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Cleaning Checklist
First you need to gather up your cleaning supplies so that when you get started you don’t have to stop because you don’t have something.
Dust mop (preferably with a long handle) Swifters™are great
Dusters (the old feather duster just won’t do) here are some options
Microfiber Cloths:
Pros Microfiber cloths do a great job at removing dust without stirring it up. The cloths can hold quite a bit of dust. Microfiber cloths won't scratch or damage furniture. Microfiber cloths come in a mitt form which slips over your hand and makes dusting easier.
Cons Microfiber cloths aren't great for dusting up high. Microfiber cloths, while great for flat surfaces may not work as well for irregular surfaces.
Electrostatic Cloths and Dusters:
Pros Electrostatic cloths and dusters won't stir up dust as much as other dusting products. Many electrostatic cloths and dusters now come in disposable forms that eliminate the need to clean dusters after using. Electrostatic dusters come in varying lengths and sizes including with extension poles to clean up high.
Cons Electrostatic cloths and dusters may be more expensive than other dusters, especially if you choose a disposable model. Many electrostatic cloths and dusters are not reusable.
Old diapers or old towels torn into smaller rags.
Pros Both hold dust very well They are economical They can be washed and reused
Cons They get dirty fast and you need to keep changing them out
Paper Towels:
Pros Paper towels will hold dust fairly well. Paper towels are inexpensive and easy to use.
Cons Paper towels can scratch wood surfaces. Paper towels will still stir up some dust. Aren't as practical to use up high and on irregular surfaces.
Stiff angled broom with a dust pan
Scrub brushes one with very stiff bristles and one with medium to soft
Toothbrush
Toilet brush (SCRUBBING BUBBLES™ has this great toilet cleaner with disposable scrubbers, it is very easy to use the handle grabs onto the little scrubber and you just flush the scrubber head when finished plus you get that great scrubbing bubble cleaning action.)
Step-ladder
Cleaning cloths, tear up some old towels
Newspaper for the windows
Small bucket with handle
Sponges
Vacuum with attachment
Gentle cleanser, baking soda, white vinegar, window cleaner, toilet cleaner
SCRUBBING BUBBLES™ is a good one not too expensive and their tub cleaner is good too
Floor wax, wood floor cleaner if you have wood floors, Furniture polish
Oils and Polishes:
Pros Furniture oils and polishes can enhance the look of your wood furniture. Using a furniture polish can help dust fine surfaces without scratching them.
Cons Overuse
or improper use can cause buildup and clouding on your furniture. Oils and polishes may not be necessary for every dusty surface in your house.
Rug shampoo machine with upholstery attachment (optional)
Spot remover for upholstery or carpets (optional) febreze™ is good for getting out odors, and Lysol is great for disinfecting areas.
Easy to follow cleaning tips room by room:
Kitchen
Walls-scrub walls especially around stove and sink a wet swifter works great for this-use it just like you are painting If you need to paint walls or touch up
Cabinets-Clean with a sponge and soapy water. Most surfaces respond well to this mild cleanser; rinse with a damp sponge, and dry with a clean, absorbent cloth to stop streaks from occurring. For wooden cabinets, use a product specifically designed for natural materials.
Wipe hinges, handles, and pulls with a sponge. To treat stubborn grime, unscrew hardware and soak in warm, soapy water for thirty minutes before scrubbing lightly with a brush. Repeat process if necessary.
Protect dishes and utensils and minimize dirt by lining shelves and drawers. Consider linings made of cork, which provide a cushiony surface for delicate glassware, or a resilient and nonslip synthetic mat.
Organize cabinets in a logical manner, storing items closest to where they're used. Pots, pans, and other cookware should be by the range, mixing bowls by the work countertop, plates by the dishwasher, and so on.
Countertops-Backsplashes
Clean surfaces with water and mild dishwashing soap; rinse well with a damp cloth. Periodically, treat natural-stone countertops with a cleanser specifically designed for the materials. Clean grout if countertop is tile. Protect grout lines, such as those between ceramic or natural-stone tiles, with a penetrating grout sealer if needed.
Sink -Wipe the basin and fixtures with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild dishwashing liquid. Clean crevices around the faucet with a soft toothbrush. Buff water spots with a dry, soft cloth. For mineral deposits, mix one part white vinegar with one part water; apply with a soft cloth, rinse, and then wipe the sink dry. This is especially important with stainless steel sinks, because droplets of water left on the stainless steel will actually spot and discolor the sink. Drying and buffing your sink will leave it sparkling and beautiful. Don't let dishes pile up in the sink. Even during meal preparation, try to wash pots, pans, and other implements as you go.
Keep drains clog-free by flushing them with boiling water once a week. Boil one gallon of water. Pour half down the drain, wait a few minutes, and then pour in the rest. Never put oils or animal fat down the drain, as they're a major cause of clogs. Deodorize drains by pouring in one-half cup baking soda, followed by one-half cup white vinegar; cover tightly with a plug or wet rag. Let the mixture sit for five minutes, and then flush with boiling water. Sanitize the garbage disposal and sharpen its blades by grinding frozen cubes of vinegar (made in an ice tray) or citrus peels while flooding the disposal with boiling water. Check for any leaks in faucet, handles or under sink.
Cabinet under sink-Clean out any unnecessary items and/or bottles of cleaner etc… and if damp add one of those containers of rid damp
Dishwasher - Wipe the door and control panel with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water; dry thoroughly. Clean stainless steel surfaces with an appropriate spray. Remove interior stains by putting three to four ounces of citric acid crystals (sold at grocery and drug stores) in the detergent cup and running the machine. To deodorize, repeat the process with vinegar
Stove - If stove comes out pull it out and clean under it. Most stoves allow you to lift up the top to clean under the burners make sure to clean here. Trying to clean those chrome rings around the burners is too time consuming. Buy new ones at a store like Dollar General, Family Dollar, or at a home store. Sometimes you can find them really cheap.
Cook top - Wipe down the stove; spills, particularly greasy ones, are difficult to remove once they harden. Wash glass cook tops with a cleaning pad designed for nonstick pans; gently scrape away caked-on food with a razor blade. Wash gas burner grates by hand with dishwashing (unless deemed dishwasher safe by the manufacturer). Use a scouring pad on non-coated grates and a soft sponge on coated ones. For electric burners, wipe off debris with a damp sponge. If residue remains, run the exhaust fan, turn the burners on high, and let the food burn off. Remove control knobs and wash them in the sink with mild dishwashing liquid and warm water;
AVOID cleansers with ammonia or abrasives,
which can remove markings on the knobs.
Dry knobs thoroughly before reattaching them.
Oven - Soak racks in warm, soapy water for several hours (try a tub or utility sink if they won't fit in your kitchen sink). Scrub with a scouring pad, then rinse, and dry.
For self-cleaning units, remove racks, and switch to clean mode. Once the cycle is complete, wipe away residue with a damp cloth. For other ovens, make a thick paste using three-quarters cup baking soda, one-quarter cup salt, and one-quarter cup water, then spread it throughout the interior (avoid bare metal, and clog openings with foil); leave overnight. Remove with a plastic spatula, and wipe clean.
Vent Hood - Wipe the outside of the hood with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth once a week; rinse with another hot, damp cloth, and wipe dry. For stainless steel hoods, use a spray formulated for such surfaces.
Remove filters once a month, and soak them in a solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid. Brush gently with a plastic scrub brush to remove greasy particles; rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing.
Refrigerator – Empty the refrigerator of old leftovers and wipe the interior with a solution of two tablespoons baking soda and one quart water; rinse with a damp cloth, and dry with a clean towel. Remove glass shelves and drawers, and wash them in the sink; let shelves come to room temperature first to avoid cracks and breaks. Place an open container with activated charcoal (available in the pet fish department at Walmart and other stores that carry fish) in the refrigerator and the freezer to help neutralize odors. Replace after a few months, or whenever foul odors return.
Wipe the exterior of the unit every week with a soft cloth and a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water(or stainless steel cleaner if applicable). Make it sparkle.
Wipe up spills right away to prevent stains and lingering odors. This is especially important in refrigerators, where dry air removes the moisture from spills quickly, making them sticky and stubborn.
Clean condenser coils, commonly found at the back or front bottom of the unit,. Always unplug the refrigerator first, then use a long-handled brush or the crevice attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt.
Be sure to remove any and all things stuck on the outside of the refrigerator like magnets, kid’s art etc…
Microwave-Wipe exterior with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Clean control panels with a barely damp cloth. Clean the interior with warm, soapy water, then with plain water. Tackle stains with a solution of two tablespoons baking soda mixed into one quart water. Loosen caked-on residue by heating a dish of water in the microwave on high for three minutes; let stand five minutes with the door closed, and then wipe the interior. To treat persistent odors, stir six tablespoons baking soda or one-half cup lemon juice into one cup water, and heat mixture on high for two to three minutes; leave the door open for a couple hours afterward to air out the appliance completely
Floor – wash with a mixture of ammonia and water to remove wax built up and stubborn dirt- be sure to get under the overhang of cabinets.
If you can’t eat it
don’t clean the inside of the refrigerator or microwave with it!
Stick to baking powder and white vinegar for these appliances.
Laundry Room
(if closet type laundry area make sure it is tidy and free of dirt)
Walls-scrub walls especially around washer and sink (if there is one) a wet swifter works great for this-use it just like you are painting If you need to paint walls or touch up.
Washer/Dryer-wipe them down inside and out. Run a load of towels with bleach.
Organize-In case you have not already done this in the de-cluttering stage, Straighten out any shelves, put loose stuff in plastic boxes or baskets and
Provide hamper or basket for dirty clothes
Dining Room
Now that you have finished two very work intense rooms let’s go to the Dining room. Because so many kitchens are eat-in this room if not used often will be a breeze.
Dust ceiling and corners. If you did not repaint the walls in the prep phase, consider if the walls need to be washed. Don't forget to clean air vents and switch plates.
Dust and clean all wall art.Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleaner or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.
Clean the ceiling fan or chandelier
You know what's worse than a fly in your soup, is a large chunk of dust from your ceiling fan or chandelier. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy’s Oil Soap mixed with water and a cleaning cloth. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.
Take down draperies and curtains to wash or have cleaned according to the directions.wipe any blinds and clean other window treatments. Wash window sills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.
Wash the dining table, chairs, and any other furniture thoroughly.If you have wood furniture Murphy oil is great for washing wood. If table and/or chairs need to be oiled or waxed, do this now. If your chairs have an upholstered seat, spot clean the seats.
Clean the carpet and rugs.Vacuum rugs thoroughly. Spot clean where possible. You can choose to use a carpet professional, or rent a cleaning machine if deep cleaning is necessary. Remember cleaning the carpet can bring back a newness vacuuming just can’t deliver.
Living Room/Family Room
Dust ceiling and corners. If you did not repaint the walls in the prep phase, consider if the walls need to be washed. Don't forget to clean air vents and switch plates.
Dust and clean all wall art including mirrors.Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleaner or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.
Clean the ceiling fan, sconces, and/or overhead light fixture.
You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy’s Oil Soap mixed with water and a cleaning cloth. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing. If sconces are for candles you may need to run them under hot water to remove any caked on wax.
Take down draperies and curtains to wash or have cleaned according to the directions. Wipe off any blinds and clean other window treatments. Wash window sills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.
Wash down the dining table, chairs, and any other furniture thoroughly.If you have wood furniture that needs to be oiled or waxed, do this now. If your chairs have an upholstered seat, spot clean the seats.
Clean the carpet and rugs.Vacuum rugs thoroughly. Spot clean where possible. You can choose to use a carpet professional, or rent a cleaning machine if deep cleaning is necessary. Most grocery stores and home stores have machines to rent including shampoo. Remember cleaning the carpet can bring back a newness vacuuming just can’t deliver.
Clean out the couches and chairs. Use a vacuum cleaner with attachment to clean out couch crevices. Check to make sure none of your missing items have found their way into the abyss of the couch. If slipcover is removable send to dry cleaner or wash depending on mfg instructions. Spot clean accent pillows, etc. Use an upholstery attachment on a rug shampoo machine to clean soiled couches and chair surfaces if needed. If a light cleaning is needed use upholstery spot cleaner. Test in a hidden area first. Spray on some febreze™.
Dust and wipe with a damp cloth all accent lamps and knickknacks.Use a vacuum attachment or duster to clean the lampshades, lamps, and any extra decorative items.
Remove books from bookshelves. Dust books and dust the shelves before replacing the books.
Dust and polish accent tables and the entertainment center.
Unplug and wipe with a damp cloth all the electronic components. Check cords for fraying and wear. Be sure to remember to wipe the television screen.
Bath Room(s)
Dust ceiling and corners. If you did not repaint the walls in the prep phase, consider if the walls need to be washed. Don't forget to clean air vents and switch plates which you can buy at Lowes or Home Depot you will find them really cheap if you look down in the contractors value packs. You can get a pack of brass switch plates or socket plates really inexpensive they are thinner than the consumer brand but they look great up. I just put them over the old one because they are thin.
Take down draperies and curtains to wash or have cleaned according to the directions.Wipe blinds and clean other window treatments. Wash window sills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.
Remove everything from around the toilet. Cleaning the toilet is a messy job, and there's always the chance of splashing cleanser or toilet water outside of the actual toilet. Prevent extra cleanup by removing all excess items from around the toilet. Don't forget to remove anything on top of the tank to prevent dropping items into the bowl during cleaning.
Flush and add cleaning solution. Flush the toilet with the lid down to prevent splashing or spraying. Add your choice of powdered, liquid, or gel cleanser to the bowl. Try to apply the cleaner as close to the toilet rim as possible to prevent diluted cleanser.
Clean the exterior of the toilet. While the cleansing solution soaks into the toilet grime in the bowl, clean the outside of the toilet. Start at the top to prevent dripping on already clean surfaces. Spray the tank, handle, and tank edges with cleaner and wipe down. Next do the outside lid of the toilet. Finally wipe down the entire bowl. Start with the sides and front before cleaning the bottom edges of the toilet where it meets the floor.
Clean the toilet seat. The toilet seat should never be neglected. It is the part of the toilet that comes into actual contact with people, and it needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Raise the seat. Spray the seat, inside lid and the rim of the toilet with cleanser. Wipe down the lid, seat, and hinges at the back of the toilet seat. Some toilets have hinges that will pop open to allow better access for cleaning.
Clean the inside of the toilet bowl. Begin cleaning the bowl from the top down. Always begin scrubbing under the rim first. Look under the rim to get all the stains and grime scrubbed away. Next scrub the bowl. Finally scrub the hole at the bottom of the toilet. Flush the toilet with the lid down.
Wipe up any drips or spills. Wipe up any drips of cleanser or water that may have occurred
Tips:
Wear eye protection when cleaning a toilet. It prevents splatters of toilet water and cleaner. You may also want to use gloves to prevent contact with your hands.
Flush the toilet with the seat lid down to prevent splattering and splashing.
Do not use sponges when you scrub a toilet. Sponges are a great way to breed bacteria, and there are already enough in bathroom. Paper towels are a great options because they are thrown away. If you use reusable cloths, wash them immediately in their own load on hot water with bleach.
SINK AND TUB Don't forget fixtures. Launder or clean your shower curtain and replace the shower curtain liner. Clean shower doors. Dissolve soap scum buildup with commercial cleaner or natural cleaners. Do not use lemons and vinegar or other acidic cleansers on tile grout. The cleansers will eat away the grout.
It doesn't take much to keep a sink clean in the way of tools, but having a couple of good microfiber cloths, a great all purpose cleaner, and any specialty cleaners you may need will make all the difference.
Clean out unwanted items. If your sink or tub is full of an armada of toy boats, they need to go. Sinks and tubs tend to be an open invitation to fill them up, as do the countertop, so you may need to take a moment to clear out any unwanted items.
Scrub thoroughly. And now we are ready for the important part, actually cleaning the sink and tub. If your sink has caked on toothpaste, you may need a little bit of elbow grease. You can always put the plug in the sink and fill it with hot water to help loosen any stuck on items. Next, it's time to wipe the sink down. A good all-purpose cleaner that is safe for your sink type is your best first step. Baking soda is a great cleaner because it helps with sink and drain odors as well. Rinse thoroughly. The tub may take a little more work scrubbing to get the soap scum off the sides and from around the drain and overflow. Do the same as with the sink paying special attention to the faucets and the shower head. If the shower head water flow is slow you may want to take the shower head off and clean it. Most of the time is the water flow is low it is because of clogged holes. It is also very inexpensive to replace it. Sometimes you have put on an expensive head that you enjoy if you want to take this with you now is the time to change it out before the potential buyer sees it.
Apply any special cleansers. If you have a specialty cleaner you like to use, now is the time to apply it. Make sure to follow the directions printed on your cleaner and rinse thoroughly.
Wipe the sink dry. This is especially important with marble and glass sinks, because droplets of water left will actually spot the sink. Drying and buffing your sink will leave it sparkling and beautiful.
Maintain the sink. To keep your sink in tip top shape, give it a quick wipe down after each use. Convenient cleaning wipes and paper towels can be useful for quick maintenance, or keep a couple of microfiber cloths nearby to keep the sink clean and ready to show.
Remove sink stains. On Vitreous and Porcelain: Warm water and vinegar can handle lightly stained areas. More difficult stains may require commercial lime scale removers, like lime away.
Tips:
Abrasive cleaners including scouring powders are not recommended for acrylic, fiberglass, stainless steel, or marble fixtures.
Porcelain sinks can stand a little scouring powder without being damaged unless the surface is pitted and/or damaged.
It's always a good idea to test cleaning solutions in a hidden spot to make sure they won't stain or damage the finish of your sink or tub.
Scrub the floor-Now that the toilet, sink, mirror (medicine cabinet) and tub are clean it is time to do the floor. The floor is the last thing you want to do. Using a good floor cleaner, a mop or rag scrub the floor starting at the farthest wall near the tub and work back toward the door. Be sure to scrub real well around the toilet and up its sides. When you get to the door you should be finished and then just close the door and allow floor to dry. When floor is completely dry then hang your fresh guest towels. Re- hang the clean or new shower curtain, replace rugs/bathmats and any other decorative touches you want to display. Keep surface items to a minimum and instruct everyone in house to keep their personal hygiene items under wraps for showings.
Bedrooms
Consider if the walls need to be washed. Don’t forget air vents, doorknobs, and switch plates. Dust and clean all wall art. Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleaner or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.
Clean the ceiling fixture or fan. Dust the fan and fan blades. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy’s Oil soap mixed with water and a cleaning cloth. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.
Take down draperies and curtains to wash or have cleaned according to the directions. Using a fluffy duster sprayed with Endust™ wipe blinds and other window treatments. If necessary wash window sills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.
Wash all bedding, comforters, mattress pads, pillows, etc. Vacuum and spray mattress with Lysol for fresh smell. Clean out from under your bed. Remake bed with clean bedding. Make sure you make the bed each morning when you get up that way you don’t have to worry if a potential buyer calls to come see the house
Clean flooring. Dust and mop for hard floors. Professionally clean carpet, or vacuum and spot treat for mildly soiled floors.
Tips:
Getting into the habit of making the beds each morning will make prep for a showing snap. Dust dressers, chests, and nightstands. Clean any mirrors.
Printable Cleaning checklist available in the E-Book dowload.
Continue to Setting the Stage
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