Cleaning And Prepping Your Home Before Staging and Listing: Home Cleaning Tips

While wearing my different hats as a real estate agent and home designer, I’ve viewed countless homes from the pristine to the perplexing. One universal truth stands out: a meticulously clean home sells faster and for a better price. It’s not just about tidiness; it’s about presenting a lifestyle, instilling confidence, and making a powerful first impression that resonates long after buyers leave your doorstep.In deeper psychological terms, your goals should always be twofold: to remove yourself from the minds of potential home buyers and to make them feel like they are purchasing the nearest thing to a new home they can ask for. Who doesn’t want a clean, hygienic-feeling home void of anyone else’s dirt and grime and one with minimal cleaning tasks that might take up their time.

Buyers walking into your home are imagining their life there. Any sign of dirt, grime, or disarray whispers “I need a clean” and “someone else lives here.” A sparkling clean home, however, shouts “well cared for and like-new” and “nothing to do here except move in!”

This article is your comprehensive guide to home cleaning tips before selling, ensuring every nook and cranny is buyer-ready.

Check out our related info: Tools, Products and Tips you need to Deep Clean, and HOW TO Deep Clean your home.

Make Your Home Sparkle and Build Buyer Confidence

The goal isn’t just “clean”; it’s “immaculate.” This is where your efforts truly pay off. A home that sparkles isn’t just appealing; it gives buyers a sense of confidence that you know how to take care of a home.

It also signals that you are taking your home sale seriously and will likely have a lot of interest, a buyer shouldn’t consider sending a weak offer. This usually translates into fewer perceived problems and a smoother sales process.

Why It Gets Buyers Excited

• First Impressions Are Everything: Buyers often form an opinion within seconds of walking through the door. A pristine home creates an immediate positive emotional connection.
  
• Evokes a Sense of Future Possibilities: A sparkling home smells, looks, and feels fresh, clean, and ready for its next chapter, even if it’s an older property. There are a few traces of its current inhabitants.
  
• Boosts Perceived Value: Buyers are willing to pay more to quash any competition and get the home that ‘speaks to them’ and has a like-new feeling.
  
• Reduces Buyer’s To-Do List Anxiety: A clean home says low maintenance which means less money or time for them to worry about spending when they move in.
  

Get Organized and Prepared for Success

Cleaning to sell a property is similar to deep cleaning a house before selling one you plan to stay in, but with one or two differences: the areas to focus on for cleaning to sell your home (especially if your time is limited) are the areas that Buyers most heavily focus on when viewing the property. Sparkle and Shine are paramount especially in the immediate field of vision.  Look and Smell are primary decision drivers.  Gunk and grime are out (how to turn off a buyer FAST)!  

So before you even grab a sponge, let’s prepare for success.

Best Preparation Tips

Declutter Ruthlessly: you’re following our series, you’ve likely already done this, but it’s another form of cleaning and removing clutter from your home. Also, the fewer obstacles you have in your way to slow you down (as you have to remove things to clean – you should never clean ‘around’ things), the faster the cleaning will go, and also, the fewer objects you have to clean.

Gather Your Arsenal: Have all your cleaning supplies at hand before you begin. This saves time and keeps your momentum going.

Check out our list here: How to Make Your Own Highly Effective Household Cleaners.

Cleaning Strategies

• Top-to-Bottom Approach: Always clean from top to bottom. Dust falls, so start with ceilings, light fixtures, and high shelves before moving to lower surfaces and floors.
• Always clean from Left to right or clockwise in a room (if you are right-handed) so you’re not crossing over areas you’ve already cleaned.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Consider natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. They’re effective, safe, and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
• Invest in Quality Tools: Microfiber cloths, a good vacuum with HEPA filter & attachments, a sturdy mop, microfiber duster / mop, and a squeegee will make your job easier and more effective. If you are looking to save, some basic ingredients to make homemade cleaning products, and some cleaning cloths and sponges can be purchased from Dollar-type stores.
• Consider the time and resources available to schedule your cleaning.  It comes down to either task batching (doing all ceilings in one go, tackling walls next), so that you can use one cleaner and set of tools and keep the momentum. This works well if you have enough time to do the entire property and could, in effect, conquer all ceilings, walls, and maybe even floors all in one cleaning session.  The other strategy is to tackle room by room. This might be best for when time is more limited and is likely best for rooms with special functions: Kitchen and bathrooms, garages, etc, which also may be best to tackle last, so that they have had the least amount of use before staging and showings.
  

Our Favorite Home Cleaning Tips

• I always wear gloves (to keep my hands from drying out from chemicals but it also does the double duty of softening them.
  
• Dry dust before wet wipe. (Although a slightly damp dust rag can take up a large amount of dust in cases where there is fish of getting dust flying away)..
  
• Any smooth/shiny surface you have wet cleaned: Rinse or wipe and then buff dry with a soft dry cotton cloth to avoid streaks.
  
• Always wipe and clean stainless steel appliance faces WITH the grain (if there is one – there usually is).
  
• Let chemistry work. Allow dwell time of products on surfaces to do their job and loosen dirt and dried food, which need time to rehydrate so they can be wiped off.
  
• Never mix chemicals:
  
  • Bleach + Ammonia
    
  • Bleach + Vinegar
    
  • Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar
    
• Always test products on an inconspicuous area of a surface before use. Check out our list here: Tools, Products and Tips you need to Deep Clean
  

The Heart of the Home: Cleaning the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the deciding factor for buyers. A clean, modern-looking kitchen suggests a well-maintained home where life happens and memories are made.

Why it’s Important: Buyers envision themselves cooking, entertaining, and spending time with family members here. Any signs of grease, food debris, lack of hygiene or neglect can be a major deterrent. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Key Tasks for Cleaning the Kitchen

• Appliances: Deep clean the oven (self-cleaning cycle, then wipe), microwave (inside and out), refrigerator (empty, wipe down all shelves and drawers), and dishwasher. Shine stainless steel appliances.
• Countertops & Sinks: Scrub all countertops until they gleam. Polish your sink and faucet until they sparkle. Remove any drain clogs – which mean odors – with baking soda and vinegar.
• Cabinetry: Wipe down all cabinet fronts, paying special attention to areas around handles. Clean grime off of the handles too. If your cabinets are greasy, a degreaser is your best friend.
• Backsplash: Clean grout lines and tiles by removing grease, dirt and stains
• Floors: Mop and scrub the floor until it’s spotless.
  

The Sanctuary: Cleaning the Bathroom

Bathrooms need to feel like a spa, not a service station. They must be spotless, hygienic, and inviting.

Why it’s Important: A dirty bathroom suggests poor hygiene and neglected maintenance. Buyers will immediately wonder what other corners have been cut. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Key Tasks for Cleaning the Bathroom

• Shower/Tub: Scrub away all soap scum and mildew—Polish fixtures. Replace old caulk if it’s cracked or discolored.
• Toilet: Deep clean inside and out. Pay attention to the base and behind the bowl.
• Sink, Vanity & Mirror: Clean the sink, faucet, and vanity top until they shine. Clean the mirror until it’s streak-free.
• Grout: Scrub grout lines. Consider a grout pen for a quick refresh if needed.
• Floors: Mop and sanitize.
• Details: Clean toothbrush holders, soap dishes, and wastebaskets. Ensure fresh towels are displayed.

Beyond the Basics: Cleaning All Other Rooms

Every room contributes to the overall impression. Consistency is key.

Why it’s Important: Each room is an opportunity to showcase the home’s potential. A neglected corner can break the illusion of a well-maintained property.  Here’s what to focus on:

• Dust Everything: Ceiling fans, baseboards, doorframes, windowsills, blinds, shelves, and decorative items. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to trap dust, rather than spreading it.
• Vacuum/Mop All Floors: Pay attention to corners and under furniture. Clean carpets thoroughly, considering a professional cleaning if there are stains or odors.
• Walls: Spot clean any scuffs or marks. A magic eraser can be your best friend here. Consider a fresh coat of neutral paint if the walls are significantly dingy or marked. Don’t forget to wipe and degrease Light switch plates and other wall-mounted items (such as thermostats and doorbells) where finger grease and grime tend to linger, as these are small details that often get noticed.
• Doors & Hardware: Wipe down doors and polish doorknobs and hardware.
• Windows: Clean not just the glass, but also the tracks and sills.

The Magic of Light

• Clean Windows & Mirrors: This is non-negotiable. Sparkling windows let in natural light, making rooms feel brighter and larger. Use a good glass cleaner or a vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth for streak-free results.
• Dust Light Fixtures & Bulbs: Brighten up every room by cleaning light fixtures and ensuring all bulbs are working and are of a consistent warmth.

The Power of Scent

• Neutralize Odors: Lingering pet smells, cooking odors, or mustiness are immediate turn-offs. Open windows for ventilation, use baking soda on carpets, and clean upholstery.
• Subtle, Fresh Scents: Once odors are eliminated, introduce very slight, pleasant scents. Think fresh laundry, a hint of citrus, or vanilla – which are often best achieved with Essential Oils. Avoid overpowering air fresheners, which can suggest you’re trying to hide something.

Curb Appeal is King: What to Clean on the Exterior of Your Home

The exterior is the very first impression and influences whether buyers step inside. This is where knowing how to clean the exterior of a house really matters.

Why it’s Important: A buyer’s decision begins the moment they pull up to your curb. A well-maintained exterior signals a well-maintained interior. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Key Tasks

• Pressure Wash: Driveways, walkways, siding, and even decks can be transformed with a good pressure wash.
• Windows: Clean all exterior windows.
• Gutters: Clear out any debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Landscaping: Trim hedges, mow the lawn, weed flower beds, and add fresh mulch. Consider planting a few colorful annuals for an inviting touch.
• Front Door: Clean your front door thoroughly. Polish hardware. If it’s looking tired, a fresh coat of paint in a welcoming color can work wonders.
• Porch/Patio: Sweep, clean, and remove dead foliage, old or broken tools, hoses, decorations, etc..
• Wipe down exterior furniture and wash or clean cushions, and arrange furniture neatly.
• Lighting: Ensure all exterior lights are working and clean.
  

Maintaining the Masterpiece During Showings

After a deep cleaning of the house before selling, the challenge is keeping it that way. I always advise having a checklist and doing a morning ritual of cleaning and tidying up every day, as you never know when you may be gone and get a last-minute viewing request.

Create your own specific Daily Quick Tidy Checklist

Spend 15-20 minutes each day (preferably in the morning) tidying up.

Kitchen

• Wipe down kitchen counters and sink
• Ensure all dishes are washed or at least rinsed well and put into the dishwasher out of sight.
• Remove any traces of grease, as this holds food odors.
• Sweep floors

Living Areas

• Fluff pillows, sofa cushions, and neatly place any throws, collect dirty glasses, and tidy remote controls.

Dining Areas

• Make sure chairs are pushed in and line up, and the table is clean and tidy.

Bedrooms

• Make Beds, place bed decor neatly.
• Ensure your articles of clothing are put away or hidden in a hamper or similar.

Bathrooms

• Keep Bath towels hung neatly. If they are damp or wet, consider throwing them into the dryer for a few minutes with a dryer sheet or a drop of essential oil.  Musty smells are best avoided as they may be mistaken for a musty, moldy, mildewed bathroom.
• Wipe down sinks and showers.
• Toilet seats down.   
• Empty all trash cans.
• Ensure fresh, clean, dry, and neatly hung towels in bathrooms.

General

• Sweep floors.
• Stow away all personal items (mail, remotes, toiletries, pet bowls).
• Open blinds and turn on lights (right before a showing).
• Light a very subtle, fresh-scented candle, use essential oils, or use a neutralizing air freshener very sparingly.
• Take pets out of the house (right before showings).

Pro Tips

• Do a mini deep clean of kitchens and bathrooms weekly.
• Hire a professional cleaning service if overwhelmed.
  

The Data Speaks: Why Cleaning Sells

Still not convinced about the power of a deep cleaning house before selling? Let the numbers speak for themselves. Reputable real estate sources consistently show that well-presented homes command higher prices and sell faster.

1. HomeLight: Top Agent Insights Survey (Q4 2023): HomeLight’s surveys frequently point to the importance of first impressions. A recent study revealed that cleanliness is a major factor in how buyers perceive a home’s condition. Agents consistently advise sellers to deep clean and declutter, as these actions directly contribute to a higher selling price and a quicker sale. Agents reported that homes that are properly staged and cleaned can sell for up to 5% more than comparable unstaged or unkempt properties.

2. Zillow: 2023 Consumer Housing Trends Report: Zillow’s research consistently indicates that buyers are willing to pay a premium for move-in-ready homes. While “move-in ready” encompasses many aspects, a significant component is the absence of immediate cleaning or repair tasks. Homes perceived as “turn-key” due to their pristine condition are highly sought after, with buyers often willing to accept a higher list price to avoid post-purchase work. This report also emphasized that a lack of cleanliness can be a deal-breaker for over 60% of potential buyers.

These statistics underscore a fundamental truth: investing time and effort into a thorough clean is not just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move that directly impacts your bottom line and selling timeline.

Conclusion

Selling your home is a significant undertaking, and a deep cleaning house before selling is one of the most impactful and inexpensive investments you can make. It’s not just about removing dirt; it’s about transforming your property into a desirable product that excites buyers and instills confidence.

By following these home cleaning tips, focusing on cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the bathroom, and learning how to clean the exterior of a house, you’re not just preparing your home for the market; you’re paving the way for a faster sale and a better return on your investment.

Now, get ready to sparkle to sell!