Move-In Cleaning overview
Move-In Cleaning Tips & Tricks
Moving can undoubtedly be one of the most stressful times in your life. The extensive list of tasks to accomplish requires careful planning for a smooth transition. One of the critical items on this list is cleaning your new home before you move in. To help you with this, we’ve compiled proven tips for efficient house cleaning before settling into your new space.
Should You Clean Before or After Moving?
Cleaning your new home before you move in is an excellent way to ensure a truly fresh start. Cleaning a house before moving in will likely be the most thorough cleaning it will receive for a while. Without furniture and other items in the way, you can easily track down dirt and dust. Scrubbing, mopping, and other chores are also faster and more efficient when there’s nothing blocking your view.
Pre-move cleaning also helps you uncover hidden stains and odors. A thorough cleaning gives you a fresh start in a home that smells and feels clean. Before you unpack a single box, get your new place sparkling clean and smelling fresh with helpful tips from the pros at Duo Cleaning.
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of a cleaning marathon? Call in the experts from Duo Cleaning. We’ll take care of the cleaning while you focus on the many other tasks required to move into your beautifully clean home.
How Do I Clean Before I Move In?
Cleaning a house before moving in is more manageable with a proven move-in cleaning checklist that covers all the essentials. This checklist will guide you from start to finish, ensuring that every room, including bathrooms, the kitchen, and other living areas, is thoroughly cleaned. Give yourself and your cleaning team ample time to do a comprehensive job.
This is the perfect opportunity to clean every nook and cranny since cleaning under furniture and behind appliances becomes more challenging once you move in. Involving the whole family can make the process easier and faster. Children over the age of 10 can be especially helpful with cleaning tasks. Add a little incentive, such as their favorite dinner or dessert, to keep them motivated and make the job more enjoyable for everyone.
Want to Clean Like the Pros?
To clean your new home like a professional, start from the top and work your way down. Cleaning high to low allows the dust and dirt you stir up to settle on surfaces below, ensuring you don't have to clean areas twice. Begin with the tops of cabinets, high shelves, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Reaching high places can be challenging, so take your time and be cautious. Once the upper areas are clean, gradually work your way down, tackling surfaces as you go. Finally, get down on your hands and knees to clean the baseboards and floors thoroughly.
Pro Cleaning Hack: Use a dryer sheet to wipe down your baseboards. This method not only cleans effectively but also helps repel pet hair and dust, keeping your baseboards cleaner for longer.
Clean the Refrigerator
If you have food that needs refrigeration, the kitchen should be your first priority. Begin by cleaning the fridge and counters, then proceed to the rest of the kitchen using your cleaning checklist. Pull out the refrigerator to vacuum and mop behind and underneath it.
Clean both the inside and outside of the refrigerator and freezer, paying special attention to the racks and drawers. Let the racks and drawers soak in the kitchen sink while you clean the rest of the appliance. Once everything is spotless, reassemble the fridge and load your food into your freshly cleaned refrigerator.
Clean the Kitchen Counters
Your kitchen counters will serve as a staging area for sorting food items and assembling cleaning supplies, tools, and other gear. Start by thoroughly cleaning the counters and allowing them to air dry before placing anything on them. As a final step, spray disinfectant on the counters to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of germs.
Clean the Bathrooms
Start by inspecting the bathrooms for leaks, damaged caulk and grout, and mold. Make a note of any issues that need attention later—your primary focus now is achieving a clean and healthy bathroom. Here are some cleaning tips to follow:
- Ventilate the Area: Turn on the exhaust fan and open a window before you begin cleaning to ensure proper ventilation and minimize fumes from cleaning products.
- Deep Clean Key Areas: Clean the toilet bowl, sink, shower, tub, and faucets thoroughly. If there is grime buildup in the tub or shower, apply a cleaning product and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing.
- Disinfect Surfaces: After cleaning, follow up with a disinfectant to kill any remaining germs and bacteria.
- Clean Additional Surfaces: Wipe down the mirror, cabinets, and other surfaces to ensure they are spotless.
- Vacuum and Mop the Floor: Finish by vacuuming and mopping the floor to remove any dirt and debris, leaving the bathroom clean and fresh.
Clean the Floors
Cleaning floors should be one of the last tasks on your move-in cleaning checklist. After cleaning the entire home, dirt, dust, and grime tend to settle on the floors. By saving the floors and carpet for last, you ensure that everything is as clean as possible when you move in.
Laminate Floors: Using a steam mop on laminate floors is not recommended, as the moisture could cause warping and other damage. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor, then use a damp mop to clean it. Avoid applying too much water to the laminate floor. A spray bottle and a dry mop can also effectively get the job done.
Hardwood Floors: Similar to laminate flooring, wood floors are also susceptible to moisture damage. Vacuum or sweep away excess dirt and dust. Mix four cups of warm water with a few drops of Castile soap in a bucket. Use a damp mop to clean one small section of the floor at a time, ensuring each area is dry before moving on to the next.
Carpet: Begin by vacuuming and treating visible stains. Refer to tips on how to remove stains from carpet. Once the stains are removed, use a carpet cleaner that extracts water to clean the entire carpet and eliminate embedded dirt and grime. Allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it, which typically takes several hours. After drying, vacuum again thoroughly to remove any residue. When you're ready to move in, place carpet runners, mats, or plastic down to keep the carpet clean during the moving process.
Let the Professionals Help You Get It All Done
Cleaning your new house before you move in is immensely satisfying, as it ensures you're starting off in a home that is spotless from top to bottom. However, all that cleaning requires significant time and energy. While moving into a new home is exciting, it can also be a stressful experience.
If you love the idea of moving into a meticulously clean home but don’t have the time, Duo Cleaning can help! Our move-in cleaning services and professional cleaning team will make sure your new home is immaculate when you’re ready to move in. We offer flexible cleaning options that fit your schedule, ensuring convenience and ease. Plus, our commitment to quality guarantees your complete satisfaction.
Take the burden of cleaning off your list of things to do before you move and request a free quote from Duo Cleaning today. Enjoy a stress-free move and a beautifully clean home with our expert help!
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