Before unloading your belongings, ensure to clean these 10 areas and fixtures whether you're moving into a house, apartment, or rental. Proper cleaning is crucial to avoid exposing your family to irritants and potential illnesses. Not only will this make your home feel fresh and inviting, but it will also ensure you're starting off on the right foot. Here's a handy checklist of ten things to clean before moving in:
Sparkling Kitchen Appliances
Refrigerator: Pull out the shelves and drawers for a deep clean. Don't forget the sides, top and under the fridge, as well as the water filters.
Oven and Stove: Use a powerful oven cleaner to tackle stubborn grime. Don’t forget to clean the oven racks, stove burners and knobs.
Follow our comprehensive refrigerator cleaning guide before tackling cabinets or other appliances. When cleaning cabinets, use your vacuum’s hose attachment to reach back corners for crumbs and dust, and be vigilant for pests or rodent droppings. After vacuuming, wipe down the shelves, sides, and cabinet doors with warm, soapy water. Don't forget to clean behind and underneath movable appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, to remove dust and hair that accumulate around wheels, legs, and intake filters. Refer to our guide for additional kitchen areas you might have overlooked.
Check Out our guide for Forgotten Areas in the Kitchen
Spotless Cabinets and Drawers
Kitchen Cabinets and drawers: Wipe down both the interiors and exteriors, as well as any sides, exposed or against appliances.
Bathroom Cabinets: Disinfect these to get rid of any lurking germs.
Pristine Bathrooms
Toilets: Use a heavy-duty acidic toilet cleaner to scrub all areas, including under the rim, the base, and the tank.
Sinks and Tubs: Remove soap scum with a strong bathroom cleaner.
Bathroom Vents and Exhaust Fans: Disassemble if Possible. Use a cheap toothbrush to remove dust and a multi-surface cleaning product for added cleanliness and smell.
Use the hose extension on your vacuum to suck up any cobwebs and dust balls. Ignoring vents and fans can lead to your family suffering from sinus and other respiratory issues, especially in young children.
Flawless Floors and Carpets
Hardwood Floors: Sweep thoroughly and mop with a suitable cleaner. Consider a wax finish for an added shine.
Carpets: A professional cleaning can eliminate old stains and odors, leaving them fresh and fluffy. For expert carpet and floor cleaning services, trust Wilton Manors Pro Clean to do the job right.
Crystal-Clear Windows and Treatments
Windows: Clean inside and out with a streak-free solution. Pay attention to the frames, sills and tracks.
Curtains and Blinds: Wash curtains and dust blinds to remove allergens and dust.
Use a sanitizing cleaning solution to eliminate germs and bacteria. For built-up grime in tracks, use a detail cleaning brush and solution for the Tracks and frames.
Immaculate Walls and Baseboards
Walls: Wipe down with a damp cloth, especially in high-traffic areas.
Baseboards: Dust and clean to remove dirt and scuff marks.
Mr. Clean Magic eraser does wonders for them, but ensure correct paint to not damage
Shiny Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Light Fixtures: Remove glass covers and wash them. Wipe bulbs and fixtures with a damp cloth.
Ceiling Fans: Dust the blades and clean them with a damp cloth to ensure they're free of dirt.
Dome lights, recessed lights, and other hard-to-reach fixtures are notoriously hard to clean! For recessed lighting, locate an extendable duster or attach a rag to a broom handle or yardstick to give yourself additional length.
For dome lights that need to be removed to clean, ensure any glass is allowed to dry thoroughly if you use glass cleaner or other cleaning solution before reinstalling. Residual water can lead to staining and, in extreme cases, even mold growth.
Tidy Closets and Storage Areas
Closet Shelves: Dust and wipe down to ensure they're ready for your belongings.
Storage Areas: Sweep or vacuum and clean surfaces for a fresh start.
Clean Air Vents and Filters
Air Vents: Remove covers and clean thoroughly. A vacuum can help with hard-to-reach areas.
Filters: Replace HVAC filters to ensure the air in your new home is clean.
Experts recommend using lower-cost air filters for greater efficiency and reduced wear and tear on your HVAC unit. While thicker filters are better for individuals with severe allergies, they can cause your unit to work harder.
Fresh Outdoor Areas
Porch and Patio: Sweep and clean to remove dirt and debris, making them ready for relaxation. Don't forget the ceilings.
Garage: Clear out dust and dirt, and wipe down surfaces for a tidy space.
Your new garage might attract mice, rats, and insects, especially if it hasn't been used for a while. Begin by using a broom, leaf blower, or shop vac to remove cobwebs, dirt piles, and debris. Then, apply a repellent (like a sonic plug-in or spray) to keep pests from returning to your home.
Taking these steps will make your new home feel truly yours. For professional move-in cleaning services, including carpet and floor cleaning, trust Wilton Manors Pro Clean to ensure your home is spotless and ready for you to enjoy.
Enjoy the process and savor the freshness of a clean, welcoming space! Happy Moving!
Comments