Sometimes, regardless of how clean and responsible a tenant is, a good deep cleaning is in order. The last thing you want your next tenant to walk into is a less than desirable home. But when it comes to cleaning, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why this article will be your guide to deep-cleaning your rental unit before your next tenant moves in.
Walls and Floors
The first things a tenant will notice when they walk in are the walls and floors. If the paint is chipping or if the walls are stained and dirty, they may just turn around before putting down their things. Melamine sponges are great for getting tough stains out of walls.
You’ll want to make sure that your floors are clean, too, regardless of the material. While there are pros and cons to allowing pets in your rental, having carpet is the biggest downside. You never know if your next tenant is going to be allergic to the previous tenant’s animal, so deep-cleaning rugs and carpets with a carpet cleaner is going to be a critical step in removing dander and making sure the rental unit is ready.
Appliances and Amenities
Your next step is to check all appliances and amenities to see if they’re clean and in working order. That means tubs, showers, toilets, microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and anything else included in the property. Not only are these appliances prone to breaking down, but they catch the most dirt, as they’re often the most used. It’s a good rule of thumb to start with the objects that see the most traffic and have the most contact points.
Windows and Doors
Because doors come into contact with hands, you may notice a sticky and oily handle or general stains around contact points. Melamine sponges are also a great tool for a dirty door. With windows, make sure all the ledges, nooks, and crannies are clean and free from dust, stains, and dead bugs. After cleaning your windowpanes, you may want to check your screens for any caught dirt and debris as well.
Light Switches, Ceiling Fans, and Other Dust Collectors
The sides of light switches and the tops of ceiling fans are just a few of the many major dust collectors in a home. Other dirt magnets or baseboards, crown molding, and shelves. You’ll also want to check behind any furniture and appliances as well as the air vents. All these places can hold dust and pet dander that can make a tenant sick and uncomfortable, so be sure to have plenty of dust wipes on hand.
Deep-cleaning a rental unit before your next tenant is easy once you know what to look for. Just keep in mind the places you come into contact with the most in your home, as well as the places you often forget about.
