Vacation rentals can be a hit or miss. In photos, it may look like the vacation home of your dreams, but when you arrive, it quickly becomes evident that the home hasn’t been well kept. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a simple travel cleaning kit, equipped with microfibre cloths, a plant-base multipurpose spray, dish soap and a BBQ brush, if your vacation home has a BBQ. This arsenal of cleaning supplies will help you tackle the hot spots in your vacation home as soon as you arrive.
Wipe down kitchen counters
The most used surface in any home, vacation or not, is the countertop. Be sure to give it a good scrub with a microfibre cloth and multipurpose spray once you’ve unpacked. Next, turn your attention to the stovetop and sink. Let the hot water run in the kitchen sink for a few minutes to clear the drain of any debris. Empty cottages and country homes are notorious for little critters, such as mice, ants and the occasional chipmunk, so it’s a good idea to clean off any food surfaces just in case.
Check dishes, utensils and cooking tools
Ideally, dishes should be cleaned prior to your arrival; however, in reality, this may not always be the case. If your vacation rental is equipped with a dishwasher, run the dishes, utensils and cooking tools through a regular wash cycle. If you don’t have a dishwasher, fill the sink with warm soapy water, grab a microfibre cloth and get washing. Never use the vacation rental sponge or rag! Sponges and rags harbour dirt, grime and bacteria that can be harmful to your health. Always stick to your own microfibre cloths!
Clean the grill
If you’re lucky enough to find a vacation rental with a large deck and BBQ, you’ll need to do a little bit of cleaning to ensure the grill is prepared for cooking. The simplest way to clean a BBQ is to lift the lid, turn the BBQ elements on high and let the BBQ heat for ten minutes. This will help loosen any debris from the grill, making it easier to remove with your BBQ brush.
Once you finish brushing the grill, turn the elements off, and leave the lid open. After the BBQ has cooled down completely, give the grill one last scrub using a ball of aluminum foil. This process can be used before each meal during your vacation to ensure your grill is ready for cooking!21
Enjoy!
