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April
6

Deep Cleaning Tips - Counselor Realty

Let's face it. Deep cleaning your house isn't exactly on the top of everyone's list of favorite things to do. But it's an important first step to get your Minneapolis homes for sale ready to be seen by buyers. If you have a little extra time and want to know where to start, put these often overlooked chores on the top of your to-do list.

  1. Vacuum or dust behind and under the furniture. Most of us don't move the furniture every time we vacuum and dust. Even when it's time for this chore, it's often neglected to save time. That makes it a good place to start.

  2. Get the dirt in window and door tracks. Open a window and look at the bottom track. You'll likely find plenty of dirt, dust, and grime that needs cleaning. Vacuum it out first, then spray cleaner and paper towel or brush can get stubborn spots. Sliding patio doors and shower doors will have the same issue.

  3. Disinfect light switches and door handles. Especially at the entrances to the house where people tend to clean less often.

  4. Clean the kick plate on the bottom of the kitchen cabinets. There are plenty of Saint Paul homes for sale with beautiful, sparkling clean kitchens. It's the room that really matters to buyers, so detail cleaning is a must. Scuffs, dust, and even splashes from food spills can make the kick plate on the cabinets look really dirty. It's especially noticeable on white cabinets. Some spray cleaner and scrubbing or one of those magic eraser sponges with cleaner included are good tools for the job.
     
  5. Vacuum or wipe down dust on ceiling fans, light fixtures, lampshades, and blinds. It can be an easy-to-forget spot and some of the materials are outright dust magnets. As a bonus, your room will look lighter and brighter afterward.

  6. Clean and sanitize the garbage cans and recycle bins. Both the inside and outside ones. This is best done outdoors if possible. Rinse plastic cans and bins first to get rid of surface dirt. Then scrub if necessary, rinse again, and use a disinfectant.

  7. Clean out the refrigerator. Food storage areas can collect crumbs and spills. That can lead to bacteria and mold growth and foodborne illnesses. When it's close to empty, take things out or move them around and clean the shelves, drawers, door compartments and seals. Since these surfaces come in contact with food, cleaners must be safe for that use. Vinegar and water, dish soap and water, or baking soda and water are all safe and effective choices. You can use an old toothbrush to get in the door seals and other difficult areas.

  8. Sanitize the dishwasher and washing machine. Manufacturers recommend it, but few people do it as often as they should. It's preventative maintenance so don't ignore it until there's a noticeable problem like poor cleaning or offending smells. You can buy products specifically for this purpose. You'll find them next to the dish soap and laundry detergent. Alternatively, you can use this method with vinegar and baking soda for the dishwasher. Or consult the owner's manual of your washer for other options.

Deep cleaning your home, whether it's spring cleaning or to get it ready for buyers, isn't anyone's favorite job. But once it's finished, there's such a difference. You'll be happy you took the time. When your home is ready for buyers to see, Counselor Realty can help you sell it quickly and at the right price. Call us today and find out what we can do for you.

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