Moving into a new rental house in Melbourne can be an exciting experience, but before you settle in, it’s essential to clean the house thoroughly. A clean home ensures a healthy living environment and makes it easier to personalise your space. Here’s a simple guide on how to clean a rental house before moving in.
1. Start with the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most used areas in any home, so it’s crucial to start here.
- Clean Appliances: Wipe down the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Remove any food remnants and disinfect surfaces.
- Countertops and Cabinets: Use a mild cleaner to wipe down countertops and cabinet interiors. Ensure that you clean the cabinet handles and knobs.
- Sink and Faucets: Scrub the sink with a non-abrasive cleaner. Don’t forget to polish the faucets and clean the garbage disposal if there is one.
- Floors: Sweep and mop the kitchen floor thoroughly. Pay attention to the corners and under appliances.
2. Tackle the Bathrooms
Bathrooms can harbour germs and mould, so a deep clean is necessary.
- Toilet, Sink, and Tub: Use a disinfectant to clean the toilet, sink, and bathtub. Scrub any soap scum or hard water stains.
- Mirrors and Fixtures: Clean the mirrors with a glass cleaner. Wipe down all fixtures, including faucets, showerheads, and towel racks.
- Floors: Sweep and mop the floor, making sure to get behind the toilet and under the sink.
3. Clean the Bedrooms and Living Areas
These areas might not need as much scrubbing but should still be cleaned thoroughly.
- Dust Surfaces: Dust all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, and window sills. Don’t forget to dust the light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Windows and Blinds: Clean the windows inside and out. Wipe down the blinds or wash the curtains.
- Floors: Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. Consider getting the carpets professionally cleaned if they look particularly dirty.
4. Addressing Common Areas
Don’t forget to clean hallways, entryways, and any other common areas.
- Entryways: Sweep and mop the entryway. Clean the doormat or replace it if necessary.
- Hallways: Dust and clean the walls and light fixtures in the hallways. Sweep and mop the floors or vacuum the carpets.
5. Don’t Forget the Little Details
Small details can make a big difference in making your new home feel fresh and welcoming.
- Switches and Outlets: Wipe down light switches and electrical outlets.
- Vents and Air Filters: Clean the air vents and replace the air filters.
- Closets: Vacuum the floors and dust the shelves inside closets.
6. Final Touches
Before you finish, go through the house one more time to ensure you don’t miss anything.
- Air Freshening: Open windows to let fresh air circulate. Consider using air fresheners or essential oils to add a pleasant scent.
- Check for Damage: Make a note of any pre-existing damage and report it to your landlord to avoid future disputes.
In conclusion, taking the time to clean your rental house before moving in ensures a healthy and comfortable living environment. It sets the tone for your new home and helps you settle in smoothly. While cleaning might seem like a daunting task, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it more straightforward and less overwhelming.
