Cleaning and home maintenance

Cleaning and Maintenance

You can read instructions for cleaning before leaving here.

1. Kitchen Cleaning & Appliances

🧊 Fridge

  • Turn off the power before defrosting.
  • Clean and defrost 2–4 times a year.
  • Do not use sharp tools to remove ice.
  • Wipe shelves, drawers, walls, door seals.
  • Keep drain hole clean and unclogged.
  • Clean behind and under if the fridge can be moved.
  • Ensure ventilation slots are not blocked.
  • Dry thoroughly before turning back on.

🔥 Stove and Oven

  • Wipe cooktop after every use.
  • Use non-abrasive cleaner suitable for the surface.
  • Clean oven interior regularly to avoid grease build-up.
  • Don’t forget oven trays and racks.
  • Report oven light replacement via fault report.
  • Do not use damaged or dirty pots on the cooktop.

🌀 Extractor Hood Filter

  • Wash the grease filter monthly.
  • Remove the filter gently – check fastening.
  • Soak in dish soap, scrub, and dry thoroughly.
  • Wipe down the hood’s outer surface.

🧽 Other Surfaces

  • Wipe countertops with mild detergent.
  • Clean cupboard doors and handles.
  • Empty and wipe the inside of cabinets.
  • Thoroughly clean trash cabinet.
  • Wipe door frames, switches, baseboards.
  • Clean sink and tap, remove limescale.

Dishwasher & Washing Machine – Don’t Forget:

  • Only a licensed plumber can install or uninstall dishwashers.
  • Always place a waterproof safety tray under the dishwasher.
  • Never leave machines running unattended!

When Buying a Machine:

  • Make sure it fits and connects correctly.
  • Installation is at your own expense.
  • Seller must provide proof of installation.

When Moving Out:

  • Remove machine if the new tenant doesn’t want it.
  • Reinstall original cupboard if removed.
  • Cap all water connections properly.

Responsibility & Insurance:

  • Kuopas does not install or uninstall machines.
  • You are responsible for the machine and any damages.
  • We highly recommend home insurance!

2. Bathroom and Toilet

💧 Floor Drain

  • Clean at least once a month.
  • Lift the cover → remove hair and gunk by hand.
  • Scrub with dish soap and rinse well.
  • Make sure the sealing plug is in place to avoid odors.
  • If water doesn’t drain or it smells bad, report it.

🚿 Shower and Curtain

  • Wipe walls, floor and curtain dry after use to avoid mold.
  • Wash the shower curtain regularly.
  • Clean lower wall tiles from limescale and soap.
  • Check seams and tiles → report cracks or damage.

🧼 Sink, Toilet & Fixtures

  • Clean basin and toilet regularly, ideally after each use.
  • Remove limescale from faucets and surfaces.
  • Clean trap (U-bend) if needed, or contact maintenance.
  • Report leaking taps or toilets immediately.
  • Do not flush trash, grease, or food down the toilet!

🌬️ Ventilation & Humidity

  • Wipe ventilation grilles once a month.
  • Never block or adjust the vent settings.
  • If air feels damp or stale, make a fault report.
  • Dry wet surfaces after showering.
  • Keep the door open after showering to let air circulate.

⚠️ Important: The bathroom is the most vulnerable space for water damage. Always report cracked tiles or damaged surfaces to maintenance immediately.

3. Heating and Ventilation

🌡 Heating is automatic
Room temperature is maintained at 20–22 °C. Radiators may feel cool at times – that’s normal!
  • System adjusts automatically based on outside temperature.
  • Thermostats won’t heat above 22°C.
  • Radiators feel cool when room temp is optimal.
  • Do not vent radiators yourself, submit a fault report.
  • Vacuum dust from radiator grills for better efficiency.

💡 If your room feels cold, check:

  • Are curtains or furniture blocking the radiator?
  • Is the thermostat working normally?
Don’t cover your radiator
Curtains and furniture block heat – keep at least 20 cm of space in front of radiators.
💨 Ventilation is mechanical
Exhaust air is removed from the kitchen, bathroom, and WC. Never block or adjust vents.
  • System runs with automatic sensors (humidity, CO₂).
  • Exhaust vents are located in wet rooms and kitchen.
  • Do not close or adjust the vents, it affects building balance.
  • Make sure air intake vents are not covered (above windows).
  • Clean vents gently from dust, do no adjustments yourself.
⚠️ Reminder: If the air is stale or windows fog up, fill in a fault report.

4. Waste Sorting and Recycling

Sort your waste correctly! Here’s a quick guide to the main categories:

Biowaste
Food scraps, fruit peels, coffee grounds, napkins
Cardboard
Milk cartons, pizza boxes, cereal packages (flatten!)
Metal
Cans, foil, lids, caps, small metal items
Glass
Jars and bottles (no ceramics)
Plastic
Food containers, detergent bottles, plastic bags
Mixed Waste
Items that don’t fit any other category

More info: Jätekukko’s sorting guide

5. Fire Safety and Lighting

  • Test fire alarms monthly.
  • Do not cover or remove smoke detectors.
  • Do not use fryers or grills indoors.
  • Follow building instructions if alarm goes off.
  • False alarms caused by you will be charged.
Important: Fire alarm systems activate automatically. Never cover the detectors, they can save lives.

💡

Lights

You are responsible for buying and replacing regular bulbs, tubes, and starters. Special bulbs (oven, fridge) are replaced by Kuopas → file a fault report if needed.

🔔

Door Buzzers and Intercoms

Main doors stay locked 24/7. Guests use the buzzer to contact you. In newer buildings, intercoms allow you to see and talk to the visitor. Keep the system functional, it’s for your safety.

6. Renovations and Modifications

Remember: You may not paint, drill or adjust heating/ventilation settings without written permission from Kuopas.

Kuopas is responsible for all renovations and refurbishments. If something needs fixing, submit a fault report.

  • Do not drill or attach items to walls without permission.
  • Do not adjust heating or ventilation systems.
  • Do not perform electrical or plumbing work yourself.
  • Dishwasher installations must be done by a professional.

7. Pests

🐞 Pests are not normal – report them right away!

In Finland, it is not normal to have insects or pests in your apartment. If you notice any signs of cockroaches, bedbugs, ants or other pests, you must report it immediately by making a fault report.

  • Do not try to handle the issue yourself – pest control is arranged by Kuopas.
  • The sooner it’s reported, the easier and quicker it is to fix.
  • If you delay or fail to report, you may be responsible for the treatment costs.

🛠️ You can submit a fault report easily through our website.

Let’s keep your home safe and pest-free together!