Do you want to know how to clean a new house before moving in?
A new home or apartment opens up a world of possibilities. Empty walls, a clear floor, and a blank slate on which to create your ideal living environment. However, it would be best if you took care of some essentials before moving on to the more exciting aspects of your new home. In particular, the comprehensive cleaning of a brand-new house.
A move-in cleaning is a must if you rent or buy a home. It’s only natural that whoever lived there before you would have tracked in a little filth and dust you’d like to get rid of before making yourself home. Unless you’ve just moved into a brand-new building, chances are you will need some cleaning before you can start unpacking your boxes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a new house before moving in, so you can start enjoying your new home stress-free.
Where To Begin?
It’s helpful to have a plan in place for pre-move house cleaning to ensure a smooth transition into a new home. Ceilings and light fixtures should be the first things you clean in the space, followed by walls and furniture. Keep in mind that the more thoroughly you complete each task, the more you will love your new home. You will have another chance to clean with furniture in the way.
➡️ Ceilings, Walls, and Light Fixtures
Start at the top and work your way down. First, dust any ceiling fans or light fixtures. These areas can get pretty grimy and are often overlooked. If you have high ceilings, use a step stool or ladder to reach any difficult spots.
Next, move on to the walls. Use a damp cloth or damp microfiber cloth to remove any stains or smudges. If you’re dealing with more stubborn stains, you may need to break out the cleaning supplies. For general cleaning, an all-purpose cleaner should do the trick.
➡️ Furniture
After taking care of the ceilings and walls, it’s time to move on to the furniture. You’ll want to start by dusting all surfaces, including under cushions. If you’re dealing with any upholstered pieces, be sure to vacuum.
Next, focus on any hard surfaces like tables or countertops. These areas can be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth. Be sure to get into any nooks and crannies, as dust can accumulate there.
➡️ Bathroom
The bathroom is the ideal first stop when deep cleaning the house. It had a purpose during the move-out and will serve a similar purpose during the move-in, so it makes sense to start cleaning there.
You can use vinegar and baking soda to remove stains from porcelain fixtures such as sinks, showers, and toilet seats. You can remove stains by applying a mixture to them and waiting 30 minutes to an hour, by which time the acid in the vinegar should have softened the stain enough to be scrubbed away.
In addition, you can remove tile grout stains by using a paste made from baking soda and white vinegar, letting it sit for up to half an hour, and then scrubbing it with a toothbrush. Use a disinfecting agent, such as vinegar or bleach, to scrub down the inside of the toilet.
Put vinegar in the toilet’s water tank and let it sit overnight for a thorough cleaning. This will remove the built-up gunk that can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and cause premature wear on the toilet’s functional parts.
You can remove the toilet seat to clean behind the hinges and give the hinges a good scrape with your toothbrush. It would help if you also sterilized the towel racks, door handles, and light switches. Also, use disinfectant to wipe down the walls and ceiling. You can easily clean the vent in the ceiling by removing its cover.
➡️ Kitchen
If you’re like most people, the kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s important to thoroughly clean before moving in so that it will be a welcoming space for cooking and entertaining. Start by cleaning out the fridge.
Remove any old food, and then clean the shelves with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Be sure to get into the crevices, as food can often get stuck there.
Next, clean the oven. You can use a commercial oven cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. For a natural option, sprinkle baking soda on the oven floor and then spray it with vinegar. Let it sit for an hour, then scrub it with a sponge.
Next, move on to the countertops and cabinets. Wipe down all surfaces with a cloth dampened with water and vinegar. Be sure to get into any nooks and crannies, as dust can accumulate there.
Finally, sweep and mop the floor. Again, be sure to get into any hard-to-reach spots.
➡️ Living Spaces and Hallways
After taking care of the key areas of the house, it’s time to focus on the living spaces and hallways. Living spaces and hallways are often some of the most trafficked areas in a home, and as a result, they can quickly become dirty.
However, it is easy to keep these areas clean with a little elbow grease. For general cleaning, start by vacuuming or sweeping the floor to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Then, use a damp rag or mop to clean the floor. If there are any stains or marks on the walls or floors, be sure to spot-clean them.
In addition, dust all surfaces, including windowsills, shelves, and picture frames. Finally, vacuum or sweep any carpets or rugs.
➡️ Bedrooms
The bedrooms are often the last places people think to clean when moving into a new house. However, it’s important to take the time to clean them thoroughly so that they’re comfortable and inviting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your bedroom before moving in:
① Start by removing all the trash and debris from the room. This includes things like old newspapers, food wrappers, and empty boxes.
② Once the garbage has been cleared, dust and vacuum the entire area, including floors, walls, furniture, and windowsills.
③ Next, focus on the bedding. Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water. If you’re using a new mattress, be sure to practice proper bedding care to avoid any stains or odors.
④ Finally, take some time to clean out your closet and dresser drawers. This will help you get organized and make it easier to find what you need when you move in.
➡️ Windows
No home is complete without clean windows. Not only do they let in natural light, but they also provide a view of the outside world. Whether you’re moving into a new home or just want to give your current home a fresh start, cleaning the windows before you move in is important. Here’s how:
① Start by removing any screens from the windows. These can be cleaned separately using a mild soap and water solution.
② Next, use a cleaning cloth or sponge to clean the inside and outside of the windows. Be sure to use a glass cleaner designed for windows so you don’t damage the glass.
③ Once the windows are clean, replace the screens and make sure they fit snugly in place.
Cleaning the windows may seem daunting, but it’s important to do it before you move into your new home. By taking the time to clean them, you’ll let in natural light and enjoy a clear view of the outside world.
General Cleaning Tips
✅ Start at the top of the house and work your way down. This will prevent you from having to re-clean any surfaces you’ve already tackled.
✅ Don’t forget to dust light fixtures, ceiling fans, and baseboards. These areas can often be neglected but can accumulate a lot of dust.
✅ Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. This is the best way to remove any dirt, dust, or hair that may have been left behind during the move.
✅ Be sure to empty all trash cans and dispose of any trash accumulated during the move.
✅ Finally, open up all the windows to air out the house and let in some fresh air.
Things To Do Before Moving Into A New House
Aside from the obvious things like changing your address and utilities into your name, you should do plenty of other things before moving into a new house. Here’s a list of things to do before moving day:
? Double-Check The Place
Before you move into your new home, it is important to take some time to inspect the property and make sure that everything is in order. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and ensure that all the appliances and fixtures are in good working condition. If you notice any problems, bring them up with your landlord or property manager to fix them before you move in.
? Change The Locks
One of the first things you should do after you’ve signed the lease on your new home is to change the locks. This will help to ensure that your home is secure and that you are the only one with a key. You can either change the locks yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
? Change The Toilet Seats
If you’re moving into a home that has been previously occupied, it’s a good idea to change the toilet seats. This is especially important if you have young children or are allergic to certain bacteria. Toilet seats can be easily replaced and relatively inexpensive, so there’s no excuse not to do so.
? Clean The Entire House
Before you move any of your belongings into your new home, take the time to clean the entire house from top to bottom. This includes sweeping and mopping the floors, dusting all surfaces, and cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen. Once you’ve finished cleaning, you can move your things in and make the house feel like your own.
? Pest Control
Are you moving into a new home that is infested with pests? If so, it’s important to have the place treated by a professional before you move in. This will help ensure that your home is pest-free and that you won’t have to deal with unwanted critters.
? Change Your Air Filters
Moving into a new house is an exciting time. However, taking some basic precautions is important to ensure your new home is safe and healthy. One simple step you can take is to change the air filters. Old houses can harbor airborne contaminants, from dust and pollen to mold spores and even lead dust.
By changing the air filters, you can help to remove these contaminants from the air and make your new home more comfortable and safe. So, before you start unpacking boxes, be sure to change the air filters. It’s a quick and easy way to help ensure that your new home is a healthy one.
? Set Up Your Utilities
One of the last things you’ll need to do before moving into your new home is to set up your utilities. This includes electricity, gas, water, and trash. Most utility companies will require you to set up an account and provide proof of residency before they will turn on your service.
? Safety Comes First
Make your home secure before you start that deep cleaning. Clean out the dryer vent while you’re in the laundry room. While you’re at it, update the batteries in your smoke alarms while cleaning the walls and fans. During your kitchen’s next organizing session, keep in mind that a fire extinguisher should have a secure home.
Additional Tips: It’s common practice for new homeowners to paint their houses. I suggest holding off on this for the time being. Getting samples and making a few test areas with paint is OK. It’s recommended to wait a while after moving into a new home before deciding on a new paint scheme.
When you move into a new home, you have the opportunity to observe your daily habits and make adjustments to the lighting. Consider these factors as you make your color selections. You don’t want to waste time and money by having to repaint because you changed your mind about the color scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I deep clean my new house before moving in?
A: Yes. It would be best to deep clean your new home before moving in. This includes sweeping and mopping the floors, dusting all surfaces, and cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen.
Q: Does a cleaning service deep clean a new house before moving in?
A: Many professional cleaning services offer deep cleaning services for new homes. This can be a great option if you need more time or the ability to do it yourself.
Q: What cleaning products should I use to deep clean my new house?
A: When deep cleaning your new home, you’ll want to use tough products on dirt and grime but gentle surfaces. Look for products that are specifically designed for deep cleaning.
Q: How can I clean laminate floors in my new house?
A: Laminate floors can be cleaned with a damp mop and a mild cleaning solution. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too vigorously, as this can damage the flooring.
Q: How can I remove soap scum from my new bathroom?
A: Soap scum can be removed by scrubbing with a sponge or cloth and a mild cleaning solution. For tougher stains, you may need to use a Magic Eraser or another similar product.
Q: Can steam cleaner be used on carpets and upholstery?
A: Yes. You can use steam cleaners on carpets and upholstery. However, you’ll want to test a small area first to make sure that the fabric can withstand the heat.
Final Words
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but taking care of some things is important before you can truly relax and enjoy your new space. By following this checklist, you can be sure that you’ve covered all of the bases and that your new home is clean, safe, and ready for you to move in.
