Appliances
We want you to have the easiest and safest stay in our home, without anything embarrassing happening. I’ve included tips below to help, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the types of appliances that are in the home. Please note that we have recently purchased all new appliances recently, and our hope is to keep them in new condition for the guests that will stay here after you. Please send me a message any time if you need any help with anything and we would be happy to answer questions! If a plumber or other repair technician is needed, and it is found that guest error caused need for repair, the guest will be charged a minimum of $100.
Kitchen
Microwave: For the safety of the microwave, please do not microwave anything with metal (even staples in take-out containers). For your own safety, don’t microwave anything with plastic (including Styrofoam, plastic utensils, plastic wrap, etc.).
Oven: Be sure to turn it off when you’re not using it. Also, be sure to NEVER leave an oven on when no one is home. Any cooking must be done with someone staying downstairs to monitor it. When you’re using an appliance you’re not familiar with, it’s easy to overcook/burn/catch things on fire. Use a baking sheet underneath anything that could potentially spill out during the cooking process.
Dishwasher: Rinse dishes from particles of food that wouldn’t pass through a screen before loading into the dishwasher (i.e., even a grain of rice will get stuck on a screen, but crumbs should break down and pass through). Only use detergent that’s designed for a dishwasher. Do NOT use the bottle of liquid soap for hand washing dishes. Dishwasher detergent should be dry, either a loose power, or the little detergent packs. If you’re using a small dishwasher detergent pack (little brick-like thing), be sure to unwrap it before putting it in the soap dispenser. Then gently slide the cover closed, and start the dishwasher. Whenever possible, do not use the “heated dry” setting on the dishwasher. It takes a lot of electricity, and we’ve learned that the dishes don’t dry any faster.
Garbage disposal: Only food that can be ground can go down the garbage disposal. Coffee grounds should be thrown in the trash can (with the filter), along with meat bones, and anything excessive (more than 2 cups of rice or pasta could clog the sink). PLEASE no grease or fats down the drain. Those solidify while passing through and they’ll clog the drain.
Laundry Room
Washing Machine: Only use laundry detergent designed for a washing machine (Tide is our favorite). The washing machine is brand new and quite expensive, so we would greatly appreciate it if you were gentle with it.
Dryer: Be sure to clean the dryer lint trap before EVERY use. On top of the dryer, there’s a little handle that you can pull out, and you’ll be holding a long, arched screen. Scrape the dryer lint off with your fingers and throw it away, then put the screen back in before starting the dryer. A clogged dryer vent can cause a fire hazard, so please be sure to clean it before each use. In light of fire hazards with dryers, please do not run the dryer if no one is home. The only exception is if you are drying the load of towels while checking out.