Deep Cleaning Checklist For Your Home Sale

A deep-cleaned home creates a lasting impression on potential buyers and can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells. Here's a comprehensive deep cleaning checklist to prepare your home for listing:

General Cleaning (Throughout the House)

1. Walls and Ceilings:

• Dust and wipe down walls to remove scuffs and fingerprints.
• Clean baseboards, moldings, and trim.
• Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners.

2. Floors:

• Vacuum and mop all hard floors.
• Steam clean or shampoo carpets to remove stains and odors.
• Polish hardwood floors to restore shine.

3. Windows:

• Wash windows inside and out.
• Wipe down windowsills, frames, and tracks.
• Clean or replace blinds and curtains.

4. Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans:

• Dust and clean light fixtures, chandeliers, and lamps.
• Wipe ceiling fan blades and light covers.

5. Doors and Handles:

• Wipe down all doors, including edges and frames.
• Sanitize door handles and knobs.

6. Heating and Cooling:

• Dust vents, registers, and intake grilles.
• Replace air filters.

7. Switch Plates and Outlets:

• Wipe light switch covers and outlet plates to remove dirt.

8. Closets:

• Remove clutter and vacuum floors.
• Wipe down shelves and rods.

Kitchen Deep Cleaning

1. Counters and Cabinets:

• Declutter and wipe down all counters.
• Clean inside and outside of cabinets and drawers.
• Remove grease and grime from backsplashes.

2. Appliances:

• Clean exterior and interior of the oven, stovetop, and range hood.
• Defrost and clean the refrigerator, including shelves and drawers.
• Wipe down the dishwasher and microwave.
• Pull out appliances (if possible) to clean underneath and behind.

3. Sink and Fixtures:

• Scrub the sink and faucet to remove stains and buildup.
• Clean or replace the sink strainer.

4. Floors:

• Sweep and mop thoroughly, paying attention to grout lines if tiled.

Bathroom Deep Cleaning

1. Toilets:

• Scrub inside the bowl, seat, and exterior of the toilet.
• Sanitize the flush handle.

2. Sinks and Counters:

• Scrub sinks to remove water stains and buildup.
• Wipe down counters and vanities.

3. Showers and Tubs:

• Scrub tiles, grout, and glass doors with a mildew remover.
• Replace moldy caulking or grout.

4. Mirrors and Fixtures:

• Clean mirrors to a streak-free shine.
• Polish faucets and handles.

5. Floors:

• Mop and sanitize floors, focusing on corners and grout.

Bedrooms

1. Bedding:

• Wash and replace bedding with neutral, fresh-looking linens.
• Dust and vacuum under beds.

2. Furniture:

• Dust all surfaces, including headboards, nightstands, and dressers.
• Polish wooden furniture.

3. Closets:

• Declutter and organize clothes and items.
• Wipe down closet shelves and vacuum floors.

Living and Dining Areas

1. Furniture:

• Vacuum and spot clean upholstered furniture.
• Dust and polish wooden tables and chairs.

2. Decor and Surfaces:

• Clean and polish mirrors, frames, and decorative items.
• Declutter bookshelves and wipe them down.

3. Electronics:

• Dust and clean TV screens and other electronics.
• Organize and hide cables and wires.

4. Fireplace:

• Sweep out ashes and clean the hearth.
• Polish glass doors and screens.

Entryway

1. Door:

• Clean the front door and polish any hardware.
• Sweep and mop entryway floors.

2. Declutter:

• Remove shoes, coats, and other clutter.
• Add a clean, welcoming doormat.

Garage and Outdoor Areas

1. Garage:

• Sweep and clean floors.
• Organize tools and storage items.
• Wipe down garage doors and windows.

2. Driveway and Walkways:

• Power wash to remove stains and dirt.

3. Porch/Patio:

• Clean patio furniture and sweep the area.
• Wipe down outdoor light fixtures.

4. Lawn and Landscaping:

• Remove debris and weeds.
• Trim hedges and mow the lawn.

Final Touches

• Add air fresheners or lightly scented candles to neutralize odors.
• Open windows for fresh air circulation.
• Ensure all light bulbs are working for a bright and inviting atmosphere.

By following this checklist, your home will be thoroughly cleaned and ready to impress potential buyers!

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