Cleaning Before Selling House: How To Deep Clean Before Listing Your Home

When you’re selling your house, first impressions matter. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home is clean and presentable before potential buyers come for a visit. But simply running the vacuum and wiping down the counters isn’t enough. To really impress buyers, you’ll need to do a deep cleaning of your entire home. Deep cleaning your home before selling it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these simple tips, you can get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Ways To Sell Your House

When it comes to selling your house, there’s the part of making it clean and ready to put on the market, and there’s the part of knowing the means of selling. It doesn’t matter how you intend to sell, whether through an agent or a third-party brokerage like the folks at www.mynd.co which is a one-stop shop for buying, selling, financing, or managing properties. You can also list your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) if you choose to do it yourself. Once you have found an agent, they will help you determine the listing price then you can move to make sure it’s presentable to buyers.

How to Sell a House

Selling a house entails more than just putting a ‘for sale’ sign out front. You’ll want to start by setting a competitive asking price for your property. Research local property market trends, consider getting a professional valuation, and factor in your home’s unique features. Preparing your house before selling is another essential step. Deep cleaning every room, tidying up outdoor spaces, and fixing minor repairs can significantly enhance your property’s perceived value, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

If possible, depersonalise your house. This might involve removing family photos, memorabilia, and eccentric decorations, making it easier for prospective buyers to envision themselves living there. Lastly, consider hiring a reputable real estate agent to help guide you through the process, from marketing your property to negotiating with buyers. Estate agents can make or break a sale are are an important consideration when thinking about how to sell a house.

Start With The Kitchen

This is one of the most important rooms in the house, and it’s also one of the easiest to clean. Start by decluttering the countertops and table. Then, move on to scrubbing the stovetop, sink, and backsplash. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the oven and fridge, as well as all the cabinets and drawers. For a deep clean, you’ll also want to wash all the dishes, silverware, and glasses. Wipe down the inside of the dishwasher, too. You may even want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to come in and do a thorough job on the kitchen before you list your home.

Cleaning Hacks for Different Surfaces

Different surfaces require different cleaning methods. For wooden furniture and floors, use a mixture of warm water and a small amount of dish soap. This mild cleaning solution can remove grime without damaging the finish. Baking soda and water make an excellent cleaning paste for kitchen appliances and stainless steel surfaces, while undiluted white vinegar works well on glass, such as windows and shower doors.

For stubborn stains on carpets, try a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda, leaving it to dry before vacuuming up. Tiled surfaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can be cleaned using a mixture of vinegar and dish soap. If grout is discoloured, consider using a toothbrush and baking soda paste to clean it. Always remember to test a small, inconspicuous area first when trying new cleaning products or methods.

Deep Cleaning Solutions: DIY or Professional?

While a deep clean is vital when preparing your house for sale, the decision between DIY or hiring professionals depends on several factors. Consider the size of your house (square feet), your available time, cleaning expertise, and budget. DIY cleaning can save money and allow you to focus on specific areas, such as shower doors, shower walls, or kitchen appliances. You can use common household items like baking soda and white vinegar as a cleaning solution, which works wonders on stubborn stains.

On the other hand, hiring professional cleaners can save you time and effort, ensuring a thorough, efficient clean, especially for larger properties. They have specialised cleaning products and equipment to tackle different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas, such as dust vents, light fixtures, and skirting boards. The sparkling clean house they leave behind can impress potential buyers, leading to a quicker sale.

Declutter The Whole House

When you’re getting your house ready to sell, it’s important to declutter the entire space. You need to declutter not just specific rooms or areas. This means going through every closet, cupboard, and drawer in your home and removing anything that you don’t need or use on a regular basis. The goal is to make your house look as spacious and inviting as possible to potential buyers.

One of the easiest ways to declutter your home is to rent a storage unit and put all of your non-essential belongings in there until you’re ready to move. This will help clear up space in your home and make it look more appealing to buyers.

Staging Your Home for Sale

Staging your home effectively can create a lasting first impression on potential buyers. Begin by maximising natural light in all rooms as it enhances the sense of space and cleanliness. Declutter your living areas, ensuring that focal points like fireplaces or views from windows are unobstructed. Remove dust from all the surfaces and clear off kitchen counters.

Arrange furniture to showcase each room’s purpose and to allow easy foot traffic. Minimal and neutral décor works best, letting buyers visualise their belongings in the space. In bedrooms, consider using fresh, matching linen and keep personal items out of sight. Lastly, don’t forget the outdoors; tidy gardens and entranceways also contribute to that important first impression.

Put Extra An Touch In The Bathrooms

The importance of putting an extra touch in the bathrooms lies in the fact that this is one of the places in your house that potential buyers are bound to check out. They would want to know if the bathroom is clean and if it looks good. Here are some tips on how you can achieve this:

• First, clear out the clutter. This includes anything that is not essential in the bathroom such as old toiletries, towels, and other items that you may have stored in there.
• Next, give the bathroom a good scrub. This means cleaning the tiles, and fixtures. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas that are prone to dirt and grime such as the sink, toilet, and shower. Cleaning the shower head and wiping cloudy mirrors are things that shouldn’t be missed.
• Finally, add some extra touches to make the bathroom look more inviting. This could include adding new towels, a scented candle, or fresh flowers. By taking the time to put an extra shine on your bathroom, you will be sure to impress potential buyers and increase the chances of selling your house.

Guide to a Pre Sale Cleaning of Your Bathroom Before Selling Your House

When potential buyers walk into your house, an unclean bathroom can be a major deterrent. Prioritise a deep clean to ensure all surfaces are sparkling. Start by removing any personal items and giving all surfaces, including countertops, shower shelves, and the floor, a thorough wipe down. Pay special attention to shower curtains, which can often harbour mildew if not cleaned regularly.

Next, deep clean the tiles, bathtub, and toilet using a potent bathroom cleaner. A toothbrush can be quite handy to scrub the difficult-to-reach areas, such as faucets and drains. Polish mirrors and chrome fixtures until they gleam. For a fresh and clean smell, ensure you allow plenty of fresh air to circulate in the room, and consider adding a subtle air freshener. Lastly, replace your towels with fresh, matching ones to give a coordinated, clean look. Hide daily use items like toothbrushes and razors, to create an uncluttered and inviting space for your prospective buyers.

Preparing Your House for Photos and Viewings

Photos are potential buyers’ first glimpse of your house before selling, so they should showcase your home at its best. Ensure all rooms are tidy and well-lit, with curtains drawn back and lights turned on. Remove personal items and keep décor neutral. In the kitchen, remove items from countertops, ensure the fridge is clean and organised, and hide bins out of sight.

For viewings, little touches can make a big difference. A few drops of essential oil or freshly brewed coffee can make your house smell inviting. Keep shoe racks and coat stands tidy, remove old magazines and recipe books, and ensure pet areas are clean and odour-free. Finally, always double check each room for cleanliness and clutter before the prospective buyers arrive.

Organize The Basement

When you are planning on listing your home for sale, it is important to give the space a deep clean. This is especially true for the basement. The basement is often one of the most neglected spaces in a home and can be full of clutter. take the time to go through everything in the basement and decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away. This will make it easier to clean and will also declutter the space.

Once you have decluttered the basement, it is time to start cleaning. You will want to dust all surfaces, vacuum or sweep the floors, and clean any windows. If there are any stains on the walls or ceiling, you will want to address those as well. If you have a lot of stuff in the basement, you may want to consider renting a storage unit to declutter the space even further.

Tips to Organise and Clean Your Outdoor Space

Your outdoor space can be a major selling point, so it’s crucial to keep it clean and organised. Start by decluttering; remove any broken items, toys, or garden tools. Pressure wash patios or decking to remove dirt or moss. Tidy up garden beds by weeding and pruning plants, and ensure the lawn is neatly mowed. Finally, consider staging the outdoor space with attractive furniture or potted plants to help potential buyers visualise using it.

Keeping Your Home Clean During the Sale Process

Maintaining a clean home during the selling process can be challenging but rewarding. Implement a regular cleaning routine and encourage all household members to keep things tidy. Minimize clutter and consider temporary storage for items not currently needed. Address high-traffic areas daily, like the kitchen and bathroom. A quick vacuum, dust, and wipe down of surfaces can keep your house viewing-ready at all times.

Refresh Carpets and Rugs

When you’re getting ready to sell your house, it’s important to make sure that everything is sparkling clean. This includes your carpets and rugs. A deep clean will not only make your home look more attractive to potential buyers, but it will also help you get top dollar for your property.

There are a few different ways that you can go about deep cleaning your carpets and rugs. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional carpet cleaning company.

The Impact of a Clean House on Your Asking Price

A clean house can significantly impact your asking price. A spotless, well-maintained home not only creates a positive impression but also suggests to potential buyers that the property has been well cared for. This can instil confidence in buyers, leading to higher offers and a quicker sale. It’s a worthwhile investment to ensure your house is as clean as possible when it hits the market.

Doing it yourself:

If you choose to clean your carpets and rugs yourself, there are a few things that you’ll need to keep in mind. First of all, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right equipment. You’ll need a powerful vacuum cleaner that can suck up all of the dirt and dust from your carpets and rugs. Additionally, you’ll need to rent or purchase a carpet shampooer.

Carpet shampooers are available for rent at most hardware stores or you can purchase one outright. If you’re only going to be using it once or twice, it’s probably cheaper to just rent one. However, if you think you’ll use it more often, it might be worth it to buy your own.

Last-Minute Cleaning Checklist Before Selling

• Dust and wipe all surfaces, including furniture and appliances.
• Vacuum and mop all floors.
• Clean all windows, inside and out.
• Ensure kitchen and bathroom surfaces are sparkling clean.
• Empty all bins and ensure no unpleasant odours.
• Quick tidy-up of outdoor space – mow the lawn, sweep patio, tidy up garden furniture.
• Check all rooms for clutter and personal items.
• Make all beds and fluff cushions.
• Check lighting – replace any faulty light bulbs.
• Ensure entryway is clean and inviting.

Final thoughts:

Cleaning before selling your house doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By taking the time to declutter, deep clean, and add some extra touches, you can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. This will increase your chances of selling your house and getting top dollar for your property. So get started today and make your house shine.

If you already have your property listed and are struggling to sell, we’d really recommend checking out this guide by eXp Realty that offers 7 Reasons Why A House Isn’t Selling (And What To Do), definitely worth a quick read.