According to *Southern Living*, the best time to give your home a deep clean is before you move in.
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When the space is still empty, you can sanitize every corner — from floor to ceiling — without obstacles, ensuring that you and your family start this new chapter in a truly clean and welcoming environment. After all, no one wants to inherit the mess and grime left behind by previous occupants.
Below are the 10 areas you should deep clean before bringing your boxes into the new house.
1. Kitchen appliances
According to *Southern Living*, this is one of the most important steps. Clean the stove, oven, and refrigerator before daily use starts to accumulate grease and dirt. Take advantage of the empty space to pull appliances away from the wall and clean behind and underneath them. Remove drawers and shelves, wash them in the sink, and use a toothbrush to reach small crevices. Don’t forget to clean the range hood and the glass of the oven door.
2. Cabinets
Before storing dishes, pots, or toiletries, give your cabinets a thorough cleaning inside and out. Wipe down surfaces, handles, and knobs, and check for leaks, mold, or signs of pests — it’s much easier to deal with these issues before moving in.
3. Bathtubs and showers
Disinfect the bathtubs, tiles, and grout thoroughly. According to *Southern Living*, a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar works great to remove hard water deposits and soap scum. Also, check that the drains are clear.
4. Toilets
Though it’s not the most pleasant task, it’s absolutely essential. Clean every detail of the toilet, including the base and sides of the tank. If the seat is stained, replace it with a new one.
5. Doorknobs and light switches
These high-touch surfaces tend to accumulate grease and fingerprints. Use a lightly dampened cloth with soap or disinfectant and be cautious not to get excess moisture near the switches.
6. Ventilation and air vents
Give air vents and ventilation grilles a deep clean to prevent dust and hair from circulating through your home. Vacuum the openings and clean bathroom fans. *Southern Living* also recommends cleaning the dryer vent, since lint buildup can become a fire hazard.
7. Ceiling lights and fixtures
Put on a dust mask and gloves before climbing the ladder. Dust chandeliers, sconces, and ceiling fan blades, and wash any dirty glass shades.
8. Baseboards and trim
Even in new homes, these areas collect dust and construction debris. Use a damp cloth to clean door frames, baseboards, and moldings, starting from top to bottom.
9. Floors
Before furniture arrives, clean the floors thoroughly. Vacuum and mop every room, use steam on carpets, and choose appropriate products for wood, tile, or laminate flooring. This helps preserve the shine and durability of your surfaces.
10. Windows and sills
Deep cleaning your windows goes beyond the glass — clean the sills, frames, and tracks. Open the windows to vacuum out dust and cobwebs, and wash exterior screens. If the job is too big, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure a perfect result.
By following these Southern Living recommendations, you’ll ensure your new home is truly ready to welcome positive energy — clean, fresh, and inviting from day one.
Source: Southern Living. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
