Winter Tip: Set your fan to spin clockwise on a low setting to gently push warm air down and keep your space cozy.

Summer Tip: Switch it to spin counterclockwise to create a breeze that keeps you cool.

It’s a simple trick to make the most of your ceiling fan and love where you live—no matter the season!

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Clean Your Fridge

I am not happy with whomever invented Clean Out Your Fridge Day which is “celebrated” on November 15. Do we really need to be reminded that although the rest our place looks presentable, there’s probably something creepy, hairy, stinky, and unknown lurking in the back corner of the crisper drawer? Clearly, we do, or this day would not exist. My fridge is like my closet. It will go for weeks – dare I say months – looking tidy and clean and then suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, it looks like elves performed some horrible mischief in the night. My once neat, organized, color-coded (yes, I am THAT girl) closet is a sloppy wreck with clothes falling off the hangers and the fridge contains mysterious science-fair-like “stuff”. And it’s not like cleaning either is hard; it’s just an annoyance and an awful way to spend a Saturday morning when you could be brunching on eggs benedict and sipping mimosas. So, what is one to do? As in the words of a dear friend of mine, “Just git ‘er done”. Here’s a few tips on making this god-forsaken process a wee bit less miserable.

Prepare a Staging Area

Obviously, you must remove all the food from the fridge to clean it. Short on counter space? Set up a little folding table or use a few chairs. I am pretty successful with just removing food from one section at a time, cleaning it, and putting it back before moving on. For a complete, and uber thorough clean, put your food in a cooler. Whatever you use, you need at least enough room to hold a shelf’s worth of stuff. Make sure your kitchen sink is empty, too. While you’re at it, put the recycling bin nearby as you’ll likely be tossing expired items.

Gather Your Supplies

You won’t need much. White vinegar and/or dish soap, a spray bottle or a big bowl, a sponge and/or a scrubby, and paper and/or microfiber towels, all or most of which you probably already have on hand.  The vinegar breaks down grease and grime, and when mixed with hot water in a spray bottle (or bowl, or dishpan, or bucket), it becomes a food-safe cleaner that’s perfect for any gunk that might have accumulated on refrigerator shelves. The other items on the list will help you wipe, scrub, dry, and shine.

Work Shelf by Shelf

While some people have enough counter space (is there ever really enough?!?) to completely empty their refrigerators before cleaning, I find working one shelf at a time is often the best method, because you don't want to leave your perishables out for too long.

• Start at the top.
• Remove everything from a shelf and see just how messy you (or those darn elves!) have been.
•  If there are spills, carefully remove the glass from the frame (or brackets, depending on your fridge) and clean both sides, as well as the edges, with the vinegar solution.
• Dry with paper or microfiber towels.
• Wash the frame that holds the glass before replacing the entire shelf. For that, I usually head to the sink and use dish soap and hot water.
• If there aren’t any caked-on spills that require shelf removal, simply run a scrubby sponge under hot water. Give the shelf and fridge walls an initial scrub to loosen any gunk. Then, spray it all down with cleaner and give it another scrub, before wiping everything clean with a microfiber cloth.

NOTE: When you’re not actively working in the fridge, close the door to keep everything as cool as you can.

Doors and Drawers

Refrigerator drawers often accumulate debris, especially if they’re used for produce. For a deep clean, remove the drawers and wash them in the kitchen sink with soap and water. If they won’t fit in your sink, spray and wipe them clean, and dry them before putting them back. While the drawers are removed, wipe down the walls and “floor” of the fridge with the vinegar cleaner. Use the same method for the shelves inside the doors.

Clean It Before You Put It Back

Now that your fridge is sparkling (and you realize it wasn’t THAT BAD to clean), be sure to wipe down jars, containers, and condiment bottles so you don’t bring gunk back into the fridgeEven if it doesn’t appear dirty, it’s a good idea to give the bottom a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, especially if the shelf was sticky. If any bottles or jars have accumulated a little goo on the outside, rinse them under warm water then wipe them clean and dry. If gunk has accumulated around the seal or the edges of the cap, take the lid off and wash it more thoroughly in the sink. Check all expiration dates and toss anything that’s expired, like the sriracha I just threw away from 2017. Hmmm.

Wipe Down the Outside

Once everything is back in your sparkling fridge, use a clean microfiber cloth and the vinegar spray to wipe down the outside of the doors, including the edges and seals, and don’t forget the handles! The worst area will undoubtedly be to top of the fridge as it tends to collect greasy residue from cooking and dust. I like keeping a kitchen towel on top that can just be thrown in the wash.

Keep It Fresh

You did it and you lived to tell the tale! Enjoy your super-clean fridge. For a while, anyway. If you want to keep it smelling fresher longer, stick an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves. Now treat yourself to brunch with a Bloody Mary. You deserve it.

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Winter Energy Savings Tips

Old Man Winter has come knocking on our doors a bit early this year with a cold reminder to keep ourselves warm and cozy without breaking the bank and paying for utilities. It’s especially important now, as inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything.

Start by taking a walk around your apartment. I know, I know, you know your apartment like the back of your hand, but this time look closely at things that can affect your ability to keep your place comfortable even on the coldest days.

Furniture

Look at the placement of your furniture. Make sure all furnishings at least eight inches from heat registers and vents to allow for proper circulation. Check the areas behind your sofa, bed, dresser, and other large pieces to be sure they are not blocking precious warm airflow. A rule of thumb is to allow at least eight inches of space around your registers to ensure good air circulation.

Windows

Double-check to make sure all windows are shut tightly. Locking your windows can provide an extra bit of snug fit. Even double-paned windows can feel cold when it’s frigid outside. It is normal for windows and the surrounding area to feel cold to the touch, since glass is not a good insulator.

A rolled towel on the windowsill can help the window feel less chilly, especially if the window frame is metal.  Keep your blinds open on sunny days to let as much warmth in as possible, but do close them tightly once the sun goes down. Adding an extra layer such as a plastic barrier or a draft-blocking curtain can really help. Insulated drapes and curtains are the best way to minimize the effect of this cold air on the apartment's temperature.

If there are still heavy drafts around windows, please call your leasing office to have the maintenance crew check them.

Doors

Check for drafts around any exit doors. If you feel a draft, you may need new weather stripping or a new door sweep. Your maintenance team can help you with that. Even with a good door sweep, you may still feel a chill coming in.  A door snake can really make a difference.

Outlets

Cold air can also find its way into your home through the outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Really! Fortunately, there’s a product for that (of course). You can also check with your utility company as some of them will provide these at no charge.

Wall Air Conditioner Unit

If you have a wall AC unit, make sure the vent(s) are in the ‘closed’ position and that there is no air sweeping in around the units.

Baseboard Registers

If you have baseboard registers, make sure the metal flap inside is lifted all the way up and that you can see inside the register. This flap acts as a vent; if it is resting down on the front panel, the heat cannot escape.

Thermostat

If you have a forced air system, make sure your thermostat is set on ‘Heat’ and ‘Auto’. You can be like my Dad and turn the heat down to 60 degrees at night. Sounds awful at first, but sleeping in a cool room in flannel jammies and under a warm comforter or cozy blanket can provide you with a surprisingly great night’s sleep!

Attire

You’ve heard the saying Dress For Success. In the winter, it becomes Dress For Warmth. Get cozy at home by wearing seasonal attire like wool sweaters, heavy shirts (flannel!), sweatshirts, warm pants, wooly socks and/or fluffy slippers. Maybe a Snuggie?? Top this with a furry throw and you’ll be all set. Make my Dad proud.

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Stink bugs are very active right now, and those pesky critters will be around to annoy us and gross us out as they try and escape cooler weather. I don’t know about you, but I am seriously weirded out by stink bugs. They look so…prehistoric, are so…ugly, and they can be so…stinky. Removal of these unwanted visitors is assigned to another person in my household who does not have the same aversion as me. But what to do if you live alone or everyone at your place is equally reluctant to deal with these creatures? We’ve done a bit of homework to help you sort it all out. You’re welcome.

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

Indoors, stink bugs tend to congregate on upper floors and in tight spaces. That’s why they often tuck into drapery folds and walk along the tops of walls. Typically, they will gather on warm, west-facing walls and enter buildings via cracks and crevices. Once they find an ideal spot, they release pheromones, chemical signals that beckon more stink bugs to join the party.

So what do you do when you’re just trying to have a nice evening binge-watching Netflix when you spot a stink bug (besides, if you’re like me, scream??)? Sadly, pesticides and chemical insecticides are not the answer. Horrifyingly, few actually work to kill these bugs, and they often rise from the dead a few days later. And if you do manage to kill them, their bodies may attract other insects to feed on them. So put down your phone, Virginia. Your landlord is not going to be the best solution. Especially since most apartment communities offer visits from pest control companies periodically, and you’ll want to get rid of these bugs now.

Instead, try one of these techniques for fast and easy results. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to stink bugs, I’m all about fast removal.

Natural Pesticide

Fill a spray bottle with a 50-50 concentration of white vinegar and water. Then, add a small squirt of dishwashing liquid and get to work! This mixture is highly effective and safe, though it takes more time to kill the bugs than typical insecticides (requiring 30–45 minutes.)

Essential Oils

Here’s a great method that allows you to kill two birds with one stone. Make your home smell great and banish stink bugs at the same time. Simply mix 10 drops of mint essential oils with 16 ounces of water and spray at interior entry zones like windows and doors.

Garlic Spray

How about another way to kill two birds with one stone? Get rid of vampires (LOL) and stink bugs in one swell foop! [Good grief, it’s fell swoop. My father used to say swell foop (along with a myriad of other malapropisms we referred to lovingly as “Scoopisms”.] Combine two cups of water and four teaspoons of garlic powder or a handful of garlic cloves and spray on indoor windowsills where stink bugs are likely to enter your home.

Paper Towel

Grab a paper towel along with your designated stink bug killer (DSBK). If you don’t have a DSBK, you’ll have to brave this on your own thus becoming my personal hero. Ever so gently pluck the bug (do not squish) from wherever it has landed and flush the bug down the toilet. Do not flush the paper towel, or you will have a toilet backup to deal with as well as stink bugs and a human can only take so much. See the below section on the importance of not squishing.

Vacuum

You can also use your vacuum if you have a wand attachment, but proceed with caution. This method only works for vacuum cleaners with bags. And you’ll need to throw the bag away immediately to prevent a stink bomb from developing. Maybe use this one only in a dire emergency. (But isn’t any visible stink bug a dire emergency?!?)

Soapy Water

A stink bug’s natural reaction to any perceived threat is to drop straight down. Clearly, they are not too bright. Fill a wide-mouth jar with soapy water (add some vinegar for extra killing power), place it underneath a stink bug, and most often it will drop right into the suds and drown.

Lint Remover Sheets

Cover a dry sweep mop head with a lint remover sheet. Use it as a long-handled stink bug catcher. It’s perfect for grabbing any high-climbing bugs. But be careful not to squish. See below.

Should I Squish A Stink Bug?

Squishing them is not an ideal solution. In fact, it’s the worst. Whether threatened or not, stepping on or swatting a stink bug is likely to release their stinky spray, resulting in a pungent odor that will fill the area where they were killed.

What Happens if a Stink Bug Releases Its Scent?

While seemingly innocuous, killing a stink bug can have lingering effects. Not only does the chemical produced by stink bugs smell, but it also releases pheromones that attract other stink bugs. With numerous stink bugs roaming through your home, it’s only a matter of time until you’re stuck with a smelly infestation!

Prevention

Soapy Water

Combine equal parts hot water and dish soap in a spray bottle and spray on windowsill entry points. Not advisable, however, if your windowsills and window frames are wood.

Dryer Sheets

Stink bugs dislike dryer sheet odor, so rub dryer sheets on window screens and windowsills as a preventative measure. If you see holes in your screens, and you are a renter, alert your management office for assistance patching or replacing the screen.

Drowning By Night

Before bed, fill a wide pan with soapy water and place it in the room with the most stink bugs. Place a small light so it hangs over the dish. Obviously, you do not want the light/lamp to touch the water. Overnight, the stink bugs will flock to the light, fall into the suds and drown.

Block Points of Entry

If you see cracked seals around utility entry points, doors, and windows, joints where two different materials meet, like wood and concrete block or wood siding and brick, caulk the cracks as needed. Check weather stripping and sweeps on doors and look for gaps. If you are a renter, alert your management office and request assistance.

Wishing you days and months of stink-free and bug-free enjoyment of your home – unless of course, you wish to train them so you can make a million dollars on American’s Got Talent, or keep them as pets (pet fees may apply LOL).

RESOURCES: The Pest Rangers, Terminix, Orkin

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10 Ideas For Decorating Your New Place

You did it! You signed your lease, packed your stuff, had it delivered, and moved into your new place – hopefully our Moving Checklist came in handy! Now how do you take this plain, empty space and make it feel like a warm, inviting, comfortable home? A well thought out plan will take your apartment and your feelings about it from, “I live here” to “I Love The Place I Live”; a place you can’t wait to return to every day after work and even after a fun vacation.

If this is your first apartment and you’re starting fresh, this process can feel overwhelming. So. Many. Things. To. Get. It can feel equally challenging if you’ve got a collection of haphazardly acquired, dated, second-hand, or mismatched furnishings and decorative pieces. Or perhaps, you’ve outgrown your former style and want your new place to reflect your new preferences. At Fath Properties, we want you to Love The Place You Live, so we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help minimize the stress and maximize the fun that comes with decorating this new space to make it your own.

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR PLACE

Effective and affordable apartment interior design requires careful planning. An apartment is typically a smaller space than a single-family or townhome, and there may be restrictions on the types of changes you are allowed to make (always be sure to check with your property management office before  painting or affixing items to the walls). However, there are plenty of apartment decorating tips to spark creativity in every room, despite any limitations.

Budgeting For Apartment Décor

Making your new home feel finished can be a challenge if you’re working with limited funds. There honestly might not be much money left over after paying for your security deposit, moving expenses, and renters insurance.

While saving for your first apartment, be sure to set aside funds for furniture and décor too. You’ll be surprised how quickly everything adds up, and the cost may be more than you expected.

Although many items on your first apartment checklist will be nonessentials, they still play an important role in making you feel satisfied and settled in your new home. Before making a move, audit what furniture and décor you already have to figure out what you still need.

 Our Best 10 Apartment Decorating Tips

1. Select your style. Deciding what style best reflects you can help determine where to shop and what the general feel of your place will be. Do you prefer retro, modernistic, edgy, bohemian, earthy or minimalist? Sometimes your color preferences can help determine your style. Do you like rustic, natural wood, and neutral colors? What about bold patterns, funky accent pieces, and pops of color? Do some research on line to help determine your home décor goals. If you struggle with what to even include in a room, visit a store like IKEA that has completely decorated rooms on display. It can be much easier than going into some stores that just have a section of sofas, a section of beds, and a section of dining rooms.
2. Set your budget style. Just because your preferred style may look expensive, it doesn’t need to break the bank. There are many affordable places to buy furniture like IKEA, Home Goods, Wayfair, and Target. You can certainly buy relatively inexpensive furniture and make it look polished with art and accessories.
3. Invest in multifunctional pieces. Buying your own furniture isn’t cheap. To save some money, opt for versatile apartment essentials that meet multiple needs. Storage ottomans, modular sofas, drop leaf dining tables, and other functional furniture can serve numerous purposes such as allowing for more guests or adding storage space.
4. Maximize light exposure. Not only does natural light make a room brighter, but it also contributes to the feeling of spaciousness we all crave. Even if your apartment includes mini and vertical blinds, adding curtains will help create a finished look to your space. Like the frosting on a cake. While sheer, translucent materials will maximize the amount of light in living areas, you may prefer something room darkening in your bedroom. Don’t forget table and floor lamps! They can really help to set the mood in your home, creating bright spaces if you work at home, and romantic or restful spaces.
5. Make a focal point. Pick a large, eye-catching piece and build your room around it. Anything from couch with beautiful pillows, to a bohemian tapestry, an antique bookcase, a gorgeous mirror, or a sculptural piece can all act as focal point. Splurging slightly on one stunning piece to build off of can change the entire atmosphere of your apartment home.
6. Hang art. Apartment decor requires creativity, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Art usually is on the pricier side, so visit local art exhibits, garage sales, or ask your artistic friends for their latest creation to make your place feel sophisticated without breaking the bank. Target and Home Goods are two great resources for affordable art pieces. Here’s a guide on placing art and one for how to hang
7. Optimize your space. An important aspect of decorating your apartment is placing your furniture in a way that is practical and conducive to your lifestyle. Decide what function you’ll want each area of your new apartment to serve, and then plan accordingly. You might work from home and need a desk, or you might want a large dining room table to host dinner parties. The most important thing is to make the space work for your needs. If you live in a studio, make your living and sleeping areas feel distinctive with pieces that separate the room like a screen or tall bookcase. If you love to cook but your kitchen is on the smaller side, here are ways to make the most out of the storage you do have.
8. Add an entryway. Many apartments don’t have a foyer, and some do not have a coat closet near the front door. You can create the illusion of an entryway with a bookcase. Remove the top shelves and install hooks on the interior of the bookcase as a space to hang coats, hats, leashes, or umbrellas. Add a few baskets or bins on the bottom shelves to store shoes out of sight. Or you can add a small bench and place hooks above the bench to better define the area.
9. Use mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of additional space by reflecting light. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect light. Cluster a few smaller mirrors together to create a gallery wall – this is a great way to brighten up a hallway. Lean a large mirror against a wall to instantly open up any space. Mirrors don’t need to break your decorating bank. Find inexpensive mirrors at dollar stores, flea markets, or online retailers. Don’t forget to check your local consignment store!
10. Add a rug. An area rug can instantly transform a room by grounding it and adding color, texture and design to the space. The key to choosing the right rug is making sure it is the appropriate size for your space. Most interior designers suggest leaving at least six inches between the edges of the rug and the walls, and – in the living room – placing the front legs of your sofa on the rug. Here’s a guide to selecting the right size rug for any room in your apartment.

Hopefully these tips will help you turn the blank canvas of your apartment into a warm, welcoming, and comfortable space you can’t wait to come home to. We can’t wait to welcome you to your new home in a Fath Properties community where you will Love The Place You Live.

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I’ve never really been able to wrap my head around all manner of dirt showing up in places where you clean things like hands, dishes, clothes, body, and hair. I mean, these places are usually full of hot or warm water and some kind of soap. So what’s with the dirt, soap scum, mold, mildew, and unidentifiable muck? According to Apartment Therapy, the black stuff is probably oxidized manganese, an element present in most water that tarnishes when exposed to air. Regular tap water can contain this mineral and faucets, toilets, or showerheads might accumulate some deposits. Ah, okay. But it’s still gross. And ultimately, in the case of our showerheads, it will cause the delightful forceful water spray of your shower become more like a trickle. Let’s get rid of the muck and get your showerhead sparkling clean!

Many folks delay cleaning showerheads because they just don’t realize how easy it is to clean them or just don’t think about it. As a result, over time, showerheads become clogged with deposits, making them harder to clean. The minerals in water can build up and block the openings just as they buildup on shower doors. The blockage can even prevent the interior of the showerhead from drying completely between uses, encouraging mold and mildew to grow. Plus, bacteria of all sorts thrive in showerheads, and thorough cleaning can help remove potentially harmful ones. More eww.

To save future you from an unpleasant and unnecessary ordeal, clean your showerhead routinely each week and deep clean a maximum of quarterly or at least twice a year. Why the variation in timing? It depends on how your water is, as hard water results in more mineral buildup.

Weekly Clean

• Run a scrub brush across the shower nozzles to loosen and free any buildup.
• Wipe down the entire shower head with your favorite all-purpose cleaner and a paper towel (or these cool reusable paper towels).
• Follow with a spritz of stainless steel polish spray and buff with a microfiber cloth for extra shine.

Achieving a clean, shiny shower head can be both fast and easy!

Deep Clean

Every few months, do a more thorough clean to remove mineral deposits and stave off germs from the head.

Timing

How long will the cleaning process take? It depends on the level of hard-water stains, how bad the mold is, and the severity of the clog in your shower head. Expect to spend anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes actually cleaning. But if you’re dealing with a particularly dirty or clogged model, factor in roughly six to eight hours of waiting time while your shower head soaks (so be sure to take a shower first).

The job is easier than you think, but you’ll need to adjust the process depending on what type of showerhead you’re working with.

For a regular, smaller, showerhead:

Supplies

• a sturdy plastic bag
• a rubber band or zip tie
• a few cups of white vinegar

Process

• Take a couple of thick rubber bands and slide them over the shower arm or loosely attach a zip tie.
• Fill a durable plastic bag (like a freezer or gallon zip-top bag) with white vinegar and place over the showerhead.
• Secure rubber band or zip tie around the bag.
• Leave overnight.
• Wipe off the showerhead in the morning.

PRO TIP: Use the same vinegar-and-baggie method for any faucet in your home.

Did you know? Vinegar has descaling superpowers (translation: It easily removes mineral buildup from your water).

For a larger, rainfall-style showerhead you may need to detach it to clean it:

Supplies

• Large bowl: Make sure it’s big enough to submerge your showerhead
• Distilled white vinegar
• Wrench
• Needle-nose pliers
• Microfiber cloth
• A mild bathroom cleanser
• Toothpicks
• Metal polish: Brasso can help with stubborn hard-water stains on metal showerheads.
• Sealant tape: Also known as plumbers tape, this thin wrapping helps prevent water from seeping out when you screw a showerhead back onto the arm.

Optional supplies

• Safety glasses to help protect your eyes from errant splashes of vinegar or cleanser.
• Step stool if you can’t easily reach the showerhead.

Process

• Use the adjustable wrench to unfasten your showerhead at the base of the arm.
• Remove any loose debris from the outside by running your hands or a soft cloth across the entire surface.
• Pull out any sealant tape that might be stuck to the internal threading.
• Remove any large pieces of debris from the small screen and/or flow restrictor just inside the showerhead with needle-nose pliers.
• Use a toothpick to poke any especially stubborn gunk out of the screen, but be very careful: You don’t want to widen the small gaps in the screen; that would allow larger bits of debris to get inside. When you’re done, place the screen and/or gasket back inside the showerhead.
• Rinse the showerhead.
• Place the showerhead in a large bowl, nozzle side up or sideways.
• Fill the bowl with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water, until the showerhead is completely submerged and swirl to help the solution run through the inside.
• Soak overnight.
• Remove from bowl and rinse thoroughly.
• Polish with cleaner of Brasso.
• Reattach using plumbers tape.
•  

PRO TIP:  Avoid using any cleaners that are abrasive or contain bleach, cleaners formulated for toilets or acids targeted to remove rust, and abrasive brushes and sponges, like the Magic Eraser.

Now that your showerhead is clean, gunk-free, and clog-free, reward your efforts with a nice long shower. Ahhhhhhh.

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