Care and Use Information

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Household Cleaning Tips

    • Clean or replace the HVAC filter at least 2 times a year, preferably at the beginning and end winter. Problems caused by failure to clean/replace the filter may be the tenant's responsibility.

    • Dust can accumulate at HVAC vents as well as at fan vents. A small broom brushed across the vent openings will clear away any dust and help the HVAC or fan operate efficiently.

    • Prior to the heating season, (which can begin as early as October, please turn your heaters/furnace on and make sure they are operating properly. If they are not, please call SKR Property Management.

    • If the power goes out in your unit or house, first check to see if the whole area is without power. If it is out in the area, call the power company to report it.

    • If the power is only out in your house/unit, check the circuit breaker box. If any are off, switch to on. If none are off, turn each switch off then on to reset the circuits. If this doesn't solve the problem, check the GFI/reset button in the bathroom/kitchen (where applicable). If that doesn't work, call SKR Property Manegement.

    • AVOID letting food, hair, and excess soap get down the drains.

    • Clogged drains caused by hair, grease, and soap are the tenant's responsibility. Some dishwashers will clog from food left on the dishes when put in the machine.

    • Hardware stores carry "hair catchers" to place in sink and tub drains that significantly help keep drains free of hair.

    • Tenants are responsible for keeping fresh batteries in smoke detectors. We recommend changing batteries at the beginning and end of daylight savings time.

    • Keep coils on refrigerator (especially Sub-zeros) free of dust.

    • Coils need free air flowing around them to operate efficiently.

    • Failure to keep coils clean may cause the appliance motor to burn out. The replacement of a burned out motor due to dirty coils may be the tenant's responsibility.

    • Many homes and apartments have low-flow toilets. We strongly recommend that you keep a plunger nearby. Low-flow toilets tend to clog or back up if too much paper, etc. is flushed.

    • Tenants must be prepared to plunge the toilet to clear clogs and avoid damage from over-flows.

    • Please be sure to keep shower curtains inside the tub and completely close shower doors when showering. Standing water on the floor will seep through, grout, linoleum and carpet will cause dry rot and damage on the floorboards below. Use a mat, towel, or rug on the floor (even on carpet) to step on when exiting the tub or shower.

    • NEVER use scrubbing cleansers like Comet or AJAX on molded tub fixtures as these products will permanently scratch the surfaces. NEVER use abrasives on brass or gold fixtures.

    • Keep the tracks clean at the bottom of shower doors to prevent mold growth. Use an old toothbrush and do a regular monthly cleaning.

    • RainX on glass doors help keep them cleaner longer. Squeegee doors and tile after each shower if you have hard water.

    • To avoid costly damage from nicks and cuts in counter tops, please use a cutting board at all times.

    • Never use any acidic or abrasive cleaning products including vinegar on marble or granite. It is best to use warm water and a sponge with a small amount of dishwashing liquid such as Dawn or Joy.

    • Marble is a porous material. Be careful that water run-off from plants is not left standing on the surface. It will permanently stain the marble.

    • Tenants must take care to avoid water damage caused by allowing water to sit on counters.

    • NEVER use cleaning products or apply oil to floors. It is best to sweep, dust and mop with water regularly.

    • Periodically clean floors with a small amount of vinegar in the water.

    • Use throw rugs in front of the sink and the stove to protect these areas from water and grease.

    • Regularly clean dirt and debris out of sliding door tracks.

    • Rolling over dirt, leaves, and pine needles that accumulate in the tracks can damage the wheels on sliding doors, especially the heavy glass sliders.

    • Please make it part of your cleaning routine to clear the tracks.

    • Please do not use oil or WD40 to lubricate slider doors or screens. These products only attract dirt and gum up the wheel mechanisms.

    • When cleaning mini blinds, don't soak them - the finish may bubble and peel. Spray them with a mild soap & water solution and wipe them. Weekly dusting or wiping can save a lot of work later.

    • Be sure drip pans are kept under all plants. Water run-off will stain or damage most surfaces.

    • Please put "feet" under them so that they are raised up off the ground a few inches to allow airflow beneath the pot and to prevent water run-off from damaging under it.

    • How to: Bleach is the best product for removing mold that forms around the edges of showers, tubs, on tile walls, around metal windows, and anywhere there is moisture.

    • Cut paper towels in half and fold them into one-inch strips.

    • Dip each strip into the bleach bottle and hold your finger against it as you draw it out.

    • Lay the bleach-soaked strips directly on the mold and leave them there for several hours.

    • Remember to use rubber gloves and air out affected rooms.

    • How to: Bleach is the best product for removing mold that forms around the edges of showers, tubs, on tile walls, around metal windows, and anywhere there is moisture.

    • Cut paper towels in half and fold them into one-inch strips.

    • Dip each strip into the bleach bottle and hold your finger against it as you draw it out.

    • Lay the bleach-soaked strips directly on the mold and leave them there for several hours.

    • Remember to use rubber gloves and air out affected rooms.

    • Put them in a heavy-duty garbage bag (do this outdoors.

    • Add 2 cups of ammonia and seal the bag.

    • Let it sit for a couple of hours, then carefully open the bag (without inhaling the strong odor).

    • Remove racks and pans; the grease will wipe off with little effort.

    • Dilute 1 part white vinegar in 5 parts water.

The following information gives basic guidelines and tips for general maintenance. It is your responsibility as the tenant to educate yourself about the different systems, appliances, etc. at your property. If you have questions not on this list, please call SKR Property Management.

PLEASE REPORT UNSAFE OR HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS IMMEDIATELY