Top Cleaning Tips When Preparing for a Home Showing

June 18, 2021

There’s a lot that goes into selling your home. Marketing is one key area. Having showings allows buyers to see your space. To get them interested in your home, you want to prepare for the open house ahead of time. Having a clean appearance is essential.

Here are 10 cleaning tips to help you attract potential buyers.

1. Clean Your Bedrooms

The bedrooms are key selling points for your home. You want them to appear neat and tidy. To do this, remake all the beds. Make sure they have clean sheets. Consider replacing any old linens with fresher-looking ones.

Also, remove any visible clutter. Consider stashing extra items in out-of-sight drawers or baskets. Here are some tips for decluttering your bedroom effectively:

  • Sort clothes into three piles labeled “keep,” “get rid of,” and “storage”
  • Go through your wardrobe and chest of drawers
  • Pack away your out-of-season clothes
  • Get rid of old shoes
  • Remove any unnecessary furniture

Next, you want to wipe down all furniture to get rid of dirt or debris. Use a damp cloth or a vacuum hose. Make sure to dust off all surfaces and vacuum the entire room.

2. Clean Your Bathrooms

The bathrooms also stand out to potential buyers. They are a space that can quickly accumulate built-up germs. Make sure to give them a good clean to make the room more inviting.

Start with washing the toilets. Use a cleaner and toilet brush to scrub the toilet bowl. Then wipe around the outer area with a cloth. Since buying standard cleaning supplies can be costly, consider using some of these surprising toilet cleaning products instead:

  • Coca-Cola cleanser
  • Pumice stone
  • White vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Baby oil

Move on to the bathroom mirror next. Use a glass cleaner to remove any marks. Start from the top and move your hands in a circular motion. You also want to make sure you clean off the sink. Use a brush to scrub off any stains or marks around the sink.

Before you finish, wipe down the shower and tub with a damp cloth. You may need to use a harsher cleaner for tougher spots.

3. Clean Your Living Room and Dining Room

These areas are one of the first rooms potential buyers notice when they enter your home. Make sure you clear up any clutter. This will help make the space feel more open. Be sure to dust off all major surfaces. Use glass cleaner for any glass surfaces, such as mirrors. Vacuum any rugs to remove dirt.

Once you have given your furniture a deep clean, consider rearranging it. You want your seating oriented around a focal point, such as your television. This makes the space feel more organized and functional.

4. Clean Your Kitchen

You probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. This is why you want it to be presentable for potential buyers. To clean it, first remove all clutter. Clear off the counter, cabinets, and table area. Get rid of any scraps of paper or food wrappings.

Wipe down all your appliances to remove stains and fingerprints. Make sure all dirty dishes are in the dishwasher. Sweep and mop the floor to get rid of dirt and dust.

For your hardwood floor, you may need a special cleaner. If you have other wooden features, such as tables, you want to regularly clean these as well. You can use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces.

Along with cleaning, consider organizing your kitchen space to attract buyers. Here are some products you can use to arrange your kitchen more effectively:

  • Magnetic steel paper towel rack
  • K-cup pods carousel
  • Utensil tray
  • Hanging pot rack
  • Cookware organizer

Before finishing, take out the trash. You want your home to smell fresh when buyers are walking through.

5. Clear Out Your Closet Spaces

Stashing your unused items in the closet may seem tempting. However, potential buyers are likely to open up your cupboards. Storage space is a common selling point. So, make sure you organize your closets effectively before the showing.

Here are some tips for organizing your closets:

  • Sort clothes into categories
  • Hang up delicate items like dresses, skirts, or suits
  • Stack thin items like sweaters
  • Roll up your t-shirts and pajamas into storage boxes
  • Color-code your wardrobe

6. Open Up Your Space

Open concept is becoming popular. Many potential buyers like the idea of seeing their dining room right from their living room. You could do significant renovations to knock out a wall or two.

To help open up your space, rearranging your furniture is a simpler option. Create pathways for buyers to walk through easily. Try removing larger pieces of furniture. Also, get rid of any pieces blocking sightlines.

Here are some other tips for making your space feel more spacious:

  • Incorporate more light
  • Use softer paint colors, such as blues and greens
  • Reduce clutter
  • Paint your furniture to match the interior

7. Remove Odors

Be mindful of what you cook for dinner the night before the showing. The smell can still linger throughout the day. Also, go for more neutral scents when choosing your candles. This way, the aromas will appeal to a wider variety of buyers.

Here are some fragrances to add to your home:

  • Citrus
  • Herbs
  • Vanilla
  • Green tea
  • Pine
  • Cedar

8. Put Away Personal Items

You want potential buyers to picture themselves living in your home. To help with this, remove any personal items. Tuck away family photos or your children’s art projects. Focus on neutral decorations, like posters and mirrors.

Here are some other decorating tips to help get your space ready for showing:

  • Add lighting
  • Incorporate textures
  • Hang bigger art pieces
  • Put up drapes
  • Repaint your walls

9. Keep in Mind Your Outside Space

Your outdoor space is one of the first things buyers notice before entering your home. This is why you want to keep up with maintenance. Regularly mow your lawn and pick up any loose sticks.

Also, consider adding some potted plants to your yard. These can provide a nice accent piece and make your home feel more welcoming. Be sure your pathways are clear and free of any debris.

Here are some other ways to enhance your outdoor space:

  • Create a breakfast nook
  • Add a fire pit
  • Incorporate outdoor lighting
  • Hang up a hammock
  • Place outdoor rugs

10. Step Into the Buyer’s Shoes

Before the showing, walk through the house as if you’re the prospective buyer. Try to get into their mindset. This can help you catch anything you may have missed. Also, consider asking friends or family members to do a practice walkthrough. This can give you a fresh perspective.

How to Get Your Home Ready for Buyers

When it’s time to sell your home, there are multiple steps to take. Showing off your house is a critical step. Before inviting buyers in, you need to get your home in order. Consider these tips to make your residence stand out from the competition.


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