Selling a house can be daunting, but knowing how to clean a house effectively can make all the difference. A spotless home appeals to potential buyers and increases its market value. From decluttering to deep cleaning, there are several vital steps homeowners need to take to ensure their property shines in the competitive property market.
Preparing your house for sale involves more than just a quick tidy-up. It requires a thorough approach to cleaning it, including tasks like mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, and cleaning grout. This article will guide you through the essential areas to focus on, such as high-impact spaces, flooring and walls, and eliminating odours. It will also provide tips on staging your property to create a lasting impression on potential buyers, helping secure a quicker and more profitable sale.
Tackle High-Impact Areas
Focus on the kitchen
The kitchen is essential in selling a house, as it can make or break a sale. One should start with a deep clean to make the kitchen look its best. This involves thoroughly cleaning cupboard doors, shelving, floors, tiles, light fixtures, and windows. A sparkling, clean kitchen free from unpleasant odours will create the best possible impression.
Decluttering is essential to make the kitchen appear spacious. Remove unnecessary items from countertops, tidy shelves, and consider removing some cupboard doors to create open storage. This can make the kitchen look bigger and more inviting.
Focus on updating tiles and cupboards to refresh the kitchen’s appearance without a complete overhaul. Re-grouting, painting, or using removable tile transfers can provide a quick and cost-effective update. Similarly, painting cupboard doors and replacing handles can breathe new life into the kitchen without breaking the bank.
Revamp bathrooms
Bathrooms are another high-impact area that can significantly influence potential buyers. A spotless bathroom is essential and requires attention to every detail. This includes cleaning cloudy mirrors, removing mould and mildew, and ensuring large items like bathtubs and sinks are immaculate.
Pay special attention to grout between tiles, which can significantly affect the overall appearance. The bathroom should be a sanitised haven, free from any signs of mould or mildew.
Spruce up the living room
While the provided information doesn’t specifically mention the living room, applying similar principles of cleanliness and organisation to this space is vital. Ensure the living room is well-staged and decluttered and presents a welcoming atmosphere to potential buyers.
By focusing on these high-impact areas, homeowners can significantly increase their chances of impressing potential buyers and securing a quicker, more profitable sale.
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Address Flooring and Walls
Cleaning flooring and walls can significantly impact potential buyers when preparing a house for sale. A well-maintained interior creates a positive impression and can influence the decision-making process.
Deep clean carpets
Thorough cleaning is essential for carpeted areas. While vacuuming can remove most dust, it may not effectively tackle stains and dried-on dirt. Consider using a steam cleaning machine or hiring professionals to perform a deep clean to achieve the best results. This process can make carpets look refreshed and eliminate lingering odours.
For a quick fix, sprinkle baking soda on carpets overnight and vacuum in the morning to neutralise unpleasant smells. However, this method may not address tough stains, so spot cleaning might be necessary.
Wash hard floors
Hard flooring, such as wooden, tiled, or vinyl surfaces, requires special attention. Modern floor cleaners can vacuum, wash, and dry sealed hard floors in one go, making it easier to maintain pristine conditions. These devices are handy for homes with extensive hard flooring, saving time and effort compared to traditional mopping or spot cleaning.
Before using any cleaning equipment, ensure it is suitable for the specific flooring type, especially for wooden floorboards, as some cleaners are only compatible with sealed surfaces.
Touch up paint
Touching up paint can significantly improve the overall appearance of walls. This process involves re-coating small localised areas to conceal minor damage or cover surface defects like scuff marks. When touching up paint, it is crucial to use the same paint sample as the original application to minimise colour differences.
To achieve the best results:
- Use the same application method (brush or roller) as the original paintwork.
- Apply only enough paint to cover the damaged area.
- Use a small roller brush to match the original texture for larger areas.
- For more minor touch-ups, use a small angled brush.
By addressing these key areas, homeowners can create a more appealing environment for potential buyers, potentially leading to a quicker and more profitable sale.
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Eliminate Odours and Freshen Air
A lingering odour can deter potential buyers, no matter how visually appealing a home may be. To create an inviting atmosphere, homeowners should focus on eliminating unpleasant smells and freshening the air throughout the house.
Use natural deodorisers
Natural deodorisers can be highly effective in neutralising odours. Baking soda, for instance, has odour-absorbing properties. Homeowners can sprinkle it on carpets and upholstery before vacuuming to combat persistent smells. White vinegar is another powerful natural deodoriser suitable for most surfaces, including kitchen and bathroom countertops and walls. Placing bowls of vinegar around the home can help absorb odours from the air.
Activated charcoal is another excellent option for absorbing odours. It typically comes pre-packaged in mesh bags, ready to be hung in various home areas to soak up unpleasant smells.
Clean upholstery
Upholstery can harbour odours, so cleaning these surfaces is vital. Homeowners should vacuum curtains, sofas, and other fabric surfaces using the upholstery attachment on their vacuum cleaner. This process removes dust and debris that may contribute to unpleasant smells.
After vacuuming, fabric refresher sprays can be used to leave a pleasant scent. It’s also important to wash any linens, such as drapes and bedsheets, that might retain odours.
Open windows
Opening windows is a simple yet effective way to freshen the air in a home. This allows for proper ventilation, helping to remove stale air and introduce fresh air from outside. Regular airing out of the house can significantly improve its overall smell and create a more pleasant environment for potential buyers.
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Stage for Success
Staging a home effectively can significantly impact its appeal to potential buyers. Sellers can help visitors envision living in the space by creating an inviting atmosphere.
Rearrange furniture
To make rooms appear more spacious, homeowners should remove some furniture and keep only essential pieces. This approach reduces clutter and creates a more open feel. When arranging furniture, it is advisable to move pieces away from walls, allowing them to “float” towards the centre of the room. This technique can make spaces seem more extensive and more stylish. Arranging chairs and sofas to face each other can create a cosy ambience.
Add inviting touches
Small finishing touches can breathe life into a home and increase its chances of a successful sale. Fresh-cut flowers, fruit bowls, potted plants, and neatly folded towels can add colour and warmth to spaces. Placing a new welcome mat at the doorstep can create a positive first impression.
Maximise natural light
Natural light plays a crucial role in home staging. It not only illuminates spaces but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. To optimise natural light, homeowners should ensure windows aren’t obscured by heavy curtains or furniture. Removing window screens can increase light penetration by up to 15%. Using light-coloured or white paint on walls and ceilings can help reflect light, making rooms appear brighter and more spacious.
FAQs
Q: What steps should I take to prepare my house for sale?
A: To prepare your house for sale, begin by decluttering each room and photographing all areas, including walls, ceilings, and floors. Then, clean your property thoroughly from top to bottom. Key areas to focus on include scrubbing the kitchen and bathrooms, attending to window treatments, and ensuring the floors are polished and shining.
Q: Is cleaning my house before putting it on the market necessary?
A: Absolutely, presenting a clean and well-maintained home is crucial for making a positive first impression on potential buyers. Clean walls, floors, and windows enhance the brightness and appeal of your home, significantly influencing buyer perceptions.
Q: To what extent should a house be cleaned before it is sold?
A: On the day of completion, it’s common for professional cleaners to clean the property thoroughly before the new owners move in. This includes washing windows, wiping down surfaces and cupboards, cleaning skirting boards, bathrooms, and toilets, and vacuuming throughout the house.
Q: Is it advisable to declutter a house before selling it?
A: Yes, decluttering is essential before conducting viewings or open houses. It’s important to create a spacious feel by packing away unnecessary items and ensuring that carpets are vacuumed, floors mopped, and surfaces wiped down to make the best possible first impression.
