How to Deep Clean Your Home Before Listing

Understandably, nobody wants to tour dirty or messy homes, but “deep cleaning” before listing is more than cleaning up obvious messes and spills. To best prepare your home to sell, you need to identify what buyers are looking for and how you can most effectively prepare your space. Luckily, we’ve compiled some tips on how to deep clean your property.

It’s usually difficult to jump into a project without a plan of attack. Before cleaning your home, consider what needs your attention. Are some rooms more cluttered than others? Are there areas where things are broken or unsightly? Target the big issues first before moving on to the smaller ones. It’s also important to be realistic about how much time your tasks will take. Don’t underestimate your responsibilities only to be left with a long list of chores that might never get done.

 

If you can’t see the floor, then you won’t be able to clean it! Start decluttering your spaces by selling or giving away any excess clothing, shoes, furniture, or items that take up space in your closets. If you have furniture or accessories that make a room feel smaller, it’s important to pare down. For example, sometimes decorative bedroom benches can take up floor space without really adding anything. 

You want to highlight the most impressive aspects of your home, such as storage, so don’t litter your kitchen or bathroom counters with appliances or bottles. Leave surfaces clean, so buyers can see what they’re working with. Extra points if you can declutter and organize the cabinets for these spaces as well. Prospective buyers will want to assess the room they’ll have for their stuff, and they won’t be able to do so if the cabinets are full of your belongings. 

Kitchens take a lot of wear and tear, which is why buyers often expect them with a fine-toothed comb. You want to clean every inch of your kitchen — especially the drawers. Clear out any crumbs, stains, or sticky areas. Be sure to check for dust bunnies or spider webs, which like to hide behind appliances. Finally, if your kitchen has stainless steel appliances, make sure they’re shiny and grease-free.

The bathroom is another area that needs some extra attention. Bathrooms often build up residue from soaps and other products. You want your tub, shower, and sinks to shine! You’ll also need to clean your toilet, so it’s spotless. If your tub or shower tiles look less-than-stellar, consider re-caulking the tub or replacing the grout. Both of these can be DIY projects, but you could also hire a contractor to ensure it’s done to perfection.

 

Carpets and rugs need to be stain-free, so we recommend a thorough shampooing. If you have a powerful shampooing vacuum, give that a try. Otherwise, you might opt for a professional cleaning. Your rugs and carpets should look bright and healthy and smell fresh to impress prospective buyers.

 

Natural light can do a lot for a property, so make sure you do not deny your home of that potential. To take advantage of the natural light, take a look at your windows. They might benefit from a professional window cleaning to get them nice and shiny. 

If you have blinds or shutters, be sure to dust and clean them. The same goes for curtains, which can get dirty and stale. Shake them out, and consider dry cleaning them for a very polished look.

If your home has a fireplace, you’ll want to highlight this feature by keeping it clean. Remove any soot or debris build-up, and make sure it’s functioning correctly. Buyers who are drawn to a fireplace will be disappointed if it doesn’t look ready to use.

 

The basement may seem like the perfect place to store all of your deep-cleaning rejects, but an organized basement is an important selling point. You don’t want a buyer to walk downstairs and find a mess. Try organizing your storage into neat bins or boxes, containing them as much as possible. You’ll also want to make sure your basement isn’t dusty, moldy, full of mildew, or prone to leaks. A thorough way to check for these things is via basement inspection.

 

While certain rooms might seem more important than others, cleaning your entire home is still necessary. This means dusting every surface, polishing any wood or metals, removing marks from walls, and cleaning dirt from sills, trim, and baseboards. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers come in handy for scuff marks, while Swiffer dusters will get those hard-to-reach places. Be sure to check for dust in ceiling fans and vents and around lamps, photographs, and other accessories.

 

While your home’s interior is crucial, a well-maintained exterior is just as important. If your home has a yard, you want to clear out any debris like weeds or branches, and you’ll also want to keep your lawn trim and green with any plants as organized as possible. If your home has a pool, also ensure it’s clean and well-staged. You should also wash the front of your home, including the windows, awnings, walkway, and front door. Remove any dirt or grime with a thorough power wash, and your home will sparkle inside and out.

 

Once your home is clean and tidy, be sure to go above and beyond by adding some finishing touches. Fresh air, clean scented candles, and a fresh bouquet are all things buyers appreciate. You want visitors to walk into your home and feel like it’s a place they can be comfortable and envision themselves living in as well.

 

If you’re getting ready to dive into the world of Leawood, Kansas real estate, contact Trent Gallagher Real Estate! He and his knowledgeable team have plenty of experience in Overland Park and Olathe real estate. The team will be happy to help you list your home!