House Keeping

Having moved a time or two and looked at a lot of houses both for rent and for sale I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to cleanliness. I understand that there are different degrees, some people are not too picky and what might seem OK for one is not even close for another.
When I go into a house the first thing I notice is the air, you might think this a strange thing to say, but if I smell dampness, or smoke I pretty much think that there is either a moisture problem or the previous tenants were smokers. I have nothing against smokers as a rule, having been one myself, and I guess that is probably why I am so conscious when I catch the odor. If I do catch the scent then my gaze tends to go to the ceiling and walls, it only takes a few times of washing them to realize what a mess the nicotine can make, and the effect clean walls and ceilings make on a room. If it is moisture I smell then I look under the sinks, wash basins, around the commodes, and dishwasher or clothes washing machine. Water heaters and bath tubs are another good source of moisture, anywhere that water is brought into the house could be a potential wet spot.
Curtains are another good place for odors to hide and rugs as well, a house is just not clean unless the air tells you so. It can be masked with freshener but only for so long.

If I was going to put a house in top shape what would I do? First check the things just mentioned and correct any problems found there. Next I would move into the kitchen. Drawers, cabinets, and under the sink, if shelf paper is there it is probably old take it out. Wipe them out with a mild solution of Joy on a damp cloth, the doors as well. Cooking stoves are another place I check. Not only on the surface but under the lid, along the side if exposed, and of course the oven. It may take something a little stronger for these areas, but well worth the effort to get that much used and sometimes abused appliance back into shape. The floors go without saying pay attention to build up in the corners under the cabinets and while down there look at the refrigerator if one is there, look underneath, surprising what you might find.

Do much the same for the bathrooms and if the tub needs new caulking do it! If you plan on painting which I will cover in detail on another blog, now might be a good time to check the windows, caulk if necessary and wash by all means.

The condition of the home pretty much dictates the amount of time and effort, but I have found that a good appearing house that smells clean and fresh will get a better reception, and increase your chances for rental or sale. By a good cleaning you are adding value to your property and while it might be tempting to skimp and do a once over lightly, a good conscientious cleaning person that takes pride in their work and is not worried about doing 6 houses in one day to make it, will well be worth the extra dollars. Once the house is put in top shape and not rented or sold for any extended period of time a "refresher" will be that much easier to keep it looking good. Look at it this way moving is tough enough, while probably the biggest majority of the people will clean before or during the move, perhaps after, the key to getting them there in the first place is cleanliness and how much they perceive they will have to do to put the property in their standards. Do you really want to add that extra chore to the moving experience? Think about it...