Moving into a new house will require a little bit of cleaning and the kitchen is probably the first place to start. You will want to get rid of the former resident's cooking smells as well as make it reflect your personal taste because you and your family will spend a lot of time. Here are a few tips on cleaning the kitchen in your new home.
- Clean the Oven and Stove - Take a look inside your oven, and if it’s needed, use an oven-cleaner. The solution should take about 20 to 30 minutes to work, giving you the time you need to clean the rest of the stove. Be sure to check under the hood and make use of a grease remover if the regular cleaners aren't working well enough at getting off the grease out. After cleaning the top and front of the stove, move it away from the wall and then wash its backside. You should also clean the sides too, as well as the front panel and temperature dials.
- Clean the Fridge - Having cleaned the stove and oven, you can now tackle the refrigerator. While likely cleared out by the previous owners, nevertheless, it's always a good idea to clean it thoroughly. A thorough cleaning means removing the drawers and bins and cleaning them out. You should wash the inside walls and shelves too, removing everything that can be removed and soaking it in the sink separately. If the fridge sat disconnected from power, scrub the inside and clean it carefully if it needs it. If it hasn’t been unplugged, then you should do that and let it warm up a little before scrubbing it, as this will make it easier. A soft cloth works perfectly at wiping down, as anything tougher will scratch the surface. Be sure to clean beneath the fridge, as well as the top and sides too.
- Clean the Floors - If your new home already came with a carpet installed, you should probably hire professional cleaners to steam clean them before you and your family move in. Where that won’t be possible for you, a thorough vacuum will probably suffice. Confirm from the previous owners if they had any pets, so you know how to take precautions against possible fleas, particularly if you are moving with pets of your own. Where the floors are wooden or faux wood, thoroughly sweep the floor, cleaning the underside of heating vents and all stationary appliances.
When you finish, you can take a well-deserved break to go say hello to your new neighbors.
About the Author
Linda Cappello, Broker, GRI, ABR
Linda A. Cappello, Owner/Broker of Cappello Realty Shoreline Properties. Cappello Realty is a full service boutique Real Estate firm that specializes in 06855 - East Norwalk, and services all of Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. Linda has been in the Real Estate business for 20+ years, spending 18 of them as a Owner/Broker. Being a Broker adds a lot responsibility to her job. She is responsible for overseeing every transaction and agent in the office. This is a challenge that she looks forward to and takes very seriously. She is constantly taking continuing education classes and attending seminars to keep abreast of the ever changing market as well as the industry standards, rules and regulations.
She is a native to East Norwalk, and has an in-depth knowledge of the city that she loves, as well as the intricacies of the many unique neighborhoods and areas that Norwalk offers. Linda offers her clients a network of professionals ranging from Attorneys, Mortgage Brokers, Home Stagers and Home Inspectors to any and all pros that you may need for a successful transaction and for the convenience of her clients.
"My job doesn't end at the closing table. It goes far beyond that, keeping in touch and staying friends who refer their family and friends. A lot of my business is referral business which is the greatest accomplishment and honor of all. Earning my clients trust."
