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THE TIDY SPUR BLOG

How to DIY your home.

Quick, honest guides from the crews who clean new Austin homes before move-in. Do it yourself, or book us when you'd rather not.

FEATURED · 5 MIN · EASY

How to change your air filter

A clean filter helps your system breathe and keeps dust down. In Austin heat, most homes should check filters monthly and change them every 1 to 3 months.

You'll need: the right size filter and a marker.

  1. Turn the system off at the thermostat, so it doesn't pull in dust while the filter is out.
  2. Find the filter. It's usually in a return vent in a wall or ceiling, or in a slot by the indoor unit.
  3. Read the size printed on the frame of the old filter, for example 20 × 25 × 1. Buy that exact size.
  4. Match the arrow. The arrow on the frame points toward the unit, in the direction the air flows.
  5. Slide it in, close the vent, and write today's date on the frame so you know when to change it next.
  6. Turn the system back on.

More guides

WINDOWS · 20 MIN · EASY

Streak-free windows, inside

Read the steps +
  1. Pick a cloudy day or a shady side. Sun dries the glass too fast and leaves streaks.
  2. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap, or equal parts white vinegar and water.
  3. Dust the frame and sill first, then wash the glass with a soft sponge.
  4. Pull a squeegee top to bottom, wiping the blade after each pass.
  5. Buff the edges with a dry microfiber cloth.

LAUNDRY · 10 MIN · EASY

Keep your dryer safe and fast

Read the steps +
  1. Clean the lint screen after every load.
  2. Every few months, wash the screen with warm soapy water to remove dryer-sheet film. Let it dry fully.
  3. Check the outside vent flap. It should open when the dryer runs and be free of lint.
  4. Long dry times or a hot dryer top mean the vent duct needs a full cleaning. That's a job for us.

KITCHEN · 5 MIN · EASY

Freshen a smelly garbage disposal

Read the steps +
  1. Never put your hand inside. Use tongs if something is stuck, with the power off.
  2. Drop in a cup of ice and a spoonful of salt, run cold water, and turn it on. This scrubs the blades.
  3. Follow with a few citrus peels for a fresh smell.
  4. Scrub the rubber splash guard with an old toothbrush and dish soap.

BATH · 1 HR · EASY

Unclog a showerhead with vinegar

Read the steps +
  1. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar.
  2. Pull it over the showerhead so the nozzles sit in the vinegar, and tie it on with a rubber band.
  3. Leave it for about an hour. Austin's hard water builds up fast.
  4. Remove the bag, run hot water, and rub any leftover spots with an old toothbrush.

BATH · 30 MIN · MEDIUM

Brighten dingy grout

Read the steps +
  1. Make a paste of baking soda and a little water.
  2. Spread it on the grout lines and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Scrub with a stiff nylon brush, then rinse and dry.
  4. Once it's dry, a grout sealer helps it stay clean longer.

OUTSIDE · 10 MIN · EASY

Check your gutters from the ground

Read the steps +
  1. After a big rain, walk around the house and look for water spilling over the edges.
  2. Look for sagging sections, plants growing up top, or downspouts that don't drain.
  3. Make sure downspouts point water away from the foundation.
  4. Found a problem? Skip the ladder. Our two-person crews do gutters safely.

Rather not DIY?

Soon you can book any of these in the Tidy Spur app. A Lead checks every job. Join the waitlist to hear when we open.

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