Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but before you unpack and settle in, it’s important to start fresh with a deep clean. Even if the house looks spotless, hidden dust, germs, and buildup can linger from previous occupants. Taking the time to thoroughly clean key areas will not only make your home more hygienic but also give you peace of mind.Here’s a complete checklist of 10 essential things to clean before moving into your new home—covering everything from high-touch surfaces to hidden corners that often get overlooked.
1. Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
Before you start organizing your dishes and food, wipe down all kitchen cabinets and drawers. Remove any shelf liners left behind and replace them with fresh ones. Use a mild cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water to remove dust, crumbs, and grease. Pay extra attention to handles and hinges, which can collect grime.
Additionally, don’t forget to clean the inside corners and hard-to-reach spots where insects or mold could hide. If the cabinets are made of wood, polish them with a gentle wood cleaner to restore shine and freshness. For laminate cabinets, a multi-surface disinfectant works best. Vacuum out any debris before wiping to prevent spreading crumbs around. If there’s a lingering odor, place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb smells. By preparing cabinets and drawers thoroughly, you’ll ensure your cookware, plates, and food items are stored in a sanitary environment from day one.
2. Refrigerator and Freezer
Appliances are one of the biggest sources of hidden dirt. Deep clean your refrigerator and freezer by removing all shelves and drawers, washing them with warm soapy water, and wiping down the inside surfaces. Check the back and bottom for dust and make sure the appliance is free of odors before restocking.
Take a few extra minutes to disinfect the door seals, which often trap crumbs, spills, and mold. Pull the fridge slightly away from the wall to vacuum the coils and floor area—this not only improves cleanliness but also enhances efficiency and lifespan. If you inherit an older fridge, place a bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal inside to neutralize odors. For freezers, make sure to defrost them fully if there’s built-up ice. Once everything is spotless and dry, replace the shelves and drawers and consider adding fresh liners for easier cleaning in the future. A clean fridge ensures your food stays fresh and free from contamination.
3. Stove and Oven
Cooking appliances often accumulate baked-on grease and food spills. Scrub stovetop burners, knobs, and oven racks. Use an oven cleaner (or a baking soda paste for a natural option) to remove stubborn stains. Don’t forget the range hood and filters, as they can trap grease and dust.
Also, check under the stovetop burners, as crumbs and grease tend to collect there. Remove knobs, soak them in warm soapy water, and scrub gently before reattaching. For the oven, don’t overlook the glass door—use a mixture of baking soda and water for a streak-free finish. The range hood filter should be soaked in hot water with a little dish soap and vinegar, then rinsed well before reinstalling. Cleaning the vent area also helps prevent lingering food smells. A spotless stove and oven not only look appealing but also prevent smoke, odors, and potential fire hazards when you start cooking in your new home.
4. Bathroom Fixtures
Bathrooms harbor germs, mold, and soap scum. Clean toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and faucets thoroughly with a disinfectant cleaner. Pay attention to grout lines and behind the toilet base. For extra freshness, replace toilet seats—it’s a small expense but makes a big difference in hygiene.
Don’t forget to clean faucets and showerheads, which can collect mineral deposits and bacteria. Soak them in a vinegar solution to dissolve buildup. Scrub tiles with a grout brush or an old toothbrush to restore brightness and prevent mold growth. Check inside cabinets and drawers for residue and disinfect them before organizing your toiletries. Ventilation fans should also be cleaned to remove dust and ensure proper airflow. Replace shower curtains or liners if they appear worn or moldy. Since bathrooms are high-moisture areas, deep cleaning before moving in ensures a healthier environment and sets a clean foundation for daily upkeep.
5. Carpets and Flooring
Carpets can trap dust, pet dander, and allergens. If possible, hire a professional carpet cleaner before moving in. For hard floors, sweep and mop with a disinfecting solution. Be sure to get into corners, under appliances, and along baseboards.
Take special care to clean areas where furniture was previously placed, as dirt and discoloration are often hidden beneath. For hardwood floors, use a wood-safe cleaner and polish to bring back shine and protect against wear. Tile floors may require scrubbing grout lines to remove dirt buildup. For laminate and vinyl, avoid excessive water—opt for a damp mop to prevent warping. If carpets have stubborn stains, spot-treat them with an enzyme cleaner designed for pets or spills. Consider replacing old, heavily soiled carpets before moving in, especially if you have allergies. Clean flooring sets the stage for a fresh start and makes your new home more comfortable and welcoming.
6. Walls and Baseboards
Walls can hold dust, fingerprints, and even odors. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or a gentle cleaner, especially around light switches and door frames. Don’t skip baseboards—they collect dirt and can make the room look dull if ignored.
If the previous owners smoked or had pets, walls may retain odors that simple cleaning won’t remove. In such cases, a fresh coat of paint might be necessary. Before painting, wash the walls with a solution of vinegar and water to neutralize smells. Pay close attention to corners where cobwebs often form. Use a microfiber mop or long duster to reach higher areas and ceiling edges. Baseboards can be scrubbed with a mild soap solution and then wiped dry to restore brightness. Clean walls and baseboards instantly make your home feel newer, brighter, and more personalized to your fresh start.
7. Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Dust and cobwebs love to settle on ceiling fans and light fixtures. Turn off power, carefully remove fixtures if possible, and clean them with a microfiber cloth. For ceiling fans, wipe each blade thoroughly. This helps prevent dust from spreading around the room when you turn them on.
For chandeliers or intricate light fixtures, carefully detach parts if possible and clean them with warm water and mild soap. Use a lint-free cloth to dry each piece before reassembling. If your ceiling fan blades are particularly dirty, a pillowcase trick works wonders—slide the pillowcase over the blade and pull dust inside without spreading it around. Don’t forget to check lightbulbs for dirt, as a dusty bulb gives off less light. Replace older bulbs with energy-efficient LED options while you’re at it. A well-cleaned fan and lighting system not only improves air quality and brightness but also gives your rooms a polished, welcoming look.
8. Windows and Blinds
Clean windows let in more natural light and improve the look of your home. Wash glass panes with a streak-free cleaner, wipe down sills, and dust blinds or wash curtains. If screens are removable, rinse them outdoors before putting them back in place.
For an eco-friendly cleaning solution, mix vinegar and water for sparkling, streak-free glass. Clean both inside and outside of the windows, as exterior grime can dull natural light. Wooden blinds should be dusted gently with a microfiber cloth, while plastic or metal blinds can be wiped with a damp sponge. Curtains should either be machine washed (if safe) or dry cleaned to eliminate dust and allergens. Don’t forget to check window tracks—vacuum them and wipe away debris to ensure smooth opening and closing. Clean, bright windows instantly elevate the appearance of your new home and allow you to enjoy fresh air without dust buildup.
9. Closets and Storage Areas
Before hanging clothes or storing items, clean closets and built-in shelves. Dust the corners, vacuum the floors, and wipe down surfaces. Add a moisture absorber or cedar blocks to keep your storage fresh and odor-free.
Be sure to check high shelves and the back of closets, where dust often settles. If your closet has sliding doors, clean the tracks for smooth operation. Wipe down rods and hooks to remove any residue, and replace damaged shelving liners. For added freshness, use natural deodorizers like baking soda sachets or lavender bags. If closets have carpeted flooring, vacuum thoroughly, paying attention to edges. In case of musty smells, leave the door open for ventilation and place a bowl of white vinegar to absorb odors. A clean closet not only keeps your clothes and shoes in better condition but also helps you stay organized from the start.
10. Air Vents and Filters
Clean air is crucial for a healthy home. Dust or vacuum air vents, replace HVAC filters, and consider scheduling a professional duct cleaning if the system hasn’t been serviced in years. This step helps improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from vent covers, then wash them with warm soapy water. Ensure they are completely dry before reinstalling. Check the HVAC filter size and replace it with a high-quality filter to trap allergens and dust. If the previous owners had pets, it’s especially important to clean or replace filters right away. Consider upgrading to a HEPA filter for maximum air quality. For added protection, sanitize vents with a mild disinfectant spray. Clean vents and filters not only keep your home healthier but also reduce strain on your heating and cooling system, saving you money on energy bills.
Final Thoughts
Moving into a new home is the perfect time to start with a clean slate. By focusing on these 10 key areas, you’ll create a healthier, more welcoming environment for you and your family. A few hours of deep cleaning before unpacking can save you months of frustration later.
👉 Pro Tip: If time is limited, consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a move-in clean. It ensures every corner of your home is sanitized and ready for your fresh start.
Call Maid Service Today for a Fresh Start
Don’t stress about cleaning every corner of your new home—let the experts handle it for you! At Maid Service Today, we specialize in professional move-in cleaning that leaves your home spotless, sanitized, and ready for your family in San Mateo and the surrounding areas.
📞 Call us today at (650) 977-2968 to schedule your move-in cleaning service.
✨ Start your new chapter in a home that truly feels fresh and clean.