Moving is an exciting time; with new beginnings ahead of you, you may be ready to begin decorating as soon as the key is in your hand. However, you may want to slow down a bit before plotting out furniture arrangements. Move-in cleaning is an essential task that will rid your new abode of leftover germs from previous residents. Below are a few areas to sanitize before move-in day.

Kitchen

Because the kitchen houses food, it naturally attracts bacteria. Before preparing any meals, ensure all surfaces have been sanitized and disinfected to ensure you kill any lingering bacteria from raw meat or leftover produce. This includes cabinets, pantries, drawers, and sinks, as these surfaces can transfer germs to the items stored within them. Additionally, the refrigerator should be thoroughly scrubbed; because you don’t know which food items were last stored inside, you must remove all risk of exposure to salmonella and e. Coli. Additionally, rarely cleaned areas like refrigerator door seals and exhaust fans host diverse colonies of bacteria, so sanitize these as well.

Bathroom

Even if the previous resident or rental company cleaned the bathroom before transferring the keys, this room requires an extra round of move-in cleaning. Bathrooms are notoriously dirty because it’s the room where residents clean up, leaving behind all of the dirt and bacteria they brought into the home. Pay special attention to the toilet, shower, bathtub, faucet, cabinet handles, and any other surfaces that may have been touched before the resident washed their hands.

Bedrooms & Living Spaces

Luckily, these rooms typically have fewer features, which means there are fewer places for bacteria to hide. During your move-in cleaning session, steam clean the carpets to remove any ground-in dirt and allergens, and take the time to wipe down walls—even if you’re painting them. Covering the germs doesn’t remove them, and the paint will be applied smoothly to a clean surface. Disinfect door handles, light switches, and ceiling fans to eradicate any dirt.

If you have an upcoming relocation, entrust your move-in cleaning to Stratton Cleaning Services in La Crosse, WI. Serving all of La Crosse County, these professional cleaners utilize the latest green techniques and Norwex® products to reduce the chemicals in your home without sacrificing a satisfying clean. Their team will sanitize your new home to ensure you receive the clean start you deserve. In addition to move-in cleaning, they provide routine house and office cleaning to maintain that fresh feeling throughout the year. To keep up with news and events, follow them on Facebook, and call (608) 397-7849 to request a quote for move-in cleaning.