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.
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- Clean Appliances: Wipe down the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Remove any food remnants and disinfect surfaces.
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- Countertops and Cabinets: Use a mild cleaner to wipe down countertops and cabinet interiors. Ensure that you clean the cabinet handles and knobs.
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- 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.
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2. Tackle the Bathrooms
Bathrooms can harbour germs and mould, so a deep clean is necessary.
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- Toilet, Sink, and Tub: Use a disinfectant to clean the toilet, sink, and bathtub. Scrub any soap scum or hard water stains.
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- 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.
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3. Clean the Bedrooms and Living Areas
These areas might not need as much scrubbing but should still be cleaned thoroughly.
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- Dust Surfaces: Dust all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, and window sills. Don’t forget to dust the light fixtures and ceiling fans.
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- 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.
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4. Addressing Common Areas
Don’t forget to clean hallways, entryways, and any other common areas.
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- 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.
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5. Don’t Forget the Little Details
Small details can make a big difference in making your new home feel fresh and welcoming.
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- Switches and Outlets: Wipe down light switches and electrical outlets.
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- Vents and Air Filters: Clean the air vents and replace the air filters.
- Closets: Vacuum the floors and dust the shelves inside closets.
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6. Final Touches
Before you finish, go through the house one more time to ensure you don’t miss anything.
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- 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.
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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.
