Cleaning a new house before moving in is highly recommended. Here’s what to clean and simple tips for how to do it.
Moving into a new house means endless possibilities. You get to decorate and create a whole new life for yourself somewhere different.
But, just because the house is new to you, doesn’t mean it’s new at all. You most likely didn’t know the previous owners or how clean they were. So, before you even think about unpacking, break out the cleaning supplies.
While the house is empty, this is the perfect opportunity for some serious deep cleaning before moving in. You don’t need to work around furniture or your belongings. It’s a completely blank slate. Time to get rid of all the dust and grime that was left behind so you can literally start fresh.
Make sure that you start from the top and work your way down in each room. In addition to that, start from one end of a space and move to the other side.
Here’s how to cleanse a new home…
What To Clean Before Moving In
1. Kitchen
If there’s one room in the house that takes a beating, it’s the kitchen. It has to stand up to crumbs, spatters, grease and dust. All of that makes for one dirty room, especially if it wasn’t being cleaned properly before.
I’m guessing you’ll want to go grocery shopping and get some food in the house a.s.a.p so start with this room. Here are the steps for how to deep clean the kitchen.
2. Bathroom
The bathroom is definitely a high priority area that needs to be cleaned and sanitized.
The Toilet – Clean inside the toilet bowl with a toilet bowl cleaner. Wipe down the tank, sides and rim of the toilet, as well as the base. You may consider replacing the toilet seat altogether. This is an extra cost but may be worth it to you.
Spray the toilet handle and toilet paper holder with disinfecting spray.
Shower, Sinks and Faucets – Scrub the shower, sinks and countertops with an all-purpose cleaner. Make sure that the product you use is safe on your countertops and tile. Also, spray the faucets with disinfecting spray.
Mirrors – Spray the mirrors with glass cleaner and wipe them clean.
Cupboards, Drawers and Shelves – Take a damp cloth and wipe down the inside of cupboards, drawers and shelves to remove dust or gunk that may be on them.
Door Handle – Spray the door handle with disinfecting cleaner.
3. Washing Machine, Dryer and Laundry Sink
The washing machine is one appliance that people never really think to clean until it starts to stink. Don’t throw your clothes in with the previous owner’s dirt and grime. Clean the washing machine first.
Simply add two cups of white vinegar instead of detergent and run on a regular hot cycle. The vinegar will cleanse the washing machine tub, get rid of bad smells and won’t damage your clothes.
You can also wipe down the rubber seal and soap dispensers with more vinegar.
Afterwards, run one more hot cycle without vinegar or detergent to wash away the cleaning agent.
Clean the lint trap and vent hoses in the clothes dryer as well. Dirty dryers start fires so think twice before skipping this task.
If you have a laundry sink, sprinkle baking soda in there and give it a good scrub. Then, rinse it clean.
4. Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Light fixtures and ceiling fans get pretty dusty and it’s no wonder. Who wants to climb up on a ladder to reach them?
As part of your new home cleaning process, grab a ladder and dust each light fixture in your house. Wipe them clean with a soft damp rag. Make sure they’re switched off first.
5. Windows
Using glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth, wipe off all the windows. This will get rid of dust, fingerprints and smudges and let more light into your new home.
6. Walls and Light Switches
Walls get dirty as people pass by and brush against them. They might need some extra love if there were children with little sticky fingers in the house before you moved in or smokers.
Get a damp rag and wipe down the walls. Pay special attention to corners and areas around door frames and light switches.
As for the light switches themselves, these also get grimy. I clean mine regularly with a Lysol wipe. Make sure to clean yours to protect yourself against germs and dirt left behind.
7. Handrails
When cleaning a new house before moving in, remember to wipe off the stair rails. Obviously, this is only necessary if you have multiple stories. You can use a damp cloth, a Lysol wipe or a little all-purpose cleaner. It’s up to you.
Here’s how to clean wooden stair rails.
8. Closet and Drawers
While the closets are completely empty, go ahead and dust off all the shelves, wipe out the inside of drawers and vacuum up all those dust bunnies. I would hate for you to drop your clothes into a big pile of someone else’s dust. Eww!
9. Air Ducts and Vents
While there’s no scientific proof that cleaning vents has any significant benefits, getting your air ducts cleaned by a professional skilled in this area is something you should do. This particular task should be completed every 3 – 5 years.
Cleaning your air ducts is recommended when:
- You suspect mold exists in the air ducts
- Have found an insect or rodent infestation in your home
- You see dust blowing out of your vents
- A new house build or a remodel has been completed
- There have been pets in the house that shed fur and dander
In addition to making sure the air you’re breathing is free of allergens, dust and mold, there are other benefits to cleaning your air ducts. Before you move into your new house, you should have them cleaned unless you have proof that the previous owner already did it within the last three years.
10. Floors
Once you’ve tackled all the rooms in your house, vacuum and mop the floors. Try to get under the stove, behind the fridge and into corners. Don’t forget the crown molding and baseboards.
Use these tips to keep your floors clean after you’ve moved in.
11. Garage
Brush away the cobwebs and sweep up any dust that might be in the garage. This would also be a good time to add any shelves or storage units you’ll need.
And, you’re all done!
Now you know how to clean a new house. It’s no easy task but it’s so worth it. You’ll move in feeling confident that it’s fit for your family and knowing it’s clean and sanitized.