If you’re about to move apartments, you’ve got some maintenance issues on your mind. Specifically, you really, really want that security deposit back that you forked over when you first moved in. While there are plenty of precautions you can take and ways you can clean to get that deposit back, we also suggest you get creative with the resources you already have on hand… like toothpaste.
“What?” we hear you say. “How can toothpaste help me get back my $700 security deposit?” Stick with us. Here are 5 ways you can get your security deposit back with just a little minty ingenuity.
1. Spackle the holes in your walls.
If you’re out of spackling but need to cover up unsightly holes in your apartment’s walls from all those hanging picture frames, don’t fret. Toothpaste actually makes great temporary spackling. (Just be sure to avoid anything colorful or striped.)
2. Get rid of carpet stains.
Oh no!, you thought when you spilled red wine on your carpet last month. This will never come out. I’m doomed! Hardly, dear renter. It easier to remove wet stains, but the ingredients in toothpaste can help remove set in stains. Apply a small amount of white non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste directly to the sullied spot on your apartment’s carpet, scrub gently with a bristled brush, and rinse thoroughly with water immediately.
3. Scrub your bathroom grout.
Shower and tile grout can get pretty grimy if you don’t attend to it regularly. If you’ve let your apartment’s bathrooms get grubby, give the grout a good scrub with some whitening toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Remove scuffmarks and crayon marks from painted walls.
Whether you’ve got budding little artists or you’re just a little clumsy, everyone scuffs up their apartment’s walls now and again. Remove those marks by taking a damp cloth with non-whitening toothpaste on it and rubbing gently at the offending area. Voila, beautiful walls and no damage.
5. Make a good impression on your apartment’s landlord.
Nothing says “I’m a charming devil worthy of a security deposit refund” quite like minty fresh breath and a dazzling smile. Before you invite your apartment’s management rep over for your final walk-through inspection, brush your pearly whites.
Have you ever gotten creative with cleaning your apartment? What did you do to make sure you got your security deposit back? Share your tips with us by finding ApartmentSearch on Twitter and Facebook!
