During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have become concerned about cleanliness and sanitization. Everyone is washing their hands longer and more often, carrying disinfectant wipes, and using hand sanitizer. They are also cleaning their homes more frequently and more deeply. For people who are moving, there are additional concerns about the cleanliness of their new home. in fact, new home deep cleans have gained in popularity during COVID-19.
Deep Cleaning Benefits Home Sellers
When someone is selling a home during the pandemic, it is especially important to do a deep clean before listing and showing the house. Real estate professionals say that if a house is less than clean, it will cost the seller thousands of dollars or even completely turn away potential buyers. People looking at the home will open closets, look underneath furniture, and peek into little used corners, and it all needs to be clean. A recent survey of agents found that a deep clean alone can add almost $2,000 in resale value.
Deep Cleaning Before Moving In
When moving into a new home during the pandemic, wanting to feel safe is completely understandable and even expected. Deep cleaning can ensure that the space is free of dust and dirt and has been sanitized properly. Two of the most used rooms in the house, and two rooms that probably need the deepest cleaning during COVID-19, are the kitchen and bathroom. Some tips for deep cleans for these rooms include:
Start in the bathroom. Use disinfecting cleaners throughout. Begin at the top of the space and move down. Clean out cobwebs, dust, and dander with a duster. Be sure to check the vents, fans, light fixtures, and corners. Then wipe down the windows and wash the inside areas of all cabinets and closets. Scrub the tub and shower, then disinfect the toilet with a toilet brush and disinfecting cleaner. Finally, clean the sink area.
Move to the kitchen. Again, start at the top by dusting vents, fans, and light fixtures. Scrub down the walls, then clean the cabinets with a mild all-purpose cleaner and paper towels. If the cabinets are not lined, consider installing shelf liners for an extra layer of cleanliness for storing dishes. Clean the counters next. Marble and granite counters may require special care. Pay attention to cleaning between cracks, especially between the stove and countertops.
Next, clean the major appliances and then scrub the sink. Put chlorine-free bleach, cut with a little bit of water, in a spray bottle. Spray the sink thoroughly and let it soak for a while, then rinse it out completely. Finally, sweep and mop the floor.
Hiring Professional Deep Clean Help
If all of this sounds like too much work, or time does not allow for a deep cleaning with everything else going on during a move to a new home, consider hiring a professional service. Costs can vary depending on the square footage of the home and the extent of the cleaning needed. The fee will take into consideration the number of bathrooms, the size of the kitchen, and the number of other rooms in the home.
Typically, a homeowner will pay a flat rate of between $200 and $400 for deep cleaning. However, some charge by the hour and that might range from $25 to $50 per hour. A smaller home, of less than 1,000 square feet, might cost as little as $100, while a deep clean for a larger home, 3,000 square feet or more, typically starts at $300. A professional deep cleaning service will pay special attention to all the areas in the home that might otherwise be overlooked or simply be surface cleaned by a regular house cleaning service.
When You’re Ready to Move, We Reduce Your Stress!
Deep cleaning can help you realize more money for your home when you are selling and more peace of mind when you are moving to a new home, especially during COVID-19. When you’re ready for your next move, the experts at Fox Moving and Storage Knoxville can help reduce the worry of planning, packing, moving, and unpacking.
Call Fox Moving & Storage Knoxville today and let our professionals take care of every aspect of your next move, whether locally within the greater Knoxville area or across the country. We’ll even give you a free quote for your move. We can save you time, energy, and stress. Your new home is waiting, and we want to help you get there. Contact Fox Moving & Storage Knoxville today to get started.