There are many steps to selling a home, but one of the most important is making sure your space is clean and spotless for potential homebuyers that step through the door. Whether you’re interested in hiring a professional cleaning service for your home in Miami, FL, rental house San Diego, CA, apartment in Philadelphia, PA, or just want to get it done yourself, there are simple tasks you can do to make your home look and feel brand new.
Here’s a list of home cleaning tips to help you get ready for listing day that can help you potentially sell your home faster.
1. Declutter your space
When preparing to sell your home, first impressions are everything. A clutter-free space not only makes your home appear more spacious and inviting but also allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Decluttering goes beyond tidying up, it’s about creating a clean, organized environment that highlights your home’s best features. By implementing smart decluttering strategies, you can make your home feel more open, increase its appeal, and ultimately help it sell faster.
“Decluttering eliminates unnecessary items and creates designated spaces to keep everything organized,” explains Progan Cleaning, serving Harwood Heights, IL. “A clean and organized home reduces stress and makes regular upkeep much easier.”
90/90 rule
Start with the 90/90 decluttering rule by asking yourself, “Have I used this in the last 90 days? Will I need it in the next 90?” If not, let it go. “Tackle one drawer or shelf daily to avoid being overwhelmed, and use sorted bins,” suggests New York’s Best Maids.
“If you haven’t used it in the past year, sort items into piles to stay organized,” adds S&S Cleaning Services of NC, serving both the North Carolina and South Carolina metro areas.
Four-box method
The four-box method declutters items in categories, forcing intentional decision-making about every item in your space. After figuring out the items you are tossing within the 90/90 rule the four-box method becomes even more useful.
Phes, a house cleaning service located in Oak Lawn, IL, shares, “The four-box method is one of the best strategies we recommend using breaking down items into, keep, donate, trash, and relocate.”
Specializing in unique cleaning and organization, Clearview Cleaning and Organizing emphasizes, “In whichever space you decided start in, start slowly and methodically to create a more functional space throughout your home using the separate categories to de-clutter and organize.”
“Breaking it down into the categories helps keep it simple, however the process can still be challenging,” admits Bio-One of Savannah, specializing in biohazardous cleanups.
One in, one out rule
Once you’ve decided to start the home selling process, the “one in, one out” rule is a great tool to begin implementing. Whenever you bring in a new item—whether it’s clothing, kitchenware, or décor—you must remove an existing item. “A clean and organized home enhances well-being, and achieving it requires a structured approach to decluttering, cleaning, and organizing. Start by decluttering using the one in, one out rule to minimize unnecessary items. Following a consistent cleaning routine ensures a tidy and stress-free living space,” says Maids in Black, specializing in residential cleanings in the Washington, D.C. area.
“Ask yourself, ‘When was the last time I’ve used this?’ and if not recently, then ask ‘Can I easily and/or cheaply replace it if I ever need it in the future?’ advises the Sunny Side Clean Team in Ormond Beach, FL. “Once you’ve sorted what’s trash and what’s not, then you can begin cleaning.”
Top-to-bottom, left-to-right
DeJong Services, who offers premier cleaning solutions uses the top-to-bottom, left-to-right as one of their top cleaning approaches stating, “It ensures efficiency, and prevents from having to re-clean areas. Start from the highest points, like ceiling fans and shelves, and work your way down to floors. This keeps dust and debris from falling onto already-cleaned areas, helping the cleaning process move faster. It’s also best to start at the back of the home or upstairs and work your way toward the front to maintain a smooth, systematic flow.”
One room at a time
A saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” The Fort Worth, TX-based cleaning company, Polished Cleaning recommends taking this approach when you are beginning any project in your home. “We suggest starting and beginning in one room, completing that room in its eternity and then moving to the next. This allows gratification and helps to stay motivated in finishing, no matter how big or small the project is.”
“One of the best methods to declutter and organize a home is to take it one space at a time, focusing on high-traffic areas first. Complete each room before moving on to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Always start clockwise and from top to bottom to ensure no areas are missed,” shares Happy Cleaning Services, a residential cleaning company in Elgin, IL.
2. Re-organize your home
Reorganizing your home is a crucial step in preparing it for sale, a well-organized home makes a home look more polished. By optimizing storage solutions or strategically arranging furniture, you can enhance your home’s functionality and highlight its best features. These simple yet effective reorganization tips can help you sell faster.
“Deep clean household items like throw pillows, curtains, blankets, duvets, and rugs to eliminate dust and odors. After washing, store seasonal items like heavy blankets and duvets in vacuum-sealed bags to save space and keep them fresh. Use breathable storage bins for throw pillows and rotate them seasonally to keep your space looking new. For area rugs, roll them up with a sheet of dryer fabric softener inside to maintain freshness. A little organization now sets the tone for a clean and clutter-free home,” says The Washroom Laundry Service in Charlotte, NC.
“Any small décor objects that you don’t want hidden in a drawer or bin should be grouped together based on their purpose or aesthetic and placed on a decorative tray or in a small basket. This will instantly free up visual space on table and shelf surfaces for the entire room to appear more organized,” says Roomtery, an aesthetic room décor store.
Pipa Sousa, Client Success Manager at the rental cleaning company Purple Dot Cleaning in Charleston, SC emphasizes the importance of drawer organization. “Keep your space tidy by using drawer organizers, shelves, or labeled bins to keep things organized and prevent clutter buildup. Label one of the bins for donating and use the rule of thumb that if you have not used the item in the last year, you can donate it.”
3. Develop regular cleaning practices
iCare Cleaning Service, iCare Cleaning Service, a two-time Best of Georgia winner, believes a clean and organized home starts with a consistent routine.a residential and office cleaning company that has been voted Best of Georgia two years in a row believes that maintaining a clean and organized home is by developing a routine and staying consistent.
Establishing consistent cleaning routines and habits is essential when preparing your home for sale. A spotless, well-maintained home not only looks more appealing but also signals to buyers that the property has been well cared for. Implementing simple yet effective cleaning habits will ensure your home stays in top condition throughout the selling process, leaving a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Use the right cleaning materials
“Optimize cleaning by using the right materials, such as microfiber cloths. Made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers thinner than human hair, they outperform cotton cloths for household cleaning.”” suggests Natural Home Clean, an eco-friendly residential and commercial cleaning company in Charleston, SC. “Their structure traps and removes dirt and dust more effectively, and their superior absorption is up to 7 times their weight in water. To further optimize your cleaning routine, start with the deepest areas of your home and move towards the exit door, cleaning each room from start to finish to save between 25% and 30% of time.”
Spring Cleaning Colorado recommends swapping out harsh chemicals for natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to tackle grime safely. “Opt for plant-based, biodegradable cleaners or make your own DIY solutions to reduce toxins in your home. Small changes like these help create a healthier environment for you and the Earth.”
Deep cleaning the kitchen and bathroom
When it comes to the home cleaning tips for the kitchen, wipe down or paint the cupboards, clean the grout between the backsplash tiles, and clear everything off the counters.
Executive Cleaning Services shares, “If you have dark stains in your shower base, a cleaning tip we learned is to spray the entire base down with a heavy duty oven cleaner. Afterwards, let it soak for 20 minutes or so then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Lastly, rinse the shower thoroughly from top to bottom.”
“We highly recommend filling up your sink with water and using a wet rag along with whatever cleaner you enjoy for each of your surfaces. However, be sure to not mix chemicals that you don’t understand, and clean the toilet last so you’re not wiping toilet germs on everything else in your restroom,” shares Signature Cleaning Services in New York, NY.
Certified Architectural Color Consultant Lisa Jenkins Color shares a simple DIY trick to brighten up the ceramic tile in the kitchen or bathroom when you’re getting your house ready for resale. “One simple solution is to paint your grout for a fresh look. Start by cleaning the tile with a mixture of vinegar and bleach. Then, find a paint color that matches your tile and pick up a quart of eggshell or satin paint, one or two shades lighter. Thin the paint with 50% water and use a 2-inch angled brush to apply it to the grout lines. Wipe off any excess from the tile with a damp cloth as you go. The paint will soak into the grout while staying on the ceramic. Start in a corner to get the feel of it—it’s an easy process that should take about an hour in a medium-sized bathroom.”
If time permits, simple shower renovations like replacing the showerhead can go a long way to making your bathroom feel clean.
Focus on the floors
Buyers frequently pay special attention to the walls, ceiling, and floors while on home tours, so it’s important that they are as clean as possible.
“When selling or moving out of a home, a professional deep cleaning can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression. Cleaning goes beyond surface-level tidying—it includes detailed scrubbing, sanitizing, and deep carpet or floor cleaning to restore the space to its best condition,” explains Dominic DiVittorio of Fresh Start Cleaning Co., a cleaning company that specializes in thorough move-out cleanings.
Crystal Clear Carpet Cleaning, based in Klamath Falls and Roseburg, OR, adds, “We recommend vacuuming at least once a week if you have carpet in your home. Our industry says that one pound of dirt can hide in just one square foot of carpet. In addition, clean the filters on the vacuums regularly, following the manufacturer guidelines for your vacuum. We meticulously vacuum a rug to remove dirt and pet hair by going over it as many as 10 times until it is clean, and then steam cleaning it.”
A task a day keeps the dirt away
Carolina Dream Clean, a professional cleaning service company across Charlotte, NC emphasizes, “Spending a few minutes each day cleaning is the best method to help prevent the buildup of clutter and dirt, ensuring your home remains welcoming and hygienic because each room in your house requires a specific approach to cleaning.”
CEO Jordan Sprague of Spring Cleaning says, “Instead of trying to clean the entire house at once, focus on one room at a time. Start with high-impact areas like the kitchen or living room, setting a timer for 20–30 minutes to stay motivated. This method keeps cleaning manageable and helps maintain a consistently fresh home.”
“Wiping down high-touch surfaces and making a habit of cleaning as you go is essential for keeping our house looking tidy, whether it’s scrubbing the dishes after every meal or decluttering by putting away items in their designated spots after use,,” shares Bright Home Solutions in the Washington, DC area.
4. Make the exterior of your home sparkle
“For exterior surfaces, pressure washing can remove deep-set grime, mold, and mildew from driveways, patios, and siding. Meanwhile, soft washing is ideal for delicate surfaces like roofs and wooden decks, preventing damage while ensuring a deep clean,” says Imbue Cleaning Solutions, a multi-service cleaning business serving the Augusta, GA area.
Beautify your yard
Doing simple landscaping projects can have a major effect on curb appeal and keep your home’s exterior looking beautiful. Start by mowing the lawn, weeding the flowerbeds, and pruning the bushes. Planting small flowers in the yard can be an inexpensive way to add a pop of color. If possible, install lighting around the exterior of your home to illuminate key landscaping features.
Staging your outdoor space
The backyard is often the last thing buyers see on a tour, so it should present as a place where people envision themselves spending time and should leave a great final impression, especially if the home is located in a place that gets year-round sun like San Diego, CA or Phoenix, AZ. You may already be familiar with staging a home, but simple patio and backyard staging can make a big difference. Get rid of decorations and clutter such as broken patio furniture, add a table and chair set, power wash and stain the deck and fence, and clean the pool and spa. Remove any dying plants, and take down any shed or outdoor storage that’s in poor condition. If your budget permits, add a barbeque, fire pit, or outdoor lighting to create an inviting space.
Home cleaning tips to help your home sell faster
A clean, organized, and well-maintained home can make all the difference when selling your property. By decluttering, reorganizing, establishing regular cleaning habits, and enhancing your home’s exterior, you create an inviting space that appeals to potential buyers. These simple yet effective cleaning strategies not only help showcase your home’s best features but also increase its marketability, potentially leading to a faster sale. Whether you choose to hire professionals or tackle the cleaning yourself, a spotless and well-presented home will leave a lasting impression, making it easier for buyers to envision their future in your space.
The post 4 Expert-Backed Home Cleaning Tips To Help Sell Your House Faster appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
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