A thorough scrubbing is in order, though hiring professionals may be worth the cost When you leave a flat, you are expected to put it back to the condition in which you found it. In the case of my last place, that condition would be "quite grubby, with half an inch of builders' dust everywhere". Unless you have negotiated otherwise with the landlord, you will be expected to remove any fixtures and fittings you have installed - including blinds, curtain rails, shelving, light fittings and wooden floors.
And you will need to clean the place. What you are basically doing is a thorough spring clean. Once the removers have gone, go through each room and remove any rubbish. The rooms will be empty, so it will be easy to see what needs doing. Living rooms, bedrooms and hallways will probably need nothing more than dusting surfaces, and sweeping and mopping the floors. In the kitchen, wipe all cabinets, inside and out, using a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Pay attention to the outsides of cupboard doors, which can get very greasy.
If the new occupants are buying the cooker (or if you are selling it), spray the interior of the oven with Dr Beckmann Active Gel Oven Cleaner, and while it is working its magic, clean the hob. Then clean the oven. Whether leaving or selling the fridge, empty it. Clean the interior using a solution of bicarbonate of soda and warm water (1 tbsp to 1 litre of water), then wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
Finally, sweep and mop the kitchen floor. There's nothing more off-putting than a grungy bathroom, so clean the bath thoroughly using an all-purpose cleaner. Also wipe all tiles, mirrors and other fittings. Remove the black mould that accumulates on tiles and around fittings with a solution of half and half bleach and water, scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Clean the toilet thoroughly, squirt some toilet cleaner in the bowl and leave. Polish the taps with a dry cloth so they sparkle. Then sweep and mop the floor.
There may well be a landlord's inspection before you move out. If you spend a couple of hours doing the above, you shouldn't have a problem. Of course, there is an even simpler way of sorting this out - hire either your cleaner or a cleaning company to do all this for you. Sometimes - especially if you are trying to relocate your home and family abroad - throwing money at a problem is the only way to go.
The Housewife's Handbook, by Rachel Simhon (Bloomsbury) is available from www.amazon.com
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Studying addiction
This month, Dubai Medical College launched the Middle East’s first master's programme in addiction science.
Together with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation, the college offers a two-year master’s course as well as a one-year diploma in the same subject.
The move was announced earlier this year and is part of a new drive to combat drug abuse and increase the region’s capacity for treating drug addiction.
'Saand Ki Aankh'
Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Read more about the coronavirus
WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Real Madrid (2) v Bayern Munich (1)
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
When: 10.45pm, Tuesday
Watch Live: beIN Sports HD
Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
