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This House Is Clean!: How to Clean an Old House Before Selling It

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Do you own an old house? Are you looking to sell it later this year? Selling an old house is tougher compared to one that is relatively new.

An old and dilapidated house requires more effort in terms of preparation. But there is no other way to go around it. You need to clean and prepare your home aesthetically before putting up that “for sale” signage. 

It will increase the chances of selling your home faster.

So how do you do it? What are the essentials that you need so you can say “this house is clean?” Continue reading below to find out.

  1. Clear the Clutter!

Kick-off your cleaning project by getting rid of the clutter. When you invite prospective buyers, you need to make sure that they have enough room to move around. Leaving the clutter in any of the rooms will only make your house look small.

Moreover, clutter can also cause accidents. Buyers love to look into every corner of the house. They will want to go inside every room for a thorough inspection. 

There is a chance of them tripping if they step on items scattered on the floor. On the other hand, clutter-free home will also look more appealing to the eyes. 

Start by decluttering your basement. Slowly go up until you reach the attic. Sort your items and separate the ones that you no longer need. Sell the ones that you can live without.

Pack away the items that you don’t need but still want to keep. 

  1. Repaint Wisely

Your old house will likely have grimy walls. But you can inject new life into your home by repainting your walls. Find a paint that gives off energy but not too overwhelming on the eyes.

Water-based paints dry easily and give no room for mildew to grow. It is also doesn’t fade in sunlight and is crack-resistant.

Oil-based paint, on the other hand, gives off an attractive gloss. It is also perfect for rooms with high moisture like your kitchen. It is durable though it takes longer to dry up.

  1. Windows Matter

There is a saying that “windows are the eyes to the soul.” The same thing applies to your home’s windows. The way your windows look affects the appearance of your house.

Start by washing your windows. They are one of those things at home that are dirt magnets. 

Mix 1/2 gallons of warm water with 2 to 3 tablespoons of dish soap. Give your windows a good round of hosing using clean water. Thereafter, wipe them with the water and soap solution.

Complete the process by hosing them again.  

You may also want to install some window treatments. You want the frames to enhance the overall look of your windows. Moreover, they help reduce or increase the amount of light that comes inside your home. 

  1. Eliminate Mold and Mildew

One of the most serious concerns you need to address before selling your old home is the presence of mold and mildew. These elements are health hazards. They can cause different kinds of respiratory problems for children and adults alike.

To address the problem, mix one-part water and one-part liquid bleach. Spray generously over floors, walls, and tiled surfaces that have mold and mildew.

For doors and mirrors, use a multi-surface cleaner that is non-streaking.

This step becomes even more important if you’re selling an old, inherited house. You can also check out this guide for other important factors to consider.

  1. Set an Inviting Vibe

To set a welcoming vibe, you need to make sure that your front door is visible to prospective buyers. Clear our any clutter along the walkway and the yard. Give your door a fresh coat of paint.

Replace broken tiles, doorknobs, doorbells, and shingles. Make sure that all your light fixtures are working. Don’t replace dim-lit bulbs with bright LED ones. 

Homebuyers will appreciate excellent lighting especially when they go through every room.

Keep in mind that buyers look into these small things.

  1. Deep Clean the Bathroom

Apart from the bedrooms, your bathroom is another space that buyers will closely examine. They will look at their current condition.

To clean your shower’s glass door, mix 10 parts of water with one part of muriatic acid. Scrub the door with the solution using a fine steel wool pad.

Make sure your faucet and showerhead are in good working condition. The same thing goes for your toilet.

  1. Squeaky Clean Kitchen

Apart from cleaning the walls and countertops, make sure you also wipe your kitchen hardware. These include the sink, faucet, and cabinets.

Clean all of your kitchen appliances until they are free of dirt and grime. Give the floor a good round of mopping. As for your counters, make sure there are no small appliances.

Your potholders and towels should stay inside drawers when not in use. Even if you are going to take them with you in your new house, preparing your kitchenware accordingly will give buyers an idea of how their kitchen should look like.

  1. Mind the Backyard

If you want to proudly say “this house is clean” then you need to make sure you also paid attention to the backyard. It’s outside, sure, but it sets the tone for what people can expect within the house too.

You want your backyard to look spacious. You also want to show that your backyard is functional. 

Give your backyard plants some trimming before you invite people. You can also add some colorful flowers to add more life.

These are some of the simplest ways to make sure that your home is clean for viewing. But if you wish to take home-prepping to the next level, you can always hire a professional home stager.

This House is Clean! Improve Your Home for All Occasions

Through the tips we discussed above, you can confidently tell home buyers that “this house is clean.” But even if you are not looking to sell your old home, it is still best to improve it for all occasions. 

We invite you to check our different articles on home improvement. We offer different tips that will help you transform and revitalize your property.

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