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DESIGN TRENDS

Spring Cleaning Hacks

By Michelle Gamble

Ah spring time … the birds are singing, the grass is growing, and all the mud and grime accumulated during the winter now shines a little too brightly in that golden sunshine. Many property providers find that spring time and summer are the best times of year to attract renters. So, more than ever, it’s important to get your property spick-and-span. Here are some great cleaning hacks to make it easier.

NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS

As our world transitions to sustainability and organic products, many renters will appreciate the cleanliness and lack of toxicity that natural products offer.

Lavender oil – clean with natural ingredients: Lavender oil can be used to clean windows and mirrors, lemon juice can be used to clean glass surfaces, and vinegar can be used to clean tile floors, says Lili Wili, founder of EverWallpaper, a UK-based company.

Vinegar right from your cup-

board – vinegar can remove grease and grime from surfaces. It’s also a great way to remove grease buildup from your stovetop or even grilling pans.

Baking Soda and Vinegar – use these two items in combination to clean out gunk accumulating in the pipes. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it fizzle for about half an hour, then flush it down with hot water. When mixed together, these chemicals do a great job of eating away at years of accumulation. Best of all, it’s safe for your plumbing system – and it’s safe for the environment, says Jake Romano, project manager, John The Plumber, a Canadian-based company.

Lemons – lemons are great for their natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, as well as their ability to break down stains, clean and shine household items.

CLEANING GADGET MAGIC

Vacuum cleaner – yes, you want to clean your carpets, but also you want to deep clean to remove grime that builds up against baseboards. Use a crevice tool (most vacuums include them as attachments) to not only clean right up against the baseboards, but also to clean out cupboards, window sills, shelves, and any other tight spaces.

Magic Eraser – as the name suggests, it removes pesky and persistent stains like magic and makes them disappear. Using this hack of a cleaning product, you can remove grime from grout and stains that you otherwise would have given up on. A must-have product for cleaning out kitchens and bathrooms, says Alicia Johnson, owner of Cleaning Green, a Covina, California-based company.

Razor sharp – use a razor to clean the tops of cabinets, and then add parchment paper to make it look as a good as new.

Electric Toothbrush – that’s right! An electric toothbrush can be used to access spots with grit that are normally out of your reach. Switch it on and gently run it against the hard-to-reach surfaces, and it will do the rest, adds Johnson.

Michelle Gamble is the editor of Rental Housing magazine.