Sometimes cleaning can help cut down on some of those last minute mishaps. When was the last time you cleaned these things?

1. Clean your dryer vent regularly. If you have a leaf blower, use it to blow the vent out from inside your laundry area.
2. Vacuum the condenser coils in your refrigerator.
3. Change furnace filters at least once a month.
4. Have your furnace/air conditioner cleaned and checked regularly.
5. Clean out the screens on your faucets and shower heads, especially properties with wells and hard water areas.
6. Clean out sink and drains regularly. Hair is the most common cause of slow or clogged drains. Unscrew the stopper in sinks and bathtubs and clean out the hair.
7. Wash all blankets and comforters at least once every 10 rentals.

© Christine Karpinski 2006

VRBO Listing Critique: Ariel Dunes (Destin, FL)    Very thorough listing with a good use of space.

How to Write a Standout Description for Your VRBO Listing    Learn pointers for creating a thorough and easy-to-read property description.

One-on-One with Washington State Vacation Rental Owner Bob Kelly (Transcript)    Christine talks with vacation rental owner, Bob Kelly, about why he chose renting by owner in Pacific Beach, WA.

One-on-One with Canmore, AB Vacation Rental Owner Richard Colwell Part 2 (Transcript)    Christine continues her discussion on the challenges of renting and maintaining a vacation property from abroad.

One-on-One with Canmore, AB Vacation Rental Owner Richard Colwell Part 1 (Transcript)    Christine discusses the challenges of owning and renting a vacation home in Canada while living in the UK.

Checklist for Turning Your Second Home into a Vacation Rental    A step-by-step guide for preparing your vacation home for rentals.

How to Market Your Vacation Home to Foodies    Food can play a major role in travel plans, so consider the role of your kitchen within your vacation rental listing.

Sample Directions for Your Vacation Rental Guests    Learn how to make your vacation rental directions clear and thorough.

Hot Tub Rules for Your Vacation Rental Property     Suggestions for rules to post to keep your guests safe, your neighbors happy, and your hot tub clean.

Year-End Tax Considerations for Vacation Rental Owners    As 2007 comes to a close, remember year-end responsibilities.

10 Less-Obvious Things to Include in Your Vacation Home Directions    Help renters be fully prepared for their stay at your home by going the extra “mile” for your vacation home directions.

Recovering from a Hurricane at Your Vacation Rental Home    Suggestions for managing hurricane damage at your vacation rental property.

Top 10 Most Common Cleaning Problems at Vacation Rentals    Avoid some of your renters' biggest complaints.

Sample Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist    A quick rundown of the things your housekeeper should clean between each guest.

Ten Closing Tips for Your Cottage, Camp or Cabin    Hints for closing up your vacation home for the winter from author, Joanne Palmisano.

Seven Preventative Maintenance Tips To Consider    It's always beneficial to be prepared. Here are some ways to equip your vacation home to avoid unnecessary maintenance problems.

20 Steps to a Greener Vacation Home    Ways to create a better indoor environment for you family and guests, lower your energy bills, and help the environment.

How to Decrease Your Electricty Bill by Lowering Appliance Costs    Learn how to lower the cost to power your refrigerator, washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

Post-Peak Season Maintenance Plan for Vacation Rentals    After 12 weeks of continuous use, your property probably deserves a little TLC.

Dryer Safety: Preventing Fires in Your Vacation Home    Protect your second home from dangerous and costly dryer fires.

Decreasing the Heating and Cooling Costs at Your Second Home    Make sure that you're not losing unnecessary cold air, heat, and money at your condo or cabin.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: Clean, Restock or Replace    Cleaning and stocking tasks to be completed to prepare for the busy summer season.

Vacation Rental Market Q&A: Orlando, Florida (Disney Area)    Insight into the Orlando area vacation rental market from Central Florida realtor, Steve Schaffer.

The Unique Challenges of Living Near Your Vacation Rental    Guide to balancing your life and your guests' demands by Alfred and Emily Glossbrenner

Christine's Blog: New Appliances (July 22, 2008)    Christine's special anniversary gifts resolve some vacation rental problems.

Amenities & Furnishings   From beds to barbeques, hot tubs to appliances, guestbooks to high-speed internet. A look at the many niceties you should consider for your vacation rental.

Three Safe Appliances To Buy For Your Vacation Property    Three “must-have” appliances for your vacation rental home.

How to Create a Gourmet Kitchen at Your Vacation Rental    Learn how to make your kitchen a destination in itself.

Amenities Checklist for Vacation Rentals    What amenities are expected and which will help seal the deal?

Tips for Furnishing Your Vacation Rental Home    Guide to choosing new furnishings for your vacation rental home.

How to Create a Gourmet Kitchen at Your Vacation Rental    Learn how to make your kitchen a destination in itself.

Kitchen Checklist for Vacation Rentals    Which items should you provide before you claim to have a fully-stocked kitchen?

12 Things That Every Vacation Rental Should Have    Don't forget to stock these necessities next time you visit your vacation home.

February 15, 2007: Palm Springs Short-Term Rental Application    Running a vacation rental business in the city of Palm Springs, CA requires a permit.

Frequent Vacation Rental Scam Inquiries    We've added this section to our site to help owners spot vacation rental scams. Have you received a suspicious inquiry? Send it to us and we'll post it in this section.