How to Deep Clean a House Before Moving In
Cleaning Hacks
Introduction
Moving into a brand new house is one of life’s great moments. However, it does come with a lot of work. As soon as you arrive, you have to set up utilities, buy groceries, and get everything else you need to live in the space. One thing that many people do not think about is how much work goes into turning the house into a home. This includes giving the house a good deep cleaning.
While the people who lived in the house are gone, there is plenty of dirt and grime waiting to hide in every nook and cranny. If the previous occupants left dirty dishes in the sink, there will be mold growing on the countertops and dust bunnies under beds. Even though the house looks like a showroom model, it could use some serious cleaning.
There are a few things you can do to help prepare the house for moving in. First off, you should give the house a thorough vacuum. Then, take the time to wipe down the surfaces. Next, go around the room and pick up anything that might fall. Finally, look for items that you know the former owner used often and see if you can find replacements.
Once the house is cleaned, it is important to put things away. Make sure that all of the drawers are closed and locked. Also, make sure that the trashcans are emptied. When you are ready to move in, you will want to make sure that everything is in working order.
Where to Start?
Before starting any project, we recommend having a clear idea of what needs to be done. In order to achieve this, we have prepared a list of tasks that must be completed during the process. Each task will require specific steps to complete, so we suggest following them one after the other until the entire project is finished. Once you have followed these instructions, you will find yourself enjoying your new home much sooner!
How to Clean the Bathroom
Start by cleaning bathrooms because they’re usually cleaned during the cleaning process. Use disinfectant products for cleaning.
1. Start at the Top
Start at the highest point in the room and work your way down. Using a duster, remove cobwebs, dirt, and dandruff from the ceiling, walls, windows, doors, and furniture. Vacuum using your vacuum’s telescopic pole to reach high and hard-to-reach areas, including under beds and behind couches.
2. Wipe Down Windows and Mirrors
Use a spray bottle filled with vinegar and water to clean your windows. Vinegar is great for killing germs and bacteria, so it’s perfect for cleaning your home. Spray the vinegar solution onto the surface of the windows and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before wiping off any excess liquid. To get rid of stains, try rubbing a little baking soda into the marks. Baking soda works because it neutralizes acidity, leaving behind a basic pH level.
Vacuum the windows first to get rid of any accumulated dirt. Then use a mixture of liquid dish soap and water to wash away any remaining dirt.
3. Cleaning out your cabinets and closets
Clean up any spills on the floor, countertops, walls, etc., using a wet rag or sponge doused in an all-purpose cleaning solution. You don’t need to forget hardware such as knobs, pulls, and levers.
4. Scrub the Tub and Shower
Scrub the shower walls, floor, and fixtures. You can use an all-in-one cleaning solution or a separate scrubbing sponge and bucket. A non-abrasive cleanser should work best. For a new or reglaze bath, use a mild soap and water solution.
If you want to remove stubborn soap scum from a bathroom mirror, mix one part of white vinegar with two parts of water in a spray bottle. Spray onto the surface and let sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Even if the shower stalls are made from tiles or stones, you should still use a special cleaning product for them.
5. Disinfect the Toilet
The toilets need cleaning. Clean them well. Use a sponge or paper towel to scrub the outer surface, then use disinfectant cleaner to clean the rest.
If you’re moving into a new house, be sure to clean out the toilet before you move in. You don’t want any mold, mildew, or bacteria growing inside the bowl. To avoid this, wear rubber gloves and follow these steps:
- To clean out the aquarium, pour vinegar directly into the tank’s water until it reaches the level where the top edge of the glass meets the surface of the water. Then leave it alone for at least 12 hours.
- To flush out the vinegar, pour some water into the bowl and stir well.
- Turn off the water supply at the main shutoff valves near the wall behind the bathroom sink and then flush.
- When the tank is empty, clean the interior of the tank using either plain water or an all-purpose cleaning solution.
Turn the faucet off, then fill the sink with a warm (not hot) tap running cold. Let the tap run for about 30 seconds. Then, turn the faucet off again. Dispose of any soap residue left behind.
6. Clean the Sink Area
Cleaning sinks and faucets with abrasives can damage them. Use non-abrasive cleaning products Use an old toothbrush, use it to get under the edges of the carpet. Wipe down the faucet with a clean cloth. Use a clean cloth to wipe down the bathroom mirror.
How to Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is really essential for cleaning a home prior to relocating into it because a great deal of smells can be trapped there and also it is best to remove them straight away. In case your property was provided with a fridge, you would certainly wish to begin there before putting any food in it. To add further benefits, you may even clean the rear of the fridge where a lot of dirt can accumulate and even trigger the fridge to consume more power and ultimately wear out.
It is very important to shift all devices and wash behind them to eradicate previous tenants’ meal odors. For the dishwasher, you can clean it with a sponge along with a mix of vinegar and water. You might also clean the outside of the dishwasher with a disinfectant wipe if it is a stainless-steel one, after which apply a paste made up of baking soda and vinegar to make it shiny again.
Kitchen counters ought to be wiped down with a soft cloth inside as well as out. Little crumbs and flour particles can stick in the corners of cupboards and could draw pests if not eliminated. You can clean counters with disinfectant wipes, but if the counter is marble, use a specialized marble cleaning product instead because acidic cleaners can etch marble and cause permanent damage.
How to Clean the Floors
1. Clean the Carpets
Before you move into a house, hire a professional cleaning service to steam clean the carpets. If that isn’t an option or the previous owner claims they had their carpets cleaned, then you may need to get a thorough vacuuming done. If the previous owner had any pets, you may want to be sure to avoid potential flea infestations by having your pet groomed.
2. Clean Wood Floors
Sweep well, using a broom or mop. Make sure to clean under the heating vent and appliances. Use a gentle soap to clean its surface.
3. Sweep and Mop Other Floor Types
Sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and dust from the floor. Maintain the cleanliness of the floor by mopping it regularly.
Five Overlooked Cleaning Tasks for Your Home
1. Windows
After vacuuming, clean the windows by wiping them down with a microfiber rag and using a glass cleaner containing alcohol. It may sound strange, but it really works!
2. Doors
Cleaning the door handle is easy. Just use a clean rag and some all-purpose cleaning solution to wipe away dirt and grime.
3. Lights and Power Outlets
Clean your new lights and electrical outlets by wiping them down with a damp microfibre cloth.
4. Shelves
To keep your kitchen counters looking fresh, use a dry microfiber towel to wipe away any dirt, then use a wet one to get rid of any remaining grime.
5. Washer and dryer
Dryer vents aren’t terribly dirty, but it’s a good idea to clean them out with water and dish detergent, then give the vent a thorough microfiber cleaning.