If you own or manage a self-catered rental property, here’s a useful rundown of both pre and end of season tasks detailing how to maintain home appliances to keep them in tip-top shape. After all, doing so is paramount to both ensuring guest satisfaction and minimising the need for repairs or replacements.
Ovens
During changeover:
- The cleaning team should check that ovens are given a wipe over inside and out.
Long-term maintenance:
- Oven racks should be cleaned at least monthly either in the sink, or many are dishwasher safe. The inside of your oven should also be given a deeper clean monthly to dissolve any stubborn bits.
- Glass panels should be removed and cleaned when necessary, and hinges lubricated.
Hobs
During changeover:
- Ensure that hobs have been wiped down and residue removed after each set of departing guests.
Long-term maintenance:
- Depending on the type you have, deeper cleans may be necessary and specialist products are available. Glass tops are easier to maintain, whereas gas burner hobs will need some dismantling before cleaning. Don’t forget the controls!
Microwaves
During changeover:
- A regular wipe over the interior will remove crumbs or splashes.
Long-term maintenance:
- A deeper steam clean and disinfection should be carried out monthly to sanitise.
Kettles
During changeover:
- A quick wipe down will remove any stains, dust or grease.
Long-term maintenance:
- Make sure the condition of the kettle and its heating element are checked monthly and the insides are scrubbed with a bristle brush.
- Have your kettle descaled regularly to keep it working at its best.
Coffee Machines
During changeover:
- Clean off any stains and residue before each new set of guests arrive.
- Remember to check the guests have emptied the empty pod collector before leaving.
Long-term maintenance:
- A descaling and cleaning solution should be run through the machine every month or so to prevent excess limescale.
Fridges and Freezers
During changeover:
- Make sure any unused food or drinks are removed after each set of guests depart and give the insides a quick wipe to keep them hygienic.
Long-term maintenance:
- Shelves and drawers should be given a thorough wash in soapy water monthly. If possible, have the appliances themselves wiped down and move them forwards to clean around and underneath them.
- Have the seals, filters, coils and temperatures checked throughout the year. Once or twice a year when guests aren’t present, have your freezer defrosted and deep cleaned.
Dishwashers
During changeover:
- Always give the washer, seals and filter a good clean before new guests to keep it looking sparkling and in good working order.
- Top up the salt and glass shine product.
Long-term maintenance:
- Dishwasher cleaning products can help if descaling is necessary, and should be run through the machine on a regular basis.
Washers and Dryers
During changeover:
- Wipe down and sanitise once guests have left and ensure any loose items that could get caught behind the drum are removed.
- Lint traps on dryers need emptying regularly.
- If your property has a condenser-style tumble dryer, check that the water has been emptied each changeover.
Long-term maintenance:
- The seals of the machines can get dirty if left for long periods, so make sure they’re cleaned thoroughly.
- The products drawer can usually be removed and cleaned too, and a descaling solution can be run through on a hot cycle.
- Check there are no coins, jewellery etc trapped in the main filters of the machinery.
Air Purifiers
During changeover:
- A quick surface clean will remove excess dust.
Long-term maintenance:
- Filters will need changing regularly and will depend on your make and model – so check the instructions and make sure you have plenty of spares on hand.
Water Filters
Long-term maintenance:
- It’s crucial that water filters are well-maintained to avoid the build-up of contaminants or minerals. Some permanent built-in systems can be cleaned without the use of harsh chemicals and cleaning should be done ideally on a bi-weekly basis.
- Make sure all working parts are cleaned and sanitised and the filter is replaced as recommended for your system.
- Regularly replace the filters on water filter jugs according to manufacturers’ recommendations and supply spares for guests.
These regular and long-term tips on how to maintain home appliances will help you stay on top of the cleaning and servicing of your rental property. This will ensure both contented guests and appliances that last, with minimal repair bills or replacement costs!
This content was written in collaboration with Porch.
