10 Housekeeping Hacks for Spring Cleaning

Faucets

We found on In This Crazy Life a great idea for keeping faucets clean:  Rubbing a faucet with waxed paper prevents water spots and finger prints.

Baseboards

Apartment Therapy shows us 6 easy ways to clean baseboards.  Find them out here. 

Showers

DIY Home Sweet Home shows us an EASY way to keep those showers clean!  Find out how here.

 


Windows

Ask Anna gives detailed instructions (with photos) on how to thoroughly clean windows. 

Baseboards

CleanMama.net shows us how to clean baseboards 3 different ways.  Find out how here. 

Blinds

Hometalk.com shows us in great detail the easy way to clean blinds.

Carpets

Got carpet stains?  Try one of these carpet stain solutions from Real Simple.

Ceiling Fans

Glamour shows you how to clean your ceiling fans while keeping your hair dust-free in the process.

Toilets

Using Coke to clean a toilet?  Find out how it's done here. 

Stove Burners

The VSpotBlog.com shows us the no-scrub way to clean your stove burners.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

It's that time of year!  Spring is right around the corner and we couldn't be happier here at Bluewater.  We know you're probably gearing up for spring cleaning, but have you also considered a spring maintenance checklist?

Following are some helpful tips to get your home in shape so that you can enjoy the beautiful weather on our Crystal Coast:

Exterior

• Examine your siding and replace and/or repair any damaged, loose or missing siding.  Now would be a perfect time to power wash or scrub the outside of your home.  Inspect for any visual signs of termite damage.
•  Look over your foundation for structural damage. 
• Ensure gutters are free of debris and are not loose or leaky.
• Examine your roof for debris and replace any missing shingles. 
• Inspect your concrete driveway or sidewalk for cracks.
• Clean your chimney and inspect the flashing.  
• Clean your dryer vent.
• Check for leaks around windows and doors.
• Inspect and repair your deck, steps and/or fences, if needed.
• Drain your hot water heater.  Sediment can form in the bottom over time and prevent the drain valve from working properly.
• Service your heat pump as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Trim tree branches that are hanging too close to your home.

Interior

• Test and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Inspect your attic and ensure attic fans are functioning properly.
• Clean the inside or your fireplace.
• Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards.
• Check your fire extinguisher and ensure that it is operational. 
• Check and replace air filters, if needed.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils.

Tips for Selling Your Home with Pets

If you have a dog or a cat, it's hard to comprehend anyone not loving pets.  Not all buyers entering your home will be animal lovers.  The following tips will help you prepare your home for potential buyers that may not be keen on pets.

The outside of your home is the first thing people will see.  Fill in any holes that your dog may have dug and remove dog waste from your yard.  

People that do not have pets will most likely immediately smell if there's a dog or cat living in your home.  Our sense of smell has a huge impact on our emotions, so it is important to eliminate any all pet odors.  Remove odors by washing dog bed covers and blankets.  Have your carpets professionally cleaned and all stains removed. 

Repair any damage your pet may have caused, such as scratch marks and damage from chewing.  

It is best to remove your pet from your home during a showing.  Buyers may be allergic to or afraid of your pet.  Take your dog for a walk or to the park.  If you're working the day of the showing, treat your dog to a fun day at doggy day care.  If you aren't able to remove your pet from your home, place them in a crate or a designated area of the house that the showing agent is aware of. 

Before a showing, put away dog beds, toys and food bowls.  Pack up any cages or pet carriers.  Ensure that cat litter boxes are clean and out of sight. 

Selling a home with pets isn't always easy, but following these simple tips could make or break the sale of your home.