Spring has finally sprung and for many, that means one thing: it’s time for spring cleaning!
While your home may be clean on the surface, Spring is the perfect time to get a little deeper with your cleaning efforts to make everything look wonderful both inside and outside and pay closer attention to those details we tend to overlook.
If your home is currently on the market or you’re planning to sell in the near future, then it’s even more important your home look its best. Buyers will be especially attuned to the cleanliness of the homes they tour so make yours stand out as exceptional!
To make the best impression possible, it’s important to do a deep and thorough cleaning before listing.
Here’s how to go ahead and get started – so you can get your home looking it’s best this spring:
Tackle The Bathroom:
Mold develops quickly and easily in your bathroom, particularly over the winter months. Eliminate it by scrubbing floors and other surfaces and remember to wear rubber gloves and keep the room well-ventilated while you clean. Wash mats, rugs, and even shower curtains. Just be sure to check the label before you stick anything in the washing machine.
Deep-Cleaning Carpets & Rugs.
After months of tracking everyday grime through your home, it’s likely that your carpets and rugs need a thorough cleaning. While they may not seem like a big deal to you, even minor stains on carpets can significantly detract from the appeal of your home. When potential buyers see dirty or soiled carpets, they instantly see dollar signs if they feel they need to them. You may be able to clean carpets on your own or spot clean the stains but it’s best to check with a professional before you begin.
Clean Your Windows.
Avoid the mistake of overlooking your windows. Sparkling glass and clean windowsills make an entire room feel bright and pleasant. On the other hand, dirty windows and dusty sills can have a strong negative effect. Clean your windows and consider using a rubber squeegee to eliminate streaks as the glass dries. You’ll be amazed by the difference this makes.
Dust Your Light Bulbs.
Your bulbs are easy to overlook but can also make a big difference. Unscrew your light bulbs (after leaving them off to cool and avoid burning your fingers) and polish them with a dampened cloth.
Clean Vents & Ceiling Fans.
It’s important to switch the filters in your air conditioning vents every few months, but the ones in your ceiling can go unnoticed. Dust them off and polish them with a dampened cloth. Don’t forget the tops of your ceiling fans. Dust builds up on them fast, so wipe them off and polish them. If they’re made of wood, use a wood cleaner for an extra shine.
Clean & Touch Up Baseboards.
Often overlooked, baseboards are a clear indication of the cleanliness of your home. Baseboards take quite a beating in terms of dust, dirt and scuff marks and this regular wear and tear has a big effect on how your house shows. First, clean off the dust and pet hair. Then, scrub them down with a cleaning solution and a sponge. Once they’re clean, go around with paint in your trim color and touch up any marks that couldn’t be removed with the sponge. It takes a bit of effort, but you’ll be amazed at how fresh and new your home looks afterwards.
Clean out your closets.
We have a tendency to shove anything and everything into our closets – out of sight, out of mind, right? If your home is on the market and you’ve got showings, you can bet potential buyers are peeking in your closets to see how much space is available. What will they see? Lots of room for their things…or your things tossed in their haphazardly? If your closets and storage spaces are chock-full of your stuff, they’ll be given the impression the house is severely lacking sufficient storage space for THEIR items. Get rid of gently used items you no longer need by donating them to local organizations. Store the rest in nice-looking bins, baskets or boxes to keep things tidy.
Following these simple steps this spring will help get your home in the kind of shape that will impress your potential buyers – and freshen up your home and make it sparkle if you plan to stay and enjoy it.
Need some help with your Spring Cleaning, Decluttering or Staging projects? I’d be delighted to chat. Contact me to schedule your FREE ‘Create Your Sanctuary’ Consultation.
Thank you for the great tips on spring cleaning. The information on how to clean your baseboards was just what I needed.