How to Clean Your Home Before You Move In

Home CleaningWhenever you move into a new home, the first thing you should do is give it a thorough cleaning. No if ands or buts about it. If you find that for whatever reasons, you haven’t had a chance to do a thorough cleaning before your things arrive at your new home; it is still possible to do one by cleaning around your belongings. Not the perfect clean you may have been looking for, but nevertheless a good cleanup. All you need is time and a little patience.

The Kitchen

Since the kitchen is where you are going to prepare your meals and eat them, probably starting that very day, it’s a good idea to begin by cleaning that area first.

Appliances

A heavy-duty cleaner would come in handy here. It may include appliance cleaner, such as a wax or paste. Using baking soda and water, along with sponges or a strong cloth is highly recommended too. Now, take a deep breath and begin with the stove. First remove all items and clean this area using your most powerful cleaner. A word of caution here, if you use a brush, make sure you use one that won’t scratch the surface. Soak the metal trays and racks in a sink full of hot, soapy water while you clean the rest of the stove.

Next, brace yourself and look inside the oven. If you need to, apply an oven-cleaner. Most take about 20 minutes to fully work. This gives you time to do the rest of the stove.

Make sure you clean under the hood and use a grease-remover if you find the regular cleaner isn’t getting off the tough stuff. It’s not a bad idea to place a sheet of brown paper beneath your work space to collect any drips that might fall.

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the top and front of the stove, remove it from the wall and clean underneath it. If you can, also clean the sides, along with the front panel and temperature dials.

Now it’s time to tackle the refrigerator. If the previous owners have any sense at all it’s been cleaned out, but that doesn’t mean it’s sanitary. You still need to clean it well, including removing the drawers and bins and washing them. Wash the inside wall and shelves, removing anything that can be removed and washing it separately in the sink.

Check the freezer. If the refrigerator has been unplugged, wipe down the inside or clean it thoroughly if it needs it. In case the refrigerator hasn’t been unplugged, you should unplug it and let it warm up before you attempt to clean it. This will make it easier to clean. Also, make sure you use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface.

Move the refrigerator out from the wall and clean behind it, then on top and the sides too. Dust and dirt also gathers on handles and along the plastic sealing that encases the doors.

Kitchen Cabinets and Counters

A mild cleaner will due nicely to clean the inside of cabinets, and you should make sure to use one especially if the cabinets are painted or lined. If they aren’t lined, you may want to use a liner to ensure that the insides are ready for your dishes. Lining paper can be purchased at any home store. It’s best to use the non-stick kind, so it can be removed at any time.

Clean the top of cabinets, and cabinet doors. If the surface is wood, use a wood cleaner or a mild soap. For grease-stains, use baking soda and water. Make a paste and apply it, letting it sit for a few minutes. Also clean handles and inside drawers.

Counters usually require less work, just be certain you clean between cracks using a putty knife to remove any debris. Clean back-splashes with a mild cleaner or baking soda and water.

Sink

Now it’s time to tackle the dreaded sink. Use a chlorine-free bleach to clean the sink. Put some in a spray-bottle and add water to it. Spray the sink thoroughly and let it soak for a while. Then rinse thoroughly. Also, bleach the plugs by placing them in a small amount of bleach-water and leaving them to sit for a few minutes. Rinse well. Sink odors can be removed by mixing baking soda and water together, then pouring it down the drain.

Cleaning Walls

You may want to clean the walls next, simply because they are a larger job, one that you may be tempted to let go if you don’t do it before you start to unpack. Now it’s not a must. Just examine the usual areas for fingerprints and clean the light switch plates and door frames.

Cleaning Floors

If your new home has a carpet that you intend to keep, hire a professional cleaner to steam clean it before you move in.

For wood floors, sweep the floor well, making sure to clean under heating vents and under appliances. Use a mild soap to clean the surface of the floor.

Autho Bio:

Article written by reputable Movers NJ. Premier Movers also specializes in office relocation services and considered #1 in region as Office Movers NJ.

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