What to Clean When Moving Into a New House?

You should clean many things when moving into a new house. Even if the home looks clean, you need to deep clean surfaces like kitchen appliances, bathrooms, floors, light fixtures, and air vents. This helps remove germs and makes your new house feel fresh and safe.

Moving into a new home is exciting! But before you unpack your boxes, you need to clean your new space. This guide will show you exactly what to clean and how to do it. We'll cover every room in your house so you can feel good about your fresh start.

Why Clean Your New House First?

When you move into a new house, it might look clean. But looks can trick you. The people who lived there before left behind germs, dust, and dirt in places you can't see. Cleaning before you move in helps you:

• Get rid of germs and bacteria
• Remove dust that can make you sneeze
• Make the house smell fresh
• Feel better about your new home
• Find any problems that need fixing

The best time to clean is when the house is empty. You can reach every corner and clean behind things easily. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality can be 2-5 times worse than outdoor air, making thorough cleaning essential before moving in.

What You Need to Clean Your New House

Before you start cleaning, get these supplies ready:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant spray
• Glass cleaner
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• Microfiber cloths
• Sponges
• Rubber gloves
• Trash bags
• Paper towels
• Baking soda
• White vinegar

Having everything ready makes cleaning faster and easier.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide

Kitchen: The Heart of Your Home

The kitchen needs extra attention because this is where you make food. Start cleaning from the top and work your way down.

Appliances That Need Deep Cleaning

Refrigerator: Take out all shelves and drawers. Wash them with warm soapy water. Wipe down the inside walls with a mixture of baking soda and water. Don't forget to clean the outside, including the handles. Move the fridge away from the wall and vacuum the coils in the back.

Stove and Oven: Remove the drip pans and grates if you can. Wash them in hot soapy water. Clean inside the oven with oven cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and water. Wipe down the stovetop and control panels.

Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar. Then run another cycle with baking soda sprinkled on the bottom. This removes smells and buildup.

Microwave: Put a bowl of water with lemon juice inside. Heat it for 2 minutes. The steam makes cleaning easier. Wipe down the inside and outside.

Other Kitchen Areas

• Cabinets: Clean inside and outside with all-purpose cleaner. Don't forget the handles and knobs
• Countertops: Wipe down all surfaces with disinfectant
• Sink: Scrub with baking soda to make it shine
• Backsplash: Clean off any grease or food stains
• Floor: Sweep and mop thoroughly

Bathrooms: Making Them Sparkle

Bathrooms can have lots of germs, so they need special attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cleaning surfaces first with soap and water before disinfecting, as this removes dirt and makes disinfectants work better.

Toilet Deep Clean

Many people choose to replace the toilet seat with a new one. If you keep the old one, clean it completely:

• Remove the seat if possible and clean underneath
• Scrub the bowl with toilet bowl cleaner
• Wipe down the outside, including the base
• Don't forget the handle and tank

Shower and Tub

• Remove soap scum with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and dish soap
• Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse
• Clean the showerhead by soaking it in vinegar
• Scrub grout lines with an old toothbrush
• Clean glass doors with glass cleaner

Other Bathroom Areas

• Sink and Faucet: Clean with all-purpose cleaner and polish the faucet
• Mirror: Use glass cleaner for a streak-free shine
• Medicine Cabinet: Wipe down inside and outside
• Floor: Sweep and mop with disinfectant
• Exhaust Fan: Remove dust and dirt that can spread when you turn it on

Bedrooms: Your Personal Space

Bedrooms are easier to clean but still need attention.

What to Clean in Bedrooms

• Windows: Clean glass and wipe down sills
• Closets: Vacuum the floor and wipe down shelves
• Light Fixtures: Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Walls: Wipe down with a damp cloth
• Baseboards: Clean with a damp microfiber cloth
• Floors: Vacuum carpets deeply or mop hard floors

If the house has carpet, think about having it professionally cleaned before you move in. This removes dirt and allergens that regular vacuuming can't get. The American Lung Association notes that carpets can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens that affect indoor air quality.

Living Areas: Where You Relax

Living rooms and family rooms need cleaning too.

Focus Areas for Living Spaces

• Ceiling Fans: Dust the blades with a damp cloth
• Light Fixtures: Clean all types of lights
• Windows: Wash windows and clean sills
• Baseboards: Wipe down with all-purpose cleaner
• Floors: Vacuum or mop thoroughly
• Built-in Shelves: Dust and wipe down

Laundry Room: Often Forgotten

The laundry room is small but important.

Laundry Room Cleaning Tasks

• Washer: Run an empty cycle with vinegar to remove smells
• Dryer: Clean the lint trap and check the vent
• Sink: Scrub if there is one
• Shelves: Wipe down storage areas
• Floor: Sweep and mop

Don't Forget These Important Areas

Air Vents and Filters

Old air filters can spread dust around your house. Change your air filters and mark the date you installed them on the filter and your calendar. This helps you remember when to change them again.

Clean air vents by removing the covers and washing them. Wipe down the vent opening too.

Light Switches and Outlet Covers

These get touched a lot and can have lots of germs. Research from the University of Arizona shows that frequently touched surfaces can harbor hundreds of times more bacteria than other areas. Use a cleaning brush or old toothbrush with rubbing alcohol to clean switches and outlets. Wait 30 seconds after cleaning before plugging anything in.

Door Handles and Hardware

Clean all door handles, knobs, and locks. These are touched by many people and can spread germs.

Garage and Basement

These areas often get forgotten but can have pests and dust.

Garage: Use a broom, leaf blower, or shop vacuum to clean up cobwebs, dirt piles, and debris. Look for signs of pests and use repellent if needed.

Basement: Check for mold or water damage. Clean thoroughly if everything looks good.

When to Clean Before Moving In

The best time to clean is right after you get the keys but before the moving truck arrives. This gives you:

• Easy access to all areas
• No furniture in the way
• Time to let everything dry
• A chance to find any problems

If you need to move in right away, try to keep your boxes in one room while you clean the others.

Should You Hire Professional Cleaners?

Cleaning a whole house is a big job. You might want to hire professional cleaners if:

• You don't have time to clean everything
• The house is very dirty
• You want to focus on other moving tasks
• You have health issues that make cleaning hard

Professional cleaners have the right tools and know how to clean efficiently. If you choose to hire help, companies like Last Stop Moving can connect you with trusted services in your area.

Tips for Easier Cleaning

Start High, Work Low

Always clean from top to bottom. This way, dust falls down to areas you haven't cleaned yet.

Use the Right Products

Different surfaces need different cleaners. Read labels to make sure you're using products safely.

Take Breaks

Cleaning a whole house is tiring. Take breaks to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Get Help

Ask family or friends to help. Many hands make the work go faster.

Making Your New House Feel Like Home

After you finish cleaning, your house will feel fresh and ready. The hard work pays off when you can relax in your clean new space.

Remember that this deep cleaning is a one-time job. Once you move in, regular cleaning will keep your home looking great.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Not reading cleaner labels: This can be dangerous and damage surfaces
• Using too much product: More isn't always better
• Forgetting to ventilate: Open windows when using strong cleaners
• Mixing cleaning products: This can create dangerous fumes
• Rushing the job: Take time to do it right

Health and Safety Tips

The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces first with soap and water before disinfecting. This removes dirt and makes disinfectants work better. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a list of approved disinfectants that are safe and effective for home use.

Always:

• Wear gloves when cleaning
• Open windows for fresh air
• Keep cleaning products away from children and pets
• Never mix different cleaning products

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your new house before moving in is one of the best things you can do. It helps you start fresh and feel good about your new home. While it takes time and effort, the results are worth it.

Focus on the areas that matter most: kitchen, bathrooms, and places you touch often. Don't forget about air vents, light switches, and door handles. These small details make a big difference in how clean your house feels.

If you're planning a move in the Edmonton area, Last Stop Moving can help make your transition smooth. Their professional team understands that moving is stressful, and they're there to help every step of the way.

Ready to make your new house sparkle? Start with this cleaning checklist and enjoy your fresh, clean home!