11.1 Maintenance, Repair and Cleaning

It is always important to maintain your property to a high standard and here are some simple guidelines.

Do not use vinyl or oil based paints or hang wallpaper on the inside walls for a least one year after the building is finished, or 12 months after you move in
When redecorating, consult a reputable do-it-yourself book and follow the advice.
Use a little light machine oil (Three-in-One) or lubricant spray (WD40) on squeaky hinges and stiff locks and latches.
Using the wrong cleaning materials can damage the finishes in your home. Follow the manufacturer’s advice given on the bottle or can before using cleaning materials. Do not use abrasive materials such as wire wool (Brillo pads) or sandpaper etc on any surfaces.
Be particularly careful with limescale removers as they can damage the enamel on your bath. They should be cleaned regularly using warm water and a mild detergent.
The splash back in the kitchen should be cleaned using a soft cloth and soap and water. For more stubborn stains or marks, clean the area down first using soap and water and then apply Cif to remove the stain and then rinse the area after cleaning with water.
Instructions on cleaning and maintenance of your kitchen appliances can be found in the individual instruction manuals which you can view at: urbanpicturehouse.com/aftercare/10-0-instruction-manuals-documents

Below is some advice on the cleaning recommendations for the other materials that appear in your apartment:

Kitchen Composite Worktops

The ever-lasting finish of composite stone only requires simple routine care to maintain its look. Clean using warm water and a mild detergent or quality spray and wipe type cleaner. Do not use abrasive cleaning materials or products. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards to remove residue.

The non-porous nature of composite stone allows it to withstand short term exposure to tea, soda, wine, vinegar, lemon juice and strongly coloured spices, however leaving spills for longs periods of time may cause the spill to impregnate the stones causing it to stain.

Composite stone is more heat resistant than other stone surfaces including most granite, marble and limestone and is not affected by temperatures lower than 100⁰C (212F). However, like all stone, composite stone can be damaged by sudden rapid temperature changes therefore hot pits and pans should never be directly placed on the surface.

For more details on how to clean and maintain your composite stone worktops, please refer to this document.

Glass and Mirrors

The glass installation in the shower screens and all of the mirrors is maintenance free except for periodic cleaning.
Wash as often as required with clean warm demineralised water and a chamois leather, scrim or squeeze, and dry off.
The occasional use of a proprietary window cleaner can be used provided it does not contain ammonia.
DO NOT USE scrapers to clean the glass face at any time.

Metal Sections Supporting Shower Screens

Wash away grime and grit with warm soapy demineralised water or a mild detergent then repeat with clean water.
Dry and Polish with soft duster or chamois leather.
Please avoid using metal polish and all abrasive, toxic materials, acids, strong alkaline, nylon pads or wire wool and scrapers as this will scratch the steel.

Sinks, Taps and WC Flush Plates

Regular cleaning should be carried out to avoid the build-up of dirt and scale.
Always use a proprietary cleaning product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a soft cloth to wipe clean and finish with a damp cloth.
Occasional use of mild bathroom limescale removers is acceptable, used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and rinsed off immediately with plenty of water.
For a natural solution to tackle limescale around taps and bathroom accessories, try vinegar. Keep it in contact with the surface by wrapping a vinegar-soaked kitchen towel or scrap of cloth around the affected area, leave for an hour, then wipe clean. Give chrome taps extra shine by dabbing with baby oil.
Never use steel wool, abrasive pads or applicators. These will cause immediate damage to most surfaces.

Vanity Units and Baths

For everyday cleaning, rinse the surface with warm water and a mild detergent using a damp cloth and then dry using a soft cloth.
For more stubborn stains use a scent-free cream cleaner such as ‘Cif’.
Rinse several times and dry with a soft cloth. Detergent or soap can leave a film and cause streaking if not completely removed by rinsing with water several times afterwards.
Always clean in a circular motion.
Avoid using cleaning agents that contain acids, such as methyl chloride or acetone.
Do not use sharp implements to remove any buildup of residue as this will damage the surface.

Carpets

Regular maintenance will protect the appearance and durability of floor coverings.
Carpets should be vacuumed daily, and any spillages, dirt and debris dealt with immediately.
High traffic areas are likely to require additional attention to remove concentrated surface soiling and reduce the appearance of “traffic lanes”.

Vinyl Floors

It is important that you treat any stains or spillages that might occur as soon as possible.
With the amount of sunlight that your apartment will receive, it is inevitable that there will be some bleaching/discolouring of the vinyl floor, particularly in the living room area, and frequent oiling will ensure that this does not become too visible.

Paving to Terraces and Balconies

General maintenance requirements for paved areas are minimal under normal service conditions. If necessary, basic cleaning would consist of washing surfaces with brush and water or high-pressure hoses. If the latter, care should be taken not to blast away sand in joints. If surfaces become contaminated with e.g. oil, chewing gum, efflorescence, the use of proprietary chemical cleaners may be necessary. Please seek professional advice on suitable cleaning products.

Please note: Do not use high pressure jets or suction cleaners for at least three months to allow normal detritus to build up, or considerably longer for areas under cover.