Simple fact: If you own a home in a dense tropical environment like Hawaii, you'll need to pay special attention to regular maintenance against mold, humidity, rust and pests. Otherwise, you'll see your island home deteriorate before your very eyes in no time at all. Regular cleaning is a must, regular scheduled deep cleans are a good idea too.
I have lived on the big island of Hawaii in Pahoa for 11 years in the Leilani subdivision. We get a annual rainfall of over 150 inches a year and are at approximately 900 ft elevation. It seems like things NEVER fully dry out here! Whether you do it yourself or hire a big island cleaning service, it is imperative to keep your home maintained so you can enjoy it for many years to come. Over the years, through talking with friends and neighbors, I have discovered several tricks to protecting my hale ohana! Whether its your private home or vacation rental, you can increase the longevity and overall value of your property by following some simple guidelines that I have come to live by.
Daily:
- Sweep, but don't mop. Its just too wet. When you DO mop, use the micro fiber kind that doesn't drench your floor. And YES, I really do sweep everyday, but you can definately reduce your sweeping if you leave your slippers by the door! Sand has a way of travelling.
- Turn on the fan/fans for a few hours each day. (overhead fans are best, but any circulation is a plus)
- When the sun is out, open your windows. In turn, when its raining...close them.
- Never leave wet towels on your counters (especially if they're wooden). I used to leave my dish towel draped over my sink. It stained the grout black within 6 months and now I'm stuck with it!
Weekly:
- Vaccum Rugs. Its not a bad idea to hang them up on sunny days to give your floor a breather too.
- Put your blankets in the dryer. Even if they're not dirty, chances are, they're covered with mold spores. 25 minutes in the dryer will freshen them up.
Monthly:
- Keep the yard cut and plants around the immediate perimeter of the house well maintained. (helps airflow)
- Bleach or clean the inside seal on your refrigerator. Otherwise it becomes black with mold and will be ruined within a year.
- Clean screen windows and doors with Pledge. If you skip this one, your screens will be greenish black in no time.
Quarterly:
- Clean gutters - especially if you have a water catchment tank.
- Pressure Washing. Seriously THE most effective way at keeping mold away. You can rent them or hire someone to do your driveway, siding, decking or whatever is turning GREEN.
Yearly:
- Painting/Sealing. Ok. Maybe not EVERY year, but every other year. Especially if you skimp on the pressure washing, you'll have to throw up another coat before too long.
So, that's my advice to you. Living in paradise can be a wonderful thing if you take responsibility and protect your home from its environment!