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Getting your new home sparkling clean before you move in can really help lower your stress. It’s a step that’s often forgotten with the hustle and bustle of moving, but it’s super important.
Let’s face it, moving out is a busy time and cleaning isn’t usually at the top of the to-do list. And even if the last person cleaned up, it might not be as spotless as you’d like. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn the ropes of home cleaning before you move in, to kick off your new chapter on the right foot.
No matter if you’re the new owner or just renting, being organized can make your move way smoother. Cleaning is definitely one of those things you should do early on. This means getting rid of stuff you don’t need anymore, packing your belongings ahead of time, and giving your new place a good scrub down before your stuff even gets there.
Your New Home Cleaning Strategy
Embarking on the journey to a new home is exciting, and giving it a thorough clean before moving in is the key to a truly fresh start. If pre-move cleaning isn’t in the cards, don’t worry! A successful post-move cleaning strategy can still ensure your new abode feels perfectly yours.
If you find yourself on moving day with cleaning yet to be done, here’s a nifty trick: keep all your packed items and furniture in one spot, preferably away from high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom. This approach streamlines the cleaning process immensely. For those who can swing it, popping your possessions into storage for a short spell grants you that precious extra time to get down to the nitty-gritty without obstacles.
Now, with your stage set for a cleaning encore, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. A solid cleaning game plan is your best friend here, tailored to the unique character of your new home. Don’t fret if you’re not sure where to start—we’ve tapped into our own treasure trove of tidying tips and expert advice to craft an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide that’ll take your cleaning from routine to remarkable. Let’s dive in and transform your space from ‘just moved in’ to ‘home sweet home.’
The Essential Cleaning Kit for Your New Home
Moving into a new home? Don’t let the excitement make you forget one crucial task – packing a box of cleaning essentials. This is your secret weapon to make your new space sparkle from the get-go. By setting aside a specially prepared box of cleaning supplies, you’ll be ready to dive into sprucing up your new home as soon as you step through the door.
Here’s what you should have in your cleaning toolkit to tackle any mess:
Equipment / Tools
- Vacuum
- Duster
- Dust mop
- Broom
- Bucket
- Step ladder
- Toilet brush
- Putty knife (optional)
- Spray bottle
Materials
- Rubber gloves
- Non-abrasive sponges
- Abrasive sponges
- Old toothbrush or cleaning brush
- Paper towels
- Cleaning rags or microfiber cloths
- Liquid dish detergent
- White vinegar
- Window cleaner
- All-purpose kitchen and bath cleaner
- Toilet cleaner
- Shelf lining paper
- Wood cabinet cleaner
- Baking soda
- Chlorine-free bleach
- Floor cleaner
- Oven cleaner (optional)
- Degreasing cleaner
- Sheet of brown paper or newspaper
- Carpet cleaner
- Disposable cleaning erasers (optional)
- Cleaner with chlorine bleach or chlorine bleach (optional)
- Tile or stone cleaner (optional)
- Wood soap cleaner (optional)
Having these items at hand means you can start your new home journey with cleanliness and comfort. So, remember to pack that special box of cleaning essentials – it’s the first step to making your new house truly feel like home.
Air Out Before You Clean
Before you grab the cleaning supplies, there’s a simple yet essential step to enhance your cleaning experience: open those windows and let in the fresh air. It’s more than just a gesture of starting anew; it’s a practical way to improve your cleaning and living environment. Fresh air does wonders by removing the stale, musty air of an uninhabited house, making your new space feel alive and welcoming. It also ensures a healthier cleaning environment by clearing out any chemical fumes from cleaning products, making your cleaning safer and more pleasant. This burst of freshness not only uplifts your mood but also energizes you, turning the task of cleaning into an enjoyable part of settling in. So, before diving into the cleaning, take a moment to let in the fresh air and truly make your new house feel like home.
Top-Down Cleaning: A Smarter Way to Tidy Up
Here’s a golden rule to make the process smoother and more effective: clean from the top down. This isn’t just a random tip—it’s a strategy endorsed by cleaning gurus and seasoned homeowners alike, and for good reason.
Why Start High and End Low?
The logic is simple yet powerful. Begin with the high spots – ceilings, light fixtures, fans, and walls. This way, any dust or debris that falls won’t land on areas you’ve already cleaned. It’s all about working smart, not hard.
The Expert’s Take
Brian Gilbert, a cleaning expert, highlights the practicality of this method. “When you clean the higher areas first and move downwards, you’re essentially ensuring that the dirt and debris naturally fall to the floor, which you’ll tackle last,” he explains. This strategy saves you from the frustrating cycle of re-cleaning surfaces where debris has resettled.
Clean Your New Bathroom
One of the first places to bestow your personal touch? The bathroom. It’s where your day begins and ends, a personal haven that sets the tone for your comfort and hygiene. Let’s guide you through the essential steps to ensure your new bathroom is not just clean, but a reflection of your care and attention.
Start at the Top: Ceasing Dust and Cobwebs
Your cleaning journey should start at the highest point – the ceiling. Dust and cobwebs tend to accumulate here, especially in a space that’s been vacant. A long-handled duster is your ally in this task, ensuring that later steps aren’t marred by falling debris.
Shine Windows and Mirrors
Windows and mirrors play a vital role in the bathroom, reflecting both light and cleanliness. Wipe them down with a mix of vinegar and water for a natural, streak-free shine. This step is vital in ensuring your bathroom feels bright and welcoming.
Clean Cabinets and Closets
Moving in means unpacking, and for your bathroom items, it means placing them in cabinets and closets. But first, these storage areas need a thorough clean. Empty them, wipe them down, and organize your items thoughtfully, discarding anything left by previous occupants.
Scrub the Tub and Shower: Erase Past Residues
The tub and shower require your attention next. They can harbor residues from past use, so a thorough scrub is necessary. Baking soda and vinegar can be effective, eco-friendly cleaning agents. Rinse thoroughly to wash away any trace of former residents.
Disinfect the Toilet
A crucial step in bathroom cleaning, especially in a new home, is disinfecting the toilet. It’s essential for hygiene and peace of mind. Clean every part – bowl, seat, lid, and base – with a strong disinfectant. This ensures you’re starting off with the most sanitary conditions possible.
Polish the Sink Area
The sink area, frequently used and highly visible, demands meticulous cleaning. Faucets, handles, and the basin can accumulate grime and bacteria. A disinfectant spray or a mild soap solution does wonders here, enhancing both cleanliness and aesthetics.
Tackle the Kitchen
After sorting out the bathrooms, your next stop is the kitchen. This area often gathers all sorts of messes and sticky spots, and it’s important to eliminate any lingering cooking odors left by the previous occupants.
Start High
Kick off your cleaning spree from the top. Dust off the ceiling, light fixtures, and tops of cabinets. This approach prevents dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces, making your task more efficient.
Clean Walls
Kitchen walls can accumulate more grime than you might expect. Wipe them down with a gentle detergent, paying special attention to areas around the stove and sink. Remember, clean walls set the tone for the entire kitchen.
Declutter and Clean Your Cabinets
Empty and clean all cabinets and drawers. This is the perfect opportunity to organize and declutter your kitchen essentials. Wiping down the shelves and exteriors will make your cabinets ready for your dishes and ingredients.
The Stove
- Remove and Soak Stove Elements and Drip Pans: Let them sit in a soapy solution to loosen grease.
- Clean the Oven Interior: A baking soda paste is a great, non-toxic option for a sparkling oven.
- Range Hood and Filters: Degrease and clean the hood and filters, as they trap cooking odors and grease.
- Stove Surfaces: Wipe down all surfaces, including knobs and handles.
- Under the Stove: Don’t forget to clean beneath, a common spot for hidden dust and food crumbs.
The Refrigerator
- Remove and Clean Shelves and Drawers: Wash them with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe Down Interior Walls: Use a mild cleaning solution.
- Defrost and Clean the Freezer: Ensure it’s completely dry before switching it back on.
- Back and Sides of the Refrigerator: Dust and clean around the coils and sides.
By following these steps, you’re not just cleaning; you’re setting up a welcoming, hygienic space for all the cooking and gathering that’ll happen in your new home. Your kitchen is now ready for the first meal and many more to come in your new journey.
Progress Through Remaining Rooms, Tackling Items One by One
Start tackling the other rooms one by one, such as the entryway, living room, home office, and bedrooms. These are generally simpler to clean. A great strategy for efficiency is to clean similar items across all rooms rather than room by room. For instance, dust all the ceiling fans first, then move to door tops, light switches, and window sills, working your way down. This method allows dust to settle. Leave vacuuming and mopping for last.
Window cleaning is also key, but it’s best done on a less sunny day to avoid missing streaks.
As you move through each room, keep an eye out for any damage or repairs needed, like wall issues, broken taps, faulty switches, or loose nails. Make a note of these to address later.
Remember to Clean the Less Obvious Places
check: 12 Commonly Overlooked Spots in Your Home Cleaning Routine
In every home, certain areas often go unnoticed, both by previous residents and potentially by you, unless you pay careful attention. So, where does dirt typically hide? It’s in those spots that aren’t immediately obvious and require a closer inspection, such as the insides of light fittings, handles of cabinets and drawers, and the less accessible architraves and baseboards that gather grime. To make sure you don’t skip these, it’s wise to create a checklist before you start cleaning.
Cleaning Tips for Curtains, Carpets, and Soft Furnishings When Moving In
When you’re settling into a new rental, it’s easy to overlook the curtains, carpets, and soft furnishings. However, these often-neglected areas can harbor surprising amounts of dust and dirt. Don’t skip them in your cleaning routine – knowing how to clean upholstery, curtains, and carpets can make a significant difference in creating a fresh living space.
1. Tackle Upholstery with a Steam Cleaner One of the most effective methods for cleaning upholstery is using a steam cleaner. If you’re renting a hand-held design, you’ll find it quite versatile. Just remember to check the care tags on your fabrics to ensure they can withstand the heat. Steam cleaning not only removes dirt but also sanitizes and refreshes your soft furnishings, leaving them looking and smelling clean.
2. Deep Clean Your Carpets While you have the steam cleaner on hand, take the opportunity to deep clean your carpets. Over time, carpets can accumulate dirt, dust mites, and allergens. A thorough cleaning will not only improve the appearance but also enhance indoor air quality. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and any stains you come across.
3. Don’t Forget Area Rugs If your new rental comes with area rugs, don’t neglect them. Area rugs can hide a surprising amount of dirt and debris. Use your steam cleaner to give them a deep clean, just like you would with carpets. This ensures a fresh start in your new home.
By including these steps in your moving-in cleaning routine, you’ll create a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
Floor Cleaning Guidelines
Caring for Carpeted Floors:
- When moving into a home with carpets, it’s a good idea to get them steam cleaned by professionals before you settle in. In cases where this isn’t feasible, or if the previous residents have already cleaned the carpets, ensure you give them a comprehensive vacuuming. Additionally, if the former inhabitants had pets, consider treating your carpets for fleas as a precaution, especially if you have pets yourself.
Maintaining Wood Floors:
- For cleaning floors made of hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate that resembles wood, start by sweeping thoroughly. Be sure to reach under heating vents and around appliances. For washing the surface, a gentle wood cleaner, like Murphy Oil Soap, is ideal for eliminating grime while adding a lustrous finish and a pleasant scent.
Essential Safety Tips for Cleaning Your New Home
As you embark on the exciting journey of moving in, it’s crucial to approach cleaning with safety in mind. Begin by gearing up with protective wear like gloves, masks, and possibly safety goggles, especially when dealing with heavy dust or harsh chemical cleaners. This not only protects your skin but also keeps your lungs safe. Additionally, wearing shoes with a good grip can prevent slips, a common hazard when moving around on freshly cleaned, potentially wet floors.
When using chemical cleaners, always ensure the area is well-ventilated. Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate, reducing the risk of inhaling fumes. It’s also important to read the labels on cleaning products carefully. Some chemicals can be dangerous when mixed, so staying informed is key to avoiding hazardous combinations.
If you’re using cleaning equipment like vacuums or steam cleaners, make sure you’re familiar with their operation to prevent accidents or damage. Moreover, store all cleaning products and equipment out of reach of children and pets to prevent any mishaps.
Remember, moving and cleaning can be physically taxing. To avoid overexertion, take regular breaks to rest and stay hydrated. This will help you maintain your energy and focus, ensuring a safe and efficient cleaning process. By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can enjoy a smooth and secure start to your life in your new home. Happy cleaning and best wishes for your new beginning!
Trust the Experts for Your Move-In Clean
Tackling the cleaning of your new home is doable, but moving entails many other tasks that demand your attention. Instead of juggling everything alone, consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Cleanmate in Philadelphia, PA. We offer tailor-made packages to thoroughly clean your new home before you move in, ensuring everything is spotless and ready for you.
Seeking Premier Cleaning Services in Philadelphia, PA and nearby areas?
For exceptional cleaning services in the Philadelphia PA, Cleanmate is the go-to choice. Our team of well-trained and rigorously screened cleaners guarantees to make your house immaculately clean. Provide us with your specific requirements, and we’ll strive to accommodate your schedule and budget, ensuring a seamless and stress-free cleaning experience.
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