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move in cleaning checklist

The Best Move In Cleaning Checklist For Your New House

So you’ve finally got the keys to your new house or flat. Congratulations! But you’re probably reading this because you’re frustrated that the previous owner’s final clean before they moved out isn’t to your standards, right? Try not to let it dampen your big day too much. We’ve created the ultimate move in cleaning checklist that will soon help you feel right at home. 

How do I clean my house when moving in?

If you want to deep clean your house before moving in, you’re going to need a lot of time, patience, and of course, cleaning products. Ideally, it’s best to clean your new house before you move in so that you won’t be tripping over any of the furniture or belongings you’ve brought over from your previous home. 

Try making a list of what needs to be cleaned in each room, and if there’s more than one of you, you could split the responsibilities (and a pizza once you’ve finished!).

What do I need to clean my new house?

Before you head to the shops, here’s a handy move in house cleaning checklist: 

Equipment and tools

  • Hoover
  • Duster
  • Broom
  • Dustpan and brush
  • Bucket
  • Mop
  • Step ladder
  • Toilet brush

Cleaning products

  • Rubber gloves
  • Sponges
  • Cleaning brush
  • Microfibre cloths
  • Kitchen roll
  • Fairy liquid
  • Window cleaner
  • Kitchen cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Multi-surface polish
  • Toilet cleaner
  • Mould and mildew spray
  • Bleach
  • Floor cleaner
  • Oven and hob cleaner
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda

How to clean the bathroom

You’re inevitably going to need the bathroom a few times during your move-in cleaning (even if it’s just for a 5 minute break) so it’s a good idea to start there. 

Grab a bathroom cleaner and your rubber gloves and listen up.

  1. Start at the top – with a duster, clear out any dust or cobwebs from the ceiling, lights, vents, and fans.
  2. Clean the windows – use window cleaner to remove any marks and smudges and general surface cleaner for the windowsills. Mould and mildew spray on an abrasive sponge is a great way of tackling stubborn and ingrained spots of mould.
  3. Clean the cabinets – Use a clean cloth with all-purpose cleaner to wipe the insides of your cabinets. 
  4. Scrub the bathtub and shower – An all-purpose bathroom cleaner with a minky sponge will definitely do the trick here. 
  5. Disinfect the toilet – Scrub the toilet with a toilet brush and use a sponge with disinfecting cleaner to clean the outside, back, and handle of the toilet.
  6. Clean the sink and surfaces – Wash them down with non-abrasive cleaners, removing toothpaste stains and watermarks as you go. Clean the bathroom mirror with a glass cleaner.
  7. Sweep and mop the floor – clear any dust that’s gathered from your earlier ceiling clean and use floor wipes to get into the hard-to-reach corners. 

How to clean the kitchen

Now let’s get your kitchen ready in time for your first meal in your new home. Here’s the best way to do it:

  1. Just like with the bathroom, start at the top and dust the ceiling, extractor fan, and light fixtures.
  2. Clean the walls – check for fingerprints and grease marks around light switches. For painted walls, try a mix of fairy liquid and water on a non-abrasive sponge – scrub, rinse, and then dry the surface with a towel. For wallpaper, it’s best to remove dust first with a microfibre cloth before wiping them down with fairy liquid and water. 
  3. Clean the cabinets – use an all purpose kitchen cleaner and paper towels to wipe the inside of the cabinets clean. Then tackle the doors and handles, using a cleaner formulated for wood cabinets if needed.
  4. Clean the counters – this should be relatively easy with a kitchen cleaner. You may need to use a grease cleanser for more stubborn stains on the tiles behind the hob.
  5. Clean the major appliances, including the oven, extractor fan, and fridge. Oven cleaning kits are fantastic for letting the metal racks soak in a solution while you scrub the hob and inside of the oven. When it comes to the fridge, make sure you remove the shelves and drawers to ensure you eliminate the risk of any odours. 
  6. Scrub the sink – it’s worth using a sink and drain cleaner if you have a smelly drain. You can then let the suds of a kitchen cleaner soak in for an hour around the sink for the best results.
  7. Sweep and mop the floor

How to clean the floors

The method of cleaning your floor depends on the type you have. Visit our blog for our helpful tips on cleaning carpet, laminate, vinyl, solid wood, and many more.

Do sellers have to clean the house?

Unfortunately, it’s not an obligation for the seller to clean the house before they move out, only a courtesy. That’s why move-in house cleaning services are so popular; sometimes it’s just too big of a task for the buyer to handle!

If you decide your new home actually needs its floors replacing or updating, please get in touch with us today. Our flooring specialists have the knowledge and experience to install a surface you’ll love for a lifetime.

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