Guide to Cleaning Your New Home

Buying a home is a time of new beginnings and exciting opportunities. An important part of the move is giving your new home a detailed clean before unpacking all of your belongings. This guide will help walk you through where to start and what to clean, including those unexpected places where dirt and dust get trapped.

Before You Unpack:

Starting in the bathrooms is a good idea as you may need to use one during the process of moving in and unpacking. Using a non-abrasive disinfectant, scrub the sink, shower and bathtub. Move on to scrubbing the toilet, including the outside, handles and in any other tricky areas. Wipe down any other fixtures, the countertop and inside the vanity before moving onto the next area.

Sometimes referred to as the heart of the home, the kitchen is the next area you will want to focus on. Grab some rubber gloves, hot soapy water and disinfectant, you’re going to need them. Start with the refrigerator and freezer before putting any food in. You may want to unplug the refrigerator if there is ice built up in an attached freezer. Continue in the kitchen by thoroughly wiping down the inside and outsides of cupboards, drawers, disinfect the sink and wipe down all counter surfaces with sanitizer.

Next up: the floors. Depending on the type of surface, you will want to sweep, vacuum, mop or use a combination of the three. Using non-abrasive cleaners is best to preserve finishes. If you’re unfamiliar with a specific type of flooring, do a quick online search for best practices. Go from one room to the next, including closets, bathrooms and the basement.

Once You have Settled In:

Once you have had a chance to unpack and you start to feel at home, it’s a good time to consider cleaning other areas. Windows and doors have a tendency to collect dust over time. It’s a good idea to give them some love using a cleaner of your choice, we recommend using something nontoxic and eco-friendly. Work from one room to the next, starting on the upper floor and moving down. When cleaning the doors, remember to give the doorknobs a wipe as well.

Dust bunnies tend to cling to baseboards and light fixtures. A combination of warm water and vinegar is ideal for getting these areas clean. Work from room to room, getting into the groves of the baseboards with a damp cloth. Carefully remove light fixtures and wipe them down with warm water and vinegar, letting them dry before putting them back up. If you’re uncomfortable with removing light fixtures, give them a careful dusting.

Last but not least, the garage and shop, if your new home has one. While garages and shops serve as great multipurpose spaces, they tend to collect dirt and dust over time. Give the floor a sweep. If you have a pressure washer on hand, now’s the time to use it. Any hooks, shelving units or benches should be wiped down with disinfectant.

There’s no doubt that giving your new home a thorough clean is an important step to moving in. Enjoy your new, clean home!