Posted on
May 20, 2020
by
Kevin Leuschen
As temperatures begin to rise, there’s nothing more rewarding than packing away your winter gear and tackling spring cleaning projects. Plus, now that we’re spending more time at home than usual, it’s the perfect opportunity to check off those often forgotten items on your cleaning to-do list.
To help you take it step-by-step, we’re sharing 12 ways to deep clean for spring with tips from cleaning expert Melissa Maker. Whether you do two or ten projects from this list, your home is sure to feel fresh and ready for spring.
In the kitchen
- Remove your oven racks and scrub them in the sink with soapy water. For a natural way to clean the inside of your oven, mix three-quarters of a cup of baking soda with a quarter-cup of water, spread the paste inside your oven and let it sit overnight before wiping it clean.
- Clear out your refrigerator, dispose of the expired items and wipe down all the interior surfaces with your favourite cleaning solution. Remove and soak any shelves with stubborn spills.
- Check the filter at the back of your dishwasher, pop it out and clean it in the sink (check the manual if you can’t find it). Next, put approximately two cups of vinegar in a container on the top rack and run the dishwasher on the hottest setting to make it shine.
- Tidy and organize the area underneath your sink. “It’s a very forgotten area and a really easy task!” says Maker. “Remove everything, and select only the things that are important to put back. While the area is still empty, wipe out the bottom of the cabinet and place a shelf liner on the bottom. This prevents the base of the cabinet from being damaged.”
In the bathroom
- If you have a shower curtain or liner, check for any mold or mildew. Either opt for a new liner, throw it in the washing machine (some types are washable) or scrub it with a brush and soapy water before rinsing it clean.
- To clean the tub, tiles and grout, Maker recommends a DIY scrub of equal parts baking soda and dish soap. “Apply the scrub with a non-scratch sponge, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then scrub in an S-pattern. Rinse well and dry with a microfiber cloth,” says Maker.
- Tackle the toilet. First, use a small head vacuum tool to remove dust and hair from around the toilet base. Next, start from the top down by spraying the toilet with a disinfecting cleaning solution. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it clean with a rag.
- Don’t forget your bathroom accessories. Empty any toothbrush holders, soap dishes or accessory trays and wash them with soap and water or put them in the dishwasher.
- If you live in an area with hard water, a chalky layer of limescale can quickly build up on your taps and shower heads. To get rid of it, try using a one-to-one solution of water and vinegar to soak your shower head and faucets overnight. In the morning, use a hard-bristled brush to scrub away what’s left.
Living area and other leftovers
- Give your sofa a deep clean. “Dust settles on the fabric, so while you may not see it, it’s actually there!” says Maker who recommends removing the cushions and vacuuming with a crevice tool attachment to suck up crumbs and dust. “Use the same tool to vacuum the sides, base and top of the upholstery. Lastly, vacuum all of the cushions before you replace them.”
- Refresh your baseboards. First, run a vacuum with a soft tool attachment along your baseboards to remove dirt and dust. Next, use a damp sponge soaked in soapy water to scrub away any scuff marks or spills. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
- Finally, get ready to enjoy the sunshine by cleaning your blinds. Start by using a vacuum with a soft brush head if you have it. Next, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any remaining dust. For stubborn dirt and grime, use a cloth or sponge damp with soapy water.
Source: Realtor.ca
Posted on
May 8, 2020
by
Kevin Leuschen
Nutana, Saskatchewan: A Riverside Legacy
By Jules Torti @ Realtor.ca
April 6, 2020
Nutana is an affordable, gentrified neighbourhood conveniently located near the hustle of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The main artery and cultural heartbeat is found along Broadway Avenue. Bounded by 8th Street to the south, Clarence Avenue to the east and the South Saskatchewan River to the west, Nutana’s grid system is fool-proof. Avenues run north to south and streets run east to west. In 2019, the area was home to 6,158 residents — a modest jump from the mere 70 people who lived here in 1883.
Did you know?
- The Broadway Theatre is Canada’s only community-owned non-profit repertory cinema. The 430-seat venue has a rotating lure of date night options including arthouse films, live music, theatre and dance. To boot, its 88 solar-panel array (the third largest in the province) is expected to generate 50% of the building’s electricity needs.
- At nearby Black Fox Farm and Distillery, the cut-flower farm grows 90% of the ingredients necessary for their gin, liqueur and vodka production. Canada’s preeminent on-farm distillery is a wink back to the Temperance Colonization Society, a group of Toronto Methodists who were the first to permanently settle here. Black Fox’s Gin #3 is a marriage of 15 different spices and flowers with floral notes of calendula flowers and rhubarb.
- Urdu, or Lashakri, the official national language of Pakistan, is the second-most prevalent language spoken in Nutana, after English (2016 Census).
Housing market
The heritage-rich riverside neighbourhood is considered a middle to upper-income area, with a median personal income of $47,870, and a homeownership rate of 51.5%. In 2017, Nutana was ranked No. 1 on rentfaster’s Most Popular Saskatoon Neighbourhoods to Live In because of its modern vibe, energy and spotless beauty. In 2019, stats from the City of Saskatchewan, Assessment and Taxation indicated a single-family dwelling average of $541,668 while low-rise apartment condos reached $315,107 (2016 census). According to 2019 MLS data, the average sale price of a home was $467,841.
Where to live
The newest coveted address is the Escala development (2020). The two or three-bedroom floor plans offer 1,088 square-foot balconies with uninterrupted river and city views. Nutana’s proximity to the University of Saskatchewan means it’s a hotbed for student rentals. College Quarter residences are located here due to a high walkability score, pub scene and easy access to several bus routes.
What to do
- A visit to the Marr Residence, a national historic site, is a genuine treat for architecture addicts. Built in 1884 for stonemason Alexander Marr as part of the Temperance Colony, it was a two-storey pioneer dream home with a mansard roof and hardwood floors. The house served as a temporary field hospital after the Battle of Fish Creek.
- Though Saskatoon is better known for its spudnuts (potato doughnuts), shishliki (marinated lamb skewers), pickerel cheeks and Saskatoon Berry Pie, why not grab a pint of Sumac Hazy Pale Ale from the local, High Key Brewing, at the Yard & Flagon on Broadway (Saskatoon’s first rooftop patio)? Try the provincially iconic jerk dry ribs and fried pepperoni chips (served with cheddar cheese and pizza sauce).
- Don’t miss the annual Meewasin Pelican Watch (March). Guess the date and time of the first pelican to touch down between the CPR Bridge and The Weir to win a $500 prize pack! Once endangered, the pelicans have graced the South Saskatchewan River since the late 1970s.
Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/postpage/12448/1364/nutana-saskatchewan-a-riverside-legacy
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