Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Rental Property

April 11, 2020 admin

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Clean and Shine with Vinegar

While you might associate vinegar with the springtime fun of dying eggs, vinegar is a great resource for a variety of cleaning needs. From your clothes to your counter tops, it has the ability to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. Due to the acetic acid found naturally in vinegar that gives it the antimicrobial properties, vinegar should be one of your top go-to cleaners.

As a bonus, vinegar is also biodegradable. This makes it a safer option when compared to the use of bleach in such applications. Vinegar also works great at cutting through the grease and grime that accumulates on kitchen cabinets. However, it is important to note that vinegar is no match for certain germs, such as staphylococcus.

Clean and Disinfect with Hydrogen Peroxide

Available at most drug and grocery stores, hydrogen peroxide possesses antimicrobial properties and is an effective disinfectant. It is recommended to only use hydrogen peroxide that does not exceed 3%, as concentrated versions can be dangerous. Additionally, ensure that you don’t mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide. Doing so can create a toxic chemical that is dangerous to inhale or have contact with your skin.

Cleaning with Baking Soda

If you’re only familiar with using baking soda when you bake cookies, be prepared to have your mind blown. Baking soda can help to prevent odors and smells, such as cat litter boxes and garbage cans. For cleaning purposes, a sprinkle on durable surfaces, from your kitchen counter to your bathtub, can help to remove surface stains due to the mild abrasive properties of baking soda. You can also use baking soda to keep your sink drains clean and clear of build up. Sprinkle ¼ cup baking soda in the drain, followed by ½ cup white vinegar. It won’t foam as much as your grade school volcanoes, so don’t worry. Cover the drain opening and let it sit for 15 minutes. Follow with 8 cups of boiling water and your drains will thank you.

Cut Down on Bacteria with Tea Tree Oil

Another cleaner that may be lurking in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit is tea tree oil. This oil is great to have next to bandages. It can be used as an antiseptic to clean minor cuts, and has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.

You can make your own all-purpose cleaner by combining ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, and 64 ounces of warm water in a spray bottle. Add in a few drops of tea tree oil, to add to the cleaning and disinfecting power.

Conclusion

The importance of cleanliness should be at the top of your list when you operate rental properties. Whether you own one or several, keeping on top of cleaning and disinfecting can help to keep your tenants and property healthy. When tenants see that their landlord is proactive about cleaning common spaces and when new tenants move in or out, it may be a deciding factor in renewing leases. If you are looking for guidance on ways to keep your rental property in great shape and keep your tenants happy, drop us a line and let us know how we can help!