cool box, in another freezer or another cold place.
3. Remove shelves and drawers.
4. Remove the plug or valve so that water can drain out. Remember to place something to collect the water underneath and have a towel on the floor to wipe up any water you spill.
5. Whilst the freezer is defrosting, you can wash the drawers and shelves with soapy water.
6. When the freezer has been defrosting for a while, you can remove ice and frost.
7. Wash the inside of the freezer with a cloth and soapy water. Then dry thoroughly with a dry cloth.
8. When the freezer is dry, you can replace the plug or valve, switch on the freezer and put the food back.

Hinges and locks on doors and windows can become dry and dirty over time. This makes the lock harder to use, and hinges may start to squeak.

How to lubricate hinges and locks

1. Apply suitable oil to the lock or hinges. Have a cloth ready to wipe away any oil if you spill.
2. Try the key in the lock a few times. Swing the doors back and forth. This way the oil spreads and you lubricate the lock and hinges.
3. Check the screws on the lock and hinges and tighten them if necessary.

Avoid draughts from windows and doors that make it cold inside. Over time, draughts can lead to condensation and moisture damage, and in the worst case, mould and rot around windows and doors. In addition, cold air means that many people find themselves having to use more electricity for heating.

You can take simple steps to seal windows and doors. If they are old and ready for replacement, another option is to upgrade to better quality.

As a customer of DNB, you can apply for an environmental loan for energy-saving measures in your home. You can then obtain a separate loan with better terms to switch to low-energy windows.

How to seal old windows and doors against draughts

1. Look for mould, condensation, discolouration and flaking paint on the inside of the window. If there is damage, you should consider replacement.
2. Search for leaks around windows and doors, for example by lighting a lighter and carefully moving it around windows and doors to see if the flame flickers from a draught.
3. If it is leaking, you can remove the existing sealing strips around the frame and replace them with new ones. Make sure to obtain ones that fit your property.
4. Once you have removed the sealing strips, clean around the frame with acetone, which is a solvent for removing residue from the old strip.
5. Cut to size and attach new sealing strips using the supplied adhesive or tape, or by stapling them in place.

Everyone in the household should know where the main stopcock is located at home. This reduces the extent of damage in the event of water leaks. When you know where the stopcock is, you can also quickly shut off the water supply if needed.

Ensure that the stopcock is accessible without obstructions in front of it. You will usually find the main stopcock in the laundry room, utility room, or somewhere in the basement. You may also have separate stopcocks for the kitchen and bathroom only, typically in service hatches or under the kitchen worktop.

You should close the main stopcock if you are going to be away from home for an extended period.

A pressure reducing valve is a valve that reduces the water pressure in your home to an appropriate level. If you experience poor pressure in taps or the shower, it may be that the filter in the pressure reducing valve is dirty or blocked. Cleaning the filter should be left to professionals if you do not have experience doing it yourself.

You will find the pressure reducing valve by the main stopcock. The recommended pressure is four bar, but it must not drop below 2.5 bar during use.

If you experience poor water pressure, you should first try to clean the filters in taps and showers. This is easy to do yourself. In addition, many block flats have pressure-reducing valves, and you should therefore clean the filters you can access yourself.

Over time, hoses and connections for washing machines and dishwashers can become worn. By checking these regularly, you can avoid leaks and water damage at home.

How to do it

1. Look for damage and wear on the hose and around attachment points.
2. Check that the hoses are securely fastened by feeling with your hand. Over time, even small vibrations can cause connections to loosen.
3. Look for signs of leakage around the hose connection and on the floor – ideally right after the machine has completed a cycle.
4. If you find signs of leakage, you must replace the hose or seal. Turn off the water supply and unplug the machine before making the replacement.

An insurance-approved water shut-off device is a wise investment. With leak protection, you reduce the risk of water damage becoming more extensive than necessary. In addition, you will receive a reduced excess if the water shut-off device has prevented a larger claim.

Moisture damage often occurs over time. This makes such damage difficult to detect. That is precisely why you should regularly check vulnerable areas, such as the basement, for moisture.

Check the basement for moisture

1. Use your nose: Check if you notice a "basement smell" – this is usually the smell of mould, which indicates moisture.
2. Look for discolouration or white salt deposits on walls and floors. Damage from condensation and leakage through walls may be due to poor drainage around the house.
3. Check that doors and windows are sealed. Cold basements are particularly at risk of moisture damage from condensation if warm air is let in during the summer.
4. Ensure that you have adequate ventilation in the basement through vents or by using a dehumidifier. You can use a moisture meter to check whether the humidity in the room is below the recommended 60%.
5. During heavy rainfall, you should check whether water is entering the basement through windows and doors.

Tip! If you have a basement used for storage, you should avoid storing items on the basement floor. If water damage occurs, your belongings are less at risk if you store them at height.

Moisture damage often occurs over time. This makes such damage difficult to detect. That is precisely why you should regularly check vulnerable areas, such as the roof and loft, for moisture.

Check the loft for moisture

1. Check that the roof and loft windows are sealed and closed.
2. Look for discolouration, damp patches and mould on the underside of the roof and walls. Also check whether the floor is damp.
3. Check that all pipes are sealed and insulated. At the same time, seal all cracks and gaps around pipe penetrations that could allow warm, moist air to enter.
4. Check that the loft floor and hatch are sealed so that warm, moist air does not rise towards the cold loft. This can lead to condensation and consequently moisture damage.
5. Check that vents and air gaps are in good, functional condition, and that nothing is preventing ventilation.

Smoke alarms save lives. It is an affordable safety measure to ensure you have functioning, approved smoke alarms in your home.

All homes and holiday properties must have at least one smoke alarm on each floor, but it is advisable to have several, for example one alarm in each room, so that you are certain the alarm can be heard clearly from all areas of the home. In addition, the smoke alarms should be interconnected so that they all sound simultaneously and increase the likelihood of you waking up at night.

How to check your smoke alarm

1. All smoke alarms have a test button. Hold it in for a few seconds to check if it starts to beep. Press the test button again to stop the sound.
2. If the smoke alarm does not beep, you must replace the battery and try again.
3. The test should be carried out regularly, preferably once a month.
4. You should replace the battery in the smoke alarm once a year, and when the battery is flat.

A fire extinguisher can effectively extinguish most types of fires that can occur at home. There are different variants, so make sure you know what type of fire extinguisher you have at home and how it works. You should have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, and everyone in the household should know where it is and how to use it.

How to check a fire extinguisher

1. Ensure that nothing is blocking access to the fire extinguisher.
2. Fire extinguishers must have a certain pressure to function. There must be an indicator on top of the extinguisher that shows the pressure. Check that the needle in the pressure gauge is in the green zone.
3. Check that the seal or tamper seal on top of the fire extinguisher is not broken, damaged or rusted.
4. If your device has a hose, you should check it for damage.
5. If you have a powder extinguisher, you can turn it upside down a few times to prevent the powder from clumping.
6. Fire extinguishers must be inspected by professionals, and you will usually find a label on the device indicating when the next inspection is due. Typically, inspection intervals are every five or ten years, depending on the type of extinguisher you have.

Some properties have a domestic fire hose as firefighting equipment. The advantage of a fire hose is that it has access to water and can extinguish fires for a long time and over a large area. If a fire hose is the only firefighting equipment you have, you must ensure that it reaches and can be used in all rooms. Remember that the fire hose must not exceed 30 metres.

How to check the fire hose

1. Unroll the entire hose. Check that it is not rotten or cracked.
2. Check that the tap for turning the water on and off works.

Many fires occur as a result of electrical faults. If you notice anything suspicious with the electrical installation, you should contact an electrician immediately.

How to check electrical sockets and switches

1. Check for heat on the door of the fuse box.
2. Check for heat in front of the fuses.
3. Look for signs of discolouration in the fuse box.
4. Check if there is a burning smell or if you hear crackling in the fuse box.
5. Check that the residual current device in the fuse box is working by pressing the test button. If the power cuts out, everything is as it should be. The device is there to cut the power when a fault occurs in the electrical installation.
6. Check the surge protection device in the fuse box. If the device has red marks, it must be replaced. The surge protection device protects against voltages that exceed what an electrical installation is designed for, such as lightning strikes.
7. Check whether sockets in the property have come loose from the wall or other places where they are fixed.
8. Check for heat in cables, extension leads, plugs and sockets.
9. Check for damage to cables. They should not be rotten or have cut marks. Ensure that no cables are trapped or pinched.

Regularly checking the water heater reduces the likelihood of both water and fire damage.

Water heaters normally have a useful life of approximately 20 years. If you have an old heater that still works, it will nevertheless not heat the water as energy-efficiently or retain heat as well as newer heaters. In addition, older water heaters have a greater risk of overheating in cables and plugs, and of causing water damage. Therefore, you should consider replacing an old heater.

How to check your water heater

1. Feel for overheating in cables, plugs and sockets. You can also remove the plug and look for discolouration, which may indicate a fire hazard.
2. Unplug the water heater and check whether the cables behind the heater cover have become discoloured.
3. Contact an electrician if you find signs of overheating and discolouration.
4. Check for water leaks and moisture around the water heater.

Ensure that water is directed away from the house by having proper drainage. Water that accumulates against the house wall can, over time, cause significant moisture damage. If you have asphalt around your house, you must be extra vigilant because water cannot drain into the ground as easily. Consider whether you should replace part of the asphalt with paving stones, gravel or shingle.

How to direct water away from the house

1. Connect drainage pipes to the downpipes that run from the gutter to the ground and lay the pipes out on the lawn or flowerbed a few metres away from the house wall. This prevents water from the roof from accumulating at the foundation.
2. Check the slope from the property and ensure that the gradient is away from it. If it slopes towards the house, you should move soil and create diversion ditches to direct the water away. Consider whether you need professional help.
3. Check the basement for signs of moisture due to poor drainage: smell for mould, look for discolouration on walls and floors, and check whether water enters during heavy rainfall.
4. If you have an old drainage system, you can contact professionals to check the condition of the pipes. Remember also that old drainage does not necessarily withstand the wetter, wilder weather we are experiencing now. The lifespan of drainage systems can vary, from 20 to 50 years.

Pests such as mice and rats can cause significant damage to your home. They gnaw through timber, floors, ceilings, wiring and more, and are also unpleasant to have in the house.

How to check for pests

1. Under the cladding of your house, you should have rodent barriers, which are thin metal strips that prevent pests from entering. Check that they are in good condition, free from cracks and holes. These can easily be replaced if necessary.
2. Look for cracks and holes between the foundation and the house wall. Check carefully where you have cables, air vents, valves, drains and basement windows.
3. Seal all cracks and holes with steel wool, steel mesh or steel plates.
4. To prevent pests from visiting, you should tidy up the garden and remove woodpiles and other hiding places for rodents. Keep vegetation along the house wall to a minimum.
5. Remove animal feed, compost, bird seed, fruit and rubbish that attract pests.
6. Prune trees that have branches towards the house, remove ladders and anything else that allows pests to climb higher up the house wall or roof.
7. If you discover pests, you should set out traps. Avoid poison, as this can harm others besides just pests. Consider whether you need help from professionals.

Garden work reduces the risk of pests that are attracted to fallen fruit, compost heaps and vegetation, whilst also providing better growing conditions for trees and other plants in your garden. Fruit trees should also be pruned to prevent diseases in the tree and to ensure it grows properly and bears fruit.

Garden work you should prioritise

• Prune fruit trees, hedges and other bushes by cutting off the new small branches that point upwards (these usually do not bear much fruit), dead branches and large branches that may pose a risk to power lines or your house. Remove the branches you cut off.
• Clear away rubbish, old leaves, woodpiles, plank piles and compost heaps in your garden.
• Mow the lawn regularly and remove weeds.
• Add compost or fertiliser to improve soil quality and provide nutrients to the plants.

You should rake leaves to prevent them from lying on the lawn and causing damage or attracting pests. If you have a thick layer of leaves in the garden, you can rake them into piles and put them in bin bags. Then you can use the lawnmower on the highest setting, without the grass collector, and go over the lawn to provide nutrients to the grass.

If you have a heat pump with an outdoor unit, you should check this to avoid damage and achieve better performance.

Throughout the year, leaves, vegetation, snow and other debris accumulate around the outdoor unit, which you should clear away. In addition, you must regularly check for water running out from the outdoor unit. It is normal for the heat pump to discharge water, but it is important to prevent large amounts of water from accumulating, freezing into ice and potentially damaging the exterior wall of the house. This can lead to damp problems and water damage.

How to check the heat pump

1. Ensure that the heat pump is not covered by leaves, debris, vegetation, snow and ice. There should be sufficient air circulation around the outdoor unit, especially at the front.
2. Brush and clean the outdoor unit as needed. Ensure that no water remains that could freeze.
3. Check whether water is leaking from the heat pump and ensure that it is directed away from the house wall.

It is useful to make some simple preparations before winter. This will help you avoid damage and extend the lifespan of your belongings.

How to Prepare for Winter

• Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations and other items that may be damaged by frost, snow and ice.
• Turn off outdoor taps by closing the internal stopcock and drain any remaining water from the pipe. Bring in the garden hose.
• Ensure that water is directed away from the house. This will help you avoid damaging frost near the house wall.
• If you have a robotic lawnmower, you can charge it before disconnecting cables and wires and storing it away for winter. You can also clean it with a dry cloth and remove grass. You should also charge the mower once during winter to extend the battery life.

You can avoid moisture damage to your home by being diligent with snow shovelling. When you shovel snow, you should not shovel it towards the house or garage wall. If snow is left against the wall, it can lead to moisture damage to the cladding and window frames. When the snow melts, you also risk having several puddles of water near the foundation.

Remember this when clearing your property of snow

• Shovel snow on the ground away from house walls. Start early, as the snow can quickly become heavy.
• Shovel snow away from verandas and balconies.
• Monitor the amount of snow on the roof and assess whether you should shovel it. If you hear creaking sounds and bangs in the house structure, or doors and windows have become harder to open, these are signs that you should shovel the roof. Houses built between 1949 and 1979 typically have lightweight roof structures and should be shovelled before the snow reaches half a metre, or 40 cm in the case of wet snow.
• Do you have a cabin? Monitor the amount of snow and shovel as needed.

Strong winds can cause significant damage. Monitor weather forecasts when storms are approaching.

Secure your property during storms and high winds

• Clear outdoor areas such as gardens and terraces of items that could be taken by the storm: Remove or secure garden furniture, toys and trampolines.
• Inspect your roof and repair any loose roof tiles or other items that the wind could catch.
• Consider whether you should secure windows and doors with plywood boards.
• Prune trees and other vegetation that has grown in such a way that it could damage the house.