#GreenLivingTips: Spring Cleaning Your Apartment

 

Spring has finally sprung! What does this mean for you? Most people will experience the rise of warmer weather across the world. This also means giving your home a nice clean up! I know what you're thinking- we always spot clean as we go. But there's a huge advantage of doing one big spring cleaning to help you gradually enter into the new season! Here are some tips provided by ApartmentGuide.com on how to get started.

Make a Plan

Even though your apartment may not seem that big, it can feel a bit overwhelming if you're tackling your entire space. You can start with your least favorite room or the space that will require the most attention. Leaving that room till the end isn't the best idea, because you'll be exhausted by the time your reach the next room. You'll feel much better when you can cross off a room off your list and move to the next.

Recruit Help

If you live with family members or even roommates, this would be task that was benefit everyone. But even if you live alone, having a friend or family member tackle their spring cleaning task with you (virtually) will make these more fun! Once the cleaning has been done offer your friends or family free dinner or lunch in thanks of them helping out! 

Dust

No matter what room you're in, dust can always accumulate. Begin dusting from the top to the bottom first. Always dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and wall art. If you leave this task for last, you may end up cleaning your floors twice thanks to the flying dust. Using a microfiber dust cloth or the soft nozzle attachment on your vacuum to dust those dirty areas on your walls and ceiling. 

Let Solutions Sit

When sterilizing your tub, sink or shower, you would need to apply a cleaning solution to get this process started. Instead of instantly scrubbing after the solution has been sprayed, let it get to work on tackling the grime and stains on your surfaces. Wait around 15 minutes before rinsing- this way you'll have to do less scrubbing and get cleaner results.

Clean Screens

TV screens and computer monitors tend to accumulate lots of dust, but when you use an all-purpose cleaner on them, streaks will appear. Forget the spray cleaner and reach for a coffee filter instead. This will wipe off all the lint and dust without messing with your viewing experience. 

Before you break out the cleaning supplies, go through each room to gather things for recycling, trash or donations!

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLiving: How to Make Flowers Last Longer

 

Who else enjoyed Valentine's Day this year? This holiday always brings cheer and lots of flowers! It is important to make sure your flowers thrive and last for a long period of time. I mean- who wouldn't mind looking at bouquet of flowers every time they wake up? Here are some tips provided by ProFlowers.com on how to make your gorgeous bouquet last to see more days!

Cut the Stems

One of the most common mistakes make after receiving flowers is forgetting to cut the stems. Use garden shears to trim one to two inches off and cut at an angle. Cutting the stems at an angle allows for better water intake since they aren't sitting flat on the bottom of a vase. After the initial cut, be sure to re-trim your bouquet once every few days. 

Prune

Remove any leaves below the water line. It will not only make your bouquet look better, but also prevent bacterial growth. Somme flowers, like roses, have guard peals which are the two or three petals of the flower. Removing these will allow your flowers to open fully. After your initial pruning you should check your flowers daily for dead or loose leaves and petals in order to avoid bacterial rot.

Water Wisely

It's not only important to get your bouquet hydrated, but to do so wisely. Your flowers won't last long without water, especially once their stems have been cut. After picking out a clean vase, fill it with room temperature water and add in a packet of flower food. Make sure the packet has been properly mixed and that the water is not too diluted or too concentrated. It's imperative to clean your vase thoroughly and change out the water and flower food every two to three days.

Avoid Direct Sunlight, Heat, Drafts and Fruit

Your flowers will last longer in a room with cool temperatures. Avoid displaying them in direct sunlight or near appliances that generate heat. You'll also want to avoid areas like open windows, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans as they can cause the flowers to quickly dehydrate. You also should avoid displaying your bouquet near fruit. Fruits can release tiny amounts of ethylene as which can reduce the longevity of your fresh arrangement. 

Make sure to capture the true beauty of your flowers by taking a picture of them- those last even longer!

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLiving: Outdoor Activities for Summer

June 21st marks the first day of Summer! Now that warmer weather is on the horizon, we have sunny says to look forward to. While social distancing has us safely remaining in our homes, we may be getting a little stir crazy. If this sounds all too familiar, there's no better time to get outside! What will you do? Check out our list of outdoor activities for you to try that allow you to social distance. 

Go for a Walk

We all will likely go on our fair share of walks within the next month or so, especially if we have a furry family member. Walking is a great way to exercise while allowing yourself to get some fresh air! Head to a local trail or walk around a different neighborhood for a change in scenery. Walking on a trail will allow you to connect deeply with nature, and will hopefully take your mind off the world for a bit. Try to walk in places that aren't overly crowded- remember, we still want to follow the rules of social distancing! 

Meditate, Journal, or Read

There's something soothing and beautiful about surrounding yourself in nature. Grab your book or a journal, and head to a spot where you can clear your mind. Whether you head to a local park, sit by a pond, or even your own patio, take this time to read a book, journal, or meditate. Journaling is a great way to release anxiety and stress, or even just to pour your thoughts onto paper. Meditating is another way can help us take a moment to focus on ourselves and step away from all that's happening right now. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, which is so easy to do, head outside for some time to yourself. 

Go for a Hike

What better way to distance yourself than on a mountain, surrounded by nothing but trees and breathtaking views? For those who aren't into hiking start slowly by going on a trail. A lot of mountains offer relatively short hiking points that offer beautiful views. Climb a steep two miles up to hit the top of the highest vertical-drop! Make sure you bring your water and your camera because the view is definitely one to remember.

Take a Drive

On a sunny day, sometimes it's nice to drive around with the windows down. Make a fun playlist, and simply go for a drive! Explore new areas with no final destination. There's no better way to "get out" then literally driving away. Although you can't go out anywhere, blasting music with your windows down is a clear stress reliever and ultimate mood booster.

Have a Picnic

Now that it's getting warmer, it's picnic weather! If you miss going out to your favorite restaurant, pack up your own fancy dinner and head outside. You could even find a new recipe to make or whip up a variety of appetizers to snack on. Eat at a local park or even your own patio! It will be a great change in scenery while also allowing you to enjoy some sunlight!

While social distancing has changed our everyday lives, whether that be not going to work, going out to eat, or gathering in groups, we can make the most of it. It is crucial to spend time outside for that good 'ol Vitamin C and D, and now that Summer is here, there are plenty of outdoor activities that allow us to practice social distancing.

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLiving: Low Maintenance House Plants

Don't have a green thumb? Well no worries! Indoor plants are strong enough to withstand almost any attention at all! Want to spice up your living room space with greenery? These low-maintenance plants are the way to go.

Fiddle Leaf Fig: These are trendy trees that have more than just lush foliage going for them. Their hardy disposition can adapt to most bright locations (minus direct sunlight). Water generously in the summer and slow down once winter comes. 

Guiana Chestnut: This one is commonly known as the "money tree" which features a braided trunk. You'll want to stick it in an area with bright, indirect light and water frequently. It's natural habitat is a swamp. 

African Violets: One of the most popular houseplants in the world, this beautiful plant blooms several times per year. Keep it thriving in bright but indirect light with moist soil. Good drainage and an African Violet fertilizer administered every other week  can assist with the maintenance

Peperomia: These wavy plants do best in more humid conditions than trendy succulents. You can even bring them to work too These species flourish under fluorescent lights. 

Rubber Plant: Rubber trees can measure over 100 feet tall in their native Asia, but regular pruning can keep the ornamental variety in check. Make sure to dust off the leaves for a florist-approved polishing look.

Kalanchoe: This water-retaining succulent grows colorful, bell-shaped flowers. It takes very little care. Kalanchoe welcomes dry climates and temperature swings. It's even fine with 45 degree winter weather! Perfect for the DMV area. 

Add more green into your home today! 

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLivingTips: How To Maintain Your Apartment Balcony

#GreenLiving is a major tool for families who are choosing to create a sustainable lifestyle! The balcony area of the apartment is one of the spaces we love to fix when the seasons change! Since balconies are exposed to elements such as dirt and trash cleaning is an essential part of keeping up with your space. However here are a few tips and tricks that can make your life easier while keeping your outdoor space looking its best!

Sweep the floors.  The floor surface of your balcony is likely to become extremely dirty, and because of this it requires some special attention. Sweeping and dusting the floors which will help remove trash, leafs, and any other debris that might land on your balcony floors. Routinely doing so will create an atmosphere for any occasion!

Keep it green.  Adding plants to your balcony has a lot of benefits. It creates a nice green space for pants to grow and thrive while being outside in the sun and rain. This is also a great chance to plant your herbs and greenery upwards. This will ensure that your outside space feels more spacious!

Add small furniture. A balcony is a lot easier to clean and tidy if it is clutter free. Out with the old and in with new! Removing anything from the floor of your balcony that takes up space or that is not being used. Adding furniture that can sit down while having room for standing and walking space is essential. Small pieces such as a bench or a lounge chair that provides comfort and mobility would be a great piece to include on your balcony.

Remember to keep your space neat, implement a regular cleaning schedule for your balcony to insure that it is always tidy and clean.


Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLivingTips: Why You Shouldn't Wear Shoes Inside Your Home

#GreenLiving is a major tool for families who are choosing to create a sustainable lifestyle! How many times have you opened your front door, wipe away your shoes on the door mat and continue to walk through your home with your shoes on? Hundreds? Thousands of time? If this sounds like you, here are some good reasons why you should leave your shoes at the doorstep or better yet on a shoe rack and the front door.

Bacteria.  A study shows that germs on shoes found an average of 421,000 bacteria on the outside with nine different strains. Most of the harmful strains on shoes include: Escherichia coli, otherwise known as E coli, which can lead to intestinal infections and diarrhea. Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can cause urinary tract infections and Serrati fiacria that can lead to respiratory infections. But how does the bacteria even get there in the first place? On an average day we can walk through things like bird dropping, dog waste, and germs from public restroom floors which are all sources for E coli. Whats very unique about the shoe environment is that the things you walk on can serve as food for bacteria and cause them to grow. Which can ultimately give bacteria the lifespan of days and weeks. This will lead to bacteria landing directly on your floors or carpets!

Toxins.  Another possible concern is toxins which can be found anywhere from your lawn, and roads. People who live near asphalt roads sealed with coal tar have a greater risk of cancer from these type of toxins. Once these toxins are found they become settled inside the home as dust particles which can be brought in by your shoes. Be cautious when exposed to toxins because of the likelihood of being exposed many times over the course of your life; can get you sick.

Dirt. Surprisingly, dirt isn't harmful on its own. But you should always want to keep it at a minimum especially if you have small children in your home that play on the floor. And if you have carpet, it's probably even dirtier. Organisms can survive longer in carpet, plus bacteria and mold can build up over time. One more plus to keeping your shoes at the door: It can cut down on how often you have to clean.

Similar to how our maintenance staff uses booties to cover their shoes in your home, the easiest and likely the most reliable way to keep floors clean is to take shoes off when entering the house and maybe even put on some cozy slippers!


Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Want to Bike To Work? Four Reasons to Participate in Bike To Work Day #BTWD

Numerous Environmental and Health Benefits Result from Biking 

What is Bike To Work Day?

Sponsored by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, this annual event encourages commuters to bike to and from work to celebrate the many benefits of bicycling.  Participants register for the event online to receive an event route and map.  During the event, participants are encouraged to stop by several community pit stops for refreshments and raffles to win prizes such as a new bike.  This year, the event will take place on May 19.