Managing a rental home needs all your attention during the high season—when the occupancy rate goes up alongside profit. However, when your home is unoccupied, it still needs maintenance and cleaning. In fact, the best time to deep-clean your rental home is when it is vacant. Take advantage of the low season with these vacation rental maintenance and cleaning chores.
1. Deep clean the carpets
Vacuuming rugs or carpets only removes the dust on the surface; you need a deep-clean to remove dirt, germs, and stains left by previous tenants. A stained carpet can damage your rental home’s image. You can take advantage of the low season by deep-clean all of your rental home’s carpets and rugs.
2. Wash the curtains
After a tenant’s departure, you should dust the curtains and drapes on your rental home. However, washing them at least once a year removes all odors the fabric could be holding—like cigarette smoke or food grease. Before starting, check the cleaning instructions on your curtains to prevent damaging them. Some may need dry cleaning.
3. Clean hidden spots
When your rental is unoccupied, you can clean the spots you usually can’t reach when your vacation rental is in the peak season. Wipe and clean inside cabinets, cupboards, drawers, inside the fridge, behind and under appliances, etc. Also, take a look at the air conditioner vents and ducts and change the air filters if they are dirty. Even the most demanding tenant won’t find a dirty spot on your rental home.
4. Prevent foul odors
The aroma of your rental home contributes to creating a pleasant atmosphere—if the smell’s good, obviously. If your rental home is unoccupied for several months, try to open doors and windows from time to time to refresh the air. Just keeping your rental home clean takes care of most bad smells, but be careful when using bleach and other products because some people may find the scent unpleasant. Baking soda helps to maintain your rental home odor-free. Sprinkle it on furniture and carpets and vacuum after fifteen minutes.
5. Leave the walls spotless
When your rental home is unoccupied during extended periods, you can assess its state and keep it in shape before bookings increase. Painting the walls doesn’t seem like a priority with every new tenant, but when people keep coming and going into your home, the walls might end up scratched or stained. Adding a coat of paint is a basic maintenance chore during low season to bring your rental home from good to excellent condition.
6. Trust the cleaning to your tenants
You can deep clean your rental home during these long unoccupied periods, but cleaning doesn’t have to depend on you alone. Providing a detailed cleaning checklist to your tenants will instruct them on how you expect your home’s condition to be left in when they move out. This will help keep it safe and clean for everyone, and your guests will know how important cleaning is to you.
The low season is your opportunity to get your home ready for the next peak season—and sure is a breather from the hustle of managing a vacation rental. Let Happy Home Cleaning Services help you; we are a cleaning company in the Tampa Bay area with experience cleaning vacation rental homes and rooms. Reach us on our website and get your quote now.
