You’ve done it. You’ve bought your dream house, and now it’s time to ditch your old digs! 
Before you do, make sure the house is clean for the new homeowners before you leave. Here are some easy things you can do to go the extra mile to ensure your house is clean when you go.
- Tackle the kitchen first. Sometimes, cooking smells linger long after you’re gone. Clean the stove—with a lot of models, you can actually lift up the stovetop to clean underneath. Soak the metal trays and racks in hot, soapy water while you clean the rest with all-purpose cleaner. While you’re scrubbing away, let an oven cleaner do the work on the grease and grime of a well-loved oven.
- Wipe down the walls. Make sure they are free of scuff marks and fingerprints. A Magic Eraser will usually do the trick. This can be a larger job, so maybe have a friend or two help you out. Remove cobwebs and dust as well.
- Clean the carpets if you can. Take out any stains with vinegar and baking soda, especially tough ones including pet stains.
- Make the bathtubs and showers sparkle. If you color your hair or take frequent baths, use a bleach-based cleanser for sparkling clean surfaces.
No time to do an adequate job? Hire a cleaning service that specializes in move outs. Your REALTOR® can probably give you a referral.