6 Tips to Follow When Thoroughly Cleaning Your Real Estate

If you're like most people, you probably don't give much thought to the cleaning process until it's time to move out of your house or apartment. And even then, chances are you'll only do a surface-level clean to make your place look presentable for potential buyers or renters.  But what if we told you that by taking a little more time and effort, you could dramatically increase the value of your property? 

We'll provide six tips to help you thoroughly clean your real estate from top to bottom. So whether you're getting ready to put your home on the market or simply want to make sure it's in good condition for yourself and your family, read on for some helpful advice!

1. Using Steam

One of the best ways to thoroughly clean your real estate is to use steam. This method is especially effective for cleaning carpets, upholstery, and windows. You can either rent or purchase a steamer, or you can hire a professional to do the job for you. You can also visit an NYC Steam Cleaning website to see how to get started and to see how you can hire a professional. When it comes to cleaning with steam, you should understand several factors:

  • The hotter the water, the better. The steam will kill more germs and bacteria if the water is hot.

  • You'll need to use a lot of steam. Be generous with the amount of steam you use to clean your surfaces.

  • Use a squeegee for windows. If you're cleaning windows with steam, be sure to use a squeegee to remove any excess water.

Steam carpet cleaning is a tedious job. So, you might consider hiring dedicated cleaning services to help tackle your carpet using steam cleaning or hot water extraction. These experts use a machine with a reservoir to hold the water and a heating element that brings the water to a high temperature, typically around 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit (65-93 degrees Celsius).   

2. Dusting and Vacuuming

Another important tip for thoroughly cleaning your real estate is to dust all surfaces, including baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and blinds. You can either use a dust cloth or a feather duster, but we recommend using the former since it's less likely to spread dust around. Whichever tool you choose, be sure to dust in a back-and-forth motion rather than circular. This will help you pick up more dust and avoid leaving streaks. Vacuuming is a crucial step in thoroughly cleaning your real estate that goes hand in hand with dusting. 

In addition to vacuuming carpets, be sure to vacuum upholstered furniture, draperies, and even hardwood floors. If you have a pet, it's also important to vacuum any areas where they sleep or spend a lot of time since pet hair can accumulate quickly. To get the best results, use a vacuum with a good filtration system and be sure to empty the bag or canister regularly. You may also want to look into a floor burnisher for an effective cleaning.

3. Mopping

In addition to dusting and vacuuming, mopping is another key step in thoroughly cleaning your real estate. Start by sweeping all hard surface floors to remove any dirt, dust, and debris. Then, fill a bucket with warm water and your chosen cleaning solution. We recommend using a natural solution like vinegar or baking soda since they're gentle yet effective. Once you've finished mopping, be sure to rinse the floor with clean water to avoid leaving behind any streaks or residue.

4. Scrubbing Surfaces

In addition to mopping, you'll also need to scrub some surfaces in your home from time to time. This includes sinks, toilets, showers, tubs, and countertops. To get started, gather all of the necessary supplies, including gloves, rags or sponges, scrub brushes, and cleaning solutions. You can either make your solution or purchase a ready-made one from the store. Be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure you're using the right product on the correct surface.

Once you've gathered all of your supplies, it's time to start scrubbing! Begin by wetting the surface with warm water and then apply your chosen cleaning solution. Scrub in a circular motion using a rag or sponge, then rinse with clean water. For tougher stains, you may need to use a scrub brush. Just be sure not to use too much force as you could damage the surface.

5. Cleaning Appliances

Another important tip for thoroughly cleaning your real estate is to regularly clean your appliances, both inside and out. This includes your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and even your washer and dryer. Start by unplugging the appliance and then cleaning the exterior with a damp cloth. If there's any built-up dirt or grime, you may need to use a mild cleaning solution. 

Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals on stainless steel since they can damage the finish. For the interior of appliances like ovens and refrigerators, be sure to remove everything before cleaning. Start by wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge, then scrubbing tough stains with a mild cleaning solution. Rinse with clean water and dry completely before putting anything back inside.

6. Organizing Your Space

The final tip for thoroughly cleaning your real estate is to organize your space. This includes decluttering, deep cleaning, and setting up a cleaning schedule. Start by decluttering each room in your home, getting rid of anything you don't need or use. Once you've decluttered, it's time to start deep cleaning. This means taking care of all of the little details that you may have overlooked, like dusting under furniture and cleaning behind appliances. Finally, once you've decluttered and deep cleaned your home, it's important to set up a regular cleaning schedule. This will help you keep on top of the cleaning and avoid letting things get too out of control.

  • Decluttering: This is the most important part of cleaning any home. If an area is cluttered, it will be difficult to clean properly. Furthermore, it can be dangerous if there are items that could fall and injure someone.

  • Deep Cleaning: This is when you focus on all of the small details that may have been overlooked during regular cleaning. This includes dusting under furniture and behind appliances.

Real estate maintenance is important for many reasons. Not only does it keep your home looking its best, but it can also help to protect your investment. By following these tips, you can be sure that your real estate is always clean and well-maintained. Additionally, don't be shy to reach out to a  professional cleaning service if you need help keeping your real estate clean. They can provide you with the deep cleaning and organization that you may not have time for.