Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone. It represents a fresh start, a new chapter in your life. However, before you begin unpacking and settling in, it’s crucial to ensure that your new space is clean. Even if the previous occupants cleaned before leaving, you can never be too sure. A thorough cleaning gives you peace of mind, knowing that your new home is spotless and ready for you. This detailed guide provides a comprehensive checklist for moving-in cleaning, covering every part of your new home, from the kitchen to the bedrooms. By following this checklist, you’ll create a clean, fresh environment where you can truly feel at home.
Why Moving-In Cleaning Is Important
When moving into a new home, you might assume that the previous owners or tenants cleaned the space before leaving. While this may be true, their cleaning might not have been as thorough as you’d like. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate in hidden areas that are often overlooked. In addition, you may have different cleanliness standards than the previous occupants. Moving-in cleaning allows you to start fresh, ensuring that every surface is clean and free from germs. This is particularly important in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, where hygiene is essential. Moreover, cleaning before you move in gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with your new home, and discovering any maintenance issues that might need attention.
What You’ll Need for Moving-In Cleaning
Before you dive into the cleaning process, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Having everything on hand will save you time and make the process more efficient. Here’s a list of essential cleaning supplies you’ll need:
With all these supplies ready, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle each area of your new home. Now, let’s move on to the cleaning checklist.
Moving-In Cleaning Checklist
1. Start with the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s one of the most important areas to clean thoroughly. Since this is where you’ll be preparing food, it’s essential to ensure that every surface is clean and sanitized.
Clean the Appliances:
Refrigerator: Start by unplugging the refrigerator to prevent any electrical accidents. Remove all shelves, drawers, and bins, and wash them in warm, soapy water. Wipe down the inside of the fridge with an all-purpose cleaner, making sure to reach every corner and crevice. Don’t forget to clean the door seals, as they can harbour mold and mildew. Once everything is clean, dry the shelves and drawers before placing them back in the fridge.
Oven and Stove: The oven and stove often accumulate grease and grime, especially if they haven’t been cleaned regularly. Remove any racks and trays from the oven and clean them separately. Use an oven cleaner to tackle the baked-on grease inside the oven. For the stovetop, use a degreaser to clean the burners and the surface. If your stove has removable burner grates, soak them in soapy water for easier cleaning.
Microwave: The microwave can quickly become dirty from food splatters. Clean the inside with an all-purpose cleaner or a microwave-safe cleaner. For stubborn stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice in the microwave for a few minutes. The steam will loosen the stains, making them easier to wipe away.
Dishwasher: Even though the dishwasher is used for cleaning, it can still accumulate food particles and soap scum. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar to remove any buildup inside the machine. Wipe down the door and the edges to remove any grime.
Clean the Cabinets and Drawers:
– Empty each cabinet and drawer completely. Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth, removing any crumbs, spills, or dust. Pay special attention to the corners, as these areas can easily be overlooked. Once the inside is clean, wipe down the outside of the cabinets, focusing on the handles and knobs, which can harbor germs and grease.
Clean the Countertops:
Countertops can quickly accumulate dirt, crumbs, and stains. Wipe down all countertops with an all-purpose cleaner. If you have stone countertops, such as granite or marble, use a cleaner specifically designed for stone to avoid damaging the surface. Don’t forget to clean the backsplash as well.
Clean the Sink:
The kitchen sink is a high-use area that can harbour bacteria. Scrub the sink with a mild abrasive cleaner, paying attention to the faucet and handles. If your sink has a garbage disposal, run it with ice cubes and lemon peels to freshen it up. Finally, run hot water down the drain to clear any residue.
Sweep and Mop the Floor:
The kitchen floor can quickly become dirty, especially if it’s not cleaned regularly. Sweep the floor to remove any dust, crumbs, and debris. After sweeping, mop the floor with a cleaner suitable for your floor type. Be sure to reach under appliances and in the corners, where dirt can accumulate.
2. Clean the Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another area that requires a deep clean. These spaces are prone to bacteria and mold, so it’s essential to clean them thoroughly.
Clean the Toilet:
– The toilet is one of the most important areas to clean in the bathroom. Use a toilet cleaner to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl, paying special attention to the area under the rim, where bacteria can accumulate. Wipe down the outside of the toilet, including the tank, seat, and base. Don’t forget to clean the flush handle, as it’s a high-touch area.
Clean the Sink and Countertop:
– The bathroom sink can quickly become dirty with soap scum, toothpaste, and hair. Scrub the sink with a bathroom cleaner, paying attention to the faucet and handles. Wipe down the countertop with an all-purpose cleaner, removing any spills or stains. If you have a medicine cabinet or storage under the sink, clean these areas as well.
Clean the Shower and Bathtub:
– The shower and bathtub are prone to soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains. Use a bathroom cleaner to scrub the shower walls and bathtub. If there is stubborn mildew, use a mildew remover or a mixture of vinegar and water. Pay special attention to the grout lines, where mold can grow. Don’t forget to clean the showerhead and faucet, as these can accumulate mineral deposits.
Clean the Mirrors and Glass:
– Mirrors and glass surfaces in the bathroom can quickly become spotted with water and toothpaste. Wipe down mirrors with a glass cleaner, ensuring they are streak-free. Clean any glass shower doors, removing water spots and soap scum. If you have windows in the bathroom, clean those as well.
Clean the Floor:
– Sweep and mop the bathroom floor, paying special attention to corners and around the toilet. If the floor has grout lines, use a grout cleaner to remove any dirt or stains. Make sure the floor is dry before walking on it to prevent slips.
3. Clean the Bedrooms
Bedrooms are your personal sanctuary, and they should be a clean and relaxing space. Here’s how to ensure they are spotless:
Dust All Surfaces:
– Dust can quickly accumulate in bedrooms, especially on surfaces like furniture, window sills, and baseboards. Use a microfiber cloth to dust all surfaces, including dressers, nightstands, and shelves. Don’t forget to dust the tops of doors, picture frames, and ceiling fans or light fixtures, as these areas are often overlooked.
– Clean windows let in more natural light and improve the overall feel of the room. Wipe down the windows with a glass cleaner, ensuring they are streak-free. Clean the window frames and sills, removing any dust, dirt, or cobwebs. If your windows have blinds or curtains, dust or wash them as well.
Vacuum the Carpets or Rugs:
– Carpets and rugs in the bedroom can harbor dust, allergens, and dirt. Vacuum the floor thoroughly, paying attention to corners, under the bed, and along the baseboards. If there are any stains on the carpet, use a carpet cleaner or spot remover to tackle them. If your bedroom has hardwood or laminate flooring, sweep and mop instead.
Clean the Closets:
– Closets can become dusty and cluttered over time. Empty the closet completely and wipe down the shelves, rods, and floor. Dust any items that you plan to put back in the closet. Take this opportunity to organize your clothes and belongings before putting them back.
Change the Bedding:
– Fresh bedding can make a big difference in how your bedroom feels. Wash all your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets before putting them on the bed. If you’ve moved your mattress from your previous home, vacuum it to remove any dust. If possible, let the mattress air out for a few hours before putting on the new bedding.
4. Clean the Living Areas
Living areas, such as the living room and dining room, are where you’ll spend much of your time. Keeping these areas clean is essential for a comfortable and welcoming home.
Dust and Clean Furniture:
– Dust all surfaces in the living areas, including tables, shelves, and entertainment centers. Use a furniture polish or wood cleaner for wooden furniture to protect the finish. Clean any glass surfaces, such as coffee tables, with a glass cleaner. Don’t forget to dust electronics, such as the TV and speakers, using a soft, dry cloth.
Vacuum or Sweep the Floors:
– The floors in your living areas can quickly become dirty with foot traffic. Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly, paying attention to high-traffic areas. For hardwood or tile floors, sweep and mop to remove dust and dirt. Be sure to move furniture to clean underneath and around it.
Clean the Upholstery:
– If you have upholstered furniture, such as sofas or chairs, vacuum them to remove dust and debris. If there are any stains, use an upholstery cleaner or spot remover to treat them. Fluff and rotate cushions to keep them in good shape.
Clean the Windows and Mirrors:
– As with the bedrooms, clean the windows in your living areas to let in more natural light. Use a glass cleaner to wipe down mirrors and any glass surfaces, ensuring they are streak-free. Clean the window sills and frames, and dust any blinds or wash curtains.
Clean Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans:
– Light fixtures and ceiling fans can accumulate dust and cobwebs over time. Dust the fixtures and clean the fan blades using a microfiber cloth. If the light fixtures have glass covers, remove them and wash them with warm, soapy water. Dry them thoroughly before replacing them.
5. Clean the Entryway
The entryway is the first area you and your guests will see when entering your home. Keeping it clean sets the tone for the rest of the house.
Sweep and Mop the Floor:
– The entryway floor can quickly become dirty with dirt and debris from outside. Sweep the floor to remove any dirt, dust, and debris. After sweeping, mop the floor with a cleaner suitable for your floor type. Be sure to clean any mats or rugs in the entryway as well.
Dust Surfaces:
– Dust any surfaces in the entryway, such as tables, shelves, or coat racks. Wipe down the walls and baseboards, as these areas can accumulate dust and dirt from shoes and coats. If you have a mirror in the entryway, clean it with a glass cleaner.
Clean the Door:
– The front door is an often-overlooked area when cleaning, but it’s important to keep it clean. Wipe down the door with an all-purpose cleaner, paying attention to the doorknob, which can harbor germs. Clean the door frame and the threshold as well.
Organize Shoes and Coats:
– The entryway can quickly become cluttered with shoes, coats, and bags. Take the time to organize these items, using storage solutions like shoe racks, coat hooks, or bins. Keeping the entryway organized will make it easier to keep clean in the future.
6. Clean the Laundry Room
The laundry room is often overlooked during cleaning, but it’s important to keep this area tidy as well. A clean laundry room will make doing laundry more pleasant and efficient.
Clean the Washer and Dryer:
– The washer and dryer can accumulate lint, detergent residue, and dirt over time. Wipe down the outside of the machines with an all-purpose cleaner. Clean the inside of the washer by running a cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. Empty the lint trap in the dryer and clean it thoroughly.
Wipe Down Surfaces:
– Wipe down any surfaces in the laundry room, such as countertops, shelves, and cabinets. Dust and clean any storage areas, removing any lint or dust that may have accumulated.
Sweep and Mop the Floor:
– The laundry room floor can become dirty with lint, dust, and detergent spills. Sweep the floor to remove any debris, then mop it with a suitable floor cleaner. Be sure to clean under the washer and dryer, as these areas can collect a lot of dirt.
Final Touches
Once you’ve finished cleaning each room, it’s time to add the final touches to your new home. Here are a few things to do:
Take Out the Trash:
– After cleaning, you’ll likely have accumulated some trash, such as dust, debris, and old cleaning supplies. Collect all the trash and take it out to the appropriate bins or dumpsters.
Open the Windows:
– After cleaning, it’s a good idea to open the windows and let fresh air circulate through your home. This will help eliminate any cleaning product odors and make your home smell fresh and clean.
Enjoy Your Clean Home:
– Now that your new home is clean and ready, take a moment to relax and enjoy it. Unpack your belongings, arrange your furniture, and start making your new space feel like home.
FAQs: Checklist for Moving-In Cleaning
Q: How long does moving-in cleaning typically take?
Ans: The time required for moving-in cleaning depends on the size and condition of the home. On average, it may take 6 to 8 hours for a thorough cleaning.
Q: Can I hire a professional cleaning service for moving-in cleaning?
Ans: Yes, hiring a professional cleaning service is an option if you prefer not to do the cleaning yourself. Professionals can ensure that your new home is spotless and ready for you to move in.
Q: Should I clean my new home before or after moving in?
Ans: It’s best to clean your new home before moving in. This way, you can clean every area without any obstacles, ensuring a thorough and efficient cleaning process.
Important: The information provided here in the post is for general informational purposes only. It should not be taken as professional or any other type of advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional before implementing this information on your own. Thank you!