How clean should your house be for a showing?

Author: Lelah Hintz DVM  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

How to Clean Your House Before a Showing
  • Remake beds. Strip off the old linens and replace them with new ones so they look crisp. ...
  • Clear clutter. Put everything out of sight–in drawers, baskets or closets–to organize later.
  • Clean furniture. ...
  • Dust. ...
  • Vacuum the entire room.

How clean does your house have to be when selling?

Unless it is specifically written into the contract a house doesn't need to be any sort of clean when it is sold.

How clean should a house be for a viewing?

Top priorities are wiping down all visible flat surfaces, clean bathrooms, wipe bannister rails and door handles (stick bannisters are very off-putting) and vacuum. If there's an area you can't wipe or vacuum without just moving one or two things, it's probably too cluttered.

How can I make my house look good for showings?

Checklist: For a Better Home Showing
  1. Remove clutter. Clear off counters and pack unnecessary decorative items. ...
  2. Let it shine. Cleaning windows and screens will help bring more light into your home. ...
  3. Keep it clean. ...
  4. Maximize comfort. ...
  5. Perform a sniff test. ...
  6. Take care of minor repairs. ...
  7. Tidy up outdoors. ...
  8. Set the scene.

How clean should your house be before a cleaner comes?

Laundry should be sorted, beds should be stripped and clean linens should be placed on each bed ready to go, if cleaners and clients have agreed to changing sheets and putting laundry away. Most horizontal areas — floors, countertops, dresser tops, end tables, desks — should be cleared of clutter.

The Layers of a Clean House (Why Cleaning Feels so Hard)

Is my house too dirty for a cleaning service?

The truth is that there's no such thing as “too dirty”. Most of us are too judgmental and magnify how dirty our place actually is. Moreover, always keep in mind that professional house cleaners are precisely that, professionals, and have seen all types of houses and degrees of messiness.

What do housekeepers not clean?

What Won't the Maids Clean?
  • Biological Waste Materials. If you have any biological waste in your house, your maids won't clean it up. ...
  • Laundry and Linens. ...
  • Dirty Places That Are High Up. ...
  • Washing Machines. ...
  • Windows. ...
  • Questionable Odors. ...
  • Dishwasher Loads and Unloads. ...
  • Bedbugs and Insect Infestations.

How clean should a house be for showing?

Deep cleaning

This is the most crucial step. From the kitchen counters and the toilets to the hardwood floors, make sure that everything is sparkling. Do not forget to take out the trash and dust the fireplace mantle. Also, make sure that all toiletries have been tucked into the medicine cabinet.

Why is my house not getting showings?

Let's get straight to the biggest issue: In almost every case, the reason your house isn't getting showings is because it's priced too high. Again, the lack of interest has nothing to do with your home. It has to do with the price of the home compared to similar properties within your market.

What not to say when showing a house?

5 Things You Should Never Say When Viewing a House for Sale
  1. Hold the criticism until after you leave.
  2. Avoid making an emotional decision.
  3. Don't ask intrusive questions.
  4. Avoid sharing too much.
  5. Don't say the price is unrealistic.

What is the 80 20 rule house cleaning?

The 80/20 Rule for House Cleaning: Get An 80% Cleaning Result With 20% Effort. The 80/20 rule or the Pareto principle was developed by economist Vilfredo Pareto. It's considered a rule of thumb where you can get an 80% result from 20% of effort.

Can you use the bathroom when viewing a house?

Not only should you avoid turning on faucets and flushing toilets, but you should most definitely NOT use the bathroom while you're there.

What is proper house cleaner etiquette?

Respect and professionalism are two crucial elements of proper house cleaner etiquette. Your cleaner will assist you, so treat them courteously as any other professional. This means being punctual for scheduled cleanings, providing a safe working environment, and refraining from micromanaging their every move.

How clean should I leave my house when I sell it?

Most real estate contracts specify that your house should be in a broom-clean condition by the time you are handing over the keys. You should wipe down the windows, surfaces, skirting boards, and cupboards. However, you can choose to have the house professionally clean to save you time and energy.

How clean should a house be when you move in?

General cleaning:

Ceilings and corners: Remove cobwebs and dust from ceiling corners. Light switches and doorknobs: Wipe down to disinfect these high-touch areas. Air vents: Vacuum or wipe down to remove dust buildup. Baseboards: Wipe down to remove dust and dirt.

Does a clean house sell faster?

Clean homes sell faster

This is because buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home that is move-in ready and doesn't require a lot of work. If your home is clean and well-maintained, buyers are more likely to see it as a good investment and make an offer quickly.

How long do most house showings last?

How long do showings last? Although time will vary, you can expect an interested buyer to spend around 30 minutes to 1 hour in an average-sized home (2500 sq ft or less). You should plan on being away for at least this amount of time.

When to worry about a house not selling?

Generally, if your home has been on the market for 30 to 45 days without significant interest or offers, it might be time to reassess your strategy. The real estate market is highly dynamic, and what's considered a “normal” time to sell can vary widely.

What is the busiest day for house showings?

Most Buyers View a Home for Sale on Sundays

It gives the buyer a chance (typically) to see the home before the seller makes a decision and write up an offer.

How clean should a house be when sold?

Vacuuming and mopping floors, dusting shelves, and wiping down countertops are the minimum essential tasks for getting a house ready to sell. Other important cleaning tasks include: Washing windows to let natural light in.

How clean should house be for guests?

Now it's time to get serious.
  • Clean and sanitize garbage cans to banish mystery smells.
  • Wipe down doorknobs, faceplates, and light switches. They're germ magnets.
  • Clean the front door.
  • Deep clean the bathroom your guests will use and close it off if possible.
  • Wash guest towels and linens.

How do I prepare my house for a showing?

7 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for a Showing
  1. Enhance curb appeal. Buyers start judging a home from the moment they drive up. ...
  2. Declutter everywhere. ...
  3. Deep clean. ...
  4. Keep valuables secure. ...
  5. Turn on lights and keep the temperature comfortable. ...
  6. Remove signs of pets. ...
  7. Leave during the showing.

How do housekeepers clean so fast?

Professional cleaners don't circle a room more than once. Taking their place before the bathroom sink, they'll spray and wipe the mirror, scrub the sink, wipe down counters and polish fixtures before they move one inch to the right or left. Don't get physical with your cleaning sessions—make every movement count.

What are the types of poor housekeeping?

Examples of poor housekeeping
  • Dirty counters and floors.
  • Spills and leaks not being cleaned.
  • No organization.
  • Dirty bathrooms.
  • Tools left out.
  • Not having proper signs visible.

What does it mean when someone never cleans their house?

If you don't clean your house, it might mean you are busy and have little time to clean and organize. It might be a sign that you have too much stuff. Or it might be the result of having young kids in the house who are usually not motivated to clean up after themselves.

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