Homeowner's guide: pre sale cleaning

Posted on 28 Jul 2023

Planning to list your place soon?

Imagine this: A potential buyer walks into your open house, instantly impressed by the pristine condition of your property. They can already envision themselves living in this well-maintained space. They manifested it.

In this guide, we will help you maximise the value of your house and attract the highest possible offer by utilising the power of professional home cleaning services. Just follow our tips and checklists for a successful pre sale cleaning and open house inspection.

A professional showing potential buyers a sparkling, well-maintained kitchen, highlighting the importance of pre sale cleaning and staging before listing a home.

The importance of cleaning your property before putting it on the market

Meets buyers’ expectations

The first impression is significant, especially when looking for the right property that matches your expectations. A clean and well-maintained house creates a positive first impression on potential buyers. It shows that the property has been taken care of and suggests that the seller has attention to detail and is responsible.

A properly maintained and clean house with a beautiful garden maximises the property value and is more appealing to valuable buyers. In addition, considering how competitive the real estate market is, making your property stand out from the rest is essential. A clean and well-presented house can give your property an edge over other listings in the area. It can generate more interest, and more buyers, and potentially lead to a quicker sale.

If you are too busy moving to your new property, the best option would be to organise a professional cleaning company for the deep cleaning of the property you are selling. It will set you on the right track because it will meet potential buyers’ expectations, highlight the property’s potential, leave a positive impression and build trust.

Homeowners’ pre sale cleaning checklist

Clean the entire house:

Floors: Vacuum and mop all floors, paying special attention to high-traffic areas. Clean carpets thoroughly, removing any stains or odours.

Kitchen: All surfaces, including countertops, kitchen benchtops, cabinets, and kitchen appliances. Pay extra attention to the stovetop, oven, and range hood.

Bathrooms: Scrub tiles, grout, and shower areas to remove any dirt or grime. Ensure the toilets are spotless and all fixtures are shiny and functioning correctly.

Windows: Clean the windows from both sides, including mirrors and blinds. If you have plantation shutters, get those taken care of, too. Open them to allow natural light to fill your home and illuminate all glass surfaces and, thus, the entire space.

Walls: Spot clean any marks or stains on the walls. Consider repainting if necessary to give a fresh and appealing look.

General: Remove cobwebs, dust off the light fittings and switches, and make sure there are no signs of mould or mildew around the house.

A person's hands holding a clipboard with a checklist and a pen, filling out a form in front of a modern, two-story house, suggesting a home inspection or property appraisal

Enhance the exterior and garden

Make sure the lawn and flower beds are in good condition.
Add fresh mulch or bark to flower beds for a neat appearance.
Remove weeds and any rubbish from the garden.
Trim hedges and bushes.
Pressure clean pathways and driveways.
Make sure the front door and entrance are clean and in good condition.

Deep-cleaning your home before listing it on the market is a crucial step in selling. It enhances the value of your property, meets buyers’ expectations, and unveils any hidden damage that requires attention. Investing in a thorough deep cleaning creates a positive first impression and increases your chances of receiving competitive offers. So, before you put your home on the market, prioritise deep cleaning to achieve the best possible outcome for your pre sale cleaning.

Checklist for a memorable open house

Quick cleaning

Vacuum and mop high traffic areas; wipe down surfaces, countertops, mirrors, and windows; and remove visible dirt or debris.

Ambience

Allow fresh air to circulate by opening windows; use lightly scented candles or air fresheners to create a pleasant aroma; and avoid cooking strong smelling foods before the open house.

Tidy and declutter

Organise and declutter living spaces; store personal items; straighten furniture and pillows.

Enhance curb appeal

Sweep the entrance, clear any leaves or debris, arrange potted plants or flowers near the entrance, and check the front door and entrance area.

Create a welcoming atmosphere

Illuminate the space by turning on all lights, opening curtains or blinds to let in natural light, and playing soft background music for a pleasant ambience.

Increasing your property’s value

Repair and Maintain – Fix or replace damaged fixtures, oil squeaky doors, or floorboards; ensure all light bulbs work and replace any burnt-out ones. Check and repair any leaks or water damage.

Declutter and Depersonalise – Remove unnecessary items from all rooms, store personal belongings, create a neutral atmosphere by removing excess furniture, and organise storage spaces.

Maximise Energy Efficiency – Replace the old light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, seal windows and doors to minimise draughts, insulate the attic and walls if necessary, and consider installing programmable thermostats to display energy-saving features.

Cleaning your home: Frequently asked questions

Should a house be cleaned before selling?

Absolutely. A thoroughly cleaned house significantly impacts buyers’ first impressions and can influence sale price and speed. Professional cleaning before open inspections and photography is essential—buyers struggle to envision themselves in a dirty or cluttered space. Focus on deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, washing windows inside and out, steam cleaning carpets, and removing cobwebs and dust from all surfaces. Don’t overlook often-missed areas like skirting boards, light fixtures, and cupboard interiors. A spotless home suggests the property has been well-maintained, whilst dirt and grime raise concerns about hidden problems. Many real estate agents recommend professional cleaning as it presents the property in its best light. The relatively small investment in cleaning can yield substantial returns through faster sales and potentially higher offers. Clean homes also photograph better for online listings, which is crucial since most buyers begin their search online.

How much should I pay a cleaner per hour?

Cleaner rates in Australia typically range from $30 to $60 per hour depending on location, experience, and service type. Metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne generally sit at the higher end ($45-$60), whilst regional areas may be lower ($30-$45). Professional cleaning companies often charge more than independent cleaners but provide insurance, supervision, and consistent quality. Deep cleans, end-of-lease cleans, or specialist services like carpet steam cleaning cost more than routine maintenance cleaning. Some cleaners charge flat rates per room or property size rather than hourly rates. When comparing quotes, consider what’s included—supplies, equipment, and specific tasks. Paying slightly more for an experienced, reliable cleaner often proves more economical than hiring the cheapest option who may work slowly or deliver poor results. Check reviews, verify insurance coverage, and ensure clarity about what services the rate includes before committing.

Do you have to professionally clean at the end of tenancy?

Most tenancy agreements require the property to be professionally cleaned at lease end, though specific requirements vary by state and lease terms. Whilst not always legally mandatory, landlords or property managers typically expect professional cleaning to return the property to its initial condition, minus reasonable wear and tear. This usually includes carpet steam cleaning with receipts as proof. End-of-lease cleaning is more thorough than regular cleaning—covering ovens, rangehoods, windows, walls, skirting boards, cupboards, and all fixtures. Failing to meet cleaning standards can result in bond deductions. However, if your lease doesn’t specifically require professional cleaning, you can clean thoroughly yourself, provided it meets the “reasonably clean” standard expected at tenancy end. Document the property’s condition with photos and keep all cleaning receipts. Some tenants negotiate cleaning requirements during lease signing. If unsure about your obligations, review your lease agreement or contact your state’s tenancy authority for guidance.

What is the 20 minute rule in cleaning?

The 20-minute rule is a time-management strategy suggesting that cleaning for just 20 focused minutes can accomplish significant progress without feeling overwhelming. The concept works because shorter, defined timeframes reduce procrastination and make large cleaning tasks feel manageable. Set a timer for 20 minutes and clean one specific area with full concentration—no distractions or multitasking. When the timer ends, you can stop guilt-free, though many people find they’re motivated to continue. This approach prevents burnout and makes daily maintenance more achievable than attempting marathon cleaning sessions. Some variations suggest tackling the messiest room first or rotating different areas daily. The psychological benefit lies in creating momentum—starting is often the hardest part, and 20 minutes feels achievable even on busy days. Regular 20-minute cleaning sessions prevent dirt build-up that requires intensive cleaning later. This method works particularly well for maintaining tidy homes between deeper cleans and helps establish consistent cleaning habits without the dread associated with lengthy cleaning commitments.

Concluding thoughts: The influence of Professional cleaning on open house inspections

First impressions hold significant sway: a clean house substantially enhances your property’s appeal. Special attention to your house’s interior and exterior, particularly areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and garden, pays off. Hiring professional cleaners saves you time and effort, reduces stress, and can help secure a higher pre sale cleaning price. Addressing defects, decluttering, depersonalising, and making key upgrades can further boost your property’s value.

Remember, the aim is to create a space that potential buyers can envision as their future home. Consider engaging professional cleaning services for your open house inspection in Melbourne.

Ready to make your home sparkle for potential buyers? Remember, a clean home isn’t just a home that sells it’s a home that commands the best price.