When you buy a new house, the last thing you think about is having to clean it before you move in.
But whether you’ve bought an older house or are moving into a newly built property, you really don’t know who has been in there before you.
So, in this quick guide, we’ll show you what you need to clean in your new home before you move your belongings and furniture in. You’ll be glad you did when you finally move into a fresh, clean home.
Still in the process of house hunting? Here are six deal-breakers that should make you walk away immediately.
Why Is Deep Cleaning Important Before Unpacking?
Landlords will pay a professional cleaner to come in and clean a property before you move in. But if you buy a home, you won’t get this luxury. Plus, even if your rental has been professionally clean, there are still so many places dust and germs could be lurking.
You’ll never get an opportunity to deep clean your new home while it’s totally empty again, so why not take advantage and give it a thorough cleaning before you move your stuff in?
It’s much easier to get into all the corners and crevices, and it’ll make it much easier to keep on top of a cleaning routine once you’ve unpacked.
If you’re moving out of a rental, make sure to check out our moving-out checklist so you get your full security deposit back.
How Do I Clean A Newly Built House?
If you’ve bought a new construction, you might have to deal with dust and dirt throughout the house when you move in. Most construction firms do a good job of cleaning the houses ready to sell, but dust settles in awkward places, so it’ll still need a deep clean.
You can clean a new build exactly the same way as an older property. However, when you are in the process of cleaning, keep an eye out for damage or issues – these will need to be brought up with the seller during your snagging period to get them fixed.
The snagging period is usually two months and it’s the time when you can make a list of issues that the developer will come in and fix free of charge. Make sure you take advantage of this during your deep clean!
Cleaning Tools Needed for a Move-in Clean
To deep clean your home, you’re going to need some tools and supplies. Although you don’t need everything listed here to get your house move-in ready, it will make your job much quicker and easier.
Cleaning Tools
- Vacuum cleaner
- Duster/microfiber cloth
- Mop and bucket
- Broom
- Step ladder (especially if you have higher ceilings)
- Toilet brush
- Spray bottle (if you want to make your own cleaning solutions)
Materials
- Rubber gloves
- Sponges
- Old toothbrush (to get in those hard to reach places)
- Paper towels
- Liquid dish detergent
- White vinegar (a great natural cleaner)
- Baking soda (another natural cleaner)
- Glass cleaner
- Antibacterial kitchen and bathroom all-purpose cleaner
- Toilet cleaner
- Wood cleaner
- Floor cleaner
- Degreaser
- Carpet cleaner
- Cleaning erasers (melamine is great for wall stains)
- Disinfectant wipes
Where to Start?
Go through each room and use our handy cleaning tips below to make sure everything is squeaky clean and ready for your furniture.
Bathroom
- Change the toilet seat (you never know who used it before you)
- Disinfect the toilet bowl, sink, taps, shower, and bathtub
- Wipe down the medicine cabinet and the mirror
- Check for mold (you may have to remove silicone and reseal if the mold won’t come off)
- Scrub the bathroom tiles and grout lines
- Clean out the air vents
- Mop the floor with soapy water when everything else is done
Kitchen
- Disinfect kitchen appliances, including the stove, oven, microwave, fridge, and dishwasher
- Vacuum and wipe down the cabinet doors and drawers
- Disinfect the light fixtures, light switches, and handles
- Wipe down the kitchen sinks, taps, and countertops
- Clean the drain and garbage disposal with a leave-in cleaner or hot water
- Vacuum the floors (especially behind appliances)
- Mop the floor when everything else is done
Living Areas
- Wash the windows, sills, and tracks (that old toothbrush will come in handy here)
- Clean and dust all surfaces, including door frames and shelves
- Disinfect door handles, light switches, and other high tough areas
- Dust light fixtures
- Wash baseboards
- Vacuum and clean the carpets if you have a carpet cleaner
Bedrooms
- Clean under the bed and behind furniture if you have any in place
- Wipe down any wardrobes and shelving
- Wash the windows, sills, and tracks
- Disinfect door handle and light switches
- Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Wash baseboards
- Vacuum and clean carpets if you have a carpet cleaner
Should I Clean The Carpet Before Moving In?
If your new home has carpets, you should think about getting them professionally cleaned with a carpet cleaner. Carpets notoriously hold on to dust and dirt deep in the fibers that are hard to remove with a regular vacuum.
If you don’t want to use professional cleaning services, you can usually rent carpet cleaners from local hardware stores that will get the job done. And you’ll be amazed how much dirt lifts out of even new-looking carpets.
Need professional help moving to your new home?
At free Range Movers, we are experts in moving home. Our team can help you declutter your belongings and pack like a pro, and then move everything safely and securely to your new home.
We know the moving process can be stressful, which is why we aim to make the process as fun as possible. After all, this is a new adventure you should be excited about!
If you’re moving home soon, we’ve put together 15 moving tips you probably haven’t thought of yet to help the process go a little more smoothly.