4 Cleaning Tips for Moving into a Pre-Loved Home

Whether buying or renting, moving into a new (or old) home is always an exciting endeavor, especially when it comes to designing your new space. But, before you get started with your redesign, you’ll want to thoroughly clean up after your home’s previous tenants — and there’s no better place to start than the bathrooms. If you’re moving into a rental or previously loved home, these cleaning tips will ensure your bathroom sparkles from top to bottom!

1. Disinfect the Toilet: First things first, come equipped with a new toilet seat. Although disinfectant wipes should do the trick, there’s extra comfort in knowing no one else’s business has touched the toilet seat in your new home. During your final walk-through before you move in, take note of the type of toilet seat you need, and be sure to grab one so you can ditch the old one as soon as you arrive. But, before you install it, make sure to disinfect the rest of the toilet.

Grab your rubber gloves (and a new toilet squeegee) and start swiping away dirt and grime. Next, wipe down the entire outside of the toilet with a disinfectant wipe or solution of choice, and don’t forget to spend extra time on the handle. If you want to go one step further, grab some vinegar and clean out the tank as well. Simply pour vinegar into the tank until it sits just below the rim and let the solution sit for 12 hours to dissolve any buildup. Flush the toilet a few times and then turn off the water valve near the back of the toilet and flush until the remainder of the vinegar has emptied from the tank. While the tank is empty, feel free to give it a good scrub with an all-purpose cleaner. Finally, turn the water back on, flush a few times until the water runs clear, and enjoy your good-as-new toilet!

2. Deep Clean the Shower and Bath: Next up, is the shower and bath. If your shower has significant soap scum buildup, consider spraying everything down and letting it sit for 30 minutes before getting started. Then, grab your dishwashing wand (trust us it’ll save your back) and get scrubbing. Wipe down your shower walls, the tub, and all the fixtures. We also recommend soaking your showerhead in vinegar for several hours to remove any buildup. To do this, either remove the shower head completely and soak it in a container or fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the hanging showerhead. You might be surprised just how much calcium buildup can affect your perceived water pressure.

3. Wipe Down the Vanity: You’ll also want to give your vanity a thorough clean. Wipe down the sink and fixtures with a non-abrasive cleaner, clean the mirrors, and buff the faucet with a clean cloth. If there’s any stubborn grime on the faucet, soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around the faucet and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, wipe clean with a fresh cloth and you’re good to go!

4. Don’t Forget the Nooks and Crannies: Now that you’ve thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the main fixtures, it’s time to wipe down the walls, cabinets (including the interiors), windows, and floors with an all-purpose cleaner of your choice. Don’t forget to get into all the nooks and crannies that may have been missed. This includes areas like ceiling vents and those pesky areas behind the toilet and sink.

While giving your bathroom(s) a deep clean may take a bit of time and elbow grease, we think it’s a fair price to pay to know the only germs you’ll be touching are your own. Happy cleaning!