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Distraction, when you're cleaning, can almost feel like a given. Not only is the task somewhat boring, but it's also an invitation to open up the door to the past. You might find old photos or clothes while you're cleaning, slowing down the process and ultimately making for a dragged-out afternoon. If you're hoping to stop the madness before it starts, here are a few tips to avoid the dreaded distraction.
Use Music as a Cue
Certain types of music cue your brain toward different tasks. Put on emotional music while you're cleaning, and you may just find that everything makes you sentimental during the process. Opt for something a little edgier and energetic, and you may find that you're able to power through even the darkest corners of your closet.
Prepare Yourself
It can be overwhelming to be confronted with a mismatched mess everywhere you turn. The sheer weight of deciding what to keep and where to put it all can be enough to give up entirely. But if you find a way to counter this feeling before you even have it, you stand a better chance at getting through the task. Having a contingency plan just in case can be exceptionally helpful. For example, you may want to start making piles of certain items as a way to organize everything before you're faced with deciding where to put it.
Take Breaks
Taking a break and getting distracted is not the same thing. One is meant to give your brain a little break, while the other gets you tangled up in another task or feeling entirely. If you tell yourself you're going to clean for an hour before taking a 15-minute break, you may be more likely to jump back in once you're feeling more refreshed.
Apartments in Chicago, Illinois, are simply better when they're clean. Not only is it more inviting to you and your guests, but it's also healthier when you can breathe clean air. If you're looking for a new apartment in the city, The Montrose has floor plans and layouts that make it easy to stay organized. Give us a call today to learn more about our availability!
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Most people are familiar with spring cleaning. However, deep cleaning your home one time a year is not enough to keep it looking its best and keep it dust-free. Taking the time to clean your home in the fall can help you keep your home clean and prepare it for the winter months. Here are a few fall cleaning tips to help you prepare your space for the winter.
Clean Out Your Pantry
Most people eat different foods in the winter months compared with the summer months. During the summer, you may barbecue and eat a lot of salads. During the winter months, warm comfort foods like soup and chili may be on your menu. Before you go shopping to stock your pantry with winter foods, take the time to clean out your pantry. Discard expired food and clean out any crumbs or debris.
Dust and Test Your Smoke Alarms
When you are cleaning your home in the fall, you should take the time to dust your smoke detectors and test them out. If needed, replace the batteries or replace the entire smoke alarm. This can help to ensure your smoke alarms are working in the event of a fire.
Change Your Filters
Once winter hits, you will be using a heater or furnace to keep your space warm. Before cold weather hits, replace any filters in your home. This helps to increase the energy efficiency of your unit and prevents dust from being blown into your home. While you are at, grab a dampened soft cloth and wipe down your vents and registers, removing dirt, dust, and residue.
Vacuum Your Upholstered Surfaces
The last thing you should do to get your home ready for winter is to vacuum all of your upholstered surfaces. This includes your couch, dining room chairs and curtains. This removes the accumulation of dust from these items, making the air you breathe inside your home a little healthier.
No matter how much you clean, a space that is dull and dated may never look as good as you desire. If you live in a space that has lost its appeal, it may be time to think about moving. When you are looking for apartments in Chicago, IL., visit The Montrose Apartments. Our beautiful and luxurious apartments have a lot of charm and appeal, which can make you proud to call them home.
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When you come home from work and walk through your front door, do you take one glance and sigh in desperation? Maybe you left everything in apple-pie order, but if you’re like a lot of people, keeping your apartment tidy is a job you never quite seem to get on top of. The good news is, you don’t have to straighten the whole mess up all at once. Some random acts of neatness practiced a few times daily, will brighten your attitude and make surprising progress toward a more livable environment.
Don’t tackle everything today
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Organize one dresser drawer. Not all of them, just one. If you do the socks today, the underwear can wait until tomorrow.
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Unclutter a surface. A countertop, a dining table, a coffee table. Again, just one. Straighten what belongs there and get rid of what doesn’t. Get a basket or box for “things that need to go elsewhere.” You don’t need to carry all that stuff to the bedroom right now. But when your desk in the bedroom is the task of the day, you’ll know where to find it.
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Set up a thrift store basket or box. Keep it in a corner and deposit what you no longer need. When it gets full, donate it.
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As you walk through a room, notice one thing that’s out of place and fix it, even if several things could use attention. Forget the others, just do one. Take care of another later.
If you do a few jobs like these every day, it won’t magically turn your apartment into a showcase, and it won’t accomplish those tough and tedious jobs like cleaning bathrooms and shampooing the carpet. But 20 minutes of straightening in a day adds up to more than two hours in a week and about 10 in a month. You can accomplish a lot in that much time.
While you’re sprucing the inside of your digs, how about improving the view outside? The Montrose, stand-out Chicago, IL apartments in the Uptown neighborhood, offers spacious, modern units with stunning vistas of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Check the floor plans on our web site and call (866) 659-3593 to see what’s available for you.
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When it comes time to clean your apartments in Chicago, you’ll want to use a few different tools, including a vacuum cleaner. If you’re purchasing a new vacuum cleaner, you should know that not all vacuums are alike. Some vacuums lose their suction power after only a few uses. Others simply don’t have enough built-in power to keep your beautiful apartment home as clean as you would like. Before you go shopping for your next vacuum cleaner, read through all the things you should look for in a quality vacuum.
Measure by Amps
The power of your vacuum cleaner has a lot to do with the number of amps in the motor. Vacuum cleaner amps typically range from seven to 12 amps. Try to find a vacuum cleaner with as many amps as possible. This information might be located on the box; otherwise, you’ll have to look it up online. Bear in mind that a poorly made vacuum cleaner with 12 amps may still not operate as well as another vacuum, so amperage should be just one consideration.
Sturdy Construction
The actual weight and sturdiness of the vacuum is a good indicator of the quality. Vacuum cleaners made primarily out of plastic indicate that the manufacturer is cutting corners wherever possible, including in the actual mechanism of the vacuum. Vacuum cleaners made of metal parts will be more pricey but could last you a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Seal of Approval
There is a Carpet and Rug Institute, which gives out seals of approval. Look for this seal on any vacuum you buy. The seal indicates that the vacuum has undergone rigorous testing and is superior in suction, dust containment, and carpet care.
Head Brushes
Examine the floor model and look at the head brushes. These are what lift carpet fibers so dirt and debris can be sucked up. If the head brushes look weak or sparse, choose a different vacuum. Once you find a quality vacuum, you’ll instantly see the difference in head brush styles.
Taking good care of your carpet in your apartment home is part of the joy of life in Chicago. If you’d like to see available apartment floor plans, please contact us today. We’ll be glad to help!
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Those looking for safe, effective cleaners for their Chicago apartment will appreciate these supply tips and recipes that will have the home sparkling without using potentially toxic chemicals in no time.
Staples and Supplies Needed to Get Started
Before moving onto the green cleaning recipes, here are a few supplies you should have on hand. Most of these are likely already in your pantry.
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Castile Soap
- Essential Oils if Desired
Beyond the pantry staples, a few key supplies will also come in handy, including:
Glass Spray Bottles and Jars—Mixing your green cleaners in glass is recommended by the pros, and this is particularly important if you decide to use essential oils in your cleaning solutions.
Scrubbing Tools—Get a few scrub brushes to tackle floors, sinks, showers and one specifically for the toilet. A few old toothbrushes are ideal for handling detail work like grout lines and corner spaces.
Shaker Container—When using the carpet-refreshing recipe below, you will want to have a glass cheese shaker. However, a reused plastic one will suffice if not using essential oils.
Microfiber Cloths—Ditch the paper towels and use these non-abrasive washable cloths that can clean a variety of surfaces effectively.
Quick and Easy Cleaning Solution Recipes
- Carpet Refresher Blend: Combine a cup of baking soda and 10‒12 drops of essential oil of your choosing in your cheese shaker bottle. Sprinkle atop soiled or smelly carpet, and let it sit a few hours before vacuuming.
- Green Floor Cleaner: Add ½ cup distilled white vinegar to about a gallon of warm or hot water in a bucket. Use an eco-friendly mop, and allow the floor to air dry.
- All-Purpose Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a glass spray bottle. Add essential oils if you like, such as lemon or lavender.
- Bathroom Scrubbing Paste: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with a tablespoon of liquid Castile soap. Slowly add white vinegar until creamy paste forms.
- Green Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour about a cup of borax in the toilet before going to bed. Give it a quick scrub in the morning and enjoy a clean toilet without caustic chemicals.
Looking for Chicago Apartments?
If you are looking for upscale apartments in Chicago, contact our team here at The Montrose to learn more about our community and our available floor plans.
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Even within the most spacious Chicago, IL apartments, decluttering periodically is a great way to keep spaces looking tidy and organized. Here are some tips for getting more organized within the four primary rooms in your abode.
The Bedroom
While predominantly used for sleeping, we tend to accumulate quite a bit in the bedroom, making our furniture a catch-all for numerous items. Get rid of old clothes, books, paperwork, etc., within the room, and utilize under bed storage containers and bins in the closet to store typically scattered items.
The Kitchen
Decluttering in the kitchen is fairly simple — as long as you’re willing to prioritize what you really need and get rid of what you don’t. If you don’t use that bread maker, wok or rice cooker, it might be time to let it go. This tip goes for any kitchen accessories, plastic storage containers and even utensils that take up excessive space. Consider having a ‘catch-all’ basket in the kitchen to keep loose items organized until they can be sorted.
The Bathroom
It is a common habit to store items under the sink when not in use, and this space tends to fill up quickly. Rather than have to dig through everything to find the proper container, consider obtaining some baskets to organize those under-cabinet toiletries. To keep tubs and bath spaces looking tidy, invest in a shower caddy to keep bathing goodies handy. Another easy way to maximize space is by going up in the bath with an over-the-toilet shelf or cabinet assembly that doesn’t take up floor space.
The Living Room
As a gathering space for family and friends, decluttering the living room is essential. Take advantage of clever furniture storage solutions such as opening ottomans, coffee and end tables with shelves or drawers, or even a stylish hutch that can display beloved items or keepsakes safely. If you have a love of technical gadgets, consider going wireless to eliminate tangled and unsightly cords.
Check Out The Montrose Apartments in Chicago
If you are looking for conveniently located apartments in Chicago, contact The Montrose today to explore our community and impressive floor plans.
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When you bring guests into Chicago apartments for a party, special event or even just a social gathering, you may find unpleasant messes after they leave. You may notice that someone spilled a glass of red wine on your couch or left a punch stain on your table. Fortunately, it is easy to keep your apartment clean by taking the right steps to remove the stain.
Dab With Cold Water
The first step to removing many stains is getting as much up from the material as possible without using any cleaning products. Fabrics such as a piece of clothing, a curtain or a blanket allow you to run cold water over the stain. A couch or upholstered furniture differs because you cannot put it directly under the water.
Use a washcloth and get it wet with cold water. Do not use hot water since it may cause the stain to set. Use cold water for fresh stains or warm water for dried stains. Dab the stain gently. Do not rub the stained area. Rubbing a stain will result in spreading or setting the stain. Pull up as much of the stain as possible using water.
Spray a Stain Remover
Stain removers work on many types of stains, including oil stains from different foods, red wine stains, and perfume stains. Spray the stain remover or use a stain removal pen to cover the area. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the area or use a fresh cloth with cool water to dab the area on furniture. If the stain persists, then spray the area a second time and allow it to sit longer before rinsing the stain remover.
Use an Enzyme
Blood stains and dairy product stains differ from other types. These are difficult to remove due to the persistence of the fluid. If a guest spilled milk, ice cream or other dairy products in your home, you want to pre-treat the stained area with a stain remover or a product that contains enzymes. This also applies to blood stains from a bloody nose or other accidents. Allow the enzyme product to sit for 30 minutes and then rinse the stained area.
Bringing guests into apartments in Chicago means you take the risk of spills and accidents. Cleaning up the stains from those spills will allow you to maintain a clean space after your guests leave your apartment. To learn more about cleaning up after an event or to see available rentals, contact us today.
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Vinyl wood floors are a beautiful type of flooring known for its durability and overall style. Many of the apartments at The Montrose feature them. Residents love just how good they look, but also how easy they are to maintain. To keep these floors looking their best, you’ll need to know the right way to take care of them.
It’s an Easy Process
Vinyl wood floors can become damaged or dull over time. This often occurs when they are not cared for in the best manner possible. Yet, the process for keeping these floors clean is a bit easier than you may realize. Here are some tips.
#1: Dust and Sweep Often
Whether you use an automatic robotic to sweep the floor, a broom or an electric vacuum, debris needs to go. When there are even small bits of debris on the floor, people can step onto it, and smash it into the flooring. This makes the floors dull and hard to keep. Plan to sweep the floors often to remove this material.
#2: Limit Chemical Use as Much as Possible
You will always want to use the mildest method possible to wash the floor. A mild soap is less likely to damage the coloring or the overall feel of the floor. Use a clean mop, a small amount of floor cleaning product without any abrasive material in it and hot water to clean the floors. A small amount of water on the mop is usually all it takes.
#3: Don’t Wax Them
These wood floors do not need any type of waxing added to them. This can damage the wood and makes it dangerous to walk on. If you need help with a floor that has damage on it, let your maintenance team know about it. Deep cleanings are not usually necessary either.
It can be very simple to keep vinyl wood floors clean. Being consistent extends the life of it.
Looking for a Home You’ll Love?
For those who want a home they enjoy spending time in, check out our apartments in Chicago. We may have the ideal apartment for you. Call our office to learn more about available apartments at The Montrose.
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You love your pet, but they can create some big-time messes. Accidents and muddy paws happen, and their food can attract pests. Staying on top of your pet's messes is important. Otherwise, your home could end up smelling and looking like a kennel.
Use a Cleaner Designed to Neutralize Odors
Most people will clean a pet's urine accident up immediately, but did you know that it's also important to neutralize any lingering odors? Cats and dogs will often go to the bathroom in the same places that they did before. If that's on your carpet or rug, you definitely want to discourage that habit. Make sure to use a cleaner that has been designed to neutralize the odor of a pet's urine. You can also use one part white vinegar to three parts water for an inexpensive homemade cleaner that is very effective at eliminating the smell of urine from your carpets.
Wipe Your Pet Down Before Bringing Them Indoors
If you take your dog or cat on walks, wipe them down with a towel before bringing them indoors. This is especially important if you have allergies since pets can carry pollen on their fur into your home. Make sure to also wipe off their paws so they won't track dirt or mud into your home. While you're at it, check your pet over for ticks or other nasty things that they might accidentally bring into your apartment.
Don't Leave Pet Food Out
If you have a finicky pet who never finishes their meal, you may be tempted to leave their uneaten food in their bowl overnight until they finish it. Don't do it. Old food can attract unwanted pests, such as mice, ants and cockroaches.
Vacuum Your Furniture Too
Hate having pet hairs all over your clothing? Then make sure to vacuum your furniture often. You may also want to use a lint roller to pick up stray hairs, as well.
Are you and your furry best friend in need of a new home? Then check out our pet-friendly apartments in Chicago. Located in the city's historic Uptown neighborhood, The Montrose offers you excellent amenities, including 24-hour front door staff and a resort-style swimming pool. Call our office to learn more!
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