Useful Tips for a Pre-Move Deep Clean

March 15, 2022

Every year approximately 15.3 million American households move into a new home. While chances are good that your new home will already be clean, you can’t go wrong to give it a proper deep cleaning before you move in. You may find that the previous owners had pets that left behind parasites or simply did a surface clean and left all the hard work to you. Thankfully, a few handy tips are all you need to help ensure you move into a perfectly-clean house.

Start with the Bathroom

The best place to start your cleaning endeavors is in the bathroom, as it is more than likely used during the moving-out process of the previous occupants. Begin by inspecting the bathroom, identifying any noticeable grime and stains that need your attention. While a well-maintained bathroom may require nothing more than a wipe-down, you may come face-to-face with a bath, shower, and toilet that are in desperate need of a deep clean. You can tackle stains with a commercial cleaning agent or use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Remove the toilet seat and remember to wash under the hinges as well as the hinges themselves. Once you have gotten rid of all the dirt and grime, use a disinfectant to wipe the light switches, doorknobs, and towel hangers and give a few sprays of your favorite air freshener to make sure your new bathroom smells as good as it looks.

Do the Kitchen Next

The kitchen is another area of the house that might need a good cleaning before moving in. If the house comes with a refrigerator, you might want to start by cleaning it properly before you put any food in it, as it can house a multitude of foul odors and germs. Move all appliances away and clean behind each large item, paying close attention to signs of dampness such as discoloration, mold, and mildew. Also, be on the lookout for rodent droppings as they may point to a possible mouse or rat infestation. Wipe down the insides and outsides of cabinets, leaving them open to allow air to circulate. Don’t forget to wipe the countertops as well, taking special care not to use acidic cleaners on granite and marble.

Don’t Neglect the Living Spaces

Although the kitchen and bathroom may demand most of your attention, it is essential not to neglect your living areas and bedrooms when doing a pre-move in clean. When you clean the walls, ceilings, and floors, be mindful of what the surfaces are made from, as this will influence your cleaning method. If the house is carpeted, you might want to consider bringing in a professional carpet cleaning crew to ensure that your floors are free of dust, bacteria, and other allergens when you move in. Depending on the design of your new house, other areas that might require a clean include the attic and basement, the fireplace and chimney, and the garage and garden shed.

Moving into a new house can be very exciting. By ensuring the house is perfectly clean when you move in, you can get right to work, turning it into a comfortable home for your family.


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