Cleaning Your New House Before Moving In

By Maid Brigade of Northern Connecticut

Moving to a new home can be very exciting, but it can also be a lot of work.

While you may not feel like doing it, cleaning the house before you move in is very important.

You may want to start with the kitchen – since people’s cooking smells still linger long after they’re gone.

Starting with the stove, remove all elements and clean this area. If you’re using a brush, make sure you use a brush 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, take a look inside the oven, and if need be, apply an oven-cleaner. Most take approximately 20 minutes to 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.

Once you’ve cleaned the top and front of the stove, remove it from the wall and clean beneath it. And if possible, clean the sides, too, along with the front panel and temperature dials.

Next, tackle the refrigerator. Hopefully, it’s been cleaned out, but even if it has, it’s always a good idea to clean it well, including removing the drawers and bins and washing them out. Wash the inside walls and shelves, removing anything that can be removed and washing it separately in the sink or bathtub.

If the fridge has been unplugged, wipe down the inside or clean it thoroughly if it needs it. I suggest unplugging the fridge if it hasn’t been and letting it warm up before cleaning it. This will make it easier to clean. Also, use a soft cloth as anything harsher will scratch the surface. Don’t forget to check the freezer.

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

Use a mild cleaner to clean the inside of cabinets, especially if they’re painted or lined. If they aren’t lined, consider using a liner to ensure that the insides are ready for your dishes. Lining paper can be purchased at any home store.

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 make sure you clean between cracks using a putty knife to remove any debris. Clean backsplashes with a mild cleaner or baking soda and water.

Clean and rinse the sink well. Sink odors can be removed by mixing baking soda and water together, then pouring it down the drain.

You don’t necessarily need to clean the walls, unless they are visibly dirty. Also, if it’s a house that has been occupied by small children, look for fingerprints closer to the floor and around light switches and corners. A great solution for sticky spots is to apply a small amount of fabric softener to a sponge then rub it on the area. Whatever has stuck to the wall will disappear. This also works really well for removing wallpaper or paper borders.

If possible, steam clean the carpets. If they have already been steam cleaned, you probably just need a thorough vacuum. If the previous owners if they had any pets, you may want to protect against possible fleas, especially if you have pets of your own.

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

Don’t have time before the big move? Give Maid Brigade of Northern Connecticut a call at 860-645-6243 and we’ll help you out.