7 Must-Clean Spots Before Moving into Your New Home

Even if your new place looks spotless, a deep clean ensures that your new environment is fresh, healthy, and truly yours. Here’s a checklist of the 7 most important things to clean before moving into your new home.

1. Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where food is stored and prepared, making it one of the most critical areas to clean before moving in. You’ll want to start cooking in a space that’s not just clean, but thoroughly sanitized, ensuring every surface is spotless and ready for use.

Refrigerator:
Follow our complete guide to refrigerator cleaning before moving on to cabinets or other appliances.

Cabinets:

Step 1: Vacuum the Interiors
Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to thoroughly clean the inside of each cabinet. Pay extra attention to the back corners, where debris tends to accumulate. The vacuum will help remove any crumbs, dust, and cobwebs that might be lurking out of sight.

Step 2: After vacuuming, it’s time to wipe down the shelves, walls, and doors of the cabinets. Use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, or a gentle, all-purpose cleaner. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and thoroughly clean each surface. This step will remove any sticky residues, dust, or grime that the vacuum may have missed.

Step 3: Don’t forget the outside of your cabinets! The cabinet doors, especially around handles, can accumulate fingerprints, grease, and dust. Wipe down the exterior with the same warm water and soap solution, and use a clean cloth to dry them afterward.

Appliances:

Move appliances like the stove and refrigerator to clean underneath and behind them. Dust and hair often collect in these hidden spots and can affect the appliance’s performance.

2. Outlets and Switches

Outlets and light switches are high-touch areas that can harbor dirt, oil, and germs from previous occupants. To clean these areas:

• Use a cleaning brush or an old toothbrush with rubbing alcohol to scrub the surfaces.

• After cleaning, wait 30 seconds before plugging anything back in, as rubbing alcohol dries quickly.

3. Bathroom Vents and Exhaust Fans

Bathroom vents and exhaust fans are often overlooked but can accumulate dust and irritants over time. To clean them:

• Remove the vent cover and clean it with a brush or microfiber duster.

• Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up any dust or cobwebs inside the vent. Properly cleaned vents help maintain good air quality, especially important for families with young children.

4. Garage Floor and Shelves

Your new garage might be harboring dirt, cobwebs, or even pests. Here’s how to clean it:

• Sweep, blow, or vacuum the floor and shelves to remove any debris.

• Use a pest repellent, such as a sonic plug-in or spray, to prevent insects or rodents from moving in after you.

5. Light Fixtures

Light fixtures can gather dust and grime, especially if they haven’t been cleaned in a while. For a thorough clean:

• For recessed lights, use an extendable duster or attach a cloth to a broom handle for hard-to-reach spots.

• For dome lights, ensure they’re completely dry before reassembling to prevent water stains or mold.

6. Windows, Mirrors, and Other Glass Surfaces

Glass surfaces, though often overlooked, can harbor germs and bacteria. To clean them effectively:

• Use a streak-free glass cleaner for windows and mirrors.

• Sanitize these surfaces with a separate cleaning solution to ensure they’re not just clear, but also germ-free.

7. Ceiling Fan Blades

If your new home has ceiling fans, it’s crucial to clean them before turning them on. Dust that has accumulated on the blades can be spread throughout the room when the fan is in use:

• If reachable, wipe the blades with a cloth or an old sock.

• For high or difficult-to-reach fans, use an extendable duster and take care when using a step ladder.