COQUITLAM
PORT COQUITLAM
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
PORT MOODY
info@rew.ca • 604-435-7977
TRUSTED HOME IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1997
CALL FOR FREE IN-HOME QUOTES
604-878-5232 handymanconnection.com HOME REPAIRS. RENOVATIONS. INSTALLATIONS.
LICENSED BONDED INSURED DONE RIGHT. DONE QUICK. GUARANTEED.
R E A L E S TAT E W E E K LY
. nly ro ou ed al b bin rs. m e n t o co off un be er sco nnot oth i D a ith C w
% 10
S
pring has finally arrived, and home owners are embarking on that yearly observance that seems to grip us and not let go – spring cleaning. Yes, the sun is shining through our (slightly grubby) windows and we are struck by an urge to grab a pair of rubber gloves, a pail, soap and a host of other cleaning agents and rid our homes of dirt and grime. But it can seem like a big undertaking if you don’t know how to go about it. REW.ca went to the experts to help guide you through this important spring custom. Christine Kishor, Everything Organized franchisee in Kelowna, was more than happy to provide her to-do list. “Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you break it down into bite-sized steps,” says Kishor.
Kishor’s Top 10 Spring Cleaning Jobs
1
To begin, Kishor always suggests working room by room and working from top to bottom and left to right. This helps one keep on task. Remove items to be taken to dry cleaning or washed, such as drapes and decorative bedding. Many draperies and curtains are machine washable, but check labels first. Dry-clean fabric shades. Wipe down wooden, metal or vinyl blinds with a damp cloth and warm water mixed with a little mild dishwashing liquid. Damp-dust places that are not part of your regular housecleaning, such as high shelves, window ledges and art. Wipe down walls and ceilings, concentrating on fingerprints and soiled areas. No need for chemicals – use a bit of water and baking soda to get scuff marks off. However, if you have really stubborn surface grime, especially prevalent in kitchens, tackle it with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area). Clean, vacuum and treat upholstered and leather furniture to
2
3
4
5
GO TO
REW.CA /NEWS TO READ THESE STORIES AND MUCH MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS AND ADVICE
bring a new life and longevity. Clean and treat wood furniture to bring it back to its original shine. Do you have heat damaged wood or stubborn wet-glass rings on your favourite wood table? They may be removed by rubbing a mixture of equal parts of distilled vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda with a gallon of warm water. Then wipe off and apply wood protector of your choice. Voila! Back to new. When vacuuming and cleaning floors and/or rugs, move furniture and clean underneath; perhaps move the layout around to get a new perspective. Synthetic carpets and rugs with waterproof backings can be deep-cleaned with a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine. However, rugs without backings, such as those expensive oriental rugs, require professional cleaning. Pull out items in cabinets and drawers, vacuum out debris and wipe down both the inside of the drawers and the items in them, then return them back in place. This is a great way to downsize and feel lighter. Wash down windows and window sills. For streak-free win-
6
7
8
9
Vancouverʼs East-West House Price Line Blurs: Map
dows, mix equal parts of distilled vinegar and warm water. Use either a dry cloth or newspaper … yes, it really works! Open the windows and let that fresh air circulate. Head outside to sweep away old man winter and spray down decks and sidewalks. A pressure washer can be rented from
10
How to Win a Bidding War in a Sellersʼ Market
F F O
tool and equipment rental shops or at some hardware stores. P.S. For another sense of renewal, consider buying a new doormat to welcome in the new season. For more information and tips on home organizing go to www.everythingorganized.net.
Thirteen Things to Know Before Renewing Your Mortgage