How to keep your home spotless at the beach

Having a property near the beach means having a place to go every summer and on weekend getaways when the weather is still warm. But it also means a property to maintain, especially in the winter months when the apartment or house will be closed for weeks and months at a time. Leaving your vacation home vacant for an extended period of time can cause some serious problems that you will have to deal with if you don't lock it up properly. Here are some tips on how to keep it in tip-top shape.

Drain the water heater

While it's unlikely that your water heater will freeze in the winter months, it's a good idea to drain it if you're not coming back for an extended period of time. Water sitting in the bottom of the tank can cause sediment and erosion of the tank, which can lead to the need for an early replacement. Drain your tank by closing the valve and opening the spigot at the bottom to drain it. This task is really easy, but if you want the plumber to handle other jobs, ask him to flush this tank at the same time.

Cleaning the house

Vacation properties often have things like sand and moisture inside after summer coming in and out of them fresh from the beach, wet feet or sand. Unfortunately, that moisture can lead to things like mold and mildew growth if not cleaned up at the end of the season. At the same time, any food crumbs that fall can lead to rodents while you're away. A thorough cleaning eliminates these problems and ensures the property is ready for when you return.

Upholstery and furniture cleaning

Many people clean the house every year, but may overlook other necessary tasks, such as cleaning the furniture. Your furniture and upholstery can take a beating each summer, becoming a place for winter moisture to lodge; and food stains can cause problems during the long winter months. Having your upholstery professionally cleaned can help eliminate any more costly problems and prolong the life of your furniture.

Floor Cleaning

The most important thing is to keep your floors in optimal condition, as corrosion from salt and moisture can wreak havoc on the aesthetics and functionality of your floors.

Polishing or buffing them every 6 months is the optimal time to keep them looking like new, every time.