The first thing you should do after you move into a new house is clean it thoroughly. Between waiting for your stuff to arrive and unpacking wrapped items, cleaning the whole place in just one day can be extremely stressful. This guide will show you how to shorten the time needed for this and clean more efficiently.
Kitchen
The kitchen should be your starting point for several reasons. First, it is probably the greasiest and stickiest area in the house; second, you’ll want to get rid of the former occupant’s cooking smells as soon as you can; and finally, so you can finally start preparing meals. The kitchen will be divided into several areas, and we’ll discuss each of them.
Fridge
Even if it has been cleaned by the previous tenants, you better do it yourself once more. There are also environmentally-friendly options like baking soda and water, applied with a sponge or a heavy-duty cloth. Before you start, unplug the fridge and let it warm up a little, because that way it will be easier to clean. Remove the drawers and bins and wash them separately in a sink or a bathtub. Wipe down the inside of the freezer. Finally, move the fridge from its place and clean its sides, and the back area.
Stove
After you remove all the elements, soak the metal trays and racks in a sink-full of hot soapy water while you clean the rest of the stove. Make sure you use a brush that won’t scratch the enamelled surface. Take a look inside the oven and apply an oven cleaner if needed. They usually take 20 minutes to start working, which will give you enough time to clean the rest of the stove. If the regular cleaning product is not enough, use a grease remover. Once it’s clean, unplug it and remove it from the wall to clean the sides and the area beneath.
Cabinets and counters
For the inside of cabinets, you’ll want to use a mild cleaner, especially if they are painted or lined. If the previous tenant hasn’t lined them, do it yourself to make them ready for your dishes. Lining paper is available in any home store, and there is the one that sticks and the one that doesn’t. The non-sticky one is more convenient as it can be removed any time. As with the appliances, use baking soda and water for grease stains. A putty knife will be your best friend when it comes to cleaning counters. After you remove crusty debris from the surface, use the knife to clean the cracks.
Walls and floors
If you are fortunate, the previous owners or tenants have repainted the interior prior to their leave, so you don’t have to clean the walls. In another scenario, look for fingerprints closer to the floor and around light switches and corners, especially if the house has been occupied by small children. Branded liquid stick cleaners usually work well and remove some of the more stubborn stains. Alternatively, apply very little fabric softener and rub it on the area with a sponge. If you are moving in a home with a carpet, consider hiring a professional cleaner to steam clean it before you move in.
Hire movers
While asking a bunch of friends to help you with the move would probably cost next to nothing, not all of them will be available when you need them. A professional moving service, on the other hand, can make your transition incomparably easier and stress-free. You’ll have more time for cleaning and thinking about the new furniture arrangement, and the moving crew will fit into your time schedule. Reputable companies, as these Penrith-based removalists, even provide a storage facility, in case you have to wait – or give the place a clean – before you move in.
Although your new home might have looked spotless during the open house hours, don’t be fooled. No matter how clean it seems, there will always be a few sticky surprises in store for you.