Caring For Your Home,
It's Easy!
Click through the below home care tips to learn about how to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs and the potential for security deposit charges. A cared for home is a happy home!
GARBAGE DISPOSALS
- Only flush small food bits down the disposal. The garbage disposal in your unit is NOT for disposing of large food scraps. Items such as peels, rinds, peanut butter, grease, etc. will easily clog your disposal, for which you will be charged.
- Ensure the faucet is running before and while operating the disposal.
- Keep small silverware and glassware away from the garbage disposal. If a glass breaks into the disposal, it oftentimes requires that we replace the entire unit at your expense.
DISHWASHERS
- Use only dishwasher rated detergent in your machine. Using regular dish soap can damage the pump and/or cause the machine to overflow.
- Be sure to unload your dishwasher shortly after running a cycle. Leaving your dishwasher full for a long period of time while damp may result in mold growth and/or odors.
- Scrape large food debris off of dishes before placing in the dishwasher.
- Once a month, full the bottom rack out of your dishwasher and wipe out the bottom of the machine. Check the filter screen/basket (if applicable) for any food debris that may have gotten stuck. Throw the debris in the trash, rinse the filter, and replace.
PLUMBING
- Do not ever pour grease down the kitchen sink. Pour it into an old can or container, let it harden, and throw the container away.
- Leave your cabinet doors under the sink open during cold weather spells. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes, lessening the chances of freezing.
PLUMBING
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Feminine products, gum, male contraceptives, cotton swabs, etc. should be thrown away and not flushed.
- Do not flush wipes down the toilet. Even if the product claims they are flushable, wipes frequently clog sewer lines, and need to be cleared at your expense. Word to the wise, this isn’t cheap!
- Individuals with long hair should be mindful of the shower drain. Hair frequently clogs drains, causing slow drainage and odors. Monthly, use needle nose pliers to remove long hairs from drains. Use a hair guard to prevent some of the hair from entering the drain.
VENTILATION
- Before showering, turn on your exhaust fan and/or open a window for ventilation. After showering, allow for a couple of extra minutes of ventilation before closing the window/turning the fan off. Do not leave the bathroom door closed when leaving the bathroom after showering. This will help prevent odors and possible mildew growth.
- Do not run exhaust fans for extended periods of time, or when you’re not home.
- If small mildew spots appear on your bathroom ceiling or walls, use a multi-purpose cleaner or bleach spray and wipe them clean. Test the cleaner in a small area first to ensure it doesn’t stain or discolor the finish.
- Do not overload the washing machine with clothes. Filling the machine too full may cause it to go off balance, allowing for shaking and rattling.
- After each and every use, remove the lint trap and remove the lint from the dryer. A built up of lint will cause your clothes to dry much slower, and may lead to a fire. You will be responsible for any maintenance calls for a malfunctioning dryer that result from an overfilled lint trap.
- Only use the recommended amount of laundry detergent. Excess detergent can gum up the washing machine and cause issues down the road.
- Do not put detergent in the bleach slot, if applicable. Detergent should either be placed in it’s designated “slot” or dumped directly into the machine.
