gulflifere.com

Category: House Cleaning

  • Preparing For Listing Photos

    Preparing For Listing Photos

    Listing photos are the first chance many potential buyers get to be exposed to your home. This is why preparing for listing photos and ensuring your home looks ready to sell is a key part in the home listing process. Here are some tips to help you avoid bad photos and prepare your home for great listing photos!

    Clear Off Kitchen Counters & Sink

    When the kitchen counters are completely cleared off, buyers can imagine how they might use the space for themselves. Kitchen items and decor only distract buyers can often make the kitchen feel cluttered. You will want to remove everything except a handful of decorative items from the countertops and thoroughly clean all surfaces.

    Clear & Clean Bathroom Sinks, Tubs, and Showers

    Take all of your bath/shower items and place them into a bin that can go underneath the sink. This can help your bathroom look bigger. Clear off the counters so that bathrooms look unused, but it is okay to leave clean hand towels and hand soap.

    Replace Burned Out Light Bulbs

    Make sure you check all of the ceiling lights, lamps, and exterior lights to make sure that they all work and can correctly illuminate your space. If there are dark areas in your home, feel free to add a few extra lamps to brighten them up. Additional light can make an area look more spacious so the more light, the better!

    Turn On All Lights Throughout The Entire House

    You want your home to be captured in the best light, and so it is essential to have as much light as possible. Before your photographer comes, turn on all of the lights in the house!

    Open All Windows

    Natural light from windows brings life to photos. Opening all of the window treatments in your home to let in as much light as possible. If it’s too bright, your photographer can adjust as needed. Make sure you clean the windows if they will be photographed!

    Remove Unnecessary Furniture & Decorations

    This is probably the hardest part, but it’s one of the most important. Removing and storing furniture that doesn’t bring value to your photos can be hard, but it opens up the floor space and helps to not distract potential buyers. Buyers want to be able to visualize their items in your home and that can be hard to do if the room is cluttered with furniture.

    Turn All Ceiling Fans, TVs, and Computer Screens Off

    Any moving items like ceiling fans or active TV/Computer screens can look very strange in photos. You should turn off anything that moves or can cause a motion blur.

    Clear Off Appliance Surfaces

    Be sure to remove photos, magnets, notes, reminders, and other personal information from the refrigerator or any other appliance you have decorated. It will not only make your home appear cleaner, but it also keeps your personal info safe.

    Make All of the Beds

    Be sure to make and decorate all the beds in your home with matching sheets, blankets, and pillows. Use bedding fits correctly and covers the mattress

    Work With A Professional Realtor®

    At Gulf Life Real Estate, our agents have the best training in the business and are fully prepared to help you with all aspects of selling your home.  Contact us today and experience the difference a true professional can make!

  • Stop Waiting – Organize That Garage!

    If you are feeling a little overwhelmed every time you look into your garage because it has become a dumping ground for items that don’t have another home, it is time to start clearing and organizing to make the best use of your space. This can be a simple task if you go in with a plan and create organized storage space. You can transform that garage, and here is how.

    First thing? Throw out or donate what isn’t used. After you’ve done that, sort what remains into groups. Items used together should be stored together. Using clear containers with lids to do so will make your items visible and help to encourage you to only keep what you need and use.

    Once everything is grouped and stored, you will want to consider positioning. What items do you use most? You will want to make sure those are the most easily accessible. Put rarely used or seasonal items in the harder-to-reach spots.

    The main focus of keeping a clean, organized garage is getting things off the floor. Capitalize on your wall space! This will help you fit more while keeping it all visible and easy to access. There are many types of wall storage, and many homeowners opt for one or a combination of the most popular choices to include pegboards, open shelving, closed cabinets, and panelized systems. For your most infrequently used items, the ceiling can provide an ideal storage space, but keep in mind that ceiling storage must be placed so that it doesn’t interfere with the garage door.

    Now is the best time to get your garage in order. Take advantage of the cooling temperatures and get to work!

  • 7 Benefits of Pressure Washing Your House

    Pressure washing is a great way to clean the exterior of your home without having to scrub down every nook and cranny. You might be surprised by what parts of your home you can pressure wash—siding, concrete, and even outdoor furniture and cushions are all good candidates. And though having a squeaky-clean home is certainly a perk, there are a few other big benefits of pressure washing you should consider.

    What Exactly Is Pressure Washing?
    Pressure washing uses highly pressurized water to wash away dirt, debris, and other buildup on hard surfaces. People often use the terms power washing and pressure washing interchangeably, and it’s true that they’re very similar. The only difference between power and pressure washing is that the former uses heated water while the latter does not. Because of their similarities, we’ll discuss the benefits of both power and pressure washing here:

    7 Pressure Washing Benefits
    In addition to cleaning the exterior of your home, pressure washing has several other benefits.

    1. Prevents Damage
    The substances that build up on your home can stain the exterior surfaces and even cause damage. Mold, mildew, and algae can grow and feed on the paint, deteriorating the siding over time. Power washing allows you to remove these harmful substances from your home’s exterior and gets into the tight spaces that you might miss otherwise.

    2. Saves Money
    As the saying with health goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; you can apply the same philosophy to your home. Pressure washing the outside of your home and protecting it from damage that buildup can cause will be less costly in the long run than repairs. Preventative maintenance helps your home retain its value while keeping it looking fresh and clean.

    3. Prevents Allergen Buildup
    Airborne mold spores, pollen, and dust mites are all allergy triggers that affect millions of adults and children across the US. Power washing removes all of those nasty substances, preventing them from making their way into your home and negatively impacting your family’s health. By adding power washing the exterior of your home to your cleaning list once a year, you can help keep everyone in your home more comfortable.

    4. Saves Time
    Can you imagine getting a bucket full of soap and water and hand-washing the entire exterior of your home? It would take a long time and a lot of elbow grease. Pressure washing is efficient and effective, saving you time and effort that you can redirect elsewhere (like spring cleaning indoors!).

    5. Primes Surfaces
    Leaving dirt, grime, or dust on your home and painting over it is a surefire way to ruin your paint job. New paint adheres best to a clean, dry surface. If you’re planning to paint or refinish the outside of your home, a good power washing beforehand can ensure that your new job looks great and lasts for a long time.

    6. Lets You See What Needs Repairs
    It can be more difficult to spot imperfections on your home’s exterior than in the interior, which means you may not catch issues until they become a big problem. Pressure washing your home will allow you to see any small or large dings, scrapes, or other forms of damage so that you do repairs promptly.

    7. Increases Curb Appeal
    It may go without saying, but a clean house looks better than a dirty one, both inside and out. Power washing your home can be an instant facelift for your exterior, especially if you’ve never cleaned the outside of your home or it’s been a while. And if you’re trying to sell your home, everything must look as good as it can, inside and out.

    How Much Does Power Washing Cost?
    The cost of power washing a 2,000-square-foot home usually averages between $200 and $300. Hiring a professional pressure washer near you comes with its perks; they’ll bring their own washer and cleaning solution, and experienced professionals will know how to get the job done without damage. Power washing uses high-powered jets, and if you don’t do the job properly, you can damage your gutters, siding, and landscaping.

    Can You DIY Pressure Washing?
    If you feel confident and want to DIY your pressure washing project, you can generally rent a pressure washer for between $40 and $100 from your local home improvement store. In the market to buy a power or pressure washer? An electric model will set you back anywhere from $100 to $400, and a gas model usually runs between $300 and $600.

  • Best Way to Clean Every Type of Floor

    There is one universal truth for every type of flooring: It needs to be cleaned! Of course, different types of hard flooring have different care and cleaning instructions, and it’s important to use the right methods to not only make your flooring look its best but also to avoid damaging the finish.

    So, like cleaning various kitchen surfaces, the best way to clean floors heavily depends on your specific flooring material. Whether you have low-maintenance vinyl or something a little more finicky like marble, we’ve got the top cleaning methods and five-star products to make your floor shine.

    How to Clean Hardwood Floors
    Keep dust and debris off hardwood floors by sweeping or vacuuming daily if possible. When vacuuming, be sure to set your vacuum on the hard floor setting—this turns off the brush roll to avoid scratching the wood. Mop with a damp microfiber mop (microfiber uses less water than other mops). Be careful about how much water you use when mopping. Excessive water on hardwood can cause swelling and can damage the stain if left to sit.

    How to Clean Laminate Floors
    Ridding laminate floors of winter salt and summer dirt is no joke. With laminate, it’s essential to use a laminate-specific floor cleaner and a damp microfiber mop. Never use a steam cleaner or a dripping wet mop, which can easily damage laminate. Use a damp cloth to blot up spills immediately (standing liquid causes laminate to bubble and swell). For stubborn stains like oil, paint or markers; use a white cloth with a small dab of acetone nail polish remover.

    How to Clean Vinyl Floors
    Luxury vinyl plank flooring is fast becoming one of the top flooring choices for designers and builders and for good reason. It’s durable, easy to clean and can withstand a lot more moisture than laminate or hardwood. Sweep or vacuum (on the hard surface setting) regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. Clean as needed with a damp or wet mop, and a nonabrasive floor cleaner. Never use soap, wax or oil-based detergents, which can dull the finish and leave a greasy film.

    How to Clean Tile Floors
    Tile floors like porcelain or ceramic tile can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap (or a tile-specific cleaner). A steam mop is also a good choice because it cleans and sanitizes tile simultaneously without leaving behind streaks. And because steam cleaners use only water, they won’t damage the grout. Speaking of, avoid cleaning products that contain acids or ammonia which can discolor grout.

    How to Clean Marble Floors
    Clean marble floors first with a dry dusting pad, then use a microfiber mop and marble floor cleaner. Marble is a porous stone, so choosing the right cleaner is vital. Avoid products containing vinegar, ammonia or citrus, which can cause etching (dull discoloration caused by a chemical reaction). Don’t use anything abrasive on marble like scrubbing brushes or scouring pads. Use a pH-neutral cleaner for best results.

    How to Clean Linoleum Floors
    Linoleum flooring is made of wood pulp and cork, so it’s important not to use hot water, a steam mop or an excessive amount of water when cleaning. This can damage the floor and the glue used to install it. Dry mop or sweep the linoleum floors first, then mop. Use a quick-drying microfiber mop with an attached spray bottle for best results instead of a mop and bucket. You can use a linoleum floor cleaner or a mixture of water, one cup of vinegar and a couple drops of dish soap.

    How to Clean Bamboo Floors
    Bamboo flooring is similar to hardwood in its care and cleaning needs. Dust or vacuum (using the hard flooring setting) daily to avoid scratches and damage from dirt and debris buildup. Dust along the grain of the wood for best results. Mop with a microfiber mop. Lightly mist your floor with a gentle floor cleaner and mop along the grain. Never use vinegar or a steam mop on bamboo floors.

    How to Clean Stone Floors
    For natural stone flooring like granite, travertine or limestone; mop with a specialized stone floor cleaner and warm water. Never use vinegar or ammonia products which can degrade the sealant and leave your floors vulnerable to damage and staining. Don’t soak your mop with too much water because moisture can get caught in the natural crevices of the stone and cause mildew.

    How to Keep Floors Clean Longer
    Protect floors with rugs around the house and mats at the front door. Rugs protect floors and help collect dust and debris from settling on the hard floor. It’s also a good idea to enforce a no-shoes policy in your home. Asking family members and guests to take off their shoes upon entering will limit the amount of dirt that is tracked in.

    How to Keep Floors Clean with Pets
    Keep pets properly groomed to keep shedding at a minimum, and regular nail trimmings will avoid scratches on your floor. You can’t stop all the fur from shedding, so plan on dusting and sweeping more frequently when you have pets. Use mats in high-traffic pet areas like under their food bowls and near the front and back doors.

    How Often Should You Clean Floors?
    If you can, sweeping or vacuuming floors daily will keep your floors looking their best. Plan on mopping at least once a week. High-use rooms like the kitchen might require mopping more frequently. Deep clean floors once a month—this is when you can tackle tasks like scrubbing grout, repairing scratches, and applying polish as needed.

  • How to Clean a Mattress

    There are a few rules to follow when washing bedding. Your sheets should be washed once a week, the mattress pad once a month and pillows every six months. But what about how to clean a mattress? Even though it doesn’t come in direct contact with your skin; the mattress, over time, can still collect a buildup of dead skin cells, dust, dried sweat and other allergens.

    To keep your mattress looking and smelling fresh, deep clean it about every six months (same as your pillows). Proper cleaning and care will not only ensure a more comfortable bed, but also lengthen the lifespan of your mattress. Here’s how to clean a mattress with a few easy steps.

    How to Clean Your Mattress
    Tools

    • Vacuum with upholstery attachment
    • Enzyme cleaner or hydrogen peroxide
    • Baking soda
    • Microfiber cloth

    Directions
    Step 1:     Strip the bed
    Strip off all the bedding including the mattress pad. This is a good time to wash your pillows.

    Step 2: Vacuum
    Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire mattress thoroughly. The vacuum will get rid of dust, crumbs, hair and dander.

    Step 3: Spot clean
    For visible stains on your mattress, spot clean with an enzyme cleaner or a homemade cleaner using hydrogen peroxide (mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons baking soda and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle). Both options are effective on biological stains. Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, then scrub the stain. Blot away moisture with a clean cloth.

    Step 4: Sprinkle baking soda
    After the mattress is dry from spot cleaning, sprinkle the entire surface with baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will neutralize any lingering odors. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 15 minutes, but preferably a few hours. Then vacuum up the baking soda using the upholstery attachment.

    How to remove stains from a mattress
    As mentioned above, an enzyme cleaner or hydrogen peroxide are the most effective options for biological stains like urine, sweat or blood. For general dirt and grime stains, use a regular stain remover or even dish soap and water. Apply the stain remover to a cloth or brush, instead of directly on the mattress. You want to avoid getting the mattress too wet, especially if you have a memory foam mattress.

    How to deodorize and sanitize a mattress
    You can deodorize the mattress with baking soda. To sanitize your mattress, a steamer works well (but check manufacturer instructions first). Steam that reaches 250°F will kill bacteria and dust mites. Steam the mattress after vacuuming and spot cleaning. Use short, quick strokes so as not to get the mattress too wet. Allow the mattress to air dry completely before replacing the bedding.

    How to deep-clean a mattress
    To deep clean, follow all the steps above. For an even deeper clean, allow the baking soda to sit overnight to work its magic. It’s also a good idea to open the window after cleaning your mattress—this will air out the mattress and let in some sunlight; UV rays will kill bacteria, dust mites and more.

    How to know when it’s time to replace your mattress
    As a general rule, replace your mattress after about 7 to 10 years. You’ll know it’s time to replace it if you notice sagging, extra noise from coils or springs or a bad smell that you can’t get rid of. If your allergies are acting up, that might be another sign that irritants have built up in your mattress, and it’s time for a new one. Also pay attention to interrupted sleep patterns or frequently waking up with pain without any other known causes. These could be signs that your mattress is no longer offering adequate support.