How to Make Your New Home Pristine Before You Even Move In
As soon as you have access to your new home, your task of making it move-in ready begins. While there may be plenty of decorative and structural projects you are considering, it’s vital that you don’t forget about cleanliness - true cleanliness. A
quick vacuuming and some bathroom scrubbing isn’t enough. Here is what you need to focus on to ensure your new home is perfect before moving day.
Think about what you’re bringing in
You wouldn’t want to get into a recently-detailed car with muddy boots. In the same vein, you don’t want to bring dirty things into a new home. That transition period between moving out and moving in should be the time to consider what old, dirty
items are beyond cleaning and need to be replaced. Take your mattress, for instance. If you’ve had it for more than five years,
it probably harbors dust mites, bacteria, and other microorganisms. It may be time for a new one. The same goes for couches, carpets, rugs, bedding, and other fabrics. Throw away what’s beyond repair, and give the rest a thorough wash and/or
spritz with a fabric allergen reducer.
Replace your air filters
The simple, cheap act of replacing your HVAC air filters can improve the air quality in your new home tenfold. Air filters help trap pollutants and allergens in the home and should be replaced every three months. With a new air filter,
you can reduce the presence of common allergy triggers, like mold, mildew, pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and biological agents (bacteria and viruses). While you’re at it, you may want to have someone force-air clean your HVAC ducts too.
Consider getting some extra pollutant-reducing help
You can reduce the amount of airborne pollutants and allergens in your home through regular cleanings, but for some homes and some inhabitants, cleaning isn’t enough. As CPSC.gov notes, “Even a spotless home may permit the growth of biological pollutants.” Fortunately,
there are a couple of options for super-cleaning the air you and your family breathe: air filtration systems. You have some options here,
including photo catalytic oxidation, UV, and HEPA systems. The best air purifiers will also help reduce volatile chemicals present in your home from sources like cleaning supplies, adhesives, sealants, paint, and more.
Control that moisture
Some of the most toxic biological pollutants, including mildew and mold, need humidity and moisture to thrive. Before you even move in, it my be smart to let a dehumidifier get to work in the dampest areas of the new home. Another important step to combating moisture is to make sure all leaky pipes are fixed before you move in. Look for water damage on floors, walls, and ceilings to help you know where to target first.
Tackle the most important cleaning tasks early and often
Much of the pre-move-in cleaning that leaves your home looking nice and sparkly isn’t the same as what will get the home truly clean. Sure, mopping the floors and making the toilet bowls shine is important, but you can’t forget
the less-flashy but all-too-important tasks. First, start with a cleaning checklist to get all of the basics out of the way. Next, consider a deep clean of your appliances - the dishwasher, oven, stove, and fridge. Don’t forget the fridge vent and oven hood filters (which are commonly missed!). Dust, mites,
bug allergens, and more junk tends to hide up high and in corners, so tackle your fan blades, cabinet tops, and air vents first. Finally, deep clean any carpets. Vacuuming alone isn’t enough. Steam cleaning is a good option, and if the previous owners had pets, de-fleaing is
vital. A home is harder to clean - both its air and surface - once you’ve moved in. The easiest time to get everything pristine is before you, your kids, and your stuff crowds the space. Focus on air purification, moisture
reduction, and deep cleaning for a home that’s safe and enjoyable for you and everyone you love.
