Making sure your area is pristine and tidy for potential homebuyers who walk through the door is one of the most crucial tasks in selling a house. There are numerous easy things you can do to make your home appear and feel brand new, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional cleaning service.

We’ve put together a list of 9 home cleaning suggestions to get you started so you can have it ready for the listing day. Continue reading to learn what you can do to perhaps make your house sell more quickly, from painting it a fresh coat to thoroughly cleaning the kitchen and bathroom.

1) Declutter, depersonalize, and organize

Keep only what is absolutely necessary; store or donate everything else. When your house isn’t cluttered with things, it will feel bigger and cleaner, and you’ll also save time when it’s time to move. Remove any personal belongings like family photos, keepsakes, or collectibles as well because they make it difficult for potential buyers to picture themselves living in your house.

2) Focus on the floors

All carpets should be steam cleaned as part of the floor preparation process. Hardwood floors should be cleaned using a wood cleaner, and tile and marble should be cleaned by a professional. On home tours, buyers could pay particular attention to the walls, ceiling, and floors, therefore it’s crucial that they be as spotless as possible.

3) Make a grand entrance to your home

Make a good first impression before beginning any home tour. If you want to freshen up the entrance, think about replacing or painting the front door. If you have shutters, paint them the same color as the door to tie everything together. Clean and polish any doorknobs and hardware, then spruce up the entrance with wreaths and potted flowers for the season. Accentuating both sides of the door can work wonders because symmetry is something that people are naturally drawn to. These minor adjustments can give purchasers the impression that there will be one less project to worry about when it’s time to move in.

4) Replace or repair the mailbox

Before visitors ever enter your house, an outdated or broken mailbox can leave a bad first impression. Most hardware stores and large merchants sell brand-new ones. Even a custom mailbox that reflects your hobbies and complements the design of your house can be ordered. Just make sure your mailbox complies with all laws and regulations to prevent any issues for potential future homeowners.

5) Maintain the yard

Making minor landscaping improvements is a quick home cleaning tip that may significantly increase curb appeal and keep the exterior of your home looking lovely. Mow the lawn, weed the flowerbeds, and trim the bushes first. Small-scale flower planting can be a cheap way to add a splash of color to the yard. Install lighting around the exterior of your property, if you can, to highlight prominent landscaping features.

6) Let in the light

A space that is well-lit will appear cozier, more welcoming, and even larger than it actually is. Clean the blinds and drapes, dust the light fixtures, and wash the inside and outside of the windows. Replace any burned-out light bulbs. During home tours, this will give the space a light and airy appearance.

7) Deep clean the kitchen and bath

Cleaning the grout between the backsplash tiles, wiping down or painting the cabinets, and clearing everything off the counters are all recommended as kitchen home cleaning ideas. Re-caulk the sinks, tubs, and showers in the bathroom, and polish the fixtures. If you have the time, making small changes to your shower, such as changing the showerhead, can greatly improve the appearance and feel of your bathroom. Lastly, make sure there is no mold. Nothing might turn off prospective homebuyers more than finding mold in the bathroom or kitchen.

8) Stage the backyard

Buyers frequently see the backyard for the last time during a tour. Therefore, it should appear as a location where people may picture themselves relaxing. You should also make a strong impact on them. particularly if the house is situated in an area with year-round sun. You might be familiar with staging a home, but staging a patio or backyard can have a significant impact. Add a table and chairs, power wash and stain the deck and fence, clear the pool and spa, and remove any decorations and junk like broken patio furniture. Remove any dead plants, and demolish any outbuildings or outdoor storage that is in poor shape.

9) Apply a fresh coat of paint

Your home’s appearance and atmosphere can be greatly enhanced by painting the interior and/or outside. Consider neutral hues like white, beige, or alabaster if you want to appeal to the largest possible audience. These hues will brighten the space and complement any type of furniture. Choose a straightforward exterior paint color that blends in with the other houses in the area.