Houston…we have a problem! It seems that clogged drains usually come at the most inconvenient time. Trying to enjoy your stay at a vacation rental home, should not be one of them. Did you know that something as thin as dental floss can get snagged in your pipes and start a clog? Getting into the habit of preventing clogged drains is an effective way to stop them from occurring altogether. We’ve rounded up a few solutions to support the maintenance of your vacation rental property.

KITCHEN

Do not pour grease or oil down the drain of the sink. Grease can stick to the inside of your pipes, leading to a clogged kitchen sink. Warm grease runs down the drain until it cools in the pipes and starts to form a clog. Then the other things we throw down the drain get stuck in that and now we have a sink full of “I’m not putting my hands in there!”.

Instead, used grease should be poured into a sealable container that you can throw into the trash. Leave a reminder for your guests along with the needed resource to get the job done if needed.

Avoid putting certain types of food in your garbage disposal. 

• Banana peels
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Potato skins

A simple choice of hot vs cold water can make a difference as well. Coldwater will keep oils and grease in a solid-state so that they can be broken up by the garbage disposal. This helps support the flow of waste through the drainage system. Hot water will only melt and soften grease; encouraging it to coat the garbage disposal.

An investment in a screen/strainer that fits over the drain opening of the kitchen sink can help prevent food, hair, and other things from entering your drain. These can be found at stores such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

BATHROOM

When you notice the bathroom sink in your vacation rental home starting to back up, remove the Pop Up Stopper and clean it. Toothpaste, shaving cream, soap scum, and hair are the most common build-up. If you allow this waste to collect for some time, the sink can start to drain slowly until it eventually stops up.  

Bathroom drains benefit from very hot water because it can remove excess residue and gunk. Remember to clean the drain stoppers of the bathroom sink and tub regularly for a more proactive approach.

Try these home remedies to melt away any fat, grease, or buildup that may have collected inside your pipes.

• Squirt at least a tablespoon of liquid dish soap directly into the drain. Put a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Pour the hot water into the drain, a little at a time. If the buildup is heavy, repeat this process two to three more times.
• Pour one cup of vinegar down your vacation rental drains and let them sit for 30 minutes. Then chase it down with boiling water.
• Pour bleach into the sink. Let it sit for at least an hour (the longer the better) and then run water down the drain.

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With the cost of a professional appliance repair person ranging from $45-$100 an hour and parts marked up at least 100%, it’s in your best interest as a vacation rental homeowner to regularly clean and maintains these appliances – and even be able to do a little troubleshooting on your own!

Check Your Connections

When performing maintenance on your washer and dryer, be sure to check all the connections for water and power. Cords, hoses, connections should all be in good repair – no kinks, frays, tears, or holes. If you do notice anything amiss here – and you’re not confident in your repair knowledge or skills in this area – it may be best to call in a pro, just due to safety concerns.

Best Practices

Abusive practices, such as overloading the washer and not cleaning out the dryer lint trap after each use, will cause problems sooner or later. Especially if your vacation rental home guests have access, be sure to post instructions for proper use!

Hard Water Blues

The need for a stepped-up maintenance and cleaning schedule for your washer and dryer is even more important if your vacation rental property has “hard” water – that is, water with high mineral content. While it’s safe to drink, the dissolved calcium and magnesium in hard water can leave behind a film in your washer, and this film can attract and hold dirt from the laundry. Ewww.

Washing Your Washer

Cleaning your washer is really pretty easy, and doesn’t require any fancy supplies. In fact, baking soda and vinegar are the only two things you’ll need besides a spray bottle and a cleaning cloth! We found a great set of instructions for both front loading and top loading washers that walks you through the cleaning process, step-by-step. Check it out here!

Your Dryer Needs to Vent!

Seriously. A clogged dryer vent causes inefficiency and undue stress on your dryer leading to higher utility costs and machine breakdown – but a clogged vent could also cause a fire! In a typical residence, dryer vents should be cleaned annually, but since the dryer in a vacation rental home is generally used more frequently (think of all those towels!) you may want to check your dryer vent 2-3 times a year.

In the Phoenix area, you can find a professional to clean your dryer vent starting around $69. If you’re into the DIY lifestyle, we found this very informative video that not only shows you how you can tell if your dryer vent needs cleaning, but leads you through the actual process!

What’s Wrong?

Even with regular maintenance and cleaning, there’s always a chance that one day, they just won’t work. Rather than rushing to call in the repair person, there are some basic troubleshooting tasks you should do first, if possible, such as checking the power to the laundry area. You certainly don’t want to pay an appliance repair person to tell you your electrical outlet is bad, or you’ve thrown a breaker. Checking all connections to the appliance itself should be at the top of your list.

If your problem does truly seem to be the appliance itself, your owners manual should include a troubleshooting guide – and many manuals can now be found online for your convenience. Even if your appliance is under warranty, the warranty company will want to walk you through these steps before a repair is scheduled.

Appearance Counts

Don’t forget the outer surfaces of your washer and dryer – these appliances should look as fantastic as the rest of your vacation rental home. Wipe them down regularly (Moxie Girl recommends Truce All-Purpose!) for a clean shine and fresh scent!

Moxie Girl is Here to Help!

Moxie Girl brings years of experience to caring for your vacation rental home and we are here to help. Whether you’re looking for professional between-guest turns, or just need some helpful tips, Moxie Girl has what you need. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION, and check out our blogs, past, and future!

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The best part of waking up hasn’t quite been Folger’s in our cups for a while now. If you’re anything like us, we’re searching for the nearest pick me up on our way to save the day of your vacation rental property. However, for your guests, a coffee maker or Keurig in the home is convenient for any occasion. Whether they are a fan of a quick fix or the old school brewing noise of the coffee maker, cleanliness and maintenance are a must!

Here are step by step processes to guide you through cleaning these vacation rental home essentials!

KEURIG

1. Disassemble and wash all removable parts. This includes the K Cup holder, mug stand, water reservoir, and lid. Soak these in pieces in warm, soapy water, and let dry.
2. Fill the water reservoir halfway with White distilled vinegar. This will help remove any lime and scale buildup. Then fill the rest with water.
3. Wipe down the surface of the Keurig. A dry cloth can get the job done. Be sure to get up in the area around the coffee pod holder where residue may have collected.
4. Place the machine back together and plug it in.
5. Place a mug in the holder area, start the brew cycle, and run the machine. Once the mug is filled, dump out the vinegar and water mix.  Repeat this until the reservoir is completely emptied.
6. Fill the reservoir with plain water and repeat the same process. This step helps to prevent any residing vinegar taste.

This maintenance routine is recommended every 3 to 6 months.

COFFEE MAKER

1. Be sure to empty the machine and carafe of any remaining contents. 
2. Mix half Distilled, white vinegar with half water; enough to fill the entire water chamber of your coffee maker.
3. Start the brew cycle. Halfway through, stop the cycle by turning off the coffee maker. Let it sit for an hour or so.
4. After the hour has passed, turn the coffee maker back on to complete the brew cycle.
5. Pour out the vinegar-water solution and repeat this process with a freshwater cycle. This time, run the complete brewing cycle with no breaks. Repeat this two more times, allowing the coffee maker to cool down a bit between the brews.
6. Wash the water and carafe with warm/hot soapy water and wipe down the coffee maker with a dry cloth.
7. Reassemble all parts and you are all set!

This maintenance routine is recommended monthly.

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You may be wondering what Moxie Girl is doing to keep you and your renters safe during this crazy time. We are currently taking extra steps to ensure the safety of guests, owners as well as our hard-working Moxie team.

Precautions we are taking include:

• Employees who have symptoms will not be in homes and are thankful that many of our team have accumulated 40 hours of Sick Pay that can be used during this time

• We are adding to our routine services extra attention to the high-touch areas (doorknobs, remotes, handles, light switches). These areas will be wiped down with an isopropyl alcohol-based cleaner

• We are creating flyers that we will leave in your home stating that all high-touch surfaces have been sanitized with the isopropyl alcohol-based disinfectant to help give peace of mind to your guests. We hope to have the flyers in our Moxies’ kits by this weekend

• ALL open food left in homes will be thrown away. The only exception to this will be oils and spices

• We would also encourage owners to stock sanitizing wipes and/or bleach in the homes to give guests the ability to sanitize the surfaces during their stays. If you are a client of ours and would like to ship items to our office, please let us know so we can plan to deliver it to your property

Stay Safe and Stay Healthy! 

Together Apart

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It can be super easy to forget about your floors, due to loads of laundry you have piled up, or your busy work schedule. Managing your hardwood floors should only take about 20-30 minutes per day depending on how much you have throughout your home. Wood floors are more sensitive than you think. To properly manage your wood floors, they need to be swept, mopped, and dusted on a regular basis. This is required to help maintain their shine. When mopping, be careful not to use any harsh chemicals or too much water. Chemicals and too much water will end up causing damage to your floors. Vacuuming is also a good way to manage your floors but you have to vacuum with caution. When vacuuming, don’t use your old vacuum cleaner, set your vacuum on to the bare floor setting to minimize your chances of ruining your floors. 

Your next step is to clean your floors monthly with wood cleaner.  A wood cleaner is meant to keep your floors healthy and shiny. Using certain wood cleaners will help maintain their strength and help them look absolutely stunning year-round. When cleaning your floors with wood cleaning, make sure you are wiping the same way that the wood grains run. This will increase the results by making sure you are getting all the dirt and oil out of the cracks and crevices in the flooring. The wood cleaner also helps prevent discoloration. You can also check for discoloration by lifting up rugs that you have laid out on your floors. You will be able to see a color difference, if you notice a color difference, then your floors have probably been damaged by the sun. To protect your floors from the UV rays of the sun, you can pull your drapes or blinds during the peak sunlight hours.

No matter how much you take care of your hardwood floors, you will always need to get some professional help sometime down the line. The reason you may need some help with your floors is due to your floors needing deep cleaning, a sanding, and even some refinishing treatments. Deep cleaning is used to attack dirt, oil, or grime that builds up over time. Sanding and refinishing treatments finish the job to make your floors look good as new. Some good habits to get into include when moving furniture, make sure you lift everything so you aren’t scratching your hardwood floors.

wood f

The best way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your hardwood floors is to take good care of them every day. Use the wood floor cleaner guide above to help you create and stick to a good schedule to ensure that your wood floors are getting the right maintenance they need.

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As a vacation rental cleaner, you never know what you are going to walk into once the guests have checked out. Your first impression of the guest can go one of two ways. The first way you are going to walk into the house and the guests have completed the checkout list that the owner has provided. If this is the way that you walk in, your clean is going to go great and you normally won’t have problems. The second way is that you are going to walk in, the rental is going to be completely used, and nothing is done on the checkout list. If you walk into a super used rental, your clean is going to be tougher, and you are usually going to be there longer than intended. 

Having Checkout Suggestions

When guests check out of a vacation rental, Moxie Girl leaves a complimentary checklist for the guest to follow to make our clean and arrival so much easier. Some of our suggestions include stripping the beds or starting towels in the washer, starting the dishwasher, and taking out the trash. Just by doing one of these simple tasks can make a Moxie Girl’s cleaning go so much smoother. When we walk into a vacation rental, and the guests have left the place without doing any of the checklists, then the cleaner stresses once they get there debating on how the cleaning is going to take them. 

Not using Checkout Suggestions 

When guests check out of a vacation rental and don’t use any of the checklist suggestions, it can make our job so much more stressful. I’ll give an example, here at Moxie Girl, when cleaning a vacation rental we sometimes encounter a same day turn, which means the cleanings need to take place in between a guest checking out that day and new guests arriving the same day. When cleaning a home that is same day flip you’re on a time crunch. So, when guests leave a bunch of towels, and bedding used then we are responsible to clean all of the laundries, but with guests starting a load of laundry it makes our cleaning go a little smoother and can cut an hour or so off the cleaning time. Another suggestion for guests is picking up and taking all their trash out, by doing this it doesn’t take up our cleaning time, and we have more time to focus on the resetting of the home and getting the vacation rental ready for their next guest. So next time you stay at a vacation rental, keep your cleaners in mind and partake in the check out suggestions.

Looking for a cleaning company to service your vacation rental needs? Contact us today for a FREE Consultation!!

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First impressions set the tone for your guest’s entire visit. Because your guests have viewed your vacation rental home at it’s best – thanks to the professionally-staged photos you posted – they’ve already set those images as a “standard” for your property, and therefore, the quality of their stay.. Bursting that image bubble before the guest is even inside your vacation rental is just asking for trouble.

Creating a Welcoming First Impression

As the owner of a vacation rental home, it’s up to you to create a first impression that will immediately assure your guests they’ve made a great choice in selecting YOUR vacation rental as their home-away-from-home.

Many factors can affect a guest’s first impression of your vacation rental home. Put yourself in your guest’s place…Pull up your vacation rental home as though you are seeing it for the first time. If YOU were paying to stay here, what would YOU think?

Exterior Basics

Faded or chipped exterior paint and/or busted stucco immediately takes your vacation rental homes to curb appeal down a notch – and possibly several, depending on what surrounding properties look like. If it’s been a few years since your vacation rental has enjoyed a new coat of paint, it may be time to consider an update.

Beyond the paint, do a thorough inspection of your vacation rental home windows, exterior doors, and light fixtures!  “Broken” not only looks terrible but can also pose potential safety and security issues for you and your guests. Repairing these types of items should be number one on your to-do list!

Plants and Landscaping

No matter what the style of your vacation rental homes landscaping – indigenous desert or green and grassy – all plant life on your property should be healthy and well-maintained.  The appearance of a brown lawn and dead plants can easily become the focal point of an otherwise beautiful vacation rental.

Overgrown landscaping – especially certain trees – can lead to safety issues for guests, as well as the potential for property damage during one of our famous Phoenix monsoon storms. Hiring a professional landscaper to routinely care for your vacation rental home will keep your property looking its best!

Everything In Its Place

While completely necessary of course, trash and recycling bins do you no favors in the area of great first impressions. If the bins at your vacation rental must be rolled out to the street for pick-up, be aware of the service schedule! Not only would you not want to be stuck with your trash “until next time” you’ll want to get those bins back to where they belong as soon as possible after service has occurred. Bins left on the street – even overnight – can definitely make your property look as though no one’s home.

Take a walk around the front of your vacation rental home and look for any non-decorative items that your guests wouldn’t – or at least shouldn’t – need during their stay. Tools and other implements should be put away, out of the guest’s view – for aesthetic and safety reasons! Even an unfurled garden hose on or near a walkway offers a potential hazard.

Please Come In!

Now that your guests are finally at the door, don’t let them down! The entry to your vacation rental home should be every bit as welcoming as everything they’ve just walked past. Make sure the entryway door (and handle or knob) is clean and free of cobwebs. Spiders work quickly, so check often! An attractive doormat as well as a pot of two colorful flowers at the entry to your vacation rental can really make a guest feel at home.

All vacation rental home guests appreciate secure – yet convenient – access to the property. Make sure your guests are provided with proper keys and/or entry codes they’ll need. Struggling just to get in the door – especially if it’s 100 degrees outside – will not please your guests. In fact, that issue alone may negate the rest of that first impression you’ve worked so hard to create!

As a famous motel chain once said, “we’ll leave the light on for you.” Leaving a light on for your vacation rental guests makes sense, too! A well-lit property is just naturally more secure, and guests arriving after dark should be able to safely and easily enter the home.

Happy Neighbors

As the owner of a vacation rental home, the last thing you want is complaints from the neighbors. Keeping your property looking its best at all times will let your neighbors know that you not only value your investment but that you value theirs, too!

Moxie Girl is Here to Help!

Moxie Girl is the Valley’s vacation rental specialist! Whether you’re a vacation rental homeowner or a potential guest, we can help! Check out our other blogs for tips on operating a successful vacation rental home – or choosing one for a stay! 

The post The Very First Look at Your Vacation Rental Home appeared first on Moxie Girl.

Check-In

Once you have a confirmed booking, be sure the guests have electronic access to basic information, such as:

• Directions to the property
• A clear address
• Contact information
• Parking instructions
• Explanation of how to access the property

After traveling and pulling up to the vacation rental home, guests are ready for a smooth transition. There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to get into your vacation rental easily. Difficult access is a guaranteed way to downgrade your customer service rating. The check-in process should be as easy as possible. Clear directions to access the home can keep this process simple and stress-free. If struggling to enter the home is the initial hiccup, it can easily go downhill from there.

Entering the Home

One of the first things your guest will notice is the temperature. If it’s a normal Arizona summer day, they will want to feel the welcoming breeze of the air conditioning. They should be indulging in the decor and set up of your vacation rental instead of the amazing race to the thermostat. It will never be “just right”, but the effort will be appreciated.

Ensuring a welcoming atmosphere also includes keeping your word. Does your vacation rental look anything like the pictures posted online? When the reality does not match the photos and/or description, there can be a disappointment. Anything shown in your listing, unless mentioned as unavailable for use, needs to be there.

Cleanliness

Whether you choose to clean your property yourself or partner with a professional vacation rental cleaning service, this investment is very important. Guest expectations are very high when it comes to the cleanliness of where they are staying. Checking the details and cleanliness of every room after the clean can prevent complaints and touch up visits. During the peak vacation season, guest turnover can be fast, resulting in same-day bookings and more efficient turns. Moxie Girl suggests deep cleaning your home during downtime to ensure attention to detail and thorough cleans. 

You can also ensure that the guests feel well taken care of by having essential products stocked and ready for use.

Welcome Binder

Welcome Binders are an important amenity for your vacation rental property. This extra step shows your guests that you care about their comfort while staying in your home. All of the information needed for reference can be found in this binder. 

• Pull together basic information like nearby grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and the post office.
• Highlight hidden gems in your city to help the guest experience them as well. This can include locally-owned restaurants, tours of areas unique to your location, and any nearby attractions. 
• Frequently asked questions, including thermostat instructions, the wifi password, extra linens, and any quirks your home might have.
• Contact information so that guests know the fastest way to reach you if they have any questions, concerns, or problems during their stay. 
•  Check out instructions are helpful as well, especially a check out time-reminder and what to do with trash/recycle.

First impressions have lasting effects. Welcoming efforts made to support the initial impression will pay off in the return on investment through five-star reviews and increased bookings for your vacation rental home. Think of your own experiences. What do you appreciate? What level of service do you expect? Look at your reviews for feedback and make necessary adjustments when needed. The goal is to be as stress-free as possible for all parties involved. We can all appreciate that! Need some help making your vacation rental property guest-ready every time a new guest walks in? contact Moxie Girl today! 

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Investing in your investment Property

Investing in an investment property is a huge step in becoming a rental owner and there are a lot of questions that may follow. If you are seriously thinking about running your own vacation rental property you might want to consider whether you plan to buy a house or a condo/apartment to rent out to your future guests. If you are buying a home with a backyard pool consider all the costs that might come along with that versus buying a condo with access to a pool as well as a home with a community pool. All options have their perks as well as their downfalls, so you might want to consider the type of atmosphere you are wanting to provide for your future guests.

Investing In a property with A Pool 

Here at Moxie, we see that the homes with pools in the backyard or homes that have access to pools tend to get more bookings in those summer months than the ones that don’t. I have heard so many Arizona Residents say “you can’t survive in the Valley if you don’t have a pool.” One of the first things out of town renters look for when booking a vacation rental in the valley during the summer is if they will have access to a pool. If your listing doesn’t have pool access they are most likely to skip right over your listing without even taking a second glance. 

Yes, I know a pool can be a major investment from the installation if you don’t have one yet to the upkeep of the pool, but the benefits are most likely going to outweigh the risks. Not only can you charge guests a little more because you are able to offer this pool amenity,  but you are more likely to get more renters during those hot summer months. 

Pools in the Winter 

What about the cost of my pool during the summer months, you might ask? Well, an even smarter investment is making sure your pool can be used during the cooler months by making it a heated pool. This may cost a bit more but most vacation rental owners cover the pool heat charge by charging guests who plan on using the pool and are wanting the heat turned on. 

Check out the Blog with Chad Nikkel, Owner of Aquaman pools. He gives some great information on having a pool in the winter months and how to best utilize it for your vacation rental guests. 

Maintaining Your Pool

It is possible to take care of your own pool from maintenance to cleaning, but that can also come with many risks if you are not familiar with pool maintenance and cleaning techniques. Doing it yourself may save you the cost of hiring a professional, but you also might be spending more money and time than it is worth to upkeep your pool. We highly recommend hiring a professional and there are many professional pool cleaning/maintenance services you can utilize here in the valley, Moxie Girl Recommends reaching out to Aqua Man pools for all your pool service needs!

The post The Benefits Of Having A Pool When Running A Vacation Rental appeared first on Moxie Girl.

We have heard it time and time again that first impressions matter and people are always saying “try to make the best first impression that you can”. This is something that should be considered when managing a vacation rental because first impressions can greatly impact the cash flow of your property. The first impression starts long before a guest has even stepped foot into your vacation rental. Their very first impression comes from the pictures that are placed online. Potential guests will evaluate the appearance and if it looks cleaned and well kept, what the staging and décor is like, and the overall vibes that the place gives off. Have you thought about what impression your vacation rental gives?

Vacation Rental Ratings and Reviews

Along with first impressions, ratings and reviews are especially important for cash flow when managing a vacation rental. Vacation rental management is part of the Hospitality Industry. Success in the hospitality industry is driven by the rating and reviews of others. It is said that people trust reviews as much as getting a recommendation from someone and 72% of people said they would not book a place without reviews. Potential guests are going through and reading the reviews left from your previous guests before determining if they are going to book your place.

How a professional clean can improve your ratings

The upkeep for a vacation rental can be a lot of work, even more so if you are managing more than one property. Hiring a professional cleaning company can eliminate a large portion of stress and free up more time in your schedule. Your guests want to have the feeling that the place is brand new and has never been used before. A great cleaning company can not only deliver that experience to your guests, but they can also improve the ratings and reviews that your guests are providing after they check out. With the increase of positive reviews, it is likely that the demand to stay in your vacation rental will increase as well.

Why choose Moxie Girl Vacation Rental Cleaning Company

With all the different cleaning companies that are available, it can be difficult choosing between them. So, what makes a cleaning company great? There needs to be trust, professionalism, and they should be experienced. Moxie Girls’ team of professional cleaners are also organized, fairly priced, and practice secure confidentiality.

If you are looking for a team of professionals to help you increase the number of positive reviews that your vacation rental receives and are ready to relieve stress and have more free time. Click here for more information.

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