Tenants need to keep the property in the same condition as when they first moved in. That means keeping it clean and neat to avoid incurring damages outside the ordinary wear and tear. Spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to refresh and bring back the property’s charm. Here are some spring cleaning tips that will have the abode ready for anything — from visitors to inspection.
Spring Cleaning : Tips Before You Begin
Don’t roll up your sleeves just yet! Before getting into the action, there are some things you have to keep in mind. Here are some tips to make spring cleaning easier and more effective:
· Start from top to bottom
It would help if you first work on cleaning the ceiling, walls, and lastly, the floor. Doing so will ensure no dirt will land on surfaces that you have just cleaned.
· Divide and conquer.
Make the task easier by going into each room and identifying what needs sprucing up within them. This step will also help you create a cleaning checklist.
· Make a checklist.
Having a checklist is one of the most noteworthy spring cleaning tips that is often overlooked. A checklist will ensure that you don’t miss anything. There are lots of printable checklists online that you can use for this purpose.
· Prepare all cleaning essentials.
You may use a commercial cleaning solution or natural ones found in your pantry. Vinegar, Baking soda, and lemon are excellent dirt and stain remover. Dish soap not only effectively cuts grimes in your dishes but also on other home surfaces. Don’t forget the bucket or basin, cleaning rags, long-handled duster, and vacuum.
· Make it enjoyable.
How do you make a task less tiring and boring? Play some music that inspires energy and productivity! Prepare some refreshments that you can enjoy as soon as you’re done cleaning (or even halfway through it). And, of course, get someone to help if it is accessible.
Start with the Ceiling
Before cleaning everything else:
- Start with the dust and cobwebs on the ceiling. Note that you will need a stepladder or at least a high and sturdy chair to carry out this job.
- Use a duster or vacuum with a long handle for hard-to-reach corners.
- Then, carefully wipe light fixtures, fan blades, and vents clean.
Clean Every Surface
Walls, doors, baseboards, cabinets, and other woodworks accumulate dust and grime over time. Cleaning these areas even just once or twice a year can make a difference in the place’s overall feel. Giving attention to these parts may also reveal problems that might need some fixing.
- Wash the walls using a soft-bristled brush or dye-free rag and warm, soapy water.
- Remove everything inside the cabinet. Wipe down cabinets with a cleaning product that is suitable for the material. Make sure that the items are clean and dry before putting them back inside the cabinet.
- Wipe the surfaces dry with an absorbent cloth or sponge. Open the doors and windows to speed up the drying process.
Clean the Windows and Screens
You will have to remove the screens from the windows altogether to make cleaning easier and more thorough. Simplify the job with these spring cleaning tips for windows and screens:
- Dry brush the layer of dust and dirt off the screen first. This will remove the superficial deposit of dirt and lessen the murkiness when you wet the screens. Then, give it a good spray with a garden hose. Remove the remaining dirt with a brush and soapy water. Rinse with a final spray of water. Let it dry while you do the windows.
- Remove the dust around the frame, stiles, and grills. With a soft cloth, clean the windows with soapy water. Baking soda and vinegar paste can also effectively clean your windows and leave the glass looking shiny and spotless.
- Wipe the windows dry with a lint-free cloth. Then, wipe down the remaining moisture from the screen before installing it back on.
Clean the Floor and Carpets
Floors and carpets can easily be the dirtiest part of the home. Dirt and grime from the outside can be brought in by foot traffic! Here’s how you can give them a little TLC:
- Vacuum low-traffic areas to remove accumulated dust and allergens. These include the area under the furniture (bed, side and corner tables, etc.), appliances (fridge, washer, etc.), and closet floors.
- Clean the floor with an all-purpose cleaner and a mop or rag. Make sure that you don’t use anything abrasive to prevent damages to the floor. You might need to rinse the floor, depending on the cleaning product used. There are floor cleaners formulated with polish that can fill in scratches and add a beautiful, shiny finish.
- Vacuum the carpets thoroughly. This is a good time to inspect for and treat spills and other stains. In some cases, carpets may need a professional clean. You might want to talk to your landlord regarding the paying part of hiring a carpet cleaner.
Kitchen, Toilets, and Bath Easy Spring Cleaning Tips
The great thing about these cleaning tips for the kitchen, toilets, and bath is that it’s effortless! You can start it, leave to do other tasks, and return for some minimal scrubbing. Another great thing about it is that it’s all-natural, so there will be no toxic fumes hanging around afterward.
- Make a paste of baking soda and lemon or vinegar. Apply the mixture to grouts.
- Meanwhile, in a spray bottle, mix 1 cup water and half cup vinegar. Slowly add baking soda, about two tablespoons. You may also put a few drops of essential oil or juice of half a lemon for fragrance. Gently shake the mixture and spray on tiles, countertops, sink, tub, toilet, and flooring.
- Pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and follow with 2 cups of vinegar. It will fizzle and loosen dirt.
Let them all sit for at least half an hour; you may attend to other cleaning tasks while they wait. Then, give the tiles and fixtures a good scrubbing; rinse well with water. Scrub the toilet with a brush before flushing out the vinegar and baking soda solution.
Additional Spring Cleaning Tips for a More Immaculate Home
The items above are focused on major parts of spring cleaning, but what about the small ones? Follow these additional tips to complete your spring cleaning project!
- Clean the fridge, oven, and other kitchen appliances with a cloth dipped in warm water and vinegar solution. Use a brush to remove food particles. Wipe them dry with a clean, dry cloth.
- Remove the dust off all exposed items in every room, including those hanging on the wall.
- Air out the pillows, blankets, and comforters. Hang them on the clothesline and secure with clips, or drape them on a chair. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, and it can make your pillows noticeably fresher.
- The area outside the house can accumulate web and dust even more than the inside. Don’t forget to treat the area the same way you did inside.
- Take the doormats and shake the debris off. You might want to vacuum it to remove stubborn dirt that still clings to it. You may also deodorize the doormats with a sprinkle of baking soda.
- Clean the pathways by sweeping the leaves, dirt, and other debris with a broom or leaf blower. Then, give it a final hose down to wash away dried dirt and grime. Let it dry naturally.
Spring is the Best Time to Clean Your Rental Property
Sure, it’s a rental property, and maybe one day, you will move out to live in a property of your own. But for now, this is your home – and it deserves some attention to make your stay homier. For more information on rental properties in Orlando, FL, please email us at [email protected] or call 1-407-569-8899.