When it’s time to sell your home, there is so much to do to get your house ready. Open houses are essential events for reaching potential buyers. However, you want to make sure your residence is looking nice and tidy. Here are some tricks for cleaning your appliances before a showing.
1. Properly Clean Your Fridge
The kitchen is an important selling point for buyers. So, take some time to clean out your refrigerator. Start by emptying your fridge to wipe down the inside. While removing items, check the expiration dates to see if anything can be thrown away. Wash the surface with a mix of warm water and baking soda. If you have any pull-out shelves, remove them and rinse them in the solution.
When putting food back, consider adopting an organizational strategy. Buy clear storage bins and group together similar items. Then, be sure to label the containers for easier access.
Keep in mind that dirt can accumulate around your refrigerator. Be sure to pull out the appliance and mop behind it. Also, use a vacuum to pick up any dust. Then clean your gaskets with soapy water and replace any broken ones. Finally, you’ll want to wipe the exterior of the fridge using a damp cloth. This can help remove any of your kids’ fingerprints.
2. Run Your Dishwasher
Your dishwasher may be an item you forget about because it circulates water and soap already. However, food residue and bacteria can build up over time. Regular cleaning keeps it smelling fresh and improves its efficiency.
To clean it, place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Make sure you use a dishwasher-safe cup. Avoid using any insulated mugs or glasses. Then, run the dishwasher on a full cycle using hot water. To freshen up the appliance, spread baking soda on the bottom and run a half-cycle. After the process is complete, leave the door open to air it out.
3. Wash Your Oven and Stove Top
You want your ovens to look brand new when buyers come through your house. So, use some vinegar and soapy water to clean dirt around the hinges and frames. Also, remove any crumbs in the spaces between the double ovens. To remove tough stains use baking soda and an oven cleaner. Also, to make the cleaning process more efficient, wipe any spills as soon as they occur.
Some modern appliances come with a self-cleaning feature. This heats your oven to very high temperatures to incinerate dirt and debris. However, you’ll still need to clean up any big messes first. Consider using this setting to save time before the showing.
Once you’ve cleaned your oven, you can move on to the stovetop. Fill your sink with warm, soapy water. Then place your burners, knobs, and hood vents in the water. Let them sit for a bit before you start scrubbing. To finish up, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth. To remove grease stains, apply vinegar and baking soda.
4. Clean out Your Microwave and Toaster
These appliances are on display when buyers walk through your kitchen. So, you want them to look nice and clean. To clean your microwave, fill a bowl with water and microwave it until it boils over. Consider using a glass or ceramic bowl since these are microwave safe.
Let the bowl sit for a few minutes and then wipe the surface clean. The steam will help loosen tough stains. You can even add some slices of lemon or distilled white vinegar for a more effective clean. Also, wipe down any smudges on the outside.
Next, you want to move on to the toaster. First, unplug it to prevent accidentally shocking yourself. Then remove and wash the crumb tray. Shake the machine over your sink to get rid of any remaining food residue. Before you plug the appliance back in, dry it thoroughly.
5. Wipe Down Your Coffee Maker
Your coffee machine is something that can attract potential buyers. For those coffee lovers, seeing a clean coffee maker can make them feel right at home. To get rid of any built-up mineral deposits, use a solution of water and white vinegar. Pour this solution into the water chamber and insert a coffee filter. Then run the machine. Before using it again, run some water through to remove the vinegar taste.
6. Don’t Forget About Your Bathroom
Your bathroom is also a key selling point for the home. So, make sure you give your bathroom sink a good scrub. Use a soft cloth and bathroom cleaning spray, such as Clorox.
When inside your bathroom, also inspect your shower. Remove any hair or debris clogging the drain. Also, use vinegar or baking soda to remove built-up limescale from your shower door.
7. Rinse Your Washing Machine
Homeowners will most likely look inside your laundry room. This is why you want your washing machine in top shape. Aso, keep in mind that dirty appliances can be a breeding ground for germs.
To keep your washer clean, run an empty load on hot water. Place a cup of white vinegar inside. After the cycle ends, leave the door open to allow the interior to dry. Also, check and see if you have a sanitizing cycle on your machine. This can be a more convenient way to reduce germs.
The Best Way to Clean Your Appliances
Showing your house to potential buyers can be nerve-wracking. You want them to be excited about your home, and having a clean house can help close the deal. So, when in doubt, follow these tips for effectively cleaning your household appliances!
Article submitted by Evelyn Long, Editor in Chief, Renovated.com