As the winter air recedes and we firmly move into the arms of springtime, we all have to get our dust rags and buckets ready. That’s right! It’s spring cleaning season. It’s time to do a thorough wipe down and revel in the joys of a clean and healthy home.
This article looks at when to start spring cleaning your rental property and how to go about it. So whether you’re undertaking the task yourself or you are planning to hire a management company to do the work, strap in for an intensive spring cleaning guide.
When to Start Spring Cleaning?
As you might have accurately guessed, the best time to start spring cleaning is springtime. Experts say that thorough cleaning of your house can improve your immune system by eliminating illness-causing dirt, dust, and bacteria. A clean home can also be a great stress reliever, improve your mental health, and increase productivity. For a landlord, that means happier and healthier tenants who are eager to take your lease and renew their tenancy.
Although you might be wondering why spring? What’s so special about cleaning in the first quarter of the year? Spring cleaning is typically done in March or April, following the winter months. Many homes tend to lock up their houses to insulate themselves from the cold during this period. As a result, there’s a build-up of moisture, dampness, and stale air. So spring is the perfect time to open up your windows, declutter your home, and clean up the entire house.
Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Rental Property
Use a checklist
Deep cleaning an entire house is a daunting task that can easily overwhelm anyone. Moreso, if you’re doing the spring cleaning yourself. But having a checklist helps you keep things organized and makes the tasks simpler to complete.
Another benefit of utilizing a checklist is that it gives you direction. For example, if you start cleaning the floors, you might have to backtrack and do them again after removing cobwebs from the ceiling. Inevitably some of the debris you remove will fall on your freshly cleaned floor, making you waste more time and energy. Thankfully, most downloadable spring cleaning checklists use a sequential order that can help you avoid backtracking.
Keep the air clean
Since it’s spring, it’s only natural to expect more pollen in the air. Asides from the extra allergens in the atmosphere, there’s the tendency for the winter past to leave behind the musky smell of mold. So during your spring cleaning, you need to prioritize cleaning the air in your house.
Start by dusting off your ceiling fans, vents, the air conditioner, and other air fixtures. Likely, during winter, these appliances might not see much use. Thus, there’s a tendency for dust and debris to settle on them and, in some instances, cause clogs that prevent them from functioning. Ensure that the windows are open while you complete this task to avoid inhaling too many irritants. If you’re not satisfied with the effects of a duster, you can go in with a bucket of soapy water and a rag to make your air fixtures spotless. Alternatively, you could also use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner, but be careful, so you don’t damage the device.
Service the HVAC system
You should service your HVAC system in preparation for the coming summer months. The last thing you want is a 71° summer day with no air conditioning. So ensure the central unit and the ones in each room are working perfectly and cooling properly. However, it would be best to schedule an appointment with a professional to check them out and make replacements if necessary.
Shake out the rugs and carpets
If you have carpeting in your home, it’s prone to build up debris and dust on the surface. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to roll it up, take it out, and give it a good beating. Ensure that you check the weather forecast before you do, as you might have to leave it out for a day or two for the sun to kill the germs. In the meantime, vacuum the empty spot, mop, and dry it out properly before bringing in your rug.
Make those windows sparkle
You wouldn’t want to miss the lovely weather outside, so grab a bucket and work on your windows. An expert tip is to start with the outer panels before moving to the inner ones. If you want your windows to sparkle, you should hire a professional window cleaner. Otherwise, a bucket of warm soapy water and a squeegee should do the trick. If you want to go the extra mile, you can buy a sweet-smelling window cleaner.
Make necessary repairs
While you’re going all out on keeping your rentals clean, now would be the perfect time to inspect the house and make repairs in your dining room. So while you move from one room to the next, keep an eye out for damages. You might notice signs of excess moisture in the basement, a leak in the bathroom, or a faulty lock in your back door. It would be best to address these issues to improve your tenant’s comfort and enhance security. Don’t forget to inspect your roof too. You can either do that yourself with a ladder and tools to replace a missing shingle or hire an expert and reduce your risk.
Clean out the gutters
When the snow melts, it tends to wash debris into your gutters and even cause clogs. That can be a nuisance, especially when considering the potential damage a clogged drain can cause. So clean out your gutters, and make room for excess water to escape as needed.
Add curb appeal
Finally, round off your spring cleaning by adding some much-needed curb appeal to your property. By boosting the external appearance of your rental, you can attract more tenants to take a look at the inside and fill up vacancies more quickly. It also gives you an edge during negotiations, as tactful improvements can increase your home’s ROI.
Conclusion
As a landlord, the success of your rental business depends on your dedication to keeping your property in top shape. Knowing when to start spring cleaning your rental property and the best way to go about it makes your units more hospitable and attractive to tenants. If you need assistance in keeping your property healthy and hygienic, feel free to outsource the job to a reputable professional.
