Cleaning Hacks while Turning Over a Rental Property

Jacob Margle (Apartments.com) • November 4, 2021

When it comes time to clean your rental property and get it ready for the next tenant, you may find yourself wondering where to start. Cleaning your own home can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have a set cleaning schedule. But properly deep cleaning your rental properly on a time crunch to get it ready for the next tenant can be even more of a challenge. With the right materials and supplies and a clear outline, however, cleaning your rental property in a fast, efficient, and thorough manner can be easy.

Cleaning Checklist By Room

Making your cleaning job easy starts with getting prepared. You don’t want to get underway and realize the few cloths and cleaners you have are woefully underprepared for the job ahead. Use the following list and head to your local supermarket or hardware store and start stocking up so that when it comes time for a deep clean, you’ll be ready to go.

  • Baking soda.
  • Broom.
  • Brush with stiff bristles.
  • Cleaning caddy (optional, but helpful).
  • Dish soap.
  • Dusting cloths (microfiber works best).
  • Garden hose (for yard work).
  • Gloves to protect your hands
  • Mineral oil.
  • Mop.
  • Multi-purpose cleaner.
  • Sponges.
  • Telescoping pole for high and hard-to-reach spaces.
  • Vacuum cleaner with extension accessories.
  • White vinegar.
  • Window and glass cleaner.
  • Wood cleaner and/or polish.

How to Clean Your Kitchen

The kitchen is probably the home’s hotspot for messes, especially if you had multiple tenants living in the unit. The stovetop, refrigerator, countertops, and sink see a lot of action and abuse over the course of a lease, so if they’re all in need of a deep clean you’ll need an action plan to make every surface shine.

The stove/oven

  • Use the self-clean feature on your oven if available.
  • Use a combination of baking soda, dish soap and vinegar to tackle tough messes.
  • Scrub and wipe clean.
  • Don’t forget to clean the burner grates if you have a gas stove.
  • Cleaning polishes like Pink Stuff can remove stains on glass cooktops.

Pro Tip: Soak your oven racks in the sink or bathtub and pour vinegar on top of them.

 The refrigerator

  • Defrost the freezer.
  • Remove any old food.
  • Wipe out stains or any other messes (inside and outside).
  • Remove dirt/dust from coil and vents.
  • Remove/replace any water filters.

Pro tip: Use a vacuum to suck up dirt and dust from refrigerator coil and vents

 The dishwasher

  • Replace and/ or clean filters.
  • Run dishwasher on hot with one to two cups of white vinegar.
  • Run another hot cycle with a half cup of baking soda.
  • Wipe down and disinfect the exterior.

Pro tip: mixture of dish soap, water, and white vinegar makes a great homemade cleaner that’s safe for all dishwasher surfaces.

 The sink (and dishes)

  • Scrub the sink.
  • Wash and or place dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
  • Disinfect the sink.
  • Wipe down countertops and small appliances.
  • Disinfect coffee pots, microwaves, toasters.
  • Mineral oil helps remove greasy dust.

Pro Tip: You can remove tough stains on a laminate countertop with nail polish remover, and Bar Keeper’s Friend can help clean porcelain sinks.

How to Clean Your Bathrooms

After the kitchen, the bathroom is likely to be the next problem area that is need of a deep clean before your next tenant starts moving in. Take extra care to ensure the bathroom is in tip-top shape as it can go a long way to making the entire rental feel clean as a whistle.

The shower and bathtubs

  • Empty the shower of leftover products (shampoo/soaps/razors etc).
  • Scrub the shower, floor, walls and bathtubs.
  • Replace shower curtains or run them through the washing machine if applicable
  • Clean shower grout with a small scrub brush to remove discoloration
  • Baking soda and white vinegar is a safe alternative for removing hair buildup in drains

Pro Tip: A combination of lemon juice and baking soda can remove rust stains left by shaving cream or razors.

 Mirrors and light fixtures

  • Remove debris or stray hair with a clean cloth.
  • Spray mirror with glass cleaner and use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
  • Clean light fixtures with soapy water and disinfectant.
  • Check vent fans for dust buildup to ensure proper ventilation
  • Look for mold on walls and clean any minor instances with a bleach/water solution

Pro Tip: avoid foggy bathroom mirrors by wiping it down with a combo of vinegar, dish soap and a spray bottle.

 Sinks, faucets and handles

  • Different cleaning can be required by sink materials (porcelain vs stainless steel).
  • Scrub/wipe/disinfect sink basin
  • Any partial/clogged drains can be cleared with baking soda and white vinegar
  • Use soapy water and a sponge to scrub/wipe down faucets and handles.

Pro Tip: Consider using a lemon to remove tough rust stains.

 Toilets

  • Use a toilet brush to remove any stains.
  • Use a dedicated toilet bowl cleaner or consider a stick-on bowl cleaner that cleanses after every flush.
  • Use a clean cloth and disinfectant to wipe down the exterior.

Pro Tip: Make sure you disinfect both your toilet brush and holder when you're done cleaning.

How To Clean Your Rooms

When it comes to bedrooms, the living room, dining rooms, or any space outside of the kitchen and bathroom(s), you may need to take a specialized approach depending on the size of the room, use, type of flooring, and more. Here’s a basic routine for deep cleaning any room without specific features or appliances like the kitchen or laundry room.

Vacuum carpet or clean non-carpeted areas

  • Remove any debris and/or move items away from carpet.
  • Go over the main carpeted area with your vacuum cleaner.
  • Use a vacuum or duster extension to get hard to reach areas.
  • Non carpeted areas can be cleaned with a mop and bucket plus your favorite cleaning solution (vacuum first).
  • Deodorize carpets by sprinkling baking soda over the area, letting it sit, and then vacuuming.

Pro Tip: Consider utilizing your dishwasher to effectively clean your vacuum.

 Dust curtain and light fixtures

  • Check curtain tags to understand any required cleaning “dry clean only” etc.
  • Add curtains to the washer.
  • Dust and disinfect light fixtures.

Pro Tip: Consider ironing, pressing, or steaming your curtains to make them look brand new.

 Clean windows

  • Rinse the outside of windows with a hose.
  • Scrub both inside and outside of window with a sponge.
  • Rinse windows with clean water.
  • Use a squeegee and towel to avoid streaking.

Pro Tip: don’t forget the window screens which can be cleaned with a vinegar and water solution.

How to Clean Your Laundry Room

For as much dirt as your rental’s laundry room sees every day, it’s probably in need of a good deep clean. Most people know how to clean their oven or even their dishwasher, but your washer and dryer also require periodic cleanings to remove product build up and to ensure they clean your clothes and linens properly.

 Clean your washer and dryer

  • Clean rubber gaskets and door seals, more common in front loaders
  • If your machine has a detergent dispenser, add 1 or 2 cups of white vinegar and run a hot cycle
  • Sanitize the drum by running another hot cycle with 1/3 cup of baking soda added to the drum
  • For top loaders, run a hot cycle, let the machine fill, and add 2 to 3 cups of white vinegar
  • Vacuum out your lint trap and consider having your dryer vent cleaned by a professional

Pro Tip: Clean your agitator (if your machine has one) with hot water and vinegar to remove buildup.

Clean the rest of your laundry space

  • Mop the floor
  • Dust surfaces and light fixtures
  • Vacuum between and around the washer and dryer, pull them out from the wall if need be

 

Having a clean rental property is a crucial part of appealing to potential renters. If a possible tenant comes to tour the space, or worse, shows up to start moving in their belongings and they find a dirty rental that shows signs of neglect, you’re not setting yourself up to have them renew. By staying prepared and having all the requisite cleaning supplies and knowing how to tackle each room in your rental you’ll provide a cleaner and healthier living space for your renters and make a better impression as a property owner.


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Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers

By KCM • August 29, 2025
Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers Not every homebuyer wants the biggest house on the block. Some want something simpler, more affordable, and easier to maintain, especially in a market where every dollar counts. That’s where condos come in. For first-time buyers, they can be a smart way to get into homeownership without stretching your budget. For downsizers, they offer less space to maintain with the flexibility to stay in a great location. And right now, condos are one of the most buyer-friendly parts of the market. Condo Inventory Is Up, And That Means More Choice According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there are 194,000 condos for sale right now. That’s the second highest amount we’ve seen in the last three years (see graph below): Just remember, this is the national figure. The exact number is going to vary based on where you’re looking to buy. But, generally speaking, you have more options and less competition. You’re not stuck waiting for something to pop up or rushing into an offer just to beat someone else to it. You’ve got plenty to choose from. And if you’re particular about layout, location, or amenities, this is your chance to be selective. That’s a big shift from the market frenzy of just a few years ago. Compared to early 2022, we’ve got nearly double the condos available now. That gives you more breathing room to find the right fit. Prices Are Cooling, and Buyers Hold More Negotiating Power And since there are more for sale, many sellers are more open to negotiating right now. So, you may be able to get a better price. As Redfin explains: “. . . condo buyers in many cities may be able to find sellers who are willing to give concessions and/or sell for less than their asking price.” Condo prices are starting to ease in many markets. According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), condo prices dipped 1.3% in June compared to last year. And over half of the top 100 U.S. metros saw condo prices drop slightly year-over-year. Data from Redfin shows what the recent dip in prices looks like (see graph below): That doesn’t just help with affordability, it also shifts the power dynamic. Condo buyers in many markets are now in a position to negotiate on price and ask for concessions, like help with closing costs. Bottom Line Condos aren’t just a fallback option. In today’s market, they’re one of the most strategic ways to buy. With more options, softening prices, and more room to negotiate, now could be the right time to make your move. Could a condo check more boxes than you expected? Let’s talk through your options and find out.

More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead.

By KCM • August 23, 2025
More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead. When you sell a house , the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing. But according to the latest data from Redfin, that’s happening a bit more often lately. The good news is, it’s completely avoidable if you lean on an agent for insight into why that is and how to avoid it happening to you. This June, 15% of pending home sales fell through . That means those buyers backed out of their contracts. That’s not too much higher than the norm of roughly 12% from 2017-2019, but it’s still an increase. And it’s one you don’t want to have to deal with. The key to avoiding this headache is knowing what’s causing the issues that lead to a buyer walking away. A recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) finds that agents reported the #1 reason deals are falling apart today is stemming from the home inspection (see graph below): Here’s why. With high prices and mortgage rates stretching buyers’ budgets, they don’t have a lot of room (or appetite) for unexpected repairs. Not to mention, buyers have more options to choose from now that there are more homes on the market. So, if the inspection turns up a major issue, they may opt to walk away. Afterall, there are plenty of other homes they could buy instead. Or, if the seller isn’t willing to tackle repairs , a buyer may back out because they don’t want the expense (and the hassle) of dealing with those issues themselves. The good news is, there’s a way you can get ahead of any unpleasant surprises as a seller, and that’s getting a pre-listing inspection. It’s not required, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it’s helpful right now: “To keep deals from unraveling . . . it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing .” What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection? It's exactly what it sounds like: a professional home inspection you schedule before your home hits the market. Here’s what it can do for you: Give you time to fix what matters . You’ll know what issues could come up in the buyer’s inspection. So, you’ll have time to take care of them before anyone even walks through the door. Avoid last-minute renegotiations . When buyers uncover unexpected issues after you’re under contract, it opens the door for concessions you may have to make like price drops or repairs, or worse, a canceled deal. A pre-listing inspection helps you stay ahead of those things before they become deal breakers. Show buyers you’re serious . When your home is clean, well-maintained, and already vetted, buyers see that. It builds trust and can help you sell faster with fewer back-and-forth negotiations. The bottom line? A few hundred dollars upfront can save you thousands later. Should Every Seller Do This? Not necessarily. Your real estate agent can help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation, your house, and your market. If you decide to move forward with a pre-listing inspection, your agent will guide you every step of the way. They’ll: Advise on whether to fix or disclose each issue Help you prioritize repairs based on what buyers in your area care about Make sure you understand your local disclosure laws Bottom Line If you want to avoid potential snags in your deal, a pre-listing inspection could be the way to go. Let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection is the right move for your house and market. Would you rather find out about a major repair now, when you can handle it on your terms – or after you’re under contract, when the clock is ticking?

Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff

By KCM • August 22, 2025
Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff Mortgage rates are still a hot topic – and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came out weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. And, as a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year ( 6.55% ). While that may not sound like a big deal, pretty much every buyer has been waiting for rates to fall. And even a seemingly small drop like this reignites the hope we’re finally going to see rates trending down. But what’s realistic to expect? According to the latest forecasts , rates aren’t expected to fall dramatically anytime soon. Most experts project they’ll stay somewhere in the mid-to-low 6% range through 2026 (see graph below): In other words, no big changes are expected. But small shifts, like the one we just saw, are still likely. Each time there’s changing economic news, there’s a chance mortgage rates will react. And with so many reports coming out this week, we’ll get a better feeling of where the economy and inflation are headed – and how rates will respond. What Rate Would Get Buyers Moving Again? The magic number most buyers seem to be watching for is 6%. And it’s not just a psychological benchmark; it has real impact. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says if rates reach 6%: 5.5 million more households could afford the median-priced home And roughly 550,000 people would buy a home within 12 to 18 months That’s a lot of pent-up demand just waiting for the green light. And if you look back at the graph above, you’ll see Fannie Mae thinks we’ll hit that threshold next year. That raises an important question: Does it really make sense to wait for lower rates? Because here’s the tradeoff. If you’re waiting for 6%, you need to realize a lot of other people are too. And when rates do continue to inch down and more buyers jump into the market all at once, you could face more competition, fewer choices, and higher home prices. NAR explains it like this: "Home buyers wishing for lower mortgage interest rates may eventually get their wish, but for now, they’ll have to decide whether it’s better to wait or jump into the market." Consider the unique window that exists right now: Inventory is up = more choices Price growth has slowed down = more realistic pricing You may have more room to negotiate = you could get a better deal These are all opportunities that will go away if rates fall and demand surges. That’s why NAR says : "Buyers who are holding out for lower mortgage rates may be missing a key opening in the market." Bottom Line Rates aren't expected to hit 6% this year. But when they do, you’ll have to deal with more competition as other buyers jump back in. If you want less pressure and more negotiating power, that opportunity is already here – and it might not last for long. It all depends on what happens in the economy next. Let’s talk about what’s happening in our area and whether it makes sense to make your move now, before everyone else does.
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