February is the time of year to indulge in the comforts of home. There’s nothing better than relaxing in a clean, organized home while poor weather rages outside. At Annadel Builders Inc., we believe the home should be a sanctuary and a haven. Here are a couple of 20-minute tasks you can do to keep your wine country home as fresh and as comfortable as possible when spring rains keep you inside.

1. Purge old linens – Look through your linen cabinets for bedding, towels, pillow cases, etc. that have outlived their usefulness. Most likely, you’re not going to need more than two sets per bed. Consider donating the ones in better condition to homeless or animal shelters, while very worn linens can be cut up and used as rags or deposited in a textile recycling bin. To keep linen closets organized, fold a set of sheets and place them within a pillowcase. This saves you the headache of folding fitted sheets while maintaining a neat and tidy storage space.

2. Rotate your mattress – Extend your mattresses’ life by rotating it every few months. This will allow it to wear evenly and not develop a sag in the middle. Try to rotate at least once every 3-4 months.

3. Clean entryway floors – Mud and dirt tend to accumulate at entryways—especially during winter months. Take a few minutes to clear your entryway and give the floors a deep cleaning. Pick up clutter, reorganize shoes and coats, and stack a few old towels near the door to wipe up messes.

4. Restock your freezer with frozen meals – Alright, this one might take a little more than 20 minutes, but the extra time is definitely worth the investment! A few hours of cooking on a free weekend, and voila! You’ve got homemade meals for the next week. Recipes for quiches, pot roasts, casseroles, and soups preserve well. Just take them out of the freezer, reheat, and you’re ready to go.

5. Organize bookshelves – Declutter your bookshelves by taking out old volumes you’ve lost interest and utility for. Try arranging books by topic or size to make eclectic shelves slightly more aesthetic. Add interest with statement bookends or ornamental candles.

6. Check bathrooms for mildew and mold – It can be hard for bathrooms to get enough ventilation during wintertime when the house is typically sealed up tight. Unfortunately, this traps moisture that can contribute to mildew and even dangerous mold. Clean your bathroom thoroughly with diluted bleach or vinegar, paying extra attention to areas that show signs of excess moisture, such as grout. Use a scouring pad, microfiber cloth, or old toothbrush to scrub the affected areas well. To prevent mold and mildew from returning, considering installing a bathroom that whenever you take a bath or shower. This will help prevent moisture buildup and maintain an unlikely environment for mold and mildew growth.

7. Clean the dryer vent – Cleaning the buildup of lint from your dryer is essential to do at least once a year to keep your dryer work as efficiently as possible, and to prevent a potential dryer fire. After you’ve cleaned the vent thoroughly, take a walk outside to inspect the vent from the exterior of the home, making sure to remove any debris you find.


The Sonoma County custom home builders at Annadel Builders, Inc. provide tips and guides for getting the most out of Wine Country living through our blog. Check back often for new posts!