Thinking about selling your home but the cleaning has you exhausted before you even start? By the end of this blog post, you'll know the secret to getting your house cleaned minus the stress.
Here is a breakdown of where you begin. Knowing that Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms are top priority, I recommend you start cleaning the following. You can choose to follow the outline or follow my advice at the conclusion of this post.
KITCHEN
- Remove everything on a top surface, clean and sanitize.
- Clean all appliances inside and out and make them shine like new.
- Sinks must be cleaned, sanitized and shine.
- Clean and polish all kitchen furniture including legs on table and chairs.
- Clean and polish faucets, knobs, hardware - make them shine like new.
- Hand wipe and clean window sills and baseboards.
- Replace burnt out light bulbs and clean lights and ceiling fans.
- Floors must be cleaned to look and smell fresh and new.
- Remove cobwebs - Inspect all walls, windows, corners, crevices.
- Clean cabinets inside and out.
- Remove expired food products.
- Make pantry shelves look like grocery store shelves.
- Clean doors, blinds, drawers, shelves; remove stains and odors.
- Clean windows inside and out, including window sills.
- Mop, dust, spot clean, touch-up, clean blinds.
- Remove and pack away excess dishes and kitchen appliances.
- Clean doors, door knobs and light plates.
BEDROOMS
- Remove any and all unnecessary bedroom furniture.
- Remove cobwebs, dust and vacuum every inch of the rooms.
- Dust and clean picture frames - best to remove personal photos.
- Dust and clean mirrors and all bedroom furniture.
- Clean ceiling fan; replace light bulbs.
- Clean window sills and windows.
- Dust lamp shades.
- Clean doors; polish or replace hardware.
- Empty closets and vacuum floors; clean shelves, rods.
- Pack and remove at least 3/4 of your clothes and shoes.
- Change light bulb.
- Clean sheets and bedding.
- Vacuum or mop every inch of flooring in bedrooms, Master Baths, closets.
- Clean or replace window treatments.
- Pack and remove nick knacks and valuables.
- Clean baseboards - paint or touch-up walls and/or baseboards.
- Clean doors, door knobs and light plates.
BATHROOMS
- Clean and sanitize toilets completely.
- Clean and sanitize tubs, showers, soap dishes, towel bars, and sink.
- Clean vanities and faucets - make them shine like new.
- Clean inside and outside all cabinets and drawers.
- Remove stains.
- Remove cobwebs.
- Clean baseboards.
- Organize linen cabinets and remove excess linen.
- Discard old medicine, shampoo, toothbrushes and cosmetic products.
- Clean out medicine cabinet completely.
- Replace light bulbs and old light fixtures.
- Clean mirrors and windows.
- Clean and sanitize floors.
- Clean baseboard; touch-up paint where needed.
- Clean doors, door knobs and light plates.
If you can do all this and keep it clean, congratulations - you are probably on your way to selling very quickly. Follow the same outline above in all other areas of the house.
But the secret to getting your house cleaned without any stress is to hire a reputable Cleaning Services that offers Satisfaction Guaranteed. For small repairs that don't require professional electricians, plumbers, etc., hire a reputable handy man who can fix, replace, remove, and repair what can and should be fixed. A local professional stager will give you honest and objective advice customized to your home and budget. This is important because not all advice on HTV will apply to your home and your area. When it comes to services, shop locally and ask your Agent for reputable resources. This will be money well spent. The quicker you get under contract, the sooner you can move on. Another secret - cleanliness is the best air freshner. There is no spray, plug in, or scented candles that can substitute what a truly clean house can do for you.
©Patrica Feager 6/26/2014
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