Keeping your home clean and well-maintained is very important for comfortable and healthy living, especially in the hustle and bustle of Indian cities, where flats are the go-to homes for many folks. This checklist is all about making sure you are on top of things. We will run through some monthly, bi-annual, and annual tasks you need to do to keep your place tidy and everything working smoothly.

Monthly:

• House dusting and vacuum cleaning: Due to India's arid climate, dust builds up quickly. The core of every maintenance plan is regular cleaning. To keep your flat clean and dust-free, vacuum, mop, and wipe down surfaces regularly. Maintain a clutter-free environment in high-traffic areas such as the living room and kitchen. Your home can look and smell better with routine vacuuming and dusting.
  
  
• Switchboards: Wipe all switchboards with a cleaning solution with the switches off. Check for open or loose wires, broken sockets or switches, or any other electrical problems and get them repaired immediately by an authorised electrician. Regular inspections are also necessary for detecting any issues early on. Do plan inspections of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural aspects. Early detection of problems enables more cost-effective repairs and eliminates major harm.
  
  
• Ceilings: Clear cobwebs from the ceilings and corners and clean the fans thoroughly.
  
  
• Kitchen appliances: Follow the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions for individual appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. Inspect and regularly clean filters, vents, and ducts to ensure peak performance. You can book a service from an authorised cleaning centre.
  
  
• Faucets and pipes: Take note of facilities, including faucets, showers, and toilets. Maintain them by keeping them clean and free of mineral buildup. Check for leaks and repair them immediately to avoid water damage. Check for leaking pipes or dripping taps in all the bathrooms and kitchens and get them fixed as soon as possible.
  
  
• Geysers and water heaters: Get the electrical equipment checked by an authorised technician for issues such as earthing leaks.
  
  
• Sliding windows: Clean the sliding windows using a glass cleaning solution or a mild detergent mixed in water to wipe the glass from the inside and outside.
  
  

Bi-Annual :

• RO filters: Replace your filters every three to six months.
  
  
• Air conditioners: Clean the filters once every three months or as frequently as possible. Get the AC serviced by an authorised technician once every six months.
  
  
• Walls: Check for dampness and cracks in the walls or water seepage. Fix these problems to avoid fungus and moulds on house walls.
  
  

Annual :

• Pest control: Get pest control done once a year or an annual maintenance contract done with an authorised company.
  
  
• Exteriors: Check for any maintenance issues outside the apartment. It could be in the lobby, parking lot, health club, or other common area. If found, bring it to the immediate notice of your association office-bearers.
  
  
• Fire extinguishers: Do timely checks of fire extinguishers in all common areas and ask them to be replaced when needed.
  
  

By following this cleaning and maintenance checklist, you can keep your flat in good condition and ensure you and your family live in a safe and healthy environment.

In addition to cleaning, timely repairs are essential to prevent small concerns from becoming serious. Make a note of any leaks, cracks, or broken appliances or fixtures and address them immediately. A little effort can go a long way towards keeping your apartment clean and well-maintained for many years.