6 Cleaning Chores to Remember When You PCS
With every PCS, there are little moments of excitement. For instance, the stars twinkle a little brighter when you receive the keys to your new house and anticipate the good times at this fresh address. Your imagination swirls with DIY projects to try from your Pinterest boards. Your children jump for joy to freely run around their new backyard and pets are happy to bid farewell to your temporary lodging quarters. As you walk in the front door, you and your military family can look forward to settling in and feeling at home. But first, you have to complete the exit cleaning chores.
Knowing firsthand the delight of having a move-in ready abode sets a standard for how you should leave your own dwelling when it’s time to move out. To create an inviting atmosphere for a home buyer or new tenant, you’ll want to make your cottage as clean as possible. For example, nothing says “Welcome Home” like a tidy kitchen and sparkling bathrooms.
With exit cleaning in mind, consider these six cleaning chores people often overlook:
1. Window sills
Use a narrow object, like a pen or a popsicle stick, and run it along the lower length of the window track. Loosen the grime in the track and then use the vacuum attachment for the hose and clear out the sill.
Going one step further, wet a microfiber cloth with white vinegar and wipe the casement clean. Use cotton swabs to rid it of any residual gunk. If the window is still sluggish with sliding, give the track a light spray of WD-40 lubricant.
2. Oven door glass
Cooking up a feast on your stovetop can lead to occasional spills. If you happen to have drips that fall through the slots at the top edge of your oven door, you’ll notice the stains land on the inside of the glass.
To clean this mess, you’ll need a screwdriver to unseal the protective layers of the oven door to access the pane. Carefully coat the glass with a mixture of baking soda and warm water and let it sit for 15 minutes or so. Gently scrub to remove any baked-on stains. Wipe clean to a shine with a microfiber cloth.
Place the door parts back in order, tighten the screws, and voila! You’ve made a hard-to-reach space sparkling clean!
3. Behind appliances
If you share your home with children and pets, there’s a good chance you’ll find buried treasure under and behind the kitchen appliances.
Wiggle the oven and refrigerator forward to wipe down the back side of the units and sweep out the dust bunnies. Whisk a broom or vacuum along the sides of the nook. Spot clean the flooring where the appliance rests. Shimmy the appliance back in place and pat yourself on the back for cleaning up a hidden area.
4. Exterior dryer vent
On a chilly morning, the exhaust from your dryer vent adds a Downy fresh scent to the exterior of your roost. This warm and cozy setting can be attractive real estate for a bird or rodent looking to build a nest. If you’ve been hearing chirping or rustling from the laundry room, it’s time to call a wildlife removal specialist.
As endearing as your Animal Planet scenario might seem, the fibers of the nest could create a fire hazard. When the line is clear, install a dryer vent cover that opens and closes upon use. Having a protective vent feature will add to the efficiency of the dryer and the safekeeping of your house.
5. Bathroom drains
When it comes to the loo, all drains should be clear. To keep things flowing in working order with your sink and bathtub/shower, try this old school tactic with baking soda, white vinegar, and boiling water.
Boil 2 quarts of tap water. After shaking a cup of baking soda down the drain, follow up with a cup of white vinegar and watch the surge of bubbling action take place. Give this mix 10 minutes to settle. Now flush with the boiling water. Repeat this method if necessary. Rather than chemical drain cleaners, this recipe goes easier on your pipes and septic system.
6. Trash and recycling cans
Before you bid your château adieu, give your rubbish bins a good scrub. Add a bucket of hot, soapy water to each barrel and swish to stir clean. Rinse with a high pressure nozzle on your garden hose and tip to the side to air dry.
Most likely, the new residents will be thankful for your time and attention to simple chores like this.
Take a moment and think about the little details that you appreciate when you’re moving into a new locale. Putting in a bit of effort around your own property allows you to leave your place on a good note.
What household chores are typically on your “to-do” list before you PCS?
By Mary Ann Eckberg for MilitaryByOwner
