Blocked external grates/drains
Just another reminder that due to high rainfall during this time of year it is a good time to get out and clean external grates/drains as to avoid unnecessary flooding at the property. Leaves, dirt, stones etc. are significant contributors to blocking drains/grates.
Cleaning of split system filters
If your split system is not operating efficiently or how you expect it too then the issue is often as simple as cleaning the filters you can do this by either just vacuuming the dust from them or running them under hot soapy water it literally takes a minute to do and regular cleaning of the filters will ensure that they are operating at their optimum performance.
Bathroom and wet area care
To avoid ongoing condensation and the potential for mould to grow in your bathroom/wet areas which can also lead to paint damage it is important that you ventilate your bathroom/wet areas appropriately.
- Always turn the exhaust fan on as soon as you run the water for your shower and keep it on for the duration of the shower or when running any hot water that causes steam to rise.
- If you have a window in your bathroom/wet areas it is strongly advised that you leave this open a little bit as often as possible to help with the ventilation.
- If you do have problems with condensation on the walls wipe it off with a clean dry cloth/sponge as soon as possible to avoid retaining moisture on the walls which can lead to mould and paint damage.
- If you already have mould appearing in your bathroom/wet areas please see below an eco-friendly and cheap solution to cleaning mould which according to Choice magazine is extremely effective.
How to use vinegar to clean mould
- Pour a concentration of 80% vinegar to 20% water into three buckets.
- Grab a microfibre cloth, dip it into the first bucket, then use it for cleaning a patch of mould.
- The same microfibre cloth should then be rinsed in the second bucket, then rinsed again in the third to ensure cross-contamination doesn’t occur.
- Microfibre cloths, which reach deep into tiny crevices and have a slight electric charge, can be bought cheaply and washed on a hot cycle in the washing machine with vinegar up to 100 times.
- After using vinegar there may still be streaks or discolouration on surfaces which you should be able to remove with bleach
If you find some areas of the bathroom difficult to get too like the ceiling or higher on the walls a good tip is to use a flat squeezy mop which will easily reach those hard to get at places (which can usually be picked up at a good price at your local supermarket).
Condensation care
Condensation on windows occurs when the surface temperature of the window is low, and the interior of the room is warm and has high humidity.
Condensation is not caused by a problem with the window system itself but rather the level of humidity in the room, condensation is a renter’s responsibility to manage.
The easiest way to control condensation is to keep the humidity low and ventilate often.
Some ways to increase ventilation and decrease humidity:
- Run exhaust fans throughout your home when room is in use.
- Make sure all vent ducts are cleaned regularly. (exhaust fans in bathrooms, laundry, toilet, rangehood in kitchen)
- Open windows during and after showering and when cooking in kitchens.
- Keep lids on pans during cooking, avoid unnecessary steam.
- Open windows and ventilate for short periods of time in any room with condensation.
- Dry clothes outdoors where possible.
- Airing out the kitchen, bathroom and laundry during and after use by opening a window for a few minutes.
How to clean condensation:
Wiping down wet surfaces as required, with any dry cloth or material. Keeping the windows and walls as dry as possible.
Condensation advice source: Australian Glass and Window Association
