Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but before you can truly settle in, there’s an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked: move-in cleaning. Whether you’re moving into a brand-new apartment or a pre-owned house, a thorough cleaning will ensure a fresh, clean space for your family.
Even if the previous occupants cleaned before leaving, performing your own deep cleaning will give you peace of mind. If you’re short on time or need an extra hand, a cleaning service app can be a convenient way to book professional help and get your new home spotless before moving in.
From what cleaning supplies to use, to tips on how to tackle each room, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your new space feel truly fresh and welcoming.
Why Move-In Cleaning Is Essential
No matter how new or well-maintained your home appears, dust, dirt, and germs can accumulate in unexpected places. Homes that have been vacant for a while can collect dust, while homes previously occupied may still have remnants from the last tenants. Moving in without a proper cleaning can leave you with hidden allergens or grime that could impact your health and comfort.
Plus, move-in cleaning allows you to inspect the property in detail, giving you the opportunity to catch any repairs or maintenance issues that may have been missed. You want to ensure that you’re starting fresh in your new space, and there’s no better way to achieve that than a comprehensive deep clean.
Getting Ready: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before diving into your move-in cleaning, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies at hand. You’ll need:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Floor cleaner (hardwood, tile, or carpet-specific)
- Disinfectant wipes or spray
- Microfiber cloths and sponges
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Mop and bucket
- Broom and dustpan
- Scrub brushes (for tough stains)
- A ladder or step stool for reaching high areas
Once you have your supplies in place, it’s time to get to work. Cleaning before your furniture and belongings arrive will make the job easier and allow you to access hard-to-reach spaces.
1. Start with the Ceilings and Walls
When cleaning a new space, always work from top to bottom to avoid pushing dust and dirt onto areas you’ve already cleaned. Start by dusting or vacuuming the ceilings, corners, and light fixtures. Pay attention to ceiling fans, vents, and crown moldings, as these areas often accumulate dust and cobwebs.
Next, inspect the walls. Depending on the condition of the walls, you may need to wipe them down with a damp cloth or a gentle cleaner to remove smudges, fingerprints, or stains. If the walls are freshly painted, a light dusting should suffice. Don’t forget to check behind doors, where dirt often accumulates unnoticed.
2. Windows and Window Treatments
Clean windows will instantly brighten up your space and make your home feel fresh and airy. Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wash the interior and exterior of the windows (if accessible). Pay special attention to window sills and tracks, as they can trap dust and dirt over time.
If your new home comes with blinds or shades, wipe them down with a damp cloth or vacuum them using the brush attachment. Curtains should be removed and washed if they came with the house, or consider replacing them for a completely fresh start.
3. Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is a high-traffic area that requires special attention during your move-in cleaning process. Even if it looks clean, kitchen appliances, cabinets, and surfaces can harbor grease, food residue, and bacteria.
Cabinets and Drawers: Empty out all cabinets and drawers, then clean them inside and out with a gentle cleaner or disinfectant. If they’re lined with old contact paper, now’s a good time to remove it and add fresh liners if you wish.
Appliances: Start with the refrigerator. Remove all shelves and drawers, and wash them with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior of the fridge, paying attention to corners where spills may have dried. After the fridge, move on to cleaning the oven, stovetop, and microwave. Use a grease-cutting cleaner for the stovetop, and run a self-clean cycle on the oven if it has one.
Counters and Sink: Clean all countertops with a disinfectant, and scrub the sink thoroughly, including the faucet and handles. Make sure the garbage disposal is free of debris and running smoothly.
4. Refresh the Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another area that requires a deep clean to ensure they’re sanitary and ready for use. Start with the shower and bathtub, scrubbing them with a cleaner designed to tackle soap scum, mold, and hard water stains. Don’t forget to clean the grout between tiles if necessary.
Toilet: Clean the toilet bowl with a disinfectant cleaner, and wipe down the exterior, including the tank, seat, and handle. Make sure to sanitize all surfaces thoroughly.
Sink and Vanity: Wipe down the sink, countertop, and faucet with disinfectant. Clean out any cabinets or drawers, and remove old liners or leftover items from previous occupants.
Mirrors and Fixtures: Clean mirrors with glass cleaner to ensure they’re streak-free. Don’t forget to wipe down light fixtures and any other hardware in the bathroom.
5. Floors: Vacuum, Sweep, and Mop
Now that the upper areas of your home are clean, it’s time to tackle the floors. Depending on the type of flooring in your home, you’ll need to adjust your cleaning methods accordingly.
Carpets: If the home has carpeting, it’s a good idea to have it professionally cleaned before moving in, especially if it was previously occupied. If that’s not possible, vacuum thoroughly, using the vacuum’s attachments to reach edges and corners.
Hardwood or Tile: For hardwood floors, sweep or vacuum first to remove dirt and dust, then mop with a cleaner specifically designed for wood. For tile floors, sweep or vacuum before mopping with a tile cleaner that addresses grout stains as well.
6. Pay Attention to Smaller Details
It’s easy to overlook the small details when focusing on larger cleaning tasks, but giving attention to areas like baseboards, door handles, and light switches will make a noticeable difference in your home’s cleanliness. Wipe down baseboards and molding with a damp cloth, and sanitize door handles and light switches with disinfectant wipes. These high-touch areas can easily collect germs and dirt, so make sure they’re thoroughly cleaned.
7. Freshen the Air
Your new home should smell as fresh as it feels. After deep cleaning, open the windows to let in some fresh air and help eliminate any musty or lingering odors from previous occupants. You can also use natural air fresheners like essential oils or bake something fragrant in the kitchen to make your home smell inviting.
If there are carpets, consider sprinkling baking soda over them, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuuming it up to absorb odors. For an extra fresh start, consider changing the air filters in your HVAC system to ensure the air quality is clean and free of dust.
8. Don’t Forget the Outdoor Areas
If your new home has a yard, patio, or porch, it’s worth giving these spaces some attention too. Sweep off porches, clean outdoor furniture if needed, and check the condition of any outdoor fixtures like lighting or railings. Your outdoor space should be just as inviting and clean as the interior.
Final Thoughts on Move-In Cleaning
Move-in cleaning may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an important step in preparing your new home for a fresh start. By taking the time to clean thoroughly, from the ceilings to the floors, you’ll ensure that your home is a healthy and welcoming environment for you and your family.
Once everything is cleaned and sanitized, you’ll be able to move in with peace of mind, knowing that your new space is truly ready to call home. When moving into a new home in San Diego, it’s better to hire a professional house cleaning San Diego team.
So, before you unpack your boxes and settle in, tackle the cleaning process head-on—your future self will thank you for it.
