Seasonal Tips - Improving Life at Home

Spring

Brush away the cobwebs and open the windows again. Spring often starts with a good house cleaning, but as the weather improves, there are more opportunities to make the days count, with warmer and longer days.

Here are some tips to help you get the house in order before you head out to enjoy the outdoors.

Get outdoors and enjoy all the season has to offer

Spring is the perfect time to send the kids out into the garden and teach them about our natural world. Why not try these fun and educational garden activities for the kids?

PLANT A POLLINATOR GARDEN

Creating a pollinator garden is a great way to teach kids about the importance of honey bees and other pollinators. Planting a garden that attracts honey bees not only allows kids to carefully observe and learn about pollinators, but also results in a beautiful garden.
If you don’t have much space, a simple container sitting on a window sill or balcony can be planted with flowers that attract pollinators.
Choose a variety of plants in different shapes, colors and sizes to attract a range of pollinators, and be sure to select plants that will flourish in the area you’ve decided to plant. A shaded garden doesn’t have to mean you can’t grow flowers. There are a variety of flowering plants that will grow in shade. Speak to an expert at your garden center to find out more about the best plants for your garden.
Be extra careful when using pesticides. Some can be harmful to bees and other pollinators. Check the label of any non-organic fertilizers you use before applying.

MAKE A BEE BATH

A bee bath is a perfect addition to a pollinator garden. Just like other insects, bees need water to survive, and you just need a few simple tools to get started.
Start with a plate or shallow bowl, then line the bottom of the bowl with some stones or rocks to create dry landing places for the bees and keep them safe. Lastly, carefully fill the bowl with water. Make sure the tops of the stones and rocks are above the water.

These activities are a great way to celebrate not only spring, but Earth Day too with your children.

The ultimate spring cleaning checklist

A new season’s fresh outlook can energize you to get your kitchen and laundry cleaning out of the way before summer activities take over. Complete this checklist from top to bottom to get your kitchen and laundry room in shape for the season.

KITCHEN CLEANING

Clean spills and splatters on the inside of your oven.
Clean the stove burners and grates.
Wipe down the inside of your fridge.
Defrost your freezer if needed.
Clean out your dishwasher filter.
Clean and replace your microwave filters.
Wipe down the outside of all small and large appliances.
Clean the outside of your cabinets.
Sanitize your sink with bleach.
Deep clean your floors.

LAUNDRY CLEANING

Clean the inside and outside of your washer.
Wash your dryer lint screen.
Clean your dryer drum, vents and ducts.
Wash your comforters, mattress covers, pillows and curtains.
Wash and put away the winter gear.
Vacuum and mop your laundry room floors.
Reorganize and maximize your laundry storage.

For a step-by-step guide on how to work through each item above, click here.

Tackle muddy clothes

Check care labels on garments for specific instructions.
Brush off any excess mud or dirt.
Rinse garments in cold water to flush out soils.
Wash in the warmest water that is safe for those dirty items.
Always air dry first and check to be sure the stains have been removed before using the heat settings on your dryer.

Click here for more tips on conquering muddy clothes.

Summer

The sun is shining, school is out, and the kids are home. That means one thing: it’s summer! If you’ve been dreaming of sunshine and care-free trips to the pool, we’ve pulled together some quick tips to make sure you’re feeling summer-ready.

Preserve the goodness from your garden

Easy tips from our Yummly brand on freezing tomatoes, zucchini and basil. Here’s how.

Whirlpool Corporation get your fridge ready for summer

Is your refrigerator ready for the hot weather?

Some love it, and some loathe it. Either way, this checklist will give you the best headstart possible on summer!

Remove old or expired items, particularly condiments. Most expire after six months and most of us never check!
Didn’t get around to deep cleaning last season? Remove the contents of your refrigerator and give it a good wipe down, ready for fresh ingredients.
Check the water filter and rinse your ice storage bin. It’s about to get a lot of love!

Click here for more advice on how to get your refrigerator ready for the new season.

Transitioning tips for new college students

As we head into August, many kids have one thing on their minds–life beyond the family home. Whether it’s a new city or a new semester at college, here are some of the best small appliances that are perfect for those “flying the nest.”

A mini microwave – perfect for those lazy morning eggs or late night snacks!
A water pitcher with a pop-out filter – no more running down the hall to the community kitchen or waiting in line for the drinking fountain. A pop-out filter will also make it easier to fill up reusable water bottles.
A coffee maker – an essential for any adult-to-be.
A toaster – to keep them fed no matter their culinary expertise!

For more college must-haves and giftspiration, click here.

Fall

Fall is a time of change. In the home, that means preparing for the coming months by tackling summer stains before lighter clothes are put away, and preserving fresh produce so it lasts through the winter. For parents of young children, fall also means leaf-raking and the muddy clothes that come with it!

Say goodbye to summer and welcome sweater weather. Here are some top tips to help you prepare for the colder season.

Banish those summer stains

Soak grass or fruit stains in a mixture of gentle detergent and water for 30 minutes before washing.
For persistent ketchup or soft drink stains from summer barbecues, you may want to try a follow-up wash with color-safe bleach.
If you have any excess solids on garments like mustard, scrape it off with a dull knife first.
Always air dry first and check to be sure the stains have been removed before using the heat settings on your dryer.

Click here for more advice to ensure stains don’t become a permanent addition to the clothes in your home.

Preserve summer herbs for the upcoming months ahead

Remove all the stems before chopping herbs to preserve them. They can be used later together as a bouquet to add flavor to sauces, stocks and soups.
Freeze and preserve fresh ingredients like herbs in oil to cut down on the chances of browning and freezer burn. Pop the herb and oil mix into an ice cube tray, and you have an easy way to add great, fresh flavor to family meals.
Herb butter is simple and delicious. Whip one part herb to two parts softened butter, roll into a log, cover and freeze. Then cut off a slice whenever you need it.
You can also dry herbs by hanging them or using a rack. All you need is a well-ventilated area without direct sunlight, and one week later you’ll have another easy way to add extra flavor to the family meal.

Click here to read more from Home Science Expert Chef Ann Nolan on preserving fresh herbs.

Winter

The days are shorter and the weather is colder, but homes are a place of warmth and security.

According to our Life at Home survey, many say they feel closer to friends and family as a result of spending more time at home. Whether you’re gathering during the holiday season in person or virtually this year, here are a few hints to help make the perfect holiday meal, plus recipe ideas for treats to send to those you love.

Convection cook your roasts, pies, and stews

As roasts, stews, and baked goods replace autumn salads and summer barbecues, consider purchasing a convection oven if you don’t have one already.

A convection oven has a powerful fan and exhaust system that circulates hot air inside the oven to help maintain a consistent temperature, making it ideal for multi-rack cooking.
Lower the recommended oven temperature in a convection oven by 25°F because it heats food more evenly–and more quickly–than a conventional oven.
Check food earlier and more often.
Make sure air can circulate by spacing food out across shelves.

Click here for more tips on getting the most out of your convection oven. And if you’re curious about the difference between convection and conventional cooking, check out this article from our Maytag brand experts.

Heartwarming treats from your kitchen

The magic of the holidays often lingers in the time-honored tradition of baking, and creates memories that linger a lifetime.

Create that classic holiday aroma with Christmas sugar cookies .
If you have guests with special dietary requirements, take a look at our keto and gluten-friendly or paleo cookie recipes.
Get the kids to sing along to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” as they help you create some holiday snowball cookies!
Don’t forget your four-legged companions! Yep, we’ve got the ultimate recipes for dog treats, to thank them for their year-round love and devotion.

Click here to visit the Yummly website and explore many more holiday cookie recipes.

More time indoors, more fingerprints

If holiday baking and extra time indoors result in sticky little fingerprints and smudges on your appliances, Maytag offers simple tips to help keep them clean.

Did you know:

You should apply cleaner directly to the surface?
To pay attention to the grain in the stainless steel finish?
How to buff your appliances to bring out the shine?

Step-by-step details, plus recommended cleaners can be found in this guide to bring back your stainless steel appliances brightness. You’ll have your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and microwave shining in no time!

Seasonal tips and inspiration

Improving life at home