How Do You Deep Clean A Neglected House?
Homes are safe and serene environments for families to reside in peace and comfort. Family members keep these spaces clean and sanitised to enjoy hygienic living. However, there are times when they are unable to maintain the desired cleanliness levels, and neglect can lead to a mess that is not easy to clean. These situations can arise when you are away on a long holiday or travelling frequently for work. Since the homeowners are unable to perform regular dusting and vacuuming, the house becomes overly dirty.
Another situation when a house is neglected is when it has been vacant for a long time and the owner is looking for tenants. Such homes have layers of built-up dirt, cobwebs, mould, pests, germs, and grime that must be handled by professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne companies for effective results. For other situations, here is a list for deep cleaning a neglected house. These tips can transform a dingy property into a shining space.
1. Review the Condition of the House
When the house has been neglected for a long time, it needs to be checked for mould, pests, stubborn stains, soap scum, hard water marks, rust spots, cobwebs, dust bunnies, and grunge. Identify all the areas that require deep cleaning and how bad is the condition to gather required supplies and prepare effective solutions.
Note down the areas that need special attention and prepare a plan for the deep cleaning activity. The checklist should include areas that can be forgotten, such as air vents, exhaust fans, ceiling fans, windows, range hood filters, doorknobs, and blinds.
2. Get all the Cleaning Supplies
Once the cleaning plan has been devised, it is time to purchase supplies like microfiber cloths, spray bottles, white vinegar, baking soda, scrubbing pads, brushes, a dustpan, a mop, etc. Avoid buying store-bought commercial cleaners and prepare DIY solutions with natural ingredients for green cleaning.
All reputed end of lease cleaning Melbourne companies use these organic solutions to clean different surfaces. However, make sure to use the right product to prevent damage to the facades. For example, vinegar should not be used to clean natural stone countertops. So, follow tested methods for best results.
3. Organise and Refresh the Upholstery
Before beginning the cleaning, it is essential to arrange things to create space for moving around and removing dust. So, get rid of all the unnecessary items and pieces in the house and arrange clothes, books, shoes, toys, wires, electronics, utensils, pantry items, and toiletries.
Everything should be placed in order in drawers, shelves, wardrobes and cabinets. Next, remove all bed linen, cushion and pillow covers, tablecloths, napkins, and dirty clothes and wash them. Similarly, run the dishwasher cycle for all dirty dishes.
4. Clean All the Rooms with High-Traffic
Start deep cleaning with the living room and bedrooms. These are high-traffic areas where family members spend most of their time. Begin the cleaning from the top and then come down to the floors after covering everything in between. All end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals follow this top-to-bottom approach to eliminate dirt.
Remove the cobwebs and dust the ceiling fans, air vents, shelves, cupboards, blinds, window frames, glass doors, frames, light fixtures, baseboards, doors, tables, beds and doorknobs. Vacuum the mattresses, sofa, and other upholstered furniture. Finally, clean and mop the floors and carpets to shine up the surfaces.
5. Pay Attention to Bathrooms
Bathrooms get dirty quickly because of restricted air flow and moisture. Soiled toilet seats and bowls, soap residue, and watermarks make them look terrible and unhygienic. Such spaces become breeding grounds for bacteria, mould, and allergens. When neglected over a long period, they need to be deep-cleaned thoroughly.
Start by cleaning the ceiling and exhaust fan, scrubbing the grout lines, tiles, and showerheads, and wiping the faucets, soap dispensers, towel rails, doorknobs, shower doors, mirrors, and windows. Scrub and wash the toilet, sink, and bathtub and move on to wiping shelves, countertops, and toiletries. Wash the bathmats and towels and wipe the light fixtures.
6. Disinfect and Degrease the Kitchen
Kitchens are among the dirtiest spaces and must be cleaned with the help of end of lease cleaning Melbourne specialists who know how to make them hygienic. This requires cleaning the oily grime from the range hood filter, ovens, stovetops, backsplash, and countertops. The refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal and other appliances must also be cleaned with natural products to remove germs and dust.
In addition, all the cabinets, drawers, and shelves must be dusted, and windows and walls must be cleaned. Do not forget to polish the faucets and scrub the sink. Also, wipe the doorknobs, handles, light switches, lamps, baseboards, etc., before vacuuming and mopping the floors.
Tips to Clean A Neglected House Thoroughly
Wrapping Up
House cleaning is easy when the property is dusted and vacuumed regularly. However, if it has been neglected for a long time, it is essential to make a deep cleaning schedule and follow the steps mentioned above to restore the property.