Moving into a new home is exciting! The possibilities are endless, with blank spaces to decorate and design. But before you start the fun stuff, it’s essential to prepare your new home with a thorough deep cleaning. Whether it is new construction or was previously lived in, inevitably, there will be dust, debris, and grime left behind. Get your new adventure off to a great start by tackling the dirty work first. We’ve pulled together some steps and methods to help you get the job done right so you can start setting up your home.
- Kitchen Area:
- Refrigerator First: The most important thing to clean is the refrigerator. The food you brought with you in the move needs to be chilled as soon as possible, so get the refrigerator cleaned first. Vacuum the back to remove dust. Clean the top of the fridge and then move on to the inside, thoroughly cleaning the door, shelves, and drawers. Once your perishables are safely tucked away in the refrigerator, move on to the rest of the kitchen.
- Start from the Top: As you clean, dust and dirt will fall to the surfaces below. Start with the light fixtures, door frames, oven vents, and walls. Avoid cleaning twice by starting with the high places first.
- Cabinets and Drawers: Use all-purpose cleaner or melamine sponge to wipe down the cabinets and interior shelves. If the shelves aren’t lined, consider purchasing an inexpensive shelf liner to prepare them for use.
- Countertops and Backsplash: If your home is new, the counters and backsplash should be clean already. If your home isn’t new, focus on the tile grout and greasy residue around appliances. Move the stove and clean the backsplash thoroughly.
- Major Appliances: Use a grease-cutting cleaner for the stovetop, oven, and built-in microwave. Use an all-purpose cleaner for the dishwasher. Focus on the interior and ensure you get all the leftover residue.
- Living Room and Common Areas
- Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Ceiling fans and light fixtures are notorious for collecting dust. As we did in the kitchen, starting with the highest areas is good practice, so dust doesn’t fall on clean surfaces.
- Doorknobs and Light Switches: These areas see a lot of regular use. Oil and dirt from hands can build up and become a magnet for grime. Clean and disinfect all doorknobs and light switches to remove leftover bacteria and germs.
- Carpet: If the carpet is new, vacuuming should get up all the dust. Carpet can harbor dirt deep within the fibers and padding, so if the carpet is not new, consider shampooing before unpacking and setting up your space.
- Fireplace: Whether you have a woodburning or gas fireplace, clean it out to ensure there isn’t any dust or soot left from previous occupants. Don’t forget to check the flue and consider hiring a professional to clear any obstructions from the chimney.
- Bathrooms: Use disinfecting cleaners for the bathrooms. Focus on the backs of the toilets, where dirt and dust can stick to surfaces. Scrub the grout in shower areas and around sinks. Scrub the tile with bathroom cleaner to remove any built-up grime. Clean the cabinets, shelves, and drawers, and consider lining them to protect the wood from moisture.
If you have any questions about our Texas relocation services, contact us today! A staff member will gladly answer any questions and help you schedule your next move. AB Moving is a family-owned and operated business and a trusted name for moving services in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and across Texas.
