How to Clean Before a Home Showing

Deep cleaning can make a fantastic impression when showing your home for sale. Although it may seem like a lot of work, you can break the task down into more manageable steps to make your house sparkle. Home preparation is one of the most crucial steps for selling your home; don't let clutter delay your sale! This blog post will cover some of the most important areas to clean when you're preparing your house for sale.

Start from the Top Down

When cleaning your home for a showing, starting from the top down is essential. This is because dust will settle as you clean, and you do not want potential buyers to see a layer of dust on your surfaces. Start by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and top shelves. Then, move on to cleaning mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces. Once that is done, you can vacuum or mop the floors.

Don't Forget the Details

The little things matter when trying to make a good impression. Make sure to clean door handles, light switches, and doorknobs. Potential buyers will be touching these surfaces, so you want them clean. Wipe down countertops and tabletops too. Consider putting out fresh hand towels and soap in the bathrooms.

Let the Light Shine

Make sure all curtains and blinds are open so potential buyers can see your home in all its glory. Turn on all the lights, too, so that prospective buyers do not have to strain their eyes when looking at your home. Lighting needs vary from room to room, but brighter is usually better for home showings.

Check for Cobwebs

Nothing deters would-be buyers faster than cobwebs. To get rid of them, use a vacuum cleaner with attachments to reach into tight corners and crevices. If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a broom or duster to remove the cobwebs. Just be careful not to spread them around too much. You may need to use a ladder for challenging areas like high ceilings. Be careful when climbing, and always have someone hold the ladder steady.

Clean the Windows & See the Difference

Cleaning the windows inside and out brings in light. Many people forget to clean the outside of their windows, but it is important to do this to maintain a clear view. If you have windows that are difficult to reach, you may need to hire a professional window cleaning service.

However, cleaning the inside of your windows is something you can easily do yourself. Start by dusting or vacuuming the window sills and frames. Then, using a gentle cleaner and a microfiber cloth, clean the glass in a circular motion. You may need to use a razor blade or scraper for tough spots. Once you have finished cleaning the inside of your windows, open them up and let some fresh air in.

Spot-Wash the Walls

When was the last time you cleaned the walls in your home? They might need at least a spot wall washing to ensure they shine. They may need more as you get started and see how hard it is to just clean the walls in a spot.

If there is damage, cleaning will also make it look less damaged for your sale. Use a moist cloth with a drop of soap for spot wall washing. Use a moist flat mop for a complete wall washing. You may need a step ladder, but this will improve the overall brightness of a home.

Wipe Down Every Surface

A good rule of thumb is to start with the surfaces that collect the most dust and dirt. This can include wiping down and dusting all surfaces, including cabinets, appliances, and countertops. In addition, remember to vacuum and mop floors. Taking care of the areas that get dirty quickly, you can help to keep your house looking clean and clutter-free. Plus, it will be easier to tackle those deep-cleaning projects when you do not have to start from scratch.

Make Your Bedroom Look Presentable

There is something about making the bed that makes the whole house feel cleaner. It could be because a made bed looks neater and more inviting than an unmade one. Or it could be because making the bed is a physical representation of starting the day with a clean slate. Either way, there is no denying that taking a few minutes to make the bed can significantly impact the overall tidiness of your home.

The same can be said for putting away any clutter that might be around. A cluttered space feels chaotic and overwhelming, while a tidy space feels calm and inviting. So even if you need help keeping every surface completely clear, taking a few minutes to remove any stray items can make a big difference in how your space feels. Plus, it will be one less thing to deal with when you are trying to relax at the end of the day.

Vacuum, Sweep & Mop the Floors

Keeping floors tidy for showing is essential and one of the most visible areas. That means regular vacuuming, mopping and sweeping, depending on what types of flooring materials you have. Not only will this help your house look its best for showings, but it will also make it more appealing to potential buyers. So, break out the vacuum cleaner and get to work. Refrain from using a flat mop when mopping, as it just moves dust around. Also, you may need to use your hands with a cloth to get the corners.

Remove All Signs of Pets

Pets can be a turn-off to some buyers, so dog and cat owners will need to take extra cleaning steps. Consider using an air purifier during the showing. This will help to remove any pet smells from the air, making your home more pleasant for potential buyers. Next, clean the bedding and curtains. These items can often trap pet hair and smells, so it is essential to clean them regularly.

Store pets' food and toys out of sight. Potential buyers do not want to see evidence of pets around the house - they may think that pets are still living there. The smell of pet food can be off-putting for some people. So be sure to store these items away before showings or open houses.

Clean Houses Sell Faster

Not cleaning before guests arrive is one of the biggest home showing mistakes you can make. Cleaning for a showing does not have to be a huge chore - just focus on these critical areas, and you will be good to go! And remember, even if your house is not perfect, potential buyers will still appreciate seeing a well-kept home showing pride in ownership. So get out there and start sprucing up.