With summer in full swing in Central Texas, many people take the seasonal change as a chance to clean their homes and tackle lingering maintenance tasks.

Here are some expert tips on areas of the home to check on during the warmer months and local resources for home cleanouts.

Steve Ambrose, Division Manager of Home Improvement at ABC Home & Commercial Services, said there are a few exterior areas homeowners can check on as the weather changes, including:


  • Gutters: Check for debris like twigs, dried leaves and sap.


  • Condenser: The condenser is the box-shaped outdoor AC unit most houses have. Ambrose said these can also collect debris, resulting in the indoor AC unit not cooling efficiently.


  • Irrigation system: Check the sprinkler system for leaks and program malfunctions.


  • Trees: A quick walk-around can point out any trees touching the roof that need trimming. As the wind blows, long branches may damage the roof shingles. They can also be an avenue for wildlife like squirrels, rats, possums and raccoons to get onto the roof.


  • Holes: Openings and holes in a house may also give indoor access to pests, Ambrose said.


  • Thresholds: Check the weather stripping on doors and windows for drafts.


  • Hardscapes: Hard surfaces like patios, walkways, sidewalks and decks can become slippery from mildew and pollen buildup.
Homeowners can clean these areas themselves or call a professional service. ABC Home & Commercial provides a variety of home services in the Austin area, including exterior cleaning, pest control, HVAC repair and maintenance, and more.

Ambrose said that as people spend more time outside at home, it is important to ensure amenities are running smoothly.

“It's kinda like getting your oil changed on your car before you go on a long trip,” he said. “You want to make sure it's running efficiently and anything a homeowner can do to make sure it is running efficiently is a good thing.”

What else?


When it comes to the inside of the house, there are various donation centers where people can take their unneeded items after decluttering. Here are a few local places to check out. This list is not comprehensive. See the business website for specific donation instructions.

Where to donate:

Habitat for Humanity ReStore


  • Donations accepted: home goods, including furniture, appliances, doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, lighting, decor, exercise equipment, baby items, clean clothing and accessories, lawn equipment and more


  • Location: 2521 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos


  • www.austinhabitat.org/restore




Goodwill of Central Texas


  • Donations accepted (vary by location): adult and children’s clothes, shoes and accessories, household items, toys and games, kitchen items, linens, books, furniture in good condition, sporting goods, electronics


  • Locations: 1005 Hwy. 80, San Marcos; 210 Farm to Market Road 2001, Ste. 105, Buda; 901 Seton Parkway, Kyle


  • www.goodwillcentraltexas.org




Hays-Caldwell Women's Center


  • Donations accepted: new household goods like cleaning supplies, dish soap and paper products, reusable grocery bags, clean children and youth clothing and shoes, new baby products, new toys, kitchenware. Call before donating to HCWC


  • Call before donating to HCWC


  • www.hcwc.org/get-involved




Kyle Library Thrift Shop

San Marcos Public Library

Buda Public Library


  • Donations accepted: gently used books excluding textbooks and encyclopedias, and DVDs. Donations are limited to three boxes.


  • Location: 405 E. Loop St., Buda


  • www.budalibrary.org




2nd Chance Books


  • Donations accepted: gently used books including fiction, cooking, graphic novels, business and money, religion, history, horror, math, language arts and more


  • Location: 102 Wonder World Drive, Ste. 305, San Marcos


  • www.2ndchancebooks.com




Price Center Community Art Closet

San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter


  • Donations accepted: unopened dry or canned kitten and puppy food, pet treats, new cleaning supplies, dog and cat shampoos, pet toys, pet beds, stuffing-free blankets, towels, sheets


  • Location: 750 River Road, San Marcos


  • www.sanmarcostx.gov/256/Donate-to-the-Shelter




PAWS Shelter of Central Texas


  • Donations accepted: unopened dry pet food and treats, leashes and harnesses, tall wire or plastic exercise pens, plastic pools, blankets, towels, bath mats, cat and dog carriers and crates


  • Location: 500 FM 150 E., Kyle


  • www.pawsshelter.org