It’s difficult to put your property on the market without lifting a finger. There are usually home repairs, house staging, and a number of other tasks that accumulate on your list. It seems the more you look around, the more work you find to do. For example, when’s the last time you cleaned? I mean, really cleaned?
Your home has to sparkle and shine if it’s going to have a chance of competing in the real estate market. There aren’t many buyers out there who will get excited about a dirty home. Here are the steps you need to take to deep clean your home—plus a few other options if you’d rather not put in the time and effort.
- Cleaning Your House to Sell
- Focus Areas for Cleaning Your House to Sell
- Options to Avoid Deep Cleaning Your House Before Selling
- Want to Avoid Deep Cleaning Before Selling Your Home? Contact New Again Houses Today!
- Deep Cleaning Your House Before Selling: A Comprehensive Checklist
- FAQs for Cleaning Your House Before Selling
Cleaning Your House to Sell
Before you get to the deep clean, there’s a lot of prep work involved. Here’s a guide on how to get ready for the main event.
Step 1: Declutter Your House
Just as you would gather and put away things if you were having visitors, you need to declutter your home before you start a deep clean. Not only does this help you get to the areas you want to clean, but it also makes the space more attractive for a buyer.
You should store what you want to keep, donate items that are in good shape, and trash anything that’s not worth saving. Items destined for storage need to be organized and labeled in boxes or bins so you can quickly identify the contents. Decluttering is necessary for safety during showings, too. You don’t want someone tripping and falling over a toy on the stairs or a pair of shoes in the living room.
Step 2: Pre-Clean Your House
Once you’ve disposed of the clutter, it’s time for a pre-cleaning assessment. Take a look around your home and note the trouble areas. Some spaces may not take long and only need a standard cleaning, while others may require more time and effort. You should identify any special materials or surfaces where traditional cleaning products shouldn’t be used.
Step 3: Gather Cleaning Supplies
Now that you have a better idea of what needs to be done, you can gather up your supplies and see what’s missing. Do you need special tools to tackle kitchen grout? Do you have the product you need to get rid of those bedroom carpet stains? If not, you may need to make a trip to the store before you get started. Here’s a checklist of supplies that are typically needed for a deep clean:
- Cleaning cloths
- Tub scrubber
- Rubber gloves
- All-purpose cleaner
- Multi-surface floor cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Duster
- Antibacterial cleaner
- Oven cleaner
- Scrub sponge
- Paper towels
- Vacuum
- Mop & bucket
- Broom & dustpan
Step 4: Deep Clean Your House
With a plan of attack and the right tools to do the job, you can dive into your deep clean. You should start with smaller cleaning jobs first, like getting rid of mold and mildew in the shower, and save the bigger jobs for last, such as vacuuming the entire house. Why? You’re going to stir up dirt with each small task, so you might as well do the overall mass cleaning at the end.
When focusing on small tasks in each room, follow the top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule so that nothing is overlooked. You will likely spend more time in commonly used areas like the kitchen and bathrooms compared to less lived-in spaces like the dining room and foyer. However, it’s important to give all areas a good onceover, especially if you’ve ignored them on previous occasions.
Focus Areas for Cleaning Your House to Sell
Short answer? The entire house. However, we all know certain places tend to get more grimy than others. You might as well get the grungiest work out of the way first.
Bathrooms
If you have just one bathroom, then good news! You only have to do this once. Start with coating the toilet bowl with a cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes while you do other tasks. Come back later to scrub the bowl with a brush, and then flush. Spray multi-surface antibacterial disinfectant on the sink as well as shower, tub, and toilet exteriors.
PRO TIP:
Wipe them down with paper towels in that same order so you don’t spread bacteria from the toilet. For streak-free results, use a glass cleaner on the mirror and shower door. Wipe with paper towels and then go back over the surfaces with a microfiber cloth. You can also use glass cleaner on faucets for extra shine—after they’ve been disinfected.
Kitchen
Spray and scrub counters, appliances, and cabinets—including pulls. Be sure to use a multi-surface antibacterial spray designed for these surfaces. A direct spray on hardened or sticky stains will soften them up so you can wipe them away easier.
PRO TIP:
If you have marble or granite countertops, you should not use antibacterial spray. Follow proper stone care procedures instead. Often, hot water and dish soap will work just fine. Your fridge should be emptied so you can tackle the inside with soap and water. If you come across difficult stains, you may need a scouring pad. Use disinfectant at the end of this task. You can clean the dishwasher this way, too. If there’s an odor, run an empty cycle with a natural deodorizer. If you have a self-cleaning oven, this job will be much easier. Remove the racks then run the automatic cleaner. After everything has cooled, wipe out the oven with water and a non-scratch sponge. If you don’t have the automatic function, use an oven-cleaning solution and let it sit on drips and stains for a few minutes before wiping them away with that non-scratch sponge.
Bedrooms, Living Spaces, & the Rest of House
Here are the remaining tasks for the areas you haven’t cleaned yet—like bedrooms and living spaces—as well as the house in general:
- Wash walls & baseboards
- Dust every surface
- Sweep hard-surface floors
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and drapery
- Wash & air dry rugs
- Clean mirrors & windows
- Mop hard surface floors
In the end, do a final walkthrough of the home to make sure you’ve cleaned every inch.
PRO TIP:
When you’re done, rest!
Options to Avoid Deep Cleaning Your House Before Selling
If this sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is a lot of work. Maybe you’re thinking, “What if I don’t want to do all of this to sell my house? There are a few options.
Option 1: Hire a Cleaning Service
There are many businesses that offer deep-cleaning services. Ask these questions before you hire a cleaning company:
- What cleaning services do they offer?
- How much do they charge to clean?
- How long will the cleaning take?
- Are the cleaning products safe?
- How should you prepare for the cleaning?
Even if you hire someone to do the hard stuff, keep in mind you will still have to declutter and make room for them to clean.
Option 2: Sell Your House to a Cash Home Buyer
If your home is past the point of no return or you just don't have the time to make it market-ready, talk to a cash buyer about making an offer on your home. You can sell your property as-is because these investors typically buy homes in any condition. When you sell your home to a cash buyer, you can take what you want and leave the rest. There’s no need to polish up the property for the real estate market. In the end, you have money to invest in another home and no ties to your current situation.
Want to Avoid Deep Cleaning Before Selling Your Home? Contact New Again Houses Today!
Now you know how to deep clean your home for listing—plus ways to avoid the mop and bucket. You can commit to giving your home a thorough cleaning, hire someone else to do the dirty work, or just sit tight and sell to a cash buyer. There’s no fixing, decluttering, cleaning, or staging required to sell your home with New Again Houses®. Contact us today if you don’t have the time or energy to deal with the mess.
Deep Cleaning Your House Before Selling: A Comprehensive Checklist
Selling your home is a significant undertaking, and ensuring it is clean and well-presented is essential to attract potential buyers. Deep cleaning your house before selling not only enhances its visual appeal but also signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained. Here's a detailed checklist to guide you through the process:
The Big Things
Appliances
Fridge, Dishwasher, and Oven: Clean these appliances inside and out using special products to ensure they shine and smell fresh.
Bathrooms
Bathtubs, Sinks, and Toilets: Scrub these areas thoroughly, removing stains and dirt to ensure they are sparkling clean.
Glass & Mirrors
Windows, Mirrors, and Glass Surfaces: Use a good glass cleaner to eliminate streaks and smudges and ensure these surfaces are clear and reflect light effectively.
Walls & Counters
Wall Marks and Damage: Scrub marks and consider using special cleaners for persistent stains. Address any damage that might require fixing with new paint or putty.
Floors & Baseboards
Carpets and Hardwood Floors: Clean carpets and use appropriate cleaners for hardwood floors. Vacuum and clean baseboards thoroughly to ensure a polished look.
The Little Things
Light Fixtures
Ceiling and Wall Fixtures: Remove light bulbs, clean inside and outside of fixtures, and replace bulbs if necessary. Ensure the fixtures are bright and free from stains and grime.
Windows & Sills
Window Sills and Frames: Wipe down and remove any stains. Consider giving them a quick coat of paint for a fresh, new look.
General Maintenance
General Repairs: Attend to any small repair needs to ensure the house looks well-cared for and move-in ready.
Clutter
Counters, Windowsills, and Hidden Spaces: Clean all visible and hidden areas to remove clutter and create a spacious, uncluttered look for potential buyers.
Exterior Cleaning
Outdoor Areas
Driveway, Walkway, and Exterior Walls: Power wash these areas to ensure they are clean and well-maintained.
Pool and Landscape: Clean the pool or keep the cover on and tidy up the landscape with weeded and mulched flower beds, pruned shrubs, and swept driveways.
Final Touches
Staging
Staging: Even if you're on a budget, stage your home for sale by placing decorations strategically, tidying up countertops, and making the entryway inviting with flowers.
Pet Owners
Pet Odors and Hair: Address pet odors and hair by keeping pets away during showings, using enzymatic cleaners, and vacuuming thoroughly to appeal to non-pet owners.
By following this detailed checklist, you can ensure that your home is clean and well-maintained, creating a positive impression on potential buyers and maximizing the appeal and value of your property.
FAQs for Cleaning Your House Before Selling
1. Why is deep cleaning important before selling your house?
Deep cleaning is essential before selling your house because it enhances the visual appeal of the property and creates a positive first impression for potential buyers. A clean and well-maintained home signals to buyers that the property has been cared for, potentially increasing its value and marketability.
2. What are some key areas to focus on when deep cleaning a house before selling?
Key areas to focus on when deep cleaning a house before selling include appliances, bathrooms, glass and mirrors, walls and counters, floors and baseboards. These areas should be thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained to present the house in the best possible light to potential buyers.
3. Should I consider professional cleaning services before selling my house?
While it's not mandatory, considering professional cleaning services can be beneficial, especially for large or challenging areas such as carpets, upholstery, and high windows. Professional cleaners can ensure a thorough and detailed clean, saving you time and effort while presenting the house at its best.
4. Can I deep clean my house on my own, or should I hire a professional?
Deep cleaning your house on your own is entirely possible with the right tools, cleaning products, and dedication. However, for extensive or time-consuming tasks, hiring a professional cleaning service can ensure a meticulous and efficient deep clean, especially if you have a busy schedule or prefer to leave the cleaning to experts.
5. How can I avoid deep cleaning my house before selling?
To avoid deep cleaning your house before selling, consider selling it as-is for cash. This approach allows you to sell the property in its current condition without the need for extensive cleaning or costly repairs. By attracting cash buyers who are interested in properties that need work, you can expedite the selling process and bypass the need for deep cleaning.
