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What do WD-40, Duct Tape and Dryer Sheets have to do with Selling Your Home?!

By
Home Stager with Creative Eye Home Staging

Question:  Do you know the single most important thing you can do when marketing your home?

                Here's a hint:  It doesn't have to cost a thing!!!

                                                                    man wearing thinking cap    

Answer:  The single most important thing you can do when marketing your home is to make it SPOTLESS!

That's right:  CLEAN YOUR HOUSE!  There is nothing that says you care and that you have taken care of your home more than this obvious, but often overlooked factor.

Pay particular attention to woodwork, the areas around switch plates, baseboards and sliding door tracks.  Be sure windows gleam, appliances sparkle, and that sinks, tubs and showers are scum free.

Here are a couple of tips to help you get the job done and recycle something you may be throwing away at the same time!

·       Baseboards:  after vacuuming, wipe with an all purpose cleaner (try vinegar and water) using a used dryer sheet.  Not only will this clean the baseboards, but the anti-static ingredient in the dryer sheet will help them stay clean longer!

·       Soap Scum:  The same dryer sheet works great for removing soap scum.  After I fold clothes, I store a few of the used sheets in the bathroom and quickly wipe out the tub, shower and shower doors each time they are used.  It is just abrasive enough to remove the scum without heavy scrubbing, but doesn't scratch!

 

      can of WD-40                       3 rolls of duct tape                              dryer sheets on clothes line

Who knew?!!  We've seen these lists for 1001 uses for duct tape and WD-40.  How many can we collect for dryer sheets?  Put on your thinking caps.  I can't wait to see what we come up with!! (I confess, when I was looking for images of dryer sheets, I saw that there were some uses mentioned.  I didn't peek and don't know if the ones  I've given were there.  I want to see YOURS before I do any research!)

So, to answer the title's original question:  WD-40, duct tape and dryer sheets can all help in getting and keeping your home clean.  And remember, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" (and a signed contract)!

 

Kim Dillon, founder of Creative Eye Home Staging, offers services to Cecil County Maryland, Delaware and areas surrounding Chester County Pennsylvania.   Call 610.563.0899 to see how she can help you.

Show All Comments
Kim Sellers
Lake Arrowhead, CA Coldwell Banker - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Lake Arrowhead Realtor - BRE#01412099 - Lake Arrow

Great advice for cleaning up and recycling around the home!

Feb 17, 2011 06:49 AM
Jim Courtney
OklaHomes Realty, Claremore Oklahoma - Claremore, OK
CRS, GRI, AHWD

A few uses for dryer sheets around our house include using new dryer sheets in drawers. Add one to the drawers for freshness everytime you open it. I've also had customers who put new sheets under the trashcan liner to keep it smelling fresh. Another use that isn't exactly household related is that a new wet dryer sheet removes bugs from the front of your car easily and quickly. Just remember to wipe it afterwards with water to remove the glaze left from the sheet. :)

Feb 17, 2011 07:07 AM
Kim Dillon
Creative Eye Home Staging - West Chester, PA

Kim Kelley, thanks for reading.

Jim--that's what I'm looking for!  3 great ideas!!  Thanks!

Feb 17, 2011 07:12 AM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

I think these 3 items have 1000's of uses!  I know an astronaut that used duct tape in space...

Clean is KING!!

Dryer sheets are great for the inside of shoes and drawers like a sachet.

Feb 17, 2011 05:45 PM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Oh boy you have that right Kim, clean doesn't cost a thing. What buyer wants to see a yucky tub or switch plates with grime??? I'll have to try your tip about the baseboards, thanks!

Feb 18, 2011 12:15 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Kim ~ when staging a home with a musty odor, I used new dryer sheets tucked under the sofa cushions.  They really helped!

Feb 18, 2011 08:14 PM
Kim Dillon
Creative Eye Home Staging - West Chester, PA

Cindy, Clean Is King!!

Cynthia, let me know what your think.

Maureen, That's a great idea!  Better than using the more obvious and sometimes overpowering room fresheners.

Feb 19, 2011 05:21 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Great ideas Kim. I'll have to come back and see how many uses come out.

Feb 19, 2011 11:18 AM
Wanda Richards
Shows Great Home Staging and Web Solutions - Roanoke, VA
Shows Great Home Staging

I love these...especially the one about the dryer sheets for cleaning baseboards :).  No one wants to buy someone else's dirt.

Feb 19, 2011 11:45 PM
Debra Rosser
Staging Matters, RESA, HSR - Flower Mound, TX
Home Staging/Redesign North Texas/Flower Mound,469-322-9113

Love to put one in my vacuum bag.  Now when I vacuum I'm freshening the air in each room as I go.  Great post! 

Feb 20, 2011 03:41 AM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Kim - I see a book 1001 uses for dryer sheets in your future ..... there are some great ideas here I love the idea of putting one in the vacuum ..... we leave several scrunched up in cupboards and drawers in our summer hideaway when we close it up for the winter.

Apr 20, 2011 04:47 AM
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