The silly season is all about joy and celebration, but it can also bring its fair share of “oh no” moments, which can be particularly irritating when you’re celebrating.
At Prudential Real Estate, we’ve heard it all. Don’t let these mishaps dampen your Christmas spirits, Here’s a list of some of the most common Christmas mishaps and quick fixes to save the day.
1. Red wine on the floor
We all have that one family member who is known for being a total klutz and probably shouldn’t be trusted with a glass of red wine anywhere near the carpet. But, if locking them outside would be frowned upon, keep your paper towels, white vinegar and baking soda at the ready.
When the inevitable occurs, act fast by blotting the stain with a paper towel (or a towel for larger spills). Avoid scrubbing, as it can spread the stain. Next, mix 75mL of white vinegar with 150mL of water in a spray bottle and spray, then blot the stain with a paper towel.
Next, mix 75mL of white wine vinegar and 150mL of water in a spray bottle. Spray the stain and blot it with a cloth until the stain transfers. If needed, you can then make a baking soda paste (1 part water to 3 parts baking soda), apply it to the stain, let it dry, and then vacuum the baking soda residue from the carpet.
2. Crayon art on the wall
To some kids, a clean, white wall is just a blank canvas, waiting to be decorated. If your kids (or those of your visitors) decide to unleash their artistic talents on your walls, fear not. If you get to them quickly, they can often simply be wiped clean with a wet cloth. But if those creative masterpieces have been laid in secret, or let’s face it, you’ve just been too tired from the festivities to clean them off, a Magic Eraser is your go-to. These cleaning blocks are chemical-free, so all you need is a little water and away you go. Just make sure you don’t use it on any delicate or glossy surfaces as the trapped dirt may scratch them.
3. Blocked drains
Curious children sometimes send their stuffed toys on a watery adventure down the toilet and you can bet they won’t tell you about it. If we had a dollar for every time our property managers sent a plumber out to investigate a blocked drain, only to discover a stuffed toy…
If you suspect your drain has suffered the same fate, it’s best to contact your property manager so they can organise a plumber.
4. Holes in the wall
We get it, quality time with the family can get a little spirited. We once heard a story about a red-faced tenant who needed to get an elbow-sized hole in the wall repaired after an enthusiastic tug-of-war session with the dog. Who won, you ask? We think the dog let go on purpose.
5. Cricket ball through the window
Backyard cricket is an iconic Christmas tradition, but if your swing is out of shape, the game can end with a smashed window. If this happens, your first priority is safety. Clear the area of broken glass and ensure it’s secure. Next, report the incident to your property manager as soon as possible so repairs can be arranged.
What to do next
If an accident occurs over the Christmas season, the most important thing is to prioritise safety – whether that means patching up an elbow (or ego), or cleaning up broken glass, then notify your property manager as soon as possible. For urgent repairs (see what qualifies here), if you can’t get in touch with your property manager, you’re able to arrange the repairs yourself. However, this is only if you gave the landlord or agent a reasonable opportunity to get the repairs done and the repairs were carried out by a licensed tradesperson. In these circumstances, the landlord is required to reimburse you for up to $1,000.
Please note that some of our offices may have modified hours during the Christmas period. You can find our Christmas operating hours on Google.
Don’t let mishaps steal your holiday joy. With quick action and a touch of humour, you can handle these common Christmas surprises with ease.
Prudential Real Estate Campbelltown | (02) 4628 0033 | campbelltown@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Liverpool | (02) 9822 5999 | liverpool@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Macquarie Fields | (02) 9605 5333 | macquariefields@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Narellan | (02) 4624 4400 | narellan@prudential.com.au
