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Regular vs Deep Cleaning Services: What’s the Difference?

Team of positive smiling professional cleaners dusting in ordinary office

Want your house to be clean but don’t have the time or energy? On average, Americans spend six hours a week cleaning their homes. How would you like to have that time back and come home to a clean house?

Thinking about maid services for house cleaning? Do you want deep cleaning services or regular cleaning services? What’s the difference?

Keep reading to learn the difference between the two in this handy guide.

Regular Cleaning Services

Regular cleaning services are basically the types of cleaning you would do throughout the day or week. This can include tidying up, sweeping, dusting, and mopping.

When you get a deep cleaning service, these items get cleaned, but it goes deeper than the surface.

You can hire professional house cleaners to come to your house weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly to help maintain a certain level of cleanliness and give you some time back in your day.

Checklist for Regular Cleaning

When you invest in these regular clean services, here are a few things that are typically included:

Cleaning bathrooms (including bath, toilet, mirror, and sink)
Cleaning kitchen (wiping counters, cabinet doors, and outside of appliances)
Sweeping and mopping floors
Dusting
Tidying up the house
Taking out trash
Making beds

These tasks are essential to keep your home free from dirt, dust, and other debris.

Not only does your house look nice on a regular basis, but you also won’t have as much stress. Clutter can cause anxiety and depression. A clean and clear house is good for you mentally.

Deep Cleaning Services

Having a deep clean goes beyond these normal cleaning tasks. It addresses areas that you may not normally tend to.

For example, a regular clean of the bathroom wipes down the tiles, counters, shower, and faucets. A deep clean removes scale from all these surfaces and also scrubs the surrounding grout for polishing.

This is the type of clean you don’t do daily or weekly.

Deep Cleaning Checklist

Both regular and deep cleaning will address cleaning your entire house, but deep cleaning includes the following:

Full dusting in corners of the rooms
Washing blinds
Cleaning behind kitchen appliances
Washing home’s interior windows
Cleaning under the sink
Clean inside the oven and the oven glass
Dust all baseboards and doors
Remove soap scum on kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles, showerheads, faucets, etc.
Cleaning ceiling fans

You would not need a deep cleaning weekly or bi-weekly, but you should schedule regularly to stay ahead of all that dirt and grime.

When You Should Get Deep Cleaning Services?

There are some times that deep cleaning is the best idea. You may want to consider a deep cleaning for each season. Here are some times you should consider a deep clean.

Spring Cleaning to Declutter

Spring is in the air along with all of winter’s dust from your furnace. Spring is a notorious time for a deep clean; it’s a great time to declutter.

You probably added some more items to your home over the winter, especially after the holidays. Now is the time to get organized.

After you donate items you no longer want or need, it’s time to get a good scrub on your home.

Fall and Winter Cleaning Before or After Holidays

If you are having family over for the holidays, you may want to get a deep clean either before or after (or both) your guests arrive. You can get rid of all the extra dirt that accumulates with more people.

Imagine not having to clean for the holidays. The holidays are stressful enough. Let someone handle all the dirty work and make your house shine for you and your family.

Summer Cleaning With the Kids

Schools out for summer, which means the kids are home more. If you have children running around your house, you may need a good deep clean after summer.

Kids have friends over to play. You may have extra crumbs under the couch, and not to mention any slime or other goodies hidden under your furniture.

Seasonal Cleaning With Pets and Allergies

If you or someone in your home has allergies, you may want to get a deep cleaning each season to help eliminate any pet dander or allergens. People that have pets and small children tend to need deep cleaning more often.

Unfortunately, a cleaning professional cannot get all dust and dirt during regular cleaning. This is because most dirt and dust find all the small cracks in your home, so having a seasonal deep clean is a good way to remove this dirt and stay ahead of any allergens.

Other Times for Deep Cleaning

If you are getting ready to sell your home, it’s a good idea to have a deep clean. This helps your house look its best for potential buyers, and you can worry about the other details. A professional will think of things to clean that you may not.

If you are a landlord, it’s a good idea to clean out your rental unit before the next tenant moves in.

Time to Make Your House Sparkle

Wondering what service is best for you? If you haven’t had a cleaning in a while, you may want to schedule deep cleaning services to get started. Then you can move to regular cleanings.

Find experts that know how to clean and have the right equipment. Property Refresh is here for you and will help with all your home’s cleaning needs.

How to Power Wash a Deck: The Complete Guide

If you're trying to figure out how to power wash a deck, you're in luck! Our guide right here covers the key things to know and do.

According to some research, a deck attached to your home can increase your home value by about $10,000.

If you’ve installed a deck in your home, you might notice that it’s a little bit dirty. However, cleaning it is really easy with a pressure washer!

But if you’re wondering how to power wash a deck, make sure that you keep reading to find out how!

Get Your Tools and Equipment

First, you need to start off by finding all the equipment and tools you’ll need to clean your deck.

The most important thing you need to do is to find a power washer. You can rent these or buy one, but make sure that it has a rotating or fan tip.

You should also get some sandpaper, a deck cleaner, and possibly a deck brightener if you want it to look even cleaner.

Make Sure You’re Safe

Next, you’ll have to ensure that you and anyone who is helping you safe.

Power washers can actually be really dangerous because they produce streams of high-pressure water. For example, make sure you never touch the spray and don’t point it at anyone.

It can really hurt someone if you point it at them, but it can also damage parts of your home or any plants.

When you are power washing the deck, wear the appropriate clothing. Do not wear flip flops or shorts. Instead, find shoes that are closed, wear eye and ear protection, and also wear pants.

You also might be tempted to use a ladder to get the best angle, but this can be dangerous. Pressure washers can produce a lot of kickback, and if you’re not ready for it, it could knock you off the ladder.

Prepare the Deck

Once you have these safety tips in mind, you can prepare the deck for cleaning. Remove any object off of it, including plants, furniture, and a grill.

After that, do a quick sweep to get rid of any leaves, sticks, and dirt that’s sitting around. The dirt that is set into the deck is the dirt that you should focus on.

If your deck is older, you should check to see if there are any hazards, like a nail sticking out. If there is, you need to set them back in so that you don’t accidentally step on them while you’re washing your deck.

If you feel like you need to clean part of your deck before you pressure wash it, you can also use a cleaner that will help to loosen some of the dirt and grime. This will make it easier to pressure wash the entire deck without having to stop and scrub.

Choose the Right Setting on the Power Washer

One last thing to consider before you use your power washer is to make sure that you have the right setting and the right spray tip on the end.

If this is your first time using it, make sure that you put it on the lowest possible pressure. Depending on what type of wood your deck is made from, you should make sure that you don’t use too much pressure.

For example, if you have pine or cedar, the pressure should be no higher than 500 pounds per square inch (PSI).

If you want to reach more areas, you should attach a fan tip to the end of it. Make sure you test all of this out on a random place in your yard that won’t be easily damaged. This way you can adjust it all and also not ruin your deck.

Start Power Washing

If you find that you need more pressure, you can increase it a little bit at a time. Pull the trigger and point the wand a few feet from where you’re standing. You can use several different techniques to clean the deck.

Don’t pivot your arm back and forth because you won’t get a consistent clean if you do it that way. Instead, move your arm back and forth in a lateral motion.

One of the two different types of techniques you could use to clean the deck is feathering. This is where you overlap areas that you previously cleaned so this way you know that you got every possible part of the deck.

You could also try using a long sweep method. When you do this, you put the fan tip closer to the surface and then walk it around the board. The tip should be in the same direction the whole time.

You may need to do this several times, but you’ll have a clean deck by the end of it!

You should start at the part of the deck that is closer to the house and then clean outward from the house. Follow the grain on the wood and clean in that pattern so that you don’t ruin it.

If you have some mildew or stain that is being stubborn and won’t come off, you can mix a cleaning solution together to use while you spray.

Learn More About How to Power Wash a Deck

These are only a few things to keep in mind when you’re wondering how to power wash a deck, but there are many more tips you should be aware of.

We know that it can be stressful trying to make sure that your property is always looking clean and up to date, but we’re here to help you in any way we can!

If you feel like you need help or advice, make sure that you contact us as soon as possible!

This Is How to Deep Clean Your House the Right Way

Are you trying to figure out how to deep clean your house effectively? Our guide right here covers the key things to know and do.

House cleaning, how to deep clean your house the right way

Are you worried about germs spreading in your house? Or would you simply like things to be more fresh and tidy?

The days of COVID-19 have given all of us a reason to take a second look at our cleanliness routines. But many would simply love to have some deep cleaning tips that will improve their home and lifestyle on many levels.

Here’s what you need to know about how to deep clean your house.

1. Clear Away Clutter

It’s hard to find the motivation to get into the nooks and crannies of your home when you’ve got papers, sports equipment, or wrappers strewn about. Before you deep clean, it’s critical to get rid of any clutter you’ve collected.

Go through your mail and get rid of anything you don’t need. Throw out any socks that haven’t had a mate for a month. Or throw out that old board game you’ve never had all the pieces to.

A de-cluttered home is much easier to sanitize than one with a lot of unnecessary collections. You’ll need to take an honest look at the things you’ve accumulated before you begin to scrub your surfaces.

Throw out anything that you never use or is in poor repair. This can help you to de-stress and begin to see what really needs to be done to make your house spotless.

2. Organize

Another thing that could be stopping you from giving your house the good scrubbing it deserves is disorganized pantries, drawers, and closets. Before you start to scour and shine, you’ll want to get these things in decent order.

Your storage spaces don’t have to be perfect to stay organized. Just make sure that you have like items in their place. This may mean rearranging your shelves or drawers so that only one type of food or clothing item is present in each section.

It’s also important to throw out anything that’s expired or rarely worn. Most of us don’t have unlimited space in our homes. You’ll want to rid your home of anything that is merely taking up precious room.

3. Get Into Your Kitchen

Kitchens can be the most popular rooms in the house, but they can also collect the most germs. You’ll want to make sure you clean the inside and out of appliances such as your fridge and oven.

Next, deep-clean your cabinets with a wood cleaner or soap and sponge. If you use shelf paper, replace it so any dust or debris that’s accumulated can go.

You’ll also want to be sure to sweet and mop your floor. Warm water and a strong floor cleaner will do just fine.

4. Bathroom Beauty

Did you know you can wash your shower curtain in the washing machine? This is a great way to start, or you can purchase a new one from your local variety store. If you have shower doors, you can scrub them down with baking soda before spraying them clean.

You’ll also want to make sure that you give your sink and toilet a good scrub. You can clean your grout and surfaces with a toothbrush. It will brighten your shower and keep new mold from forming. You can also clean your showerhead by soaking it in a mixture of white vinegar and water.

You can get rid of stains with eraser products or a mixture of baking soda, soap, and water. And don’t forget to give your floor a good mopping, too.

5. Refresh Your Bedrooms

Once you’ve got your closets organized, it will be easier to give your bedroom a good cleaning. Beyond changing the sheets, you can wash your duvet, bed skirt, and shams. These are nice to air-dry outdoors in warmer weather.

Cleaning your bed linens also gives you an excellent opportunity to clean out under your bed. You can get rid of anything you don’t need and use the attachment on your vacuum to suck away the dust.

This is also a good time to polish your bedroom furniture and clear your dressers of any items you don’t use anymore.

6. Shared Living Spaces

Family rooms and living rooms are popular places for dirt to accumulate. You can remove cushions so you can dust under the furniture. Next, dust your photo frames and under electronics.

You can also dust any window treatments using the brush attachment on your vacuum. After you fluff them up in the dryer, they’ll be clean and good as new!

7. The Garage

If your house is like that of most families, the garage is a popular place for unwanted items to accumulate.

Go through your garage and throw out anything you know you won’t be needing in the future. If it’s in good condition, see if a donation organization would be willing to pick it up.

Once you’re done, you can organize the things you’re keeping and sweep the floor for a clean finish. Some homeowners also like to invest in verticle shelving. This gives you the opportunity to store off-season items such as your holiday decorations or a beach umbrella.

Some folks also invest in wall units or bike racks so they can make the best use of available space.

How to Deep Clean Your House

Deep cleaning a house may not be as daunting a task as you imagine. If you’re wondering how to deep clean your house, start by getting rid of the things you don’t need. You can then organize your important belongings and sanitize your space so you have a tidy, germ-free dwelling you’re quite proud of.

Don’t start getting smart about sanitizing your space now. For professional assistance with at-home cleaning, contact us today.

7 Benefits of Power Washing Your Home

Is your home looking a little grungy with dirt, algae, and pollen? The answer to sprucing up your home could be as simple as a pressure washer.

The pressure washer market is a $1.8 billion industry for good reason. This simple tool does more than just get rid of a little dirt from your siding. It can save you time and money, improve results of home improvement projects, and extend the life of your home’s exterior materials.

Keep reading for benefits of power washing that you might not consider.

5 Reasons to Deep Clean Your Home After Every Season

House cleaning by professional cleaners near me Property Refresh

Cleaning up the house on a regular basis is essential. The dishes will need to be done. The laundry will need cleaning and folding, and a little dusting and vacuuming can help keep your home clean to the naked eye.

How will you know when it’s time to deep clean the house, however? Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to scrub the toilets or under the cabinets each week. Life gets busy and there are other priorities to take care of.

Deep cleaning should be done as part of your seasonal house cleaning, though. If you deep clean your home after each season, then you can ensure your home will stay fresh, clean, and healthy throughout the entire year. Are you wondering what are some specific reasons why you should do this each season?

In the guide below, you’ll discover several reasons to deep clean after the seasons and the benefits of doing so. Continue reading to learn more!

How to Prepare for Roof Gutter Cleaning Before Fall in Chicago

Fall is the most popular season in America, but you won’t have time to enjoy the beauty of colder temperatures and rain if you’re worried about your roof springing a leak.

And the best way to protect your roof is to clean out your gutters.

Wondering what that process involves? We’ve put together this guide to help you learn what to expect from roof gutter cleaning and how to hire the right company for the job.

Keep reading below to learn more! Continue reading “How to Prepare for Roof Gutter Cleaning Before Fall in Chicago”

5 Advantages of Hiring a Professional Window Cleaning Service

Did you know that on average, it can take you 3 hours to clean your windows? That’s just for a normal-sized home.

Imagine if you owned a business that has more windows than the average house. How long do you think it would take you to clean them?

Since most people don’t want to spend even 15 minutes cleaning windows, you may want to consider hiring a professional window cleaning company. Not only do they have the time to dedicate to this task, but they’ll also make sure it’s done right.

Read on to discover some other benefits to hiring professional window washers.

1. Extend the Life of Your Windows

Your windows are exposed to a lot, on both the inside and outside of your home or business. The outside of your window is exposed to a wide range of adverse weather conditions, including ice, hail, hard rain, and wind.

Dirt and debris also impact the outside of your windows, as does pollution and smoke.

On the inside, your windows are exposed to dirt and debris, chemicals, hard water, and smoke from cooking incidents and potentially tobacco smoke.

If left to sit on your window for extended periods of time, any of these elements can scratch or corrode the surface. As these elements build up, it can also make it tough to see out of the glass.

Do your windows a favor and have them cleaned by a professional. This will ensure that the harmful elements are removed so that your windows can last for as long as possible.

2. Make Your Windows More Efficient

When you hire a professional to do window washing at your home or business, they’ll be able to detect if there are any problems or issues.

These might include chips or cracks in the glass or damaged window seals. If you don’t take care of these problems, this could cause fogging or condensation to build up on your window or on the window sill, and that can lead to mold growth.

A leaky window can also have an impact on how efficiently your home or office is heated and cooled.

Cracks and leaks in the window can allow the air from the inside of your space to escape, which means your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.

If you want to make sure you aren’t paying more than necessary to keep everyone comfortable, then having a professional discover these issues and getting them fixed is in your best interest.

3. They Use the Right Products

If you want your window cleaning to be done right, you need to call in professionals. They have the cleaning products that will make your glass sparkle, and you won’t have to worry about streaks.

They also have the right equipment to clean your windows without scratching or damaging the glass. Since the goal is to have dazzling windows that last as long as possible, getting a professional window washing can help you achieve that goal.

4. They Know How to Clean Safely

You might not think that washing windows is hazardous, but it is—especially if you have to climb onto a ladder to reach windows on the second story of your house or office building.

The vast majority of ladder accidents happen at the home, so calling in a professional to clean windows that are one or several stories off the ground will reduce the risk of injury.

Whether the professional window washer uses a ladder or has extended equipment to clean your high windows, you can rest assured that your windows will get cleaned properly and everyone will be safe during the process.

5. A Professional Window Cleaning Will Improve the Appearance of Your Home or Business

As mentioned, your windows are exposed to a lot of elements on both the inside and outside of your business or home. If you let the dirt, debris, fingerprints, smudges, and water deposits build up over time, your home or office windows will make your structure look run down.

The filth can also obscure the incoming light, and this can make the inside of your home or office feel or look dingy.

When you get your windows professionally cleaned, they will create a sparkling, bright environment that is sure to impress anyone who enters your home or business.

Being exposed to sunlight can also boost your mood while you’re at home. It can also have an impact on how productive your employees are.

Professional window washing is especially beneficial for businesses, as it helps you create a great first impression with customers. Having natural lighting can also highlight and help sell your products.

How Often You Should Get Your Windows Cleaned?

Now that you know having a professional window washing can be beneficial in a variety of different ways, you may be wondering how often you should get your windows cleaned.

For businesses, if you are trying to make your office or store more appealing, it’s recommended that you get your windows cleaned three to four times a year.

The same can also be true for a residential property, as this will ensure that you are removing any dirt or grime built up.

Although, if your windows are exposed to a lot of pollution, adverse weather conditions, or people, then getting them cleaned more often might be advised.

Remember, your windows play a huge role in how your house or business looks. If they are dirty, people might assume the rest of your house or your business is dirty as well. Be sure to make a good first impression and get your windows cleaned as often as necessary.

Work with the Right Cleaners

At Property Refresh, we know how important it is to have a properly cleaned house or business. We have the skills and expertise to ensure that your windows are as clean and streak-free as possible.

Don’t trust your professional window cleaning to just anyone. Work with the best. We have the tools and supplies to clean the interior and exterior of your windows and remove any dirt or grime that may have collected on the glass.

Whether you need your windows cleaned to remove spots after a rainstorm or so that the sun can shine into your space, we can clean it all. Contact us today!

5 Big Benefits of Hiring Professional House Cleaning Services

The professional cleaning industry employs 3.5 million people in the United States alone. That means no shortage of people who are experts at keeping a place looking and feeling its best.

Despite this, people are often reluctant to hire professional house cleaning services. They see it as an unnecessary expense, or don’t want to have to change their schedule to accommodate a cleaning service.

More and more people, however, are leaning towards hiring the services of one of these companies. When the advantages are all weighed up and the misconceptions dispelled, it’s easy to see why.

House cleaning services can actually have an enormous and positive impact on your life. Not just on the cleanliness of your environment, but even your financial and mental states.

1. Professional House Cleaning Services Are a Huge Time-Saver

The time it takes to clean your house is not insignificant. Even if you live in a smaller space, the hours will add up. The average American spends nearly six hours a week cleaning their house.

Imagine what that time could be used for if you didn’t have to clean?

If you attempt to cut down on that cleaning time, chances are, the job isn’t getting done properly. It’s time efficiency vs. cleanliness: but you don’t have to make that choice. It’s completely possible to have both — just maybe not by working alone.

Hire someone to do the job for you, and you can spend that six hours or more on something else while your house is spotless. There are only so many hours in the day.

2. They Can Actually Save You a Lot of Money

Many people are reluctant to commit to pro cleaning services because of the cost involved. They imagine that paying someone to clean their house is going to be far more expensive than doing the job themselves.

It’s not always true.

Not only does cleaning require supplies, but it also requires professional equipment. They’re expensive to go out and purchase but if you hire professional house cleaning, all that equipment comes included.

Yes, it is an added expense, but it shaves money off elsewhere and balances out. If you have a company that provides the cleaning service for you, there’s no need to keep most cleaning products in your house.

One thing you can delete from the shopping list!

3. They Can Work on Your Schedule

You don’t necessarily have to fit in with the schedule of cleaning services. You can usually work together to find a schedule that works for you.

If you’d like your house cleaned while you’re working so that you get off work to a clean, tidy house, great. If you’d like it done on the weekends while you’re relaxing, that’s fine too.

Professional cleaning services have flexible hours, because they know their clients’ schedules are important.

It’s all a matter of talking to the company and finding out what works for you both.

4. Keep Your Energy for the Activities You Love

So say you do have the six hours a week to spare for cleaning. You dedicate your entire Saturday afternoon to it, which doesn’t matter, because you don’t usually have plans on that day anyway.

By the time it comes to the evening, you might be too tired to do anything else. Going out with friends feels much better when it’s done after a day of relaxing than after a day of cleaning, running around trying to get everything done before you can allow yourself to have fun.

Proper cleaning doesn’t just take up time, but it takes up valuable energy too. Professional house cleaning comes with advantages even for those who do have the time to do their own cleaning.

You’ll see a huge difference in how motivated you are when your house is free of clutter.

5. You’ll Never Be Able to Clean as Well as a Professional

The truth of the matter is, you’ll probably never be able to clean as well as a professional company.

These professionals are trained in getting into every corner and making sure your house is in top condition. There are times when you simply can’t get a stain out of a rug, or when the pet smell is lingering long after you think you’ve scrubbed everything to perfection, and this is where cleaning companies really shine.

Even if you haven’t cleaned your house to this standard in far too long, they can have everything looking as good as new.

All of those old smells you keep catching whiffs of, that stain you keep catching in the corner of your eye that’s driving you insane but you’ve made your peace with — they can be gotten rid of. You aren’t stuck with them!

There’s no shame in not being as good as a professional. That’s what they’re trained to do, after all, and the services are well worth it.

All in All, They’re Life-Changing!

Professional house cleaning services are life-changing. They’ll free up your time so you can dedicate it to your work, hobbies, family and friends — whatever is important to you.

They’ll also keep your house in top condition so that you can feel safe and relaxed in the space, and would be proud to show your home to any guest that you might have over.

The cost is usually well worth it when compared to the cost of personal cleaning equipment, and the result certainly is!

Tips on How to Prepare Your Home to Sell

Are you getting ready to sell your home? If so, experts recommend that you do several things to will increase buyer interests in your home and help you receive top dollar. Following are some tips on how to prepare your home for selling from real estate experts.

Deep Clean from Top to Bottom
Dust and clean every room in your home, from floor to ceiling and every nook and cranny in between. Also, make sure all services shine- floors, counters, fixtures, and so on. Given the importance of a deep cleaning if you do not have time or the desire to deep clean your home, consider hiring a reputable professional cleaning service, such as Property refresh.

Remove Junk and Clutter
You want buyers to focus on how awesome your space is, not how messy it looks. Banish that piles of shoes from the entry, that stack of mail from the kitchen table and anything else that detracts from your home’s gorgeous features.

Pressure Wash Exterior Surfaces
By power washing the exterior of your home (siding, sidewalks and driveway) will remove dirt and grime that makes your home’s exterior look dreary and worn down. The results will be a cleaner, more inviting home wilth significantly better curb appeal. Pressure washing is more difficult than it appears. It requires the correct technique, otherwise it can cause damage. Consider hiring professional power washers.

Boost the curb appeal
More than one buyer will decide not to even enter a home based on its curb appeal, so make sure your home’s exterior looks excellent. Trim your shrubs, weed your flower beds, fix any peeling paint and keep the walkway clear. Just adding a row of potted plants along the walkway or a cheerful wreath to your front door can make a big difference.

Gutters and Pressure Wash
To maximize your home’s curb appeal, consider hiring someone to clean out your gutters and pressure wash your home’s siding, sidewalks, driveway, and/or deck. Not only will this significantly add to your home’s curb appeal, it also conveys a well-kept, managed home.

Maintain Landscape
Keeping your yard properly maintained, which is essential to enhancing your home’s cub appeal. Regularly mow, weed and water it.

Wash Windows Inside and Out
Make sure your windows are sparklingly clean from the inside, out. Not only does this contribute to curb appeal and a clean home presentation, it also improves how natural light appears in rooms. Also, you will be confidently prepared to open up blinds and curtains when it’s time to show your home.

Highlight focal points. Draw buyers’ eyes towards any special features with bright colors or accents like plants. A pop of red throw pillows can draw a buyer’s attention to that lovely window seat. A striking fern on the mantle can show off your fireplace.

Depersonalized
Ideally, perspective buyers will be able to easily envision living in your home. This ability is improved when a home is depersonalized. Depersonalized means taking down and storing items such as photograph, hobby collections, toys, trophies, fridge magnets, bathroom counter items, and so on.

Fix and Repair
The goal is to present your home in the best possible condition, for maximum buyer interest and sale price. Whenever possible fix problems and repair issues. Some top priority tasks might include repairing a leaky roof, replacing a broken window, paint over scuff marks and so on.

Tidy Up Closets
Home buyers appreciate and want enough storage space which is why it’s a big selling point. Neat, well-organized, spacious will show that your home offers enough space. Conversely, if your closets are jammed packed, they will convey the opposite- your closets will seem too small.

Repaint Walls
A simple fresh coat of paint can uplift and brighten a room. When it comes to selling a home, it is best to stick with neutral colors (tans and white tones). These colors appeal to more buyers; they also support room focus without being distracted by the wall’s color.

Remove Bad Odors
Regularly inspect your home for any unpleasant smells and neutralize the air. If you own cats, hide the litter box and make sure there are no pet smells lingering. Some savvy homeowners will strategically place natural inviting smells in rooms prior to a showing- such as fresh flowers or freshly baked cookies. Tip: Avoid using scented air fresheners which may cause an allergic or unpleasant reaction from guests.

Light, Light, Light
Buyers want to see, really see, the home. Consequently, experts recommend opening up all blinds and curtain, while having all lights turned on. Also, add lamps/lighting to any dim areas. Brightly lit spaces look cheerier, larger and are more inviting.

Stage Your Spaces
Do not assume the prospective buyer is going to know how to use a particular room. Instead, strategically stage rooms according to how they might be used. For example, make sure the office, looks and feels like an office. Add neutral décor, art, plants and future that will bring out the best in your home, while appealing to maximum buyers. Some owner’s hirer professional home stagers.

Take Great Pictures
Most people will see your home via photos before they see it in person. Those photos will either attract or repel interest. Consequently, it’s very important to take clear, bright, professional looking photos that presents your home in the very best light.

Get rid of personal items. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves in your home, so remove anything overly personal, like family photos in the hallway or your kids’ artwork on the fridge.

Make something yummy. Realtors don’t put out fresh cookies at open houses just to treat buyers; a “homey” smell like baking cookies or bread can help people connect with a kitchen. Not a baker? Fake it with a scented candle.

About Property Refresh
Property Refresh offers satisfaction guaranteed house cleaning, power washing, gutter cleaning and window washing services throughout Chicagoland. Call 224-386-4836 to schedule your free, no obligation in-home estimate.

Gutter Cleanings Will Saves You Money

Only a well functioning gutter system can protect your home from water damage. When gutters and downspouts are filled with debris and/or clogged, they do not perform correctly. Water can back up, become misdirected and damage your roof, basement, foundation, roof, fascia, soffits, paint and siding. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to spot the damage until it’s too late.

Often overlooked, cleaning your gutters is one of the most important home or building maintenance projects you can do. Experts recommend cleaning out your gutters at least twice a year: in the spring and fall. Failing to regularly maintain your gutters can lead to unwanted and expensive problems down the road.

A major problem with clogged gutters is that water doesn’t properly drain away from the home. Instead, it drains in places where it can (and often does) cause damage from the roof to your basement. Moreover, the weight of water-logged debris often leads to gutter system damages. Acting as Mother Nature’s sponges, as debris absorbs rain water it becomes extremely heavy. This weight puts stress on gutters and fixtures, which can cause them to pull away from your home.

Forgetting or delaying cleaning your gutters can end up being a very costly. Like many other people, you may dread the prospect of climbing up a ladder and cleaning your gutters. Consequently, you may find it easier to have them professionally cleaned in the spring and fall. This will help ensure your gutter system is properly cleaned to prevent costly repairs later.