If you own a vacation rental, you want to ensure you make money without investing too much work in the house. However, you will still need to clean up often and perform maintenance checks to keep the space functional and safe. When it comes to cleaning, always go with a sustainable choice. Not only do sustainable switches help your bottom line, but they are also a great marketing strategy. Here is how you can maintain a clean, eco-friendly vacation space.

1. Keep Changing Your Light Bulbs

According to the Department of Energy, compact fluorescent and LED bulbs will not cost you much in terms of electricity bills compared to incandescent bulbs. In addition, the latter tends to blow out from time to time, and you cannot control the number of lights your guests will use and for how long. Also, do not overlook your garage. Most likely, your guest will leave the bulbs on from time to time as they are in a new place and are likely to forget to switch off the lights. Here are some benefits of switching to LED bulbs:

• They are durable
• Incredibly quiet
• Energy efficient
• Very versatile
• Perfect for dimming
• Low voltage

TIP: The best way to change a light bulb is to turn the power completely off. Turn off the circuit breaker in the fuse box. Only switching the light switch off is not enough. If the switch is wired incorrectly, the positive will still be carrying current to the holder.

2. Keep Doors and Windows Insulated

Your guests are looking for comfort when they are on holiday. That means ensuring your rental space is well insulated, especially the garage. A lot of people insulate other parts of the home but forget about the garage. Use the right caulk to seal any cracks that may allow air to pass through. Weatherstripping your doors and windows reduces your heating and cooling bills by almost 30%, increases comfort in a home and prevents insects and pests from passing through gaps during summer months.

TIP: Bubble wrap is often used to insulate greenhouse windows in the winter, but it also seems to work fine for windows in the house.

3. Go Solar When Possible

Switching to solar will help you save cash on your energy bills, and you will be protecting the planet at the same time. Such an upgrade gives you a return on your investment, as you will not have to worry about electricity bills anymore. And if you have an Airstream or an RV that you rent as a glamping getaway, you can still enjoy using solar. Manufacturers are now making portable panels that allow users to harness electricity from the sun, even when they are off-grid.

TIP: It is possible to run a house on solar power alone. However, going completely off-grid requires a considerable financial and time investment. The higher your energy requirements, the more solar panels you’ll need.

4. Use All-Natural Cleaners

Cleaning guidelines have become more strict due to Covid-19. That means you will have to be savvier when using natural cleaners. Products like vinegar are no longer enough to kill off all the germs in your space. However, a lot of hydrogen peroxide concentrations are non-toxic yet effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. You may also want to check EPA’s list of disinfectants that can help kill the Covid 19 virus. Remember that as much as you want to use eco-friendly cleaners, you should also prioritize your guests’ safety.

TIP: Using all-natural cleaning supplies is a far healthier and safer choice. For a start, you’ll avoid breathing in the harsh chemicals in toxic cleaning products. And, you’ll also reduce the chance of skin conditions such as eczema and respiratory infections.

5. Encourage Recycling

Even if you have recycling bins in your garage, but your guests do not use that room, you will find your trash bins in the kitchen overflowing with different types of trash. Since you will not be entering the property unless it is an emergency, it is better to put labels or signs where necessary that encourage recycling as much as possible. Here are some tips you can use.

• Label trash cans indicating biodegradable, non-biodegradable, food waste, and recyclable.
• Put a sign encouraging guests to reuse towels whenever possible
• Encourage responsible water and electricity use
• Provide reusable shopping bags
• Use small refillable shampoo and shower gel bottles instead of buying new ones for every guest

Sometimes, people need that gentle reminder to reduce wastage or recycle products. Find some cool posters that encourage guests to use utilities responsibly. Not only will you be protecting the environment, but saving money simultaneously.

TIP: Recycling saves resources, prevents pollution, supports public health, and creates jobs. It saves money, avoids landfills, and best of all, it’s easy.

These five tips mentioned above ensure that you maintain a clean and green vacation rental. Also, some of them are affordable yet effective in keeping your space eco-friendly.