Basic Cleaning Essentials for Your Apartment Home

When living in an apartment home that is smaller than a single-family house, it is so important to keep up with cleaning to keep the space spick and span. Not only will keeping your apartment home clean benefit your health and lifestyle, but it will ensure that the quality of features such as your countertops and floors stay looking like new. If you only want to purchase the necessities without fancy cleaning solutions or gadgets, take a look below at our list of the essential items for keeping your apartment home clean every day!

 

Paper towels: If you don’t have paper towels in your apartment home yet, what are you waiting for? These multipurpose towels are the best for cleaning up spills, wiping away dust, or just tidying up surfaces in your home. The best part about paper towels is that you can throw them away as soon as you are done with them to eliminate any odor or bacteria.

Disinfectant: While there are many types of disinfectants to choose from, this solution is necessary for eliminating bacteria in all areas of your apartment home. We recommend an all-purpose disinfectant to use on hard surfaces throughout your apartment home, but you can also grab an air and fabric disinfectant to eliminate even more allergens and bacteria that can get trapped in your home.

Dishwashing liquid: Not only does this come in handy to cut through grease and grime when you are hand washing larger or more delicate dishes, but it can be used for an assortment of other things. Most dishwashing liquids are strong enough to also use as a spot carpet cleaner, window cleaner, shower cleaner, and more!

Scrubbing brushes or sponges: Even though each of our new apartment homes has a dishwasher, you are going to need additional cleaning tools for dishes that need to be hand washed. Scrubbing brushes and sponges are both inexpensive tools for your apartment, and can also be used to scrub countertops, showers, etc.

Vacuum cleaner: Because our apartments include carpeted rooms, a vacuum cleaner would be a wise investment. The best part about vacuums today is that there are several kinds for you to use on both carpets and hard flooring, which can eliminate the need for a broom.

Sweeper mop: This is also an essential cleaning tool for living at Arcadia Run since there are also rooms with tile and laminate in each apartment home in addition to carpet. We recommend purchasing a multipurpose sweeper mop that can double as a dry broom and a mop. These are readily available at many stores and are compact for easy storage.

 

Other items that we recommend include baking soda and white vinegar which can both be used for a number of homemade cleaners when you are in a pinch or don’t have specialized cleaning solutions on hand. It also helps to have some microfiber cloths readily available for when you really need to absorb a spill or pick up a stain. Although paper towels can work fine, microfiber materials work even better!

Fore more information about our new apartment homes here at Arcadia Run, visit our website and stop by to take a tour of our (super clean) model apartment home today!
Sources: forrent.com

In 2017, Apartment Communities Are Raising The Bar for Apartment Living

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In today’s world, apartment dwellers are looking for more than just a place to live; they are looking for a lifestyle. To meet the expectations of the modern apartment renter, apartment communities are striving to bring more and more unparalleled features and amenities to their residents. To many, renting an apartment in a community with all of the bells and whistles is far better than owning a home, because of the many benefits and conveniences that go along with renting.

The young generation of recent college grads who prefer renting is growing at a rapid rate, and even seniors are moving towards giving up permanent digs for new and modern apartment homes. Everyone has certain lifestyle needs they want met, and renting fulfills many different needs for different people. Whether it is frequent moving, less upkeep, or a downsized household, modern apartment communities are fitting the bill for many types of households.

Unlike older apartment communities, new establishments like Arcadia Run are identifying common lifestyle needs and wants of today. By identifying these, communities are able to implement both apartment features and community amenities to entice those who seek an easier lifestyle provided by where they live.

New and modern apartment homes offer luxuries other than just living accommodations, like ample storage space and upgraded kitchen features. At Arcadia Run, our apartment homes solve the problem of storage by providing multiple closets in every apartment home, including walk-in closets and a ton of kitchen cabinet space. Our modern designs provide ample outlets to plug in all of your electronics, a personal washer/dryer so you don’t have to leave to do laundry, and an open design to fit a modern lifestyle.

Amenities provided to residents in new apartment communities offer a more active and social lifestyle. Outdoor community amenities like our ball court, playground, resort-style pool, and patio spaces create a universal space where neighbors can meet, relax and socialize. The Clubhouse at Arcadia Run serves as a central hub for community events and a gathering space where residents can work out, watch movies, grab a cocktail, or study.

No matter what age you are, if you are looking for an apartment community that provides a social, active, and convenient lifestyle, look no further than Arcadia Run!

Topiary Treasures That Will Thrive in Your Apartment

If you’ve been cursed with a black thumb, but still love the way that plants look in your home, have no fear! You won’t have to worry about killing that beautiful plant your mother in-law gave you when you learn how to make plants thrive in your Arcadia Run apartment home. The trick is learning which plants thrive best indoor, and which plants you should leave at the store. Check out some of our favorite small plants that will add a touch of natural décor to your Arcadia Run apartment home.

Lucky Bamboo

Typically given as a gift to welcome someone to a new home or even a new job, lucky bamboo is remarkably easy to care for! It doesn’t require tons of sunlight, and can last in dim lighting if you forget to pull back the curtains during the day. Just remember to change the water every two to four weeks, and you’ll be living in a totally Zen space with the addition of this lucky bamboo.

Cactus

If you’re looking for a plant that is out of the ordinary and has you dreaming of desert days all year round, invest in some small cacti! Cacti can thrive in a sunny room, but be sure not to place them in areas that get extended amounts of direct sunlight. Be sure to water them once a week while they are growing, but they’ll require less care during cooler months.

Snake Plant

No, we’re not asking you to house actual snakes in your apartment home! One of the most common houseplants, the snake plant is a tough plant that makes it conducive to any living environment. These tall leaves can tolerate dim light, as well as thrive in medium to bright light, making it a nice addition to a desk or end table. Water these plants every so often, but be sure to let the soil dry between waterings.

African Violets

Add a pop of color to your apartment home with the African Violet. Buy a few to scatter around your apartment, and watch as they bloom different shades of purple. All they require is a little water once a week but be sure not to get water on their delicate leaves. African Violets are one of the few flowers that requite little care, making them the perfect plant for your Arcadia Run apartment home.

Peace Lily

As another flowering plant that requires little care, the Peace Lily is great choice for your apartment home. This flower can survive and thrive in any type of lighting, even fluorescent lighting! The Peace Lily will also give you signs for when it is thirsty, as it will droop a little when it needs water. Nothing better than a plant that will talk to you when it needs something! Just be sure not to over hydrate it and let the soil dry between waterings.

Taking care of plants and flowers in your Arcadia Run apartment home doesn’t have to be a chore with these easy options!

Sources: hgtv.com, elledecor.com, apartmenttherapy.com

Where to Celebrate National Beer Day in Manassas!

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Calling all beer lovers! National Beer Day is on April 7th and there’s no better way to celebrate than heading to a local brewery for some delicious brews! Arcadia Run, located in Manassas, VA, is just minutes from some of the best breweries in the area. From local favorites to exciting newcomers, you’ll have no problem discovering something delicious on tap. Check out some of our favorite breweries in the area, plus a sneak peek at a few that will be opening soon!

 

Heritage Brewing

Heritage opened its doors in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since. Owned and operated by military veterans, this isn’t your typical brewery. Their flagship beers, such as the Freedom Isn’t Free IPA or the Revolution American Amber Ale, pay homage to the USA with American-themed cans and names. Their rustic styled taproom lets you see the tanks your beer came from, and is great place to gather with friends. Heritage offers brewery tours on Saturday’s only, so get there early to get a ticket, which are a deal at $5. They also have a new brewpub and roastery opening soon in Clarendon!

 

Bad Wolf Brewing Company

Founded by local husband and wife team Jeremy and Sarah Meyers, Bad Wolf Brewing is on a mission to provide Manassas with delicious unfiltered and unpasteurized beer. With a rotating selection of craft beers at their TWO taprooms, Little BadWolf and Big BadWolf (extra points for puns), beer aficionados have their pick of IPA’s, porters, sours, and much more. BadWolf also offers multiple events every month, from paint and sip nights to fundraisers.

 

BadWolf Public House

BadWolf Brewing has been such a success that they decided to expand! BadWolf Public House just opened this spring in Old Town Manassas, and focuses on pairing their signature brews with locally sourced ingredients. They are still waiting for their new brew house to be installed and licensed, but in the meantime, diners are clamoring for the French onion soup, Reuben sandwich (proclaimed as the best around!) and the smoked mac and cheese. Stay tuned for their brewery opening!

 

Tin Cannon Brewing Co.

Located just 7 minutes down the road from Arcadia Run, Tin Cannon Brewing Co. (TCBC) is a local favorite. Their creative approach to brewing has led to the development of some of the most unique beers around. You can find a rotation of 10-12 beers on tap, such as their Unkel Dunkel Dunkelweizen, Vaughn’s Peanut Butter Porter, or Guardians of the Galaxy IPA. TCBC is closed for brewing Monday-Wednesday, which tells you exactly how serious they are about their beers! Come May, they’ll be opening their new 8100 sq. ft. brewery and production facility, meaning you’ll be able to find TCBC cans in stores throughout Northern Virginia.

 

Coming Soon

2 Silos Brewing, Manassas

Sinistral Brewing Co, Manassas

 

Grab some friends and head out to discover one of the great breweries located near Arcadia Run. Please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.