Winter is a great time to tackle home maintenance jobs. Here are the top recommendations from Bunnings Workshop community DIY expert, Jacob Zubrinich, for keeping your home in top shape through the cooler months.
Clear gutters and check downpipes
Blocked gutters during winter rain can cause serious damage. Use a ladder, gloves and a scoop to clear leaves and debris, then flush downpipes with a hose to check for blockages. Installing gutter guards can help prevent future buildup.
Draught-proof doors and windows
Sealing draughts is a quick way to boost energy efficiency and cut heating costs. Weather strips, door snakes and self-adhesive foam tape around windows and doors are affordable fixes that make a noticeable difference in comfort and power bills.
Put ceiling fans in reverse
Many ceiling fans have a reverse spin setting that pushes warm air trapped near the ceiling down into the room. Run fans on low speed in reverse during cooler months to distribute heat evenly, reducing heating costs and improving comfort.
Pressure wash slippery surfaces
Algae and moss thrive on damp decks, paths and pavers, creating slipping hazards. Pressure washing removes build-up and freshens outdoor areas. For extra mould control, follow with an outdoor cleaner such as 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner.
Check and refresh outdoor furniture
Clean outdoor furniture with warm, soapy water and let it dry completely. Apply timber oil to wooden pieces to protect against moisture and use protective covers to keep everything dry until spring. The Clear Outdoor Furniture Oil by Feast Watson is a great option. This extends your furniture’s life and saves money long-term.
Insulate hot water pipes
Exposed hot water pipes, especially outdoors, lose heat quickly. Foam pipe lagging is easy to cut and clip into place without special tools. Insulating pipes helps water stay hotter longer and improves energy efficiency, especially in colder areas.
Mulch your garden beds
Your plants get cold during the winter months, too. Laying mulch, like that from Richgro, helps retain soil warmth, suppress weeds, and reduce water evaporation. Spread an even 7–to-10cm layer around plants, keeping mulch away from stem bases to avoid rot.
Common tasks often overlooked
Winter is prime time to tackle lawn weeds like bindi, clover and winter grass, which thrive as your lawn slows down. Use manual weeding or a selective herbicide suited to your grass type and act early before weeds spread. Mow regularly but avoid cutting too short to keep your lawn healthy for spring.
Winter-friendly tools and products
Winter maintenance is easier with the right gear. Heated jackets keep you warm outdoors, firepits extend your time outside after dark, and rugs help protect your feet from cold surfaces. These essentials make winter projects and relaxing afterwards much more comfortable.
Before Spring: clean and prepare the garden
Late winter is perfect for pruning deciduous trees, weeding lawns, feeding with slow-release fertiliser, and refreshing mulch. This prepares your garden for spring growth and prevents catch-up work later.
Protecting outdoor areas
Use furniture covers, apply decking oil to timber, and consider PVC or shade cloth patio blinds to block cold wind and rain. Small protective steps now save significant wear and tear over time.
Product suggestions from Bunnings:
