Get Your Full Deposit Back With Tennis Balls and Dishwasher Tablets
What is broomstick sweeping anyway?
If you leave your rental at the end of the month, you obviously want your full security deposit back. But as every renter knows, this is easier said than done. Even if you take the time to thoroughly clean it, you can still get gunk from a dirty oven, minor scuffs, or a mysterious smell.
Don’t give the homeowner satisfaction. All of these tiny deep cleaning tasks can be accomplished with the usual things you probably already have:
- Use a tennis ball to scrub the scuffs off the floor.
- Remove scuffs on the walls with a simple toothpaste.
- Deodorize walls and ceilings with diluted vinegar.
- Degrease the oven with a baking soda paste.
- Dissolve stubborn burnt-on residues on the oven glass with a dishwasher tablet.
Armed with these tips, you can clean up the day you move professionally – no special equipment or manufactured goods required.
This story was originally published in December 2018. It was updated on March 15, 2021 to reflect the current Lifehacker style rules.