The Top 7 Cleaning Tasks Tenants Often Overlook:

A Guide for Landlords and Property Managers

Property managers know that a clean property helps attract and keep tenants. It also preserves the properties value. A well-maintained property enhances curb appeal and minimizes the need for costly repairs.

Tenants are responsible for cleaning their rental units. They often overlook certain cleaning tasks that can impact the property's condition. This can lead to a decline in property value or increased repair costs. Awareness of these overlooked tasks can help to address problems before they escalate.

Let's take a look at the tasks that most tenants (and some cleaners!) overlook.

Regular deep cleaning of flooring is essential for maintaining a clean living environment. Carpets can harbor dirt, allergens, and bacteria. This can impact indoor air quality and aggravate allergies or respiratory issues. Deep cleaning removes these contaminants and helps to extend the lifespan of your carpets. Dirty carpets are susceptible to premature wear and tear.

Vacuuming and spot cleaning are not enough to maintain carpets. Signs that it's time for a deep cleaning include:



• Persistent odors
• Visible stains
• Discolored or matted carpet fibers
• Increased allergy symptoms

High-traffic areas may show signs of wear and tear. Deep cleaning will restore the appearance and functionality of the flooring.

There are several options for deep cleaning carpets and flooring in your rental units. Professional carpet cleaning services offer steam cleaning, dry cleaning, or encapsulation cleaning. Hard flooring may need deep scrubbing, grout cleaning, and sealing or refinishing.

Schedule professional cleaning when there is a change in tenants. Establish a regular deep cleaning schedule based on the needs of your property. Take into account the type of flooring, tenant lifestyle, and local environmental conditions.

Clean windows improve the curb appeal of your property. They also allow for better natural lighting inside the rental units. Look for streaks, smudges, dust, or debris on the glass and sills, as well as dirt or grime buildup on the screens. Windows that are difficult to open or close due to dirt in the tracks also need cleaning. Properties near coastal areas, busy roads, or construction sites may need more frequent cleaning.

Using the right techniques and tools can help ensure a thorough and efficient job. Here are some tips for proper window cleaning:

1. Use a high-quality window cleaning solution or a homemade mixture of water, white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.

2. Use a microfiber cloth, sponge, or a window cleaning brush to apply the cleaning solution, working in a circular motion to loosen dirt and grime.

3. For screens, gently scrub with a soft brush and cleaning solution before rinsing with a hose or in the shower.

4. Use a squeegee to remove the cleaning solution from the windows, working from top to bottom in a smooth, continuous motion.

5. Wipe window sills and tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris, and use a narrow brush or vacuum attachment to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate behind and underneath appliances. This is often an issue for major appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers. This hidden buildup not only poses a potential fire hazard but can also affect the efficiency and lifespan of the appliances. Accumulated moisture and debris can lead to:

• Mold Growth
• Pest Infestations
• Unpleasant Odors

When cleaning behind and underneath appliances, follow proper safety precautions. Here are some tips for safely moving and cleaning behind appliances:

1. Disconnect power sources and water lines before moving appliances. For gas appliances, turn off the gas supply and disconnect the gas line.

2. Use appliance rollers, furniture sliders, or a dolly to gently move the appliance away from the wall. This is the best way to protect flooring.

3. Vacuum or sweep behind and underneath the appliance to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment or a long, flexible brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.

4. Wipe down the back, sides, and bottom of the appliance with a damp cloth and mild cleaning solution.

5. Inspect and clean any filters, vents, or coils as needed. Follow the manufacturers recommendations.

6. Move the appliance back into place. Reconnect power sources, water lines, and gas lines as necessary.

Establish a regular cleaning schedule for appliances to ensure their optimal performance. You may choose to perform this task annually, biannually, or during routine maintenance periods.

Consider providing tenants with guidelines on how to maintain appliances. This can encourage tenants to take an active role in maintaining a clean and safe living environment.

Door handles, light switches, countertops, and faucet handles can harbor germs, bacteria, and viruses. These pose a risk to tenant health and safety. Disinfection of these surfaces is essential to prevent the spread of illness-causing pathogens.

Consider the following high-touch areas within your rental units and common spaces:

• Door handles and knobs
• Light switches and switch plates
• Countertops and tabletops
• Faucet handles and sink areas
• Appliance handles and buttons
• Stair railings and elevator buttons
• Shared amenities, such as gym equipment, laundry facilities, or mailboxes

To clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, follow these guidelines:

1. Use a cleaning solution with detergent or soap and water to remove dirt, grime, and other visible debris from surfaces.

2. Apply a disinfectant that is effective against common pathogens. You might use an EPA-registered household disinfectant, a bleach solution, or a solution containing at least 70% alcohol. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and contact time.

3. Use disposable gloves and a clean cloth, sponge, or disposable wipe to apply the disinfectant. Ensure that surfaces remain wet for the recommended contact time.

4. Dispose of gloves and cleaning materials after use, and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

All professional cleaning services will disinfect high touch surfaces.

Hard water can leave behind unsightly stains and buildup. This buildup can negatively impact the performance and lifespan of appliances. Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines are the most susceptible. It also contributes to plumbing issues and reduced water pressure. Hard water stains on fixtures, glass shower doors, and sinks are very noticeable.

To identify hard water stains and buildup, look for the following signs:

White or chalky residue on faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures

Spots or streaks on glass shower doors, mirrors, and windows

Reduced water pressure or flow from faucets and showerheads

Rust-colored stains on porcelain sinks, tubs, and toilets

To remove hard water stains and buildup, consider using the following techniques:

1. Apply a mixture of white vinegar and water to affected areas. Allow it to sit before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

2. Use a commercial cleaner designed for removing hard water stains. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and rinsing.

3. For stubborn stains or buildup, use a pumice stone or non-scratch scouring pad. Take care not to damage surfaces or fixtures.

Taking preventative measures can minimize the impact of hard water on your property. This reduces the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. Consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Install water softeners or filters in your rental units or at the main water supply to reduce the mineral content in the water.

2. Encourage tenants to wipe down fixtures, shower doors, and surfaces regularly to prevent the buildup of hard water residue.

3. Provide tenants with guidelines for maintaining appliances and fixtures. Include recommendations for cleaning products and techniques to address hard water issues.

By addressing hard water stains and buildup, you can maintain the appearance, functionality, and value of your property. Your tenants will enjoy a clean living environment.

Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in protecting your property from water damage. They direct rainwater and debris away from the building's foundation, walls, and roof. If not maintained, gutters can become clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris. This causes water to overflow and, leading to costly damage such as foundation issues, basement flooding, and roof leaks.

To determine if your gutters and downspouts need cleaning or maintenance, look for the following signs:

• Water overflowing from gutters during rainstorms
• Sagging or pulling away from the building due to the weight of accumulated debris
• Stains or water damage on exterior walls, siding, or fascia
• Puddles or eroded soil near the foundation, indicating improper drainage

Proper cleaning of gutters and downspouts are essential to ensure the effective drainage of water and debris. Here are some tips for keeping your gutters and downspouts in good working order:

Remove debris

Use a ladder, gloves, and a scoop or trowel to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from the gutters. You can use a leaf blower with a gutter-cleaning attachment to blow out the debris.

Flush the gutters

Use a garden hose or a pressure washer to flush the gutters and downspouts. Ensure that water flows freely through the system.

Inspect for damage

Check the gutters and downspouts for damage, such as cracks, holes, or disconnected sections, and make repairs as needed.

Ensure proper slope

Make sure the gutters slope towards the downspouts at an angle of approximately 1/4 inch per 10 feet to promote proper drainage.

Install gutter guards

Consider installing gutter guards or screens to minimize debris buildup and the frequency of cleaning.

You may need to clean and inspect your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year. Consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning service if your property has multiple stories or a complex roofline.