Moving into a new home can be an exciting experience! However, before you start unpacking and setting up your new space, it’s important to give the entire house a deep clean. A thorough cleaning of a new home will not only remove any dirt, dust and debris left behind by the previous owners, but it will also sanitize all surfaces and make the space feel like your own. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to effectively clean a new home from top to bottom.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Disinfecting wipes and spray
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Bathroom/kitchen cleanser
- Vacuum
- Mop and bucket
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponges and scrub brushes
- Rubber gloves
- Dust masks
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Trash bags
Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so you’ll want to pay special attention to sanitizing this space from previous inhabitants. Here’s how to deep clean your new kitchen:
Clear Countertops and Clean Surfaces
Start by removing everything from the countertops and clearing them completely so you can access all surfaces. Give the counters a wipe down with an all-purpose cleaner and disinfect with a sanitizing spray or wipes. Be sure to sanitize handles, knobs and controls on appliances as well.
For any stainless steel appliances, use a stainless steel cleaner and microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and shine. Glass cleaner will help make the windows, mirrors and any glass cabinet doors sparkle.
Clean Inside Cabinets and Drawers
Take everything out of the cabinets and drawers so you can fully clean the interior surfaces. Remove any shelf liner left behind and wipe down the shelves and drawer bottoms. Use a disinfecting spray to sanitize the insides.
Organize everything before putting back into the cabinets, getting rid of anything you don’t need. Place shelf liner into the cabinets and neatly organize dishes, food and other kitchen essentials.
Scrub the Sink
Use a scrub brush and bathroom/kitchen cleanser to scrub the kitchen sink basin. Let the cleanser sit for a few minutes before rinsing to allow it to disinfect.
For stainless steel sinks, a paste of baking soda and water can help remove stubborn stains and make them shine. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Clean Appliances Inside and Out
Wipe down the interior and exterior of appliances like the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher and microwave. Don’t forget the filter and drip pans under the refrigerator. Remove any trays, racks or compartments and wash them in the sink or dishwasher.
Mop Flooring
Sweep the floors first to remove any surface dirt and debris. Then, mop using an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar-water mixture. Get into the corners and don’t forget the floor underneath the refrigerator and stove.
Let the floors air dry completely before walking on them.
Disinfect the Bathrooms
Bathrooms harbor lots of bacteria and viruses, so be sure to give them a thorough disinfecting in a new home. Here are cleaning tips for the bathroom:
Sanitize Toilet Bowl and Base
Use a toilet bowl brush and toilet bowl cleaner to scrub both the bowl and the base, paying attention to hard-to-reach crevices. Let the cleaner sit for the recommended time before flushing to ensure maximal disinfection.
Clean Sinks, Tubs and Showers
Use bathroom/kitchen cleanser along with a scrub brush to clean bathroom sinks, tubs and showers. Spray down shower walls and use a cloth to wipe off soap scum and mildew.
For extra shine, try using white vinegar – the acidity helps remove stubborn buildup. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Disinfect All Surfaces
Be sure to wipe down and disinfect surfaces like the countertops, mirrors, light fixtures, doorknobs and handles throughout the bathroom. Go over areas with disinfecting wipes or spray.
Scrub Grout and Tiles
Use a grout brush and bathroom/kitchen cleanser to scrub the grout between tiles. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. This will help remove mildew and brighten grout.
Freshen Up Caulking and Baseboards
If the caulk around the tub, shower or sink is looking dingy, recaulk to freshen it up. Wipe baseboards down with an all-purpose cleaner.
Clean Flooring and Mats
Sweep/vacuum the floors first before mopping with disinfectant. Machine wash any bath mats, towels or rugs before reusing.
Clean Bedrooms and Closets
Bedrooms are personal spaces that need extra attention when moving into a new home. Follow these tips:
Wash Bedding and Curtains
Strip the beds and wash all blankets, pillows, mattress covers, sheets and bed skirts before making the beds with your own bedding. Machine wash curtains and window treatments as well before hanging them up.
Vacuum and Mop Floors
Give the bedroom floors a thorough vacuuming, getting into corners and crevices. Mop hard floors with an all-purpose cleaner.
Dust and Disinfect All Surfaces
Wipe down ceiling fans, baseboards, windowsills, doorknobs, light switches and outlet covers. Don’t forget bed frames, headboards, side tables and dressers. Polish with wood cleaner if needed.
Clear Out Closets
Remove everything from closets so you can vacuum, dust and wipe down the interior before organizing with your own belongings. Toss or donate anything left behind.
Disinfect Living Rooms, Dining Rooms and Entryways
These high-traffic communal areas deserve a good cleaning. Here’s how:
Vacuum and Clean All Flooring
Give carpeted areas a thorough vacuuming, moving any furniture to access the entire area. For hard floors, sweep first before mopping with a disinfecting cleaner.
Dust All Surfaces
Use a microfiber cloth to dust tabletops, shelves, frames, TV screens, electronics. Don’t forget baseboards, windowsills and doors. Use wood polish on wooden furniture if needed.
Clean Out Fireplaces
Remove ashes and debris from wood-burning fireplaces. Sweep out gas fireplaces and clean the glass. Have chimneys professionally cleaned as well.
Disinfect Handles and Switches
Wipe down doorknobs, handles, light switches, remotes and any other frequently touched surfaces.
Wash Window Treatments
Take down any existing curtains or blinds and machine wash before hanging your own window treatments. Clean window and door glass with glass cleaner.
Freshen Furniture
Shampoo upholstered furniture and area rugs to remove odors or stains left behind. Let pieces air dry completely before replacing any cushions.
Deep Clean Garage, Attic and Basement
Don’t overlook other areas like garages, attics and basements which can harbor dust and clutter in a new home.
Sweep and Mop Garage
Sweep out the garage to remove dirt, leaves and debris. Use an all-purpose cleaner to mop the floors. Clean out cabinets or shelving and toss any items left behind.
Ventilate and Disinfect Attic
Open windows to air out and ventilate the attic if possible. Then vacuum up any dirt or cobwebs. Use disinfecting wipes on any surfaces or storage containers.
Clean Basement Floors and Storage Areas
Sweep and mop basement floors with an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down shelves in storage areas and clean out any unwanted items left behind.
Dust Walls and Ceilings
Use a microfiber duster on a extendable pole to dust attic walls and ceilings, garage rafters, and basement ceilings and vents. This removes cobwebs and airborne dust.
Sanitize Washer/Dryer and Clean Appliance Exteriors
To clean your new machines:
Run Empty Wash Cycle
Run the washer through a hot wash cycle empty to disinfect the wash tub and interior. Follow with a rinse cycle.
Disinfect Dryer Drum
Wipe down the inside of the dryer drum with disinfecting wipes. Use a vacuum attachment to remove lint from trap area.
Clean External Surfaces
Wipe down the exteriors of washer, dryer and any other laundry appliances like utility sinks with an all-purpose cleaner. Use stainless steel cleaner on stainless steel finishes.
Deep Clean Outdoor Areas
Here are some tips for cleaning up your outdoor areas:
Pressure Wash Exterior Surfaces
Use a pressure washer on surfaces like siding, decks, patios and walkways to remove dirt and grime. Allow areas to fully dry when finished.
Clean Patio Furniture
Wipe down outdoor tables and chairs. Wash cushions and pillows before putting back on furniture.
Clean Exterior Windows, Doors and Shutters
Use glass cleaner on exterior windows and doors. Clean window screens and window wells too. Use an all-purpose cleaner on vinyl or wood shutters.
Sweep Walkways, Porches and Decks
Use an outdoor broom to sweep leaves, dirt and debris from outdoor living areas. A shop vac can help remove debris between deck boards or paved areas.
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Use a small trowel or scoop to remove leaves or debris clogging gutters. Flush gutters with a hose. Clean debris from downspouts as well.
Prune Landscaping and Trees
Do some pruning of trees, shrubs, bushes and branches to tidy up the property. Rake up any fallen leaves or debris.
Final Touches
After thoroughly cleaning each room, you can put the finishing touches on your new home:
- Place doormats at entrances
- Hang artwork, photos and wall decor
- Arrange furnishings like lamps, rugs and houseplants
- Set up electronics like TVs, computers and speakers
- Unpack and organize pantry and fridge
- Make beds with fresh bedding
- Stock bathrooms with towels and toiletries
- Fill any soap or sanitizer dispensers
Maintaining a Clean Home
To keep your house looking fresh after moving in, follow these home maintenance tips:
- Establish a cleaning routine for each room
- Keep bathrooms hygienic by disinfecting weekly
- Vacuum twice a week and mop hard floors weekly
- Dust regularly and clean fingerprints from surfaces
- Wash linens, towels and bedding weekly
- Clean kitchen sink and appliances daily
- Take out trash and recycling regularly
- Inspect for any leaks, damage or safety hazards
- Monitor for pests and treat swiftly if detected
- Make minor repairs promptly to prevent bigger issues
- Declutter to avoid mess and keep cleaning manageable
Thoroughly cleaning a new home from top to bottom takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it to make the space sanitary for your family. Follow these tips to get your new house sparkling clean for move-in day! With routine maintenance cleaning afterwards, you can keep your home looking fresh and welcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a New Home
Should I clean before moving my stuff in?
Yes, it’s best to do a deep clean of every room before moving your belongings into a new home. This allows you to clean all surfaces and completely disinfect the space.
What should I use to sanitize and disinfect?
Disinfecting wipes, disinfecting sprays, and all-purpose cleaners with bleach are ideal for sanitizing a new home previously occupied. Focus on disinfecting high-touch areas.
How should I clean carpets?
Give carpets a thorough vacuum to remove surface dirt and stains. For deeper cleaning, consider steam cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture. This will remove allergens left behind.
What about pest control?
Inspect carefully for any signs of pests like insects, rodents or spiders. Treat professionally if detected. Install preventative measures like screens and seals around the home.
How often should I mop floors?
For high traffic areas, mopping floors once a week is recommended. Mop less frequently in rooms used less often. Always sweep floors first before mopping.
What should I use to clean hardwood floors?
Use a specially formulated hardwood floor cleaner. Alternately, a mild vinegar and water solution works well to clean and sanitize wood floors without leaving a residue.
How do I clean appliances?
Refer to manuals for cleaning recommendations. In general, wipe down exterior surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Internally, run wash or rinse cycles in empty dishwashers and washing machines.
Should I sanitize washer and dryer?
Yes, run empty “sanitize” or hot water cycles in the washer to disinfect the wash tub. Wipe down dryer drum interior with disinfectant. This eliminates germs and odors.
What about HVAC and air ducts?
Consider having an HVAC professional do a thorough cleaning of air ducts throughout the home when moving into a new place. This improves air quality.
Cleaning a new home thoroughly removes previous dirt, germs, pests or issues left behind by prior inhabitants. Follow these comprehensive cleaning tips before move-in day to start fresh!