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How to Clean Your House Before Selling It

You likely already know that your house needs to be cleaned before you move out. We all expect to find the space clean when we move into a new house, so it makes sense to leave your old place clean for the next owners too.

However, you probably have questions about how clean it needs to be and what exactly you should clean. Keep reading for advice that could help you with your move-out cleaning in Hawaii Kai.

How clean do you have to leave a house when you sell?

The answer is as clean as possible. Deep cleaning is often a requirement that agents will ask you to meet before you can sell. Clean space looks more presentable, fresh, and bigger, which makes it more appealing to potential new owners.

What should I clean before listing my house?

To make the process easier, start by making a move-out cleaning schedule. Having a plan you can follow will make it much less overwhelming when you’re doing move-out cleaning as a busy homeowner.

We’ve gathered a list of things that should be considered before you move out of your home. This could help you create your own move-out cleaning schedule.

Decluttering

First, you want to gather all your personal items from around the house. Now’s the time to pack up all belongings that you won’t need during the process of moving. Remove hanging pictures from the walls, pack up your bookshelves and gather items of sentimental value in a box. It’ll be much easier to clean if there’s less stuff to clean around.

Small repairs

If there is anything that you can fix yourself with the resources you already have or that are easy to find, you should do it now. Loose knobs, burnt-out light bulbs, and leaky faucets can all be fixed even with limited time and resources.

You’ll also want to remove nails and wall anchors left after you removed your pictures from the walls. However, that leaves holes that make the entire wall look bad. Fortunately, they are an easy fix too. You just need some spackling paste and a putty knife. To cover any traces of repair, you’ll need some sandpaper and paint.

Dirt buildup

We all do some cleaning on a daily basis, but it’s usually just surface-level cleaning. Wiping the kitchen counters and coffee tables is something you might do every day, but getting into every small corner and harder-to-reach space to clean them is not something most people do that often.

You’ll want to remove all dirt buildup before moving. There are all kinds of cleaning products to choose from which can make the removal of the buildup easier.

Bathroom

This is one of the most used rooms in every house. Before you move out, you need to thoroughly scrub and disinfect all surfaces in your bathroom. 

Devote the time to properly get rid of mold and limescale that often appears when there’s water and humidity. Any acidic cleaning agent should work for both. There are plenty of them you can choose from in stores, but even vinegar or lemon juice will do just fine.

Kitchen

This is another space that we use all the time. We store and prepare food in our kitchens which makes it easy for them to get sticky and greasy. Before you move out you should clean all visible surfaces that you already clean regularly, but don’t forget to clean the insides of kitchen cabinets and appliances too. Same as with bathrooms – if there’s any mold or limescale, now’s the time to get rid of it.

Wiping down

You already got rid of the stubborn dirt buildup, and now it’s time to wipe everything that stays in the house clean with a cloth and a bit of cleaning product. This applies especially to:

  • Windows 
  • Appliances
  • Light sources
  • Light switches
  • Power outlets

Surface dirt and stains that you remove this way are easy to get rid of, and when you finish the whole house will look much more fresh and new.

Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping

Deep cleaning you’ve already done might create additional dust or surface dirt after you finish. That is why you should dust, vacuum, and mop near the end. Dust all surfaces you can see in each room, even the ones you didn’t dust regularly, vacuum the floors, and finish by mopping them to make them squeaky clean and shiny.

Polishing up

If there is any part of the house or any piece of furniture that requires regular care, now’s the time to do it. Floors and furniture can be made from natural materials like wood or leather, which need a layer of polish or wax every once in a while. No matter how often you used to do this when you lived there, you should do this before you move out too.

What should I clean before listing my house

Who are the leading experts for move out cleaning in Hawaii Kai

Moving houses is a stressful process for everyone. There are so many things to do and keep in mind. Move out cleaning is time-consuming and physically demanding on top of it. You’re wondering – why can’t I just go on a picnic at Maunalua Bay Beach Park and come back to find it all already done? We hear you!

Skilled professionals at Maid in Oahu are here to help you with your move out cleaning in Hawaii Kai. Our expert cleaners already know what needs to be cleaned in the process, which supplies should be used, and where the stubborn dirt may be hiding. Don’t hesitate to contact us and take this time to de-stress and prepare for moving instead, leaving the cleaning to us!

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