Spring is prime home-buying season, so if you’re thinking about listing now is a great time to start getting your house clean and shiny for showing. And even if you’re not planning to list your home, a clean house just FEELS better! Our stagers share some of their best tips for making spring cleaning fast and effective.
Make a list
Prioritize the rooms and the tasks in each. It’ll help you plan your time and give you a sense of what supplies and equipment you might need to purchase before you get started. Here’s a list to get you started.
https://people.com/home/spring-cleaning-checklist/
Clear the deck
Clutter makes a home look smaller, so removing some décor items from fireplace mantles, walls and counters will make your home look more spacious (and easier to clean). If you’re getting ready to list,tuck away any small appliances taking up space in the kitchen and consider limiting the number of family photos you display. You want buyers want to imagine themselves in your home.
Take it from the top: Walls and Ceilings
A microfiber duster with an extendable wand will reach cobwebs on ceilings and hanging light fixtures. After dusting, start at the top of the wall use a damp (not wet) microfiber cloth to gently wipe walls. Then use another microfiber cloth sprayed with an all-purpose cleaner (we like Method brand for its clean scent) to clean switch plates and outlet covers.
Windows, Curtains and Blinds
If your drapes are dusty and dingy, now’s the time to take them down to wash or dry clean. Worn or outdated drapes should be replaced, or just leave them off for a cleaner, more modern look. We love this groovy tool for dusting blinds. Clean the inside of windows and sills before rehanging drapes. If you need the outside windows washed book a professional cleaning now, before they get too busy!
Carpets and Floors
Have carpets professionally cleaned. Pro cleaning means better removal of stains and faster drying, as well as effective odor remediation if smokers or pets are present in the home.
For hard floors, remove and vacuum area rugs or have them professionally cleaned. If they’re not overly soiled you can do it yourself with one of these handy Bissel Crosswave wet/dry vacuums. It does a great job on area rugs and hard floors. Consider replacing the under-rug pads if they are worn or harboring odors.
https://www.bissell.com/steam-and-hard-floor-cleaners/wet-dry-vacuums/crosswave
Floor Care
To give a quick, just-cleaned shine to wood or laminate floors, we LOVE this product. It’s super easy to use and has a light, clean almond scent. We use it as a quick touch-up before a showing and in our own homes when we’re expecting guests. Shiny floors and a clean scent…what could be better? Method Squirt & Mop https://tinyurl.com/scented-floor-cleaner
Squeaky Clean Bathrooms
Remove any unnecessary clutter on bathroom surfaces and be sure to spend extra time shining faucets, fixtures, mirrors and shower glass. Wash or replace bathroom rugs and don’t forget the windows and blinds!
What’s that smell?
Household odors are not uncommon and even the cleanest home can have a less-than-pleasant smell. But we tend to become immune to smells that we’re around every day, so it’s a good idea to have a friend give your home the sniff test. There are many ways to eliminate odors, such as ozone machines, professional cleaning of carpets, drapes and upholstery, for example.
Be careful when adding scent to your home. Strong air fresheners might create suspicion among potential buyers. We prefer natural citrus and lavender scents to heavier fragrances. And who doesn’t like the smell of freshly baked cookies?
Happy Spring!
These are just a few ways to get your home ready for spring…or for a quick sale. Remember, staging is always cheaper than your first price reduction. We can help!
