How to Clean Your Property Like a Pro: Ultimate Pre-Sale Cleaning Tips for Open Home Success

Andrew Turnbull
Jan 18
4 min read

Preparing your property for an open home can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. A clean, well-organized home is key to catching the attention of potential buyers. With effective cleaning strategies, you can turn your property into a welcoming space that buyers can picture themselves living in.

In this post, you will find practical cleaning tips that will leave your property sparkling and irresistible to buyers. From de-cluttering to deep cleaning, these strategies will help you make a great first impression during those crucial open house viewings.

De-clutter Your Space

De-cluttering is the essential first step toward creating an inviting home. A cluttered space can make your property feel cramped and distract buyers from its potential.

Start Room by Room: Focus on one area at a time. Remove personal belongings, from clothes to toys, and be ready to let go of furniture that makes the space feel smaller.
Use Boxes or Bins: Sort items into three categories: “keep,” “donate,” and “trash.” Label these boxes to keep the process organized.
Keep Countertops Clear: Aim for empty kitchen and bathroom countertops. A tidy surface can create the illusion of larger spaces; statistics reveal that homes with clean surfaces often sell up to 20% faster.
Create a Sense of Space: Rearrange furniture to maximize the flow of each room. Consider removing extra pieces to open up the area and highlight what makes it special.

By clearing out personal items, you create a clean slate, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves in your home.

High angle view of a cluttered living room before cleaning — Cluttered spaces leave buyers feeling like a lot of work needs to be done.

Clean Every Nook and Cranny

With de-cluttering complete, it’s time for a thorough clean. Paying attention to every detail ensures your home looks brand new and inviting.

Dust All Surfaces: Work from the top down to ensure dust falls downward. Don’t skip high spots like ceiling fans and light fixtures, and remember lower areas like window sills and baseboards.
Vacuum and Mop Floors: Vacuum carpets deeply, and for hard surfaces, use a suitable cleaner. Pay special attention to corners and areas under furniture. Clean floors can increase perceived value by up to 15%.
Clean Windows and Mirrors: Use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to give windows a streak-free shine. Clean glass increases natural light, making rooms feel brighter and bigger.
Kitchen and Bathroom: These spaces need extra care. Scrub kitchen counters and appliances, and thoroughly clean bathroom fixtures, tiles, and grout. A spotless bathroom can lead to quicker sales and increase buyer offers by approximately 10%.

A deep clean of your property enhances its appeal and gives you confidence that it is ready for viewing.

Close-up view of sparkling clean kitchen countertops — Or you can hire us to do it for you - www.PreSalePropertyCleaning.com.au

Tackle Odors and Freshen Up the Air

A visually clean home means little if it doesn't smell good. The right aromas can significantly enhance a buyer's experience.

Air It Out: Open windows and doors to let in fresh air. This simple step eliminates stale odors.
Use Natural Fresheners: Swapping synthetic air fresheners for natural options, like essential oils or baking soda, offers a more subtle fragrance. Essential oils can reduce odors by 30% compared to chemical spray options.
Clean Fabrics: Wash or steam clean curtains and cushion covers, as they often hold onto scents.
Prepare a Signature Scent: A light aroma of vanilla or citrus essential oils can create a welcoming atmosphere and leave a positive impression on buyers.

Creating a fresh environment enhances the overall appeal of your property, making it more attractive during viewings.

Make Repairs and Touch-Up Paint

While cleanliness is key, addressing minor repairs can further elevate your home's appeal. Little fixes show buyers that the property is well cared for.

Fix Minor Repairs: Take care of leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped tiles. Buyers are often on the lookout for signs that a home may need significant repairs.
Touch-Up Paint: If your walls have scuffs or scratches, applying touch-up paint can revitalize them. Opt for neutral colors, which appeal to a diverse range of buyers.
Inspect Lighting: Replace burnt-out bulbs and consider brightening spaces with more powerful bulbs. Research shows that well-lit spaces can create an open feeling, making them more inviting.
Ensure Curb Appeal: Tidy up outdoor spaces. A freshly painted front door or a neatly trimmed lawn can significantly boost first impressions. Homes with good curb appeal can sell for up to 10% more than similar properties without.

Addressing these small issues helps create a welcoming atmosphere and shows buyers that your home has been well-maintained.

Stage Your Home

After cleaning and repairs, staging your home can take it to the next level. This strategy highlights your property's best features and enhances its attractiveness.

Arrange Furniture Strategically: Use furniture placement to create flow and highlight spaces. Cozy groupings encourage conversations while showcasing your home's layout.
Add Decorative Touches: Simple accents like fresh flowers or tasteful bowls of fruit add charm without overwhelming the space.
Use Mirrors Wisely: A strategically placed mirror can create the illusion of more space and draw in light, making rooms feel larger.
Keep it Neutral: Decor should not overshadow the property. Neutral themes help potential buyers envision themselves in your home.

Well-staged homes leave a lasting impression, helping potential buyers visualize their future in your space.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and preparing your property for an open house is a vital part of the selling process. The tips provided above can help you present your home beautifully, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

From de-cluttering and deep cleaning to removing odors, making repairs, and staging, these strategies ensure your home shines during important viewings. Remember, a clean, inviting atmosphere allows buyers to envision their future in your property.

Invest the time to implement these tips, and you will set the stage for a successful open house that attracts serious inquiries.

If you would like the team at Pre-Sale Property Cleaning to take care of all this for you, contact us today for a free quote. We are specialists in getting homes ready for sale.