If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a first-time seller, real estate agent or seasoned rehabber, you know that first impressions matter when you’re attracting buyers. A well-prepared and inviting space can help your home sell quicker and at a higher price point.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to boost curb appeal, stage your space, and deep clean every room — all with O-Cedar-approved tips and tools!
The importance of a clean space when selling your home
The importance of a clean space when selling your home
A clean space creates a positive first impression.
No one wants to see dust bunnies in their future home!
A bright, inviting space appears more valuable and well-maintained and helps buyers visualize themselves living in the home.
On the other hand, a dirty or poorly maintained home may turn off buyers, or may lead to price reductions or a longer time on the market.
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H2pO™ Flat Mop System
EasyWring™ Spin Mop & Bucket System
Flex & Catch™ Heavy Duty Dusting Kit
Key areas to focus on when cleaning
Key areas to focus on when cleaning
Curb appeal and exterior cleaning:
Create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space by mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, and power-washing any driveways or walkways. If you’re selling in the spring or summer, consider planting flowers to bring color and brightness to your home’s exterior.
Next, clear gutters and clean windows to enhance the exterior. Finally, sweep the front stairs or the porch with a sturdy, outdoor broom (we have a few in mind!)
Entryway and hallways: Ensure these areas are welcoming and free from clutter. Sweep the floors, and keep the O-Cedar H2prO Flat Mop on hand to wipe up any muddy footprints or paw prints near the entranceway. This is the first place potential buyers will see and the most likely to attract outdoor grime! Luckily, the H2prO system provides a powerful clean that is always ready to go, and is tiny enough to tuck into a closet or under the sink.
Finally, clean door handles and light fixtures so the space sparkles.
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your entire home before selling
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your entire home before selling
Living areas: We all know how dust loves to settle on bookshelves, sideboards and tabletops. Dust all surfaces using the O-Cedar Flex & Catch Duster – this innovative duster features a patented, flexible head that wraps around objects, and traps up to 3x more dust than traditional feather dusters. While you’re at it, remove personal items like family photos and unnecessary knick-knacks to keep the space looking uncluttered and inviting. A well-staged home goes a long way!
As a final step, freshen up couches and upholstery with a fabric spray.
Kitchen: Deep clean countertops, sinks, and cabinets. Clean appliances such as the oven, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher inside and out.
Next, wipe down backsplashes and polish any stainless steel. Use a versatile, tough sponge, such as the O-Cedar Scrunge Sponge, to get the job done. Work top to bottom, so that you’re not knocking dirt onto areas you have already cleaned.
Finally, deep clean the kitchen floors: a spin mop, such as the O-Cedar EasyWring system, delivers a flawless finish with a foot-activated pedal. No wonder it’s America’s #1 spin mop! For an even easier clean, pair with PACS Floor Cleaner: these convenient, pre-portioned cleaning pods deliver a powerful clean with no harsh chemicals – no measuring required.
Selling a smaller space? Consider the O-Cedar H2prO Flat Mop. This small but mighty mop delivers 100% separation of clean and dirty water, ensuring your kitchen is in tip-top shape.
✨ Bonus: Plus did we mention that ALL O-Cedar mops come with washable, reusable mop head replacements? When you’re finished cleaning, simply toss them in the wash, lay flat to dry, and use them again! Saving you time and money over wasteful disposables.
Bathrooms:
Bathroom cleaning might not be your favorite chore – but a refreshed bathroom can make a world of difference to potential buyers. Start by scrubbing toilets, tubs, and showers.
Clean mirrors and faucets, and remove any signs of mildew.
Replace old or worn-out towels and bathroom mats.
Finally, give your floors a good mopping – we recommend switching to new mop head replacement so you’re not spreading germs from one area of the house to another. And when you’re finished, throw it in the washing machine and use it again!
Bedrooms: (Pstt... Buyers will peek inside!) Clean and organize closets, dust surfaces, and change bed linens to make the room feel fresh. Continue your staging process by removing personal items that could distract potential buyers.
Have carpets professionally cleaned or replaced if necessary.
Organizing and decluttering your home
Organizing and decluttering your home
Decluttering is the final step in home selling preparations. Removing and storing excess items can make rooms appear larger and more inviting. Simplify personal spaces by keeping surfaces clear, and storing personal belongings out of sight to create a neutral, inviting space.
You may be tempted to stuff everything in the closet – don’t! Potential buyers will be opening closet doors and assessing storage space, so make sure closets and storage areas are organized and visually appealing.
Additional cleaning tips to add value for buyers
Additional cleaning tips to add value for buyers
Neutralize Odors: Remove any lingering smells by cleaning carpets, upholstery, and using air purifiers or natural deodorizers. Light a candle in a seasonal scent, such as spring flowers or winter pine, or a neutral smell like fresh laundry. Fresh Paint and Touch-Ups: Consider painting walls with neutral tones to make rooms feel larger and brighter. Clean Windows and Let in Natural Light: Clean windows inside and out to let in as much light as possible. (Tip: use your H2prO Flat Mop to wash windows!) Stage with Style: A vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit can subtly elevate the vibe.
Final preparations before real estate showings
Final preparations before real estate showings
OK – you’ve cleaned your home room-by-room, following our step-by-step guide. You’ve organized, decluttered, and applied additional tips to add value to potential buyers. But don’t hang up your spin mop quite yet.
Make sure you have a plan in place to maintain cleanliness once the home is on the market. This may include quick touch-ups of entranceways or living areas, making beds, and regularly wiping down surfaces. And for goodness sake, make sure to take out the trash! Remember: cleanliness complements home staging in making the home more attractive to buyers.
Finally, don’t forget the finishing touches. Small details like fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit, can enhance the cleanliness and appeal of your home.
In closing
In closing
A clean, organized and inviting home is key to selling a home quickly and at a good price. A little time and effort in cleaning can pay off in a faster sale and potentially higher offer.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.
