When you move into a new home, you expect everything to be spotless, right? Well, I hate to disappoint you, but unless you are buying a brand-new house, you are going to run into some hidden messes. Certain spots in every house are prone to gathering layers of dusk and grime because they are not often cleaned due to their placement in the home (high cabinets or shelves), or are simply overlooked (that ugly space underneath the sink). Typically, a home seller will forget to clean these areas before handing the home over to the buyer. When you get into your new home and are starting to clean up a bit, just make sure that you include these few things. Then, you can truly relax and forget about them again, at least for a little while.
Bathroom Vent
No one likes cleaning the bathroom. Of all the rooms in the house, it is the most dreaded when it comes to cleaning. When it is cleaned, the vent is typically ignored. It is usually difficult to get to and it is a pain to clean but because it often left untouched – this is why you should clean it. A clogged or dirty bathroom vent causes mold and mildew to build up in the room. It will stop functioning properly without a deep clean. I know it’s not fun, but cleaning this piece of the room is important for air quality.
Kitchen Oven Hood
This one can be tough. You may even want to get professional help to come to your home to take of your kitchen hood. Grease build-up on hoods can cause them to work improperly, get clogged, and allow smoke to stay in the house. You’ll want to use a degreaser for this. Also, you should take note if you need to clean or replace the air filter. When the hood and its components aren’t clean and clog-free, you also run the risk of starting a fire.
Doorknobs and Handles
Think about all of the hands that have touched the doorknobs in your home. Depending on what the doorknobs and handles are made of, they could potentially be a hotbed of bacteria growth. When you are going through your new home, take a moment to wipe down each one and give them a little spray of disinfectant. These items are very often overlooked, but cleaning them could ward off potential minor illnesses and they will look much nicer.
Drains
Hair, soap, and food are always falling down the drains in your home. Before you moved in, all that stuff belonged to someone you don’t even know. Kind of gross, right? It is never a bad idea to snake and clean your drains, both in the kitchen and the bathroom. All those things that go down the drain can cause a blockage and there is nothing more frustrating that a sink or a bathtub that won’t drain. Not only that, but it can do damage to your plumbing. Use a good drain cleaner on these when you move to your new home and then, try to keep cleaning them on a regular basis.
Kitchen Cabinets
One of the most common items that no one cleans before they move out of a home are the kitchen cabinets – inside, outside, and on top! Plan to spend a little bit of time on these when you get into your new home. There is a lot of space to cover. Cabinets close to the stove and countertops are especially at risk of having caked-up food. And don’t forget about the layers of dust on top! Just be sure to stay safe when reaching those high spaces. Once you get this cleaning project done, you’ll feel good about yourself and won’t have to do it again for a little while.
There is no greater sense of accomplishment than starting and then completing a cleaning project with great success. Get these five items clean so that you can eventually kick back and enjoy your new home. You might even be considering mentally forgiving the previous owner for not doing it before they moved. If you have found your new home and are ready to get moving, let one of your local Bekins Moving Agents lend a hand.
