General Cleaning and Maintenance
Carpets: The best maintenance is keeping it clean. Your carpet was professionally cleaned before you moved in so it should be in good shape. Vacuum regularly. Ground in dirt will wear out the carpet. If you have sharp pointed furniture legs, you can buy caster cups to put under them at any hardware store. If you create a dent in the carpet with a furniture leg, place an ice cube in the dent. It will fluff back up! Please do not shampoo or steam clean your carpet. Contact Windermere’s office at 360-733-7944 if you feel your carpet needs additional cleaning.
Counter Tops: Don’t use counters tops as a chopping block. Please use a cutting board for chopping or hot pads to protect the counter surface. Counters can be cleaned with a soft detergent like soft scrub.
Dishwasher: For optimum efficiency, do not overload your dishwasher and only use dishwasher detergent recommended for automatic dishwashers. Gel packs make not work because of our soft water in Whatcom County. To clean the exterior of the dishwasher, wipe with a warm, damp, sudsy cloth. Rinse and wipe dry. Avoid gritty or harsh cleansers, as they will damage the finish. Generally, the interior of the dishwasher is self-cleaning, so run it regularly so it stays clean and odor free. The tub and strainer should be periodically checked for foreign objects.
Garbage Disposal: Run cold water when running your garbage disposal. Sharpening of the blades can be achieved by periodically inserting ice cubes. To deodorize the disposal, insert small orange or lemon peels. Do not use drain cleaning chemicals in your disposal. Never put bones, celery, onion peels, cornhusks, artichoke leaves, metal or glass down your disposal. In addition, never insert paper products, matches or cigarettes. Grease and coffee grounds will also clog your garbage disposal. If your disposal does not work, turn off the wall switch, wait a few minutes and push the reset button. This is usually a red button on or near the bottom or side of the disposal unit located under the kitchen sink. Try to turn on the disposal at the wall switch. If the disposal still does not work, call the Management Office for maintenance service.
Flowers and Plants: Be sure patio pots have something beneath them to protect the surface from prolonged water damage. Indoor plants should have the same, or be in pots that don’t have drain holes. Dampness indoors can lead to mold problems.
Pest Control: If you discover a problem with insects or rodents, please contact the Management Office, so service can be scheduled right away with our vendor. To prevent problems, store food in proper containers and keep your rental unit clean.
Toilet: Clean the toilet weekly with a toilet brush and a mild cleaner. If that doesn’t work, Comet is a good cleaner but not necessary for everyday use. If your toilet clogs, try using a plunger, or call us if that doesn’t work. Don’t put things down the toilet that don’t belong there. We ask that you do not use drain cleaner due to the hazards of chemical use and for the safety of our service team.
Refrigerator: It is recommended to have your refrigerator and freezer temperature set at the manufacturer’s suggested setting, which is located on the inside of your refrigerator. Clean the fridge regularly, tossing leftovers and using a mild cleaner with a soft scrub sponge. Regular cleaning will make it easy.
Showers/Tubs: For normal everyday cleaning, please use a mild soap or tub cleaner with a soft wash cloth. Do not use scouring pads or abrasive cleaners, as they will dull the surface. There is no need to use abrasive cleaners, as they will dull the gloss over a period of years. In extreme cases where the recommended cleaners do not work, use mild abrasive cleaners such as Soft Scrub or Liquid Comet. If you have glass shower doors, use a squeegee after showering each time to remove the water and they will always stay clean. If you have shower curtains, wash them at least every other month to prevent mold and mildew.
Washer/Dryer: For optimum efficiency, do not overload your washing machine and only use detergent recommended for clothes washing machines. In addition, small loads can easily become unbalanced and stop your machine. If your machine does stop in mid-cycle, open the hood, re-distribute the clothes and close the hood. The machine should start again. The lint vent on your dryer should be cleaned before each load for fire safety and to ensure minimal drying time.
Windows/Blinds: Do not leave windows open during rainy weather. The moisture or water spots will create a permanent stain, and may damage windowsills and walls. Blinds can be wiped clean with a warm, damp, sudsy cloth. Rinse and wipe dry. Avoid gritty or harsh cleansers, as they will damage the finish.
General Mold Prevention: Mold is caused by a combination of moisture and inattention. If you have a leak, contact the office. Keep fans on after showering or cooking to get the moisture out of the air. Keep your windows clean and close them when it’s raining. Our office offers a mold prevention kit with cleaners and advice.
Lead in Your Home: Protect Your Family pamphlet explaining the dangers of lead in your home and how to protect your family from lead-based paint hazards.
Visit – https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home
