Clean for Spring: Tenant Spring Cleaning Tips
Before you know it, the warmer weather will be upon us again. There are signs of new life everywhere you look. What better time to do a little sprucing up? Taking a few steps at a time, your home will be sparkling clean, ready to welcome in the return of warm days and cool nights in no time.
Daily Upkeep
Preventing the build up of clutter, dirt, and smudges can be difficult, especially during the time of year where we just want to curl up and pursue all things comfortable. However, doing so will make for a bigger mess to clean up once you get around to tidying up. Taking a few minutes each day to make sure that everything is where it belongs can help to cut down on your overall cleaning time. A regular pass of the vacuum over your carpets and rugs, along with mopping, can give you the motivation to keep your place clean, or at least reduce the time spent during deep cleaning.
Dust
You may not want to pass a white glove test, but dusting the various surfaces in your home can do more than just make it visually appealing. Dust can build up on a variety of surfaces. From your ceiling fan blades to your baseboards, these dust catching crevices can worsen seasonal allergies. Dust can also be a source of potentially harmful chemical contamination. If you have pets, you can use a rubber squeegee to easily remove pet hair, dander, and dust.
Clean Walls
Often, it is not until we pack to move do we notice how dirty our walls have become. Over time, our walls can collect dust and grease, as well as scuff marks and grime. With just a bit of vinegar and water, you can remove the gunk that has accumulated on your walls. Just remember to stick with sponges and soap that don’t use dyes, as these can transfer color to your newly cleaned walls.
Windows, Screens, Window Sills, and Window Treatments
You most likely wouldn’t wear the same thing over and over, without washing it, right? So, why not give your window treatments a bath to spruce them up? Many curtains can be run through a cycle in your washing machine. However, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. While your curtains are in the wash, it is a great opportunity to wash the windows, sills, and screens. Don’t forget your shower curtain, as these can hold to dirt and grime, as well as smells. Many shower curtains are machine washable. For an extra clean curtain, throw the shower curtain liner into the washing machine, along with a few towels. In the wash, the towels will rub against the curtain during the cleaning process.
Clean Carpets
A regular pass of a vacuum over your rugs and carpet may be enough for day-to-day cleaning. However, it may call for a more thorough cleaning this time of year. Local grocery stores and home improvement stores often have carpet shampoo machines for rent or you can elect to hire or purchase your own carpet shampooer. Clean carpets are not just for looks though, as a regular cleaning can help to reduce allergens in the home. Heck, clean carpets may also help you to get back as much of your security deposit as possible when it is time to move out.
Conclusion
It is almost that time of year, where the windows and doors will be open again. While daily cleaning and tidying up can help to keep clutter and dirt at bay, a thorough Spring cleaning can take your room from drab to fab. If you are looking for a new place to call home or are interested in other helpful tips, the folks at The Property Manager are in the know!
References
Simple Tips to Tackle Your Spring Clean
Spring Cleaning Tips for Tenants