Move In Cleaning Checklist

INTRODUCTION

Before moving into a new place, you need to be sure that your new home is deep cleaned, free from any harmful chemicals, or chemicals that may trigger allergies. Although the previous occupant might have been bound by contract to clean the place, you still need to carry out some deep cleaning of your own. So, if you just moved into a new place and you want a clean, fresh start, follow this move-in cleaning checklist, and you’re good to go.

START WITH THE BATHROOMS

• Wash The Toilets: A good way to start your move in cleaning is by cleaning the toilets. Start by first attending to the toilet seats. Actually, it is advised and preferable that you change the seats completely. Getting new toilet seats isn’t so expensive, and knowing that you’re not using the toilet seats that have been previously used by someone else, gives a feeling of freshness and comfort. So instead of spending your time cleaning them, remove them, clean underneath them and replace them with new ones. You’ll feel way better this way. Scrub inside toilet bowls with trusted toilet cleaners and a toilet brush. Then, wipe the sides and top of the toilet bowl with a disinfectant or with bleach. Don’t forget the tank as well.
• Scrub Shower And Bathtubs: After cleaning the toilet, move to the shower and bathtubs. Ensure to vigorously scrub down the shower and bathtubs with a sponge using baking soda and water.
• Wipe Mirrors and Glass Fixtures: Get a glass cleaner and a dry cloth, and wipe the mirror or any other glass fixture in a circular motion. You could also add a little vinegar to water and use the mixture to clean glass.
• Wipe All Surfaces: Next thing to do is to wipe all the bathroom surfaces with a disinfectant and a damp cloth. Wipe the bathroom counter, the vanity area, wipe doors, and shelves. Also include door frames, door knobs, the door, inside and outside of medicine cabinets. Clean out the cabinets before disinfecting.
• Clean Bathroom Walls: You might need to get rid of tile grout and wall marks. To do this effectively, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda could be used. Give it about 5-10 minutes to settle, then use a firm brush to scrub, and finally, rinse off. Gently scrub the light switches and baseboards as well.
• Clean Sink/Basin: Wash sink with some soap and a sponge. Clean the area around the sink; faucets and other fixtures, to make them shiny.
• Bathroom floors: Sweep or vacuum the floors and then mop. Consider a deep cleaning to remove stains from carpets.

CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN:

• Clean Cabinets: Take a small dusting brush and sweep out all crumbs from cabinets. Wipe dust with a damp cloth and spray with disinfectant. Let it dry, then spread liners in the cabinet drawers and shelves. Liners prevent moisture in kitchen utensils or dishes from getting into the cabinet wood. After this, wipe the cabinet doors and handles with a disinfectant as they tend to be greasy.
• Kitchen Counters: Counter tops should be dusted and wiped with a disinfectant spray and a damp cloth. You can spread liners on kitchen counters as well. Finish the work with a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender.
• Fridge and Stovetop: Remove all stove tops including burners. Remove fridge shelves and drawers, and soak them all in a tub filled with warm water and soap. After one hour, bring them out to dry. Wipe them to remove any excess moisture, before putting them back in place. Clean the inside of the fridge and the top of the stove with water and vinegar solution using a  damp cloth. After this, use a dry towel or cloth to remove any excess moisture. Remember to wipe the doors of the fridge with a disinfectant as well.
• Dishwasher: To wash your dishwasher, you could pour a cup of vinegar on the dishwasher container, place it in and run the dishwasher for one cycle. Then, wipe with disinfectant spray.
• Other Kitchen Appliances: Wash inside and around other appliances such as, microwave, oven, and blender. Clean them to get rid of fingerprints and grease.  Remove the grills and racks from the oven and scrub them thoroughly with soapy water. Ensure to pay attention to and wash the oven glass door properly.
• Sinks: Wash the sink with soap and a sponge, then rinse with hot water. Clear the sink drain of any food clogs by adding baking and vinegar and washing down with hot water.

OTHER ROOMS

• Clean Windows: To remove dirt, dust, streaks, and fingerprints from windows, spray the windows with this solution of water, white vinegar, and detergent or dish soap. Wipe using a squeegee or a cloth. You could also wipe with an all purpose cleaner and a disinfectant. Wash window panes, window frames, sills, and glass panels.
• Wash The Floors And Carpets: Scrub the floors and carpets to get rid of stains and markings that might have been made by furniture, food, drinks, and paint. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floors first, then mop with warm water and vinegar. Remove stains from carpets with vinegar, warm water.
• Clean The Walls: Remove any marks and stains from the walls. Wipe walls and baseboards from top to bottom.
• Clean Other Surfaces: Using a long broom, remove all cobwebs in the apartment. Using an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth, wipe counter tops, light fixtures, light switches, doors, door knobs, door frames, fans, etc. Use a disinfectant to diminish the bacterial and mold growth.
• Clean Vents: Use a vacuum attachment to clean any build up grime, and wipe thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. A blocked vent may result in overheating and eventually a fire. We don’t want that for your new place, do we? So make sure to clear up the vents.

CONCLUSION

It might be exciting to finally move into a new place, but you need to ensure you thoroughly follow this checklist and some to get the best out of your new apartment.