When you inherit someone’s house, sometimes it might need a lot of work to repair or clean it before it is suitable to live in or sell. That’s why it’s important to have some tips on how to clean an inherited home, so it’s one less thing to think about. Often when inheriting a house, the benefactor may have been sick or elderly, and the house might have become worn or dirty. While repairing an inherited home might be a costly endeavor, to give it a deep clean is more about having a good strategy and putting in a little hard work and grit rather than the expense. These 10 tips below should make the task of cleaning your inherited house a lot easier so let’s get to work!
1. Start with the Easy Stuff First
Start by taking care of the easy things first. This means things that you can do quickly, and there’s no big clean-up if anything goes wrong. For example, if something in the house is broken, fix it before you begin the cleaning process. If the power is turned off, turn it back on. You don’t want to be cleaning a dirty house with no power!
2. Get New Cleaning Supplies
You may not have inherited all of your benefactor’s cleaning supplies, so you will need to buy some new things to complete your task. You want to make sure that you have all the essential cleaning supplies you need. Wash your hands regularly while working; this will help to stop germs from spreading.
3. Make a List of What Needs to be Done
Before you start cleaning, make yourself a list of things that need to be done. This will make it easier for you to work through the list as well as make sure that you don’t miss anything important. Plus, you may find that you are able to complete more tasks than you thought when you see all of the things that need doing!
4. Start with the Top Floor
When cleaning an inherited home, you should start with the top floor and work your way down, as this will mean that air can get to all corners of the house and help to prevent dust from settling on surfaces. You will also be able to check for any damage or leaks from above before moving into other areas of the house.
5. Clean Windows from Top to Bottom
It is best to clean windows from top to bottom so that you won’t get dust all over the floor! Be sure to clean all window sills and frames thoroughly so that they are cleaned thoroughly. You also want to check that all the windows can open and close without getting stuck. If some are stuck you can grease the hinges so that they work properly again.
6. Throw Away Rubbish
If you find rubbish around the house that needs throwing away, make sure that you throw it in a bin or bag right away so that you don’t come across it later during your clean-up! You should also throw out any cleaning products that aren’t suitable for use when cleaning a home or could be dangerous to use around the house – for example, old paint cans or turpentine oil. Make sure that all your cleaning products are new and their use by date hasn’t passed.
7. Emptying Bins will Make a Huge Difference
Make sure that all bins are emptied before you start cleaning your inherited home, and then empty them again after you finish cleaning them. This will remove any clutter from around the house and help to keep your house clean and tidy! It is a good idea to purchase some extra bins just for this job so that they are easy to move around and take out if needed.
8. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner for Dusting and Dirt Removal
When cleaning an inherited home, use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for dusting and dirt removal. This makes it easier for you to get rid of fine pieces of dirt without having to worry about getting water everywhere. It also helps to keep the dust inside the vacuum cleaner bag until it is full so that you don’t have to worry about it spreading around your home while you work.
9. Be Careful with Chemicals – Wear Gloves at All Times
Chemicals used for cleaning can be dangerous if they aren’t stored correctly or used correctly. Make sure to always read labels carefully and follow instructions carefully when using any chemicals around your home! When using cleaning products, always wear gloves and protective gear as this prevents chemicals from touching your skin.
10. Be Sure to Dispose of any Unwanted Items Properly
When cleaning an inherited home, you should dispose of any unwanted items in accordance with your local council’s guidelines. For example, if something is broken you can take it to a glass and metal recycling facility or take it to the tip yourself. If there are items you cannot move, you always have the option of hiring rubbish removal contractors, like 1300 Rubbish, to help clear your home of old junk.
Summary
Cleaning an entire home is not an easy job and it requires a lot of hard work and time to accomplish. It can seem like a daunting task and when you start to clean it may seem like you will never get to the finish line. That’s what makes finishing a big job like this even more rewarding when you do finally finish. To ensure that cleaning is done effectively and efficiently, it’s recommended to seek professional cleaning services. A qualified cleaning service such as UrbanMop will have experience cleaning homes quickly and thoroughly so you don’t have to worry about making sure nothing was overlooked. They will also ensure your safety by correctly disposing of any hazardous materials that may have been left behind on the property. If you make sure that all your cleaning supplies are up to date, that they are not harmful to your health, that all big items you no longer need are disposed of, that there are no bigger problems with the house, and you follow a proper cleaning checklist, you will be able to finish the job quickly and efficiently. If you take these tips and tricks into consideration and stick to a plan when cleaning an entire home you will find it easier than you may have imagined.
