As the holiday season rolls around once again, it’s time to pull out the decorations and get festive. Many people simply string up a few Christmas lights and call it a day in December, but some people really get into the holiday spirit and go all out. Tons of lights, inflatables on the lawn and even animatronic Santas can be found across the country in towns both big and small; however, have you considered the kind of maintenance your decorations need?
Tighten Things Up
No one wants to see a droopy Rudolph or a frumpy Frosty, so if you have large yard decorations, check the connections holding them together. Tighten loose washers and bolts to ensure your Christmas spirit stays merry and bright. If washers or bolts have become corroded or worn, consider replacing them to refresh the look and extend the life of your decorations. If you need new components, you can source flat washers from Superior Washer & Gasket today online. Superior Washer & Gasket carries a full line of USS flat washers, zinc flat washers, HDG flat washers and SAE flat washers for all of your maintenance needs.
Don’t Let a Christmas Sparkle Become a Christmas Sizzle
If you have any type of electrical connections attached to your Christmas decorations, check all wiring before plugging anything in. While your decorations have been hanging out in storage over the warmer months, everything from mice chewing on cords to rough handling, loosening connections could have occurred. Unsecured connections or exposed wiring can be a big danger to you, your family and your property.
If you notice frayed or exposed wiring, consider either throwing the decoration out or properly repairing the wiring using the right electrical tools and materials. For jobs that seem more complicated than you would like to tackle on your own or if you’re unsure about something, don’t take chances. Instead, contact a professional electrician to assess the situation.
Give the Wreath a Rest
Christmas wreathes are a mainstay for many homes around the holidays as wreaths are often hung both indoors and outdoors. Unfortunately, they also make the perfect nesting place for rodents and insects when in storage. To add to this, the nooks and crannies in wreathes can trap dust and dirt that can leave the holidays looking a little dingy. Consider using compressed air to blow off any wreathes that you’ve had in storage prior to hanging them. You might also take the time to wipe down your wreathes with a damp cloth to remove dirt or dust.
The Stockings Aren’t the Only Things Needing Care
When it’s time to put things away after Christmas is over, it can be tempting to just throw everything in a closet, attic or basement and be done. Before you do this, take a moment to think about how frustrating it was to pull out and untangle everything this year. It can be easy to get in a rush after the holidays are over, especially when you have a lot to pack up and put into storage. This is where most damage occurs, and you may not even notice it until next year when the Christmas lights won’t turn on. By taking a few moments today to carefully organize and put things away neatly, you can give your future self a break.
You don’t have to package everything as neatly as it was when your decorations first arrived in your home, but if you take a few moments to organize your storage efforts, you’re less likely to face a challenge next year. Beyond that, treating your decorations gently while putting them away means they are less likely to get damaged and you’re less likely to spend more money on new decorations.