When you’re selling a home, cleaning isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about presentation. A spotless home feels better maintained, photographs better, and helps buyers focus on the space (not the smudges, dust, or bathroom grout).

The best part? You don’t need to renovate to make a strong impression. A strategic clean—done in the right order—can instantly lift the look and feel of your property.

This guide walks you through a realistic, room-by-room pre-sale clean, with pro-level priorities and a checklist you can follow right up to inspection day.

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Why pre-sale cleaning matters (more than you think)

Buyers notice small things quickly:

• fingerprints on switches and doors

• dusty blinds and skirting boards

• bathroom soap scum and water marks

• kitchen grease, stains, and odours

• pet hair on floors and furniture

These signals can unconsciously translate as “more work” or “less cared for,” even when the home is structurally perfect.

A good pre-sale clean helps your property:

• look brighter and larger

• feel fresher (especially on open-home days)

• photograph cleaner for listings

• reduce buyer objections

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Start with the right cleaning order (so you don’t waste time)

Pre-sale cleaning works best when you follow an efficient sequence:

1. Declutter first (cleaning around items never looks “show ready”)

2. Dry tasks (dusting, brushing, vacuum prep)

3. Wet tasks (wiping, scrubbing, polishing)

4. Floors last (vacuum then mop)

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Step 1: Declutter for a “bigger” looking home

Decluttering is part of cleaning when you’re selling. The goal is simple: clear surfaces and open sightlines.

Focus on these high-impact areas

• kitchen benches (leave only one or two items)

• bathroom counters (minimal items on display)

• bedside tables (neat and simple)

• entryway (shoes and bags out of view)

• lounge room (no piles of papers, chargers, toys)

Quick method: Use a basket and move items into cupboards/boxes temporarily. You can sort properly later—right now you’re creating presentation.

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Step 2: Make a “photography clean” list (what matters most)

If you’re short on time, prioritise the areas buyers and cameras notice first:

Must-do “buyer focus” zones

• Front entry & hallway

• Kitchen

• Bathrooms

• Living room

• Master bedroom

• Windows and mirrors

• Floors throughout

Everything else is a bonus.

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Room-by-room: How to clean your home before selling

Entryway & hallway (first impression zone)

This sets the tone immediately.

Checklist

• wipe front door (inside and out)

• clean door handle, switches, and scuffs near walls

• remove cobwebs from corners

• vacuum edges and mop hard floors

• keep shoes and clutter out of sight

Tip: A clean entry makes the entire home feel cleaner.

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Living room (make it feel bright and open)

Checklist

• dust high areas: fans, shelves, frames

• wipe coffee tables and side tables (no streaks)

• clean glass doors/windows and remove fingerprints

• vacuum sofa (especially seams and cushions)

• vacuum and mop floors last

Pro touch: Remove pet hair thoroughly—buyers notice it instantly.

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Kitchen (the deal-maker room)

Kitchens sell homes, so aim for “fresh, light, and low-odour.”

Checklist (best order)

1. start dishes and clear the sink

2. degrease stovetop and splashback

3. wipe cupboard fronts and handles

4. clean benches (including edges and corners)

5. wipe appliances (microwave, oven exterior, fridge front)

6. clean sink and taps until they shine

7. sweep/vacuum, then mop

Don’t forget:

• rangehood exterior

• bin area (odours!)

• backsplash grout lines

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Bathrooms (buyers judge bathrooms hard)

Bathrooms should feel crisp, dry, and mould-free.

Checklist (best order)

• apply cleaner first and let it sit (dwell time)

• clean mirrors and glass

• scrub shower glass, tiles, grout

• polish taps and remove water marks

• clean toilet thoroughly (outside first, bowl last)

• remove hair from drains

• mop floors and wipe skirting boards

Pro touch: Replace old, stained silicone or heavily moulded shower areas if possible—buyers read it as “maintenance.”

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Bedrooms (calm, neutral, hotel-style clean)

You’re aiming for “relaxing and uncluttered.”

Checklist

• make beds neatly (simple linen looks best)

• clear bedside tables (minimal items)

• dust furniture and visible shelves

• wipe mirrors and touch points

• vacuum floors and edges

• remove any strong personal smells (perfumes, gym bags, etc.)

Tip: Bedrooms photograph better when the floor space is visible.

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Laundry (small room, big impression)

Laundry rooms often get overlooked, but buyers open doors and check storage.

Checklist

• wipe machines and bench

• remove detergent buildup and dust

• clean sink and taps

• sweep/vacuum corners

• mop floors

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Windows, tracks, and blinds (the “hidden detail” buyers notice)

Clean windows make rooms look brighter and bigger—especially in listing photos.

Checklist

• clean glass inside and out if possible

• wipe window sills

• vacuum or wipe window tracks

• dust blinds (or wash if visibly stained)

Even doing the inside glass well can make the property feel newer.

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Floors (your final “show home” finish)

Floors should be done last, every time.

Best floor order

• vacuum edges first

• vacuum open areas

• mop hard floors last (don’t leave streaks)

Carpets: If carpets look dull or have odours, a professional steam clean is often worth it before selling.

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The day before inspections: 20-minute maintenance clean

Once the deep clean is done, you don’t want to redo everything before each open home.

Quick “inspection-ready” routine

• wipe kitchen benches + sink

• wipe bathroom vanity + mirror

• quick toilet refresh

• vacuum main walkways

• empty bins

• open windows briefly for fresh air

This keeps the home consistently show-ready.

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Common pre-sale cleaning mistakes to avoid

• using strong fragrances to “cover” odours (buyers notice)

• skipping light switches, door handles, and skirting boards

• leaving personal items everywhere (looks cluttered)

• forgetting window tracks and blinds

• mopping before dusting (you’ll redo floors)