Tips for Cleaning Your New Home

In my first few homes, I cleaned, but still missed a few things that weren't obvious to do.  Here are some tips for how to make sure everything is as clean as possible before you set everything up the way you want it.

Walls and ceilings
I never thought much about cleaning my walls and ceiling until I noticed cobwebs in my first apartment after moving in.  Taking the time to clean the hidden corners and to wipe down air vents will get rid of dust that can wreak havoc on your allergies later.

Floors
Carpet is cleanest when steam cleaned, but a good vacuuming will get it close enough.  While vacuuming, you might find dust and lint gathered up around the baseboards.  The easiest way to get rid of this is to place paint tape beneath the baseboards and pull it up.  A pencil is just the right width to help get the paint tape underneath the baseboard.

Non-carpet floors should be swept and then mopped.  If you have wood floors, normal soap and cleaners will ruin them.  If using a regular mop, fill your bucket with 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon of water.  If using a Swiffer mop, wet mopping cloths made especially for wood floors are available.

Sinks, tubs, and toilets
Depending on who lived in your place before you, sinks, tubs, and toilets can be some of the grubbiest places in your new home.  Hopefully you won't have to dig anything out of the drain, but if you do, make sure to follow it up with drain cleaner to keep the drain flowing smoothly.

Sometimes the all purpose cleaner and shower cleaner just won't cut it.  For stains, rust, and other tough spots to clean, baking soda is surprisingly helpful.  If any residue is left over, just sprinkle baking soda on it and then use your sponge to scrub it in.  After rinsing, the problem spot should be gone.

Baking soda can also be used to kick leftover smells out of a drain or garbage disposal.  Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain and follow it with 1 cup of white vinegar.  Let this solution sit in the drain for a few minutes before rinsing it with hot water.
 
Kitchen
Grease remover and rags will help remove any residual grease from your exhaust fan and light above the stove.  After this, you can focus on wiping down everything in the refrigerator and cleaning out your cabinets and drawers.  Usually these will be fairly clean, but it doesn't hurt to wipe them out before using shelf liner just in case anything is hiding in them.

Make sure to wipe out the residue left from your oven's self-cleaning cycle, and to clean off the stove and countertops.   Any tough residue on the stove can be removed with baking soda as well.

This may sound like a lot of work to do, but just keep in mind how comfortable it will make your home after you finish unpacking.  Taking the time to deep clean your home before moving in will allow you to only have to deal with upkeep.