10 Essential Move-In Cleaning Checklist Items For A Spotless New Home

Moving into a new home should feel clean and welcoming, not dirty or dusty. Using a move-in cleaning checklist lets you get every room ready before you start unpacking.

Indoor air quality is more important than many people think. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor levels of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors and sometimes up to 100 times higher. If a home remains closed for weeks, dust, allergens, and residue can accumulate on every surface.

At the same time, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults and more than 1 in 4 U.S. children report at least one allergy, including seasonal allergies, eczema, or food allergies, according to recent CDC data. More than 50 million Americans are affected by allergies each year, and allergic conditions are among the most common chronic illnesses in the country. That makes careful move-in cleaning more than just a cosmetic choice.

Use this simple cleaning checklist to prepare your new home. If it ever feels like too much, you can always hire a professional move-in cleaning service.

Why Clean Before You Unpack

It is much easier and faster to clean an empty home than to work around boxes and furniture. Many real estate and cleaning experts in the U.S. recommend deep cleaning before you move in to make your home healthier, easier to set up, and easier to maintain. A move-in cleaning checklist provides a clear plan to avoid wasting time moving from room to room.

Clean each room from top to bottom so dust does not fall onto areas you have already cleaned. Before you begin, gather gloves, microfiber cloths, a HEPA vacuum (if available), a mop, white vinegar, baking soda, an all-purpose cleaner, and scrub brushes.

1. Dust Ceiling Fans, Lights, And Vents

Start at the ceiling. Turn off the power to the fans and lights, then wipe the fan blades with a damp microfiber cloth. Gently clean light fixtures to remove dust and any insect debris.

Next, vacuum or wipe the HVAC vents and return grilles. If you skip these, dust and small particles can reenter the air every time the system runs. Since indoor air can already be much more polluted than outside, controlling dust early is essential.

2. Clean Baseboards, Door Frames, And Trim

After cleaning the top surfaces, focus on the details around each room. Baseboards and door frames often have scuff marks, shoe prints, and fingerprints that stand out once the walls and floors are clean.

Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Wring out your cloth so it is just damp, then wipe from top to bottom. For tough marks on painted trim, try a melamine sponge, but test it in a small spot first. Dry surfaces promptly after wiping to prevent moisture from reaching wood or paint.

3. Deep Clean Kitchen Cabinets Inside And Out

Kitchens often contain hidden residue from previous occupants. Start by emptying every cabinet and drawer; vacuum crumbs from corners and rails to avoid pushing debris around.

On the outside, spray a suitable degreaser and allow a few minutes for the degreaser to break down built-up grease before wiping with a non-scratch pad or cloth. Inside, use a mild vinegar-and-water solution to dissolve sticky spots, then rinse with clean water and dry. Once everything is clean and dry, you can line the shelves for easier maintenance later.

4. Scrub The Oven, Stovetop, And Range Hood

Grease and burnt-on food in cooking areas can affect both air quality and odour. For the oven, apply a baking soda paste with a bit of water to heavy soiling, let it sit for several hours, then lightly spray with vinegar and scrub it off. Avoid metal scrapers that can damage the interior finish.

Remove stovetop grates and burner caps where possible and soak them in hot, soapy water. Wipe the surface carefully, including control knobs. Range hood filters should be removed, cleaned, or replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as grease buildup in the hood directly affects ventilation performance.

5. Disinfect The Fridge, Freezer, And Pantry

Refrigerators and freezers have specific cleaning requirements. Unplug the unit, remove all shelves and drawers, and wash them in warm, soapy water. Inside surfaces can be wiped with a solution of water and baking soda or vinegar to remove spills and smells.

Clean the door seals thoroughly, since crumbs and moisture tend to settle there. At the same time, the fridge is pulled out, and the dust on the back or bottom coils is gently vacuumed to help the appliance run more efficiently. In your pantry, wipe all shelves, vacuum corners, and confirm there are no old food remnants that could attract pests.

6. Polish Windows, Mirrors, And Tracks

Clean glass makes a noticeable difference to how bright and welcoming your new home feels. Spray a small amount of glass cleaner on windows and mirrors, then buff with a lint-free cloth or crumpled newspaper to reduce streaks.

Window tracks often collect grit and dead insects. Vacuum loose debris first, then use a small brush and soapy water to scrub the corners. Wipe dry to prevent new dirt from sticking to damp surfaces.

7. Vacuum And Mop All Floors

Thorough floor cleaning is essential in any move-in cleaning checklist. Start by vacuuming carpets and hard floors, using crevice tools along baseboards and under radiators or built-ins if you have a HEPA-filter vacuum, even better, since it is designed to trap finer particles that can aggravate allergies.

On carpets and rugs, a second pass after sprinkling a light layer of baking soda and letting it sit briefly can help reduce odours. For hard floors, use a suitable cleaner diluted in water and a microfiber mop. Avoid over-wetting wood or laminate to prevent warping or damage.

8. Sanitize Bathrooms Top To Bottom

Bathrooms deserve special attention because they combine moisture, skin oils, and product residue. Apply a bathroom cleaner or diluted bleach solution to toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers, and allow a short dwell time before scrubbing. Focus on areas such as under the toilet rim and around the taps, where buildup is common.

Scrub tile grout with a small brush and a mild abrasive paste such as baking soda. Clean glass shower doors with a limescale remover if needed. Rinse all surfaces thoroughly and, where possible, dry them so moisture does not linger and contribute to mold growth.

9. Spot Clean Walls, Switches, And Outlets

Walls and switches often carry fingerprints, dust, and marks from previous furniture placement. Check each room in good light. Use a soft cloth and a gentle all-purpose cleaner on painted walls, and always test in a hidden corner first to ensure the finish does not fade or smear.

Switch plates and outlet covers can be wiped with a lightly damp cloth or disinfectant wipe, but avoid getting moisture inside the openings. If any plates are cracked or stained, this is also a good time to replace them for a cleaner look.

10. Refresh Closets And Storage Areas

Closets, built-in shelves, and storage rooms are easy to overlook during a move. Empty them, then vacuum floors, corners, and upper shelves. Wipe all surfaces with a mild cleaner or a diluted vinegar solution, then let them dry.

If you want natural deodorizing, place a small open container of baking soda on a shelf for a day or two, or use cedar blocks or sachets. Starting with clean, odour-free storage makes it easier to keep clothing and linens fresh.

Beyond The Basics And When To Call For Help

If you have additional spaces, such as a laundry room, garage, or utility area, apply the same move-in cleaning logic to those areas. In the laundry area, for example, cleaning lint traps and checking dryer vents is not just cosmetic. U.S. fire data show that clothes dryers are involved in thousands of home fires each year, often due to lint buildup and poor vent maintenance.

This move-in cleaning checklist is designed for a motivated homeowner to follow step by step. However, it is entirely normal to feel short on time, energy, or equipment, especially if you are juggling work, kids, and the logistics of a move. If all this fails or you simply want a professional finish from day one, book a move-in cleaning from InstaService. Professional move-in cleaning services provide trained cleaners, proven products, and efficient systems to ensure your new home is ready to live in.

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