With all the things to remember and tasks to complete before moving into your new home, cleaning often falls to the bottom of the list. Instead of leaving it to chance, it's recommended to plan ahead and learn how to clean your new home before moving in, ensuring a fresh start. Whether you're buying or renting, the more organized you are during the moving process, the less stressful it will be. Cleaning is one of the top tasks to tackle, alongside decluttering and packing in advance.
A deep cleaning before setting up your new space is essential. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your new home before moving in.
1. Prepare a Cleaning Plan
Creating a well-organized schedule will save you a lot of time and effort while cleaning before your move. Simply write down the tasks in the order you’ll tackle them.
Start by opening the windows to allow fresh air to circulate. This is a good idea before starting to clean as the house may have stale air. Moreover, you’ll be dealing with various cleaning chemicals, so good airflow will help disperse harmful fumes.
2. Start from the Top
When cleaning, always work from the top down. Gravity will cause dust to fall onto lower surfaces, so it makes sense to start at the highest points first.
Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Don’t forget to clean the ceiling fans and light fixtures, which are often overlooked. You may need a duster with an extendable handle or a ladder to reach these areas.
Cabinets and Drawers: Wipe the inside of cabinets and drawers using a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove any dust or residue left behind.
3. Clean Large Surfaces
Flooring often gets the most attention, but large surfaces like walls, furniture, baseboards, doors, and other frequently ignored areas also need cleaning.
Bathrooms: Cleaning toilets is always a bit tedious, but it’s especially important when moving into a new home. Consider replacing the toilet seat to save effort and focus on disinfecting the toilet bowl and tiles. Thoroughly disinfect the bathtub and sink.
Windows: Even if windows look clean, dust can accumulate on the window frame. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe the top edge of the window frame, followed by the remaining parts and finally the glass.
4. Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important areas to clean. Divide it into sections for a more efficient process.
Light Fixtures and Corners: Dust light fixtures, remove cobwebs from corners, and wipe down the tops of cabinets and the fridge.
Appliances: Clean all kitchen appliances such as the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Don’t forget to clean the filters if possible, and pull out appliances to clean behind and underneath them.
Cabinets: Wipe down both the interior and exterior of the kitchen cabinets, including shelves, doors, and handles. Repeat the process for drawers. Clean the kitchen sink and surfaces before vacuuming and mopping the floor.
5. Address Hidden or Overlooked Areas
There are certain areas that might be ignored by previous tenants or owners, and even by you if they don’t immediately come to mind.
Door Handles and Light Fixtures: Pay attention to areas such as door handles, inside of light fixtures, door thresholds, and baseboards, as they are often forgotten during cleaning.
Curtains and Upholstery: If your new home has curtains, soft furnishings, or even mattresses, these too can harbor dust and dirt. Use a steam cleaner to effectively remove dust and allergens. If you’re renting a handheld steam cleaner, make sure to check fabric care labels to ensure it can handle the heat.
6. Use Natural Cleaning Solutions
While cleaning, you don’t always need harsh chemicals to get the job done. Natural solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be just as effective for tackling food residues, grease, and water stains in the kitchen or bathroom.
By following these steps, you'll ensure that your new home is thoroughly cleaned and ready for you to move into. Starting fresh in a clean environment can make your transition much smoother and more comfortable.
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