26 Mar How to Clean Clean Your Home Before a Move
Considering moving? There is a lot to consider including the cleaning. Will you do it yourself or will you hire cleaners? Receiving your damage deposit back or ensuring the sale of your house or condo goes smoothly is the goal for providing a deep clean when you move out. You can then move on to your next chapter and start your new life with a spring in your step.
Yes, you may have to use a bit of elbow grease, but it’s worth it. Here are the steps you need to take if you are cleaning your home yourself to master the moving out cleaning checklist. A more detailed list can be found here https://www.tophatcleaningservices.ca/move-out-cleaning-services/
The Walls
Remove the screws and nails from the wall, putty and sand until you have a smooth surface and touch up with paint. Sometimes paint is left in the suite for touch ups. If you are hiring a cleaning service I strongly suggest doing your repairs BEFORE you start your move out clean.
Fixtures and Ledges
Wash and disinfect ledges and fixtures with a damp cloth and then wipe them with a clean dry cloth to remove any dust or fine hair. Drying fixtures and ledges leaves a polished and professional finish.
Windows and Doors
I love microfiber cloths and use them everywhere including windows. You can use a store bought window cleaner or simply add a drop of two of Dawn dish soap with some water and clean away. I ALWAYS dry my windows and surfaces with a dry cloth to ensure professional finish. For doors and door knobs you can use a light disinfectant or soap to tackle grime and build up.
Light Switches and Outlets
The light switches and outlets are often overlooked, but used on a daily basis. They do not require much more than a mild soap or cleaner, but it does make a big difference when they are clean and the buildup of fingerprints and grease are removed.
Baseboards
Baseboards are often missed during regular housekeeping . I recommend vacuuming them first and then hand washing with your choice of cleaner or mild soap, wash and then dry to remove hair or dust for a professional finish.
Floors
Once you have cleaned your home from the top to bottom you are now ready to vacuum. Don’t forget to use your crevice tool for the corners. This is very important! For carpets with stains and depending on the requirements of your lease or sales contract you may need to carpet clean. Have the carpet professionally cleaned if you have to – it is worth the expense.
Cabinets
Clean out all of the liners and the cabinets. For spills and crumbs vacuum the inside of your cabinets, disinfect with a clean damp cloth, cleaner and wipe dry. Don’t forget under the cabinets and cabinet fronts.
Countertops
Clean the countertops using a microfiber cloth and a little soap and water or a mild disinfectant that is safe for your surface. You may also choose to purchase a cleaner specifically for your type of counter. It is also important to ensure that the sink and the taps are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and left shining!
Refrigerator
I like to clean my fridge in sections so I don’t have all of the shelving out at one time. It makes cleaning easier. Clean each shelf with a with a mix of warm water and soap including the inside walls of the fridge. Pay special attention to any stains and old food in the corners. Leave the freezer open while cleaning the fridge to give it some time to warm up making it easier to clean.
Oven and Stove
If you have a self cleaning oven turn it on and the overhead fan. The oven will automatically lock and begin to work its magic. This feature can take 2-3 hours depending on the oven settings and will open when it is cool and safe to do so. If you do not have a self cleaning oven spray with Easy Off leaving the racks in and allow to sit over night for the best results. The next day remove the racks, rinse and then wipe the inside of the oven. If your drip pans are heavily soiled I recommend placing them in the oven when you spray.
Dishwasher
Remove the dishes from the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle with a mix of warm water and vinegar inside of a dishwasher safe container. Alternatively, there are dishwasher cleaning products that could be used. Personally I purchase “Finish” purchased at Home Depot or your local grocery store to deep clean my dishwasher monthly.
Appliances
Make sure that you sweep or vacuum and wash the floor and wall behind all major appliances. Don’t forget the top of the fridge.
Garage
The garage should be emptied and swept out. You can use a leaf blower to make the job a bit easier, but be sure to pick up any large debris first.
Yard
Cut the grass, pull all of the weeds out of the crevices and make sure that you get everything out of the trees that you may have stuck there.
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