The ultimate move-in cleaning checklist: The cheat sheet you’ve been waiting for! Okay, that may be a little dramatic. However, cleaning your new home is really important, AND, it’s a lot easier to do before you move anything in. Every home we’ve ever lived in has been ‘cleaned,’ or so we’ve been told. To be truthful, they did ‘look’ clean. But time and time again, I found out a little too late that one person’s definition of clean is not necessarily MY definition of clean. So in the vein of ‘better safe than sorry,’ here is MY version of the ultimate cleaning checklist.
Take a tip (or two) from the pros
In my opinion, Melissa Maker of Clean My Space, is hands down the best professional house cleaner on the planet. At a very young age she started her own cleaning business – and learned a few things the hard way. She shares that experience with her viewers on YouTube, and with readers on her website. Here are a few things I’ve learned from her:
- Always Be Cleaning (She calls this ABC) – meaning, don’t put something down, put it away.
- Use the S method for wiping down counter tops
- Always Make your Bed
- Use a Checklist
Clean from the Top Down
When it comes to the ultimate cleaning checklist, this one should be common sense, but I admit, for me, it was an ah-ha moment. The simplicity is to clean every room from the top down. That way any dirt or dust that falls, will fall to the next lower surface, or to the floor. Ultimately, this makes it easier to get every surface clean, and stay clean. The last step of every room will be the floor. Cleaning the floors last insures that dirt particles and dust bunnies will be vacuumed, swept or mopped up before the room is complete.
Clean from Left to Right
Cleaning a room top down, AND left to right insures that every spot, every wall, every nook and cranny will be touched. Plus it saves time and energy. For those who hate to clean in the first place, this will be a game changer. In an Ultimate Cleaning Checklist, this also means that nothing gets forgotten and you can rest assured the work was done right!
Do the Eye-Level Test on Flat Surfaces
Countertops can be deceiving, especially if they are a natural stone. They may “look” clean at a glance, but trust me, they probably aren’t. After I wipe down a kitchen or bathroom counter, I like to get down to eye-level with the counter top and take a second look. Most of the time, I see crumbs, dirt, or hair that I missed. For an ultimate clean, always give a flat surface the eye-level test.
Work Smarter not Harder
We’ve all heard this before. It’s an excellent rule of thumb in life. But when it comes to cleaning – especially cleaning before moving in your new home – it makes the most sense.
Now, I’m a lover of all things cleaning related. It is really exciting to me to try out the newest steam mop, floor cleaner, or squeegee. BUT…. trying all the products doesn’t mean you’re working smarter – and you’re certainly not saving money. I have a three simple tricks I use to clean my home – and they are tried and true.
Use a Steam Mop
Using a steam mop not only saves you time and energy, but the dry time is worlds’s faster. A steam mop leaves a streak free shine and disinfects your flooring. Plus, cleaning pads can be tossed in the laundry and reused.
I like the PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner from Amazon
Use E-Cloths
For any glass or shiny surfaces, and especially for windows, I always use E-Cloth. They come in a variety of colors and textures.
For a streak free window EVERY TIME, this product can’t be beat. Trust me. It’s the best.
Use GOOD products
For all-purpose cleaner, my go-to is Thieves concentrated cleaner by Young Living. (This is my own opinion – not sponsored).
It is all purpose, non abrasive, and non-toxic. Plus, it smells AMAZING.
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Need the first night in your new home checklist? Read here.
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