7 Things You Should Clean Before You List Your Home for Sale

If you're thinking about selling your home, you know that you need to clean it from top to bottom before you put it on the market. This guide covers seven things - in addition to the usual suspects - that you need to clean before you sell.

7 Things You Need to Clean Before You Sell Your Home

Check out these seven things that buyers will look at (but that you may not think to clean):

1. The tops of ceiling fans
2. Inside the oven
3. Baseboards
4. The bases of toilets
5. Under-sink cabinets
6. HVAC filters
7. Inside window and door tracks

Here's a closer look at each, plus tips on how to clean them properly.

#1. The Tops of Ceiling Fans

Though you may not pay much attention to your ceiling fans, there's a good chance that buyers will. That means you need to clean them before you list your home. Start by using a ladder to reach the fan and wiping it down with a damp cloth. Use an all-purpose cleaner if needed, but do not spray directly onto the fan – mist your cloth first instead.

Next, use a vacuum attachment or long brush to remove any dust from the blades. Finally, check the screws and light kit for any buildup of dust and grime.

#2. Inside the Oven

Your oven should be sparkling clean when you put your home on the market. Start by clearing out all of your racks, then use an all-purpose cleaner to scrub down the inside surfaces. Make sure your cleaning solution doesn't contain bleach, as this could damage the oven's finish.

Once you've finished scrubbing, use a rag to wipe up any remaining residue. Make sure your oven is completely dry before replacing the racks and closing it back up.

#3. Baseboards

Baseboards often get overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they should be part of your pre-listing routine. Start by vacuuming baseboards with an attachment wand to remove any cobwebs or dust that has accumulated over time. Then, use a damp cloth and/or all-purpose cleaner to give them a good scrubbing. Finish off by drying the boards with another cloth or towel so they shine when buyers come through!

#4. The Bases of Toilets

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms for buyers to inspect. That's why it's essential to clean the bases of your toilets before you put your home on the market. Start by spraying a good all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant around the edges and base of each toilet, then use a scrub brush to work it into any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Once you've finished scrubbing, wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.

#5. Under-Sink Cabinets

Under-sink cabinets are often forgotten when it comes to cleaning, but they should be part of your pre-listing preparation too. Start by removing everything from inside the cabinet and setting it aside. Then, wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. Once you've finished cleaning, put everything back in its place so buyers can see your space is well organized!

#6. HVAC Filters

HVAC filters may not be obvious to buyers, but they should still be given some attention before you list your home. Start by turning off the power to your HVAC system at the breaker box, then remove the filter. Clean it using an all-purpose cleaner and a brush if needed, then vacuum away any remaining dust or debris. Finally, reinstall the filter and turn on the power again before closing up the panel.

#7. Inside Window and Door Tracks

Windows and doors are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they should be part of your pre-listing routine. Start by vacuuming the tracks with an attachment wand to remove any buildup of dust or dirt. Then, use a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner to give them a good scrubbing. Finish off by drying the tracks with another cloth or towel so buyers can see that you've paid attention to every detail.

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