What to Clean When Moving into a New Home: Your Guide to a Fresh Start

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but before you settle in, it’s essential to make sure your new space feels truly yours. Cleaning your new home thoroughly before unpacking can help eliminate germs, allergens, and any remnants of the previous occupants. At BrightShineMaids, we know how important it is to start fresh in a clean environment, so here’s our guide on what to clean when moving into a new home to make it feel free of other people’s germs and debris.

1. Deep Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most frequently used areas in any home, making it a hotspot for germs and grease. Before you start stocking your pantry or cooking your first meal, give the kitchen a deep clean:

• Clean Cabinets and Drawers: Wipe down the inside and outside of cabinets and drawers with a disinfectant cleaner. Don’t forget to clean the tops of cabinets, which often collect dust and grease.
• Scrub the Countertops: Disinfect all countertops, paying special attention to any cracks or seams where dirt and bacteria can hide.
• Sanitize Appliances: Clean the inside and outside of your refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Remove any food debris, grease, and odors left behind. Don’t forget to clean behind and underneath these appliances, where grime often accumulates.
• Clean the Sink and Faucet: Scrub the sink with a disinfectant cleaner, focusing on the faucet and handles. Consider running a mild bleach solution down the drain to remove any lingering bacteria.

2. Refresh the Bathrooms

The bathroom is another critical area that needs thorough cleaning to ensure it’s free of germs and debris. Here’s how to make your bathrooms feel like new:

• Disinfect the Toilet: Clean every part of the toilet, including the bowl, seat, tank, and base. Use a strong disinfectant to eliminate any bacteria.
• Scrub the Shower and Bathtub: Remove any soap scum, mildew, or grime from the shower walls, doors, and tub. Clean grout lines and replace any moldy caulk if needed to ensure a fresh start.
• Sanitize Sinks and Countertops: Clean all surfaces, including the sink, countertops, and fixtures, using a disinfectant cleaner.
• Replace or Clean Showerheads and Faucets: Mineral deposits and bacteria can build up in showerheads and faucets. Clean them thoroughly with vinegar or consider replacing them for a completely fresh feel.

3. Clean Floors and Carpets

Floors can harbor dust, dirt, and allergens, especially if the previous occupants had pets. A deep clean will help remove debris and make your home feel truly fresh:

• Vacuum and Shampoo Carpets: Use a high-quality vacuum to remove dust and debris from carpets, then follow up with a professional carpet cleaning to eliminate any lingering dirt, stains, or odors.
• Mop Hard Floors: Clean tile, wood, or laminate floors with appropriate cleaners to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Pay attention to corners and edges, where debris often accumulates.
• Clean Baseboards and Trim: Dust and clean baseboards, door frames, and trim throughout the home. These areas often collect dirt and can make a room feel less clean if overlooked.

4. Sanitize High-Touch Areas

High-touch surfaces are breeding grounds for germs, so it’s crucial to clean and sanitize these areas thoroughly:

• Light Switches and Outlet Covers: Wipe down light switches, outlet covers, and any other frequently touched surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray.
• Doorknobs and Handles: Sanitize all doorknobs, cabinet handles, and drawer pulls throughout the home.
• Thermostats and Remotes: Clean thermostats, remote controls, and other frequently touched items to ensure they’re free of germs.

5. Wipe Down Walls and Windows

Walls and windows can collect dust, fingerprints, and odors over time, so give them a good cleaning to refresh your space:

• Clean Windows and Blinds: Wash windows inside and out, and wipe down blinds or shades. Clean window sills and tracks, where dirt and debris can accumulate.
• Wipe Down Walls: Use a gentle cleaner to wipe down walls, especially in high-traffic areas and near light switches. This will remove any smudges, dust, or lingering odors from previous occupants.

6. Sanitize the Laundry Room

If your new home has a laundry room, take some time to clean this space as well:

• Clean the Washer and Dryer: Run a cleaning cycle in the washing machine to remove any detergent residue or mildew. Wipe down the exterior of the washer and dryer and clean the lint trap thoroughly.
• Dust and Mop the Floor: Dust the tops of appliances, clean the floor, and make sure the room is free of debris.

7. Replace Air Filters and Clean Vents

Replacing the air filters and cleaning the vents in your new home can help improve air quality and eliminate lingering dust or allergens. Clean air ducts and replace filters in the HVAC system to ensure your new space feels fresh and welcoming.

BrightShineMaids: Your Partner in Clean Living

Moving into a new home is a fresh start, and with BrightShineMaids, you can make sure that start is as clean and comfortable as possible. Our professional cleaning services cover everything you need to eliminate germs and debris, leaving your home spotless and ready for your new life. Contact us today to schedule a move-in cleaning and experience the BrightShineMaids difference!