Homes Staged To Sell - Cleaning, Bath & Kitchen

Yesterday, we cleaned main rooms that do not have running water. There, we started at the ceiling and cleaned every surface down to the floor. Of course, we are going to do the same thing, clean top to bottom, in the bath and kitchen. But, before we do, we are going to concentrate on water-related cleaning.

Clean sink traps. Clean the sink pop up / stopper.
Over time, debris gathers, stays wet, and decays. This decaying matter can make the sink drain slowly and smell. Potential buyers are very likely to test sink drainage. If performance is poor, or if, even subconsciously, they notice an odor, they may pick up the impression that the bath or kitchen is not clean.

Kitchens and baths sell houses. Clean kitchens and baths sell houses faster and at better value. Kitchens and bathrooms that give the impression of not being clean are a big hindrance to selling.

Below, I list links to cleaning instructions (that I find valuable). But, you can do an internet search to find the instructions that make the most sense to you. And, of course, if you are already doing this kind of in-depth cleaning, do a special cleaning just before you list your house, then return to your normal pattern.

Here is the link to the eHow.com instructions on cleaning your sink trap.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4468637_clean-out-sink-trap.html

Some sink stoppers pull right out for easy cleaning. Others are attached. Here are instructions on releasing attached stoppers.
http://www.sandiego-plumbers.com/info/cleaning_sink_stopper.htm

Does your kitchen have a garbage disposal? Clean it.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_should_you_clean_your_garbage_disposal

Got a trash compactor? Clean it all surfaces, including the chute and ram twice. First clean with a degreasing cleaner, follow up with an antibacterial cleaner. If there is a filter, replace it.

If you have any other specialized products, clean them according to their instructions.

If the fridge, the wine cooler, the whatever is on wheels pull it out and clean beneath/behind it. Therein lies odor.

Replace every filter in the room.

Open and clean inside every cabinet, drawer, linen closet, and pantry. If the bottom is stained or scarred, put in a vinyl liner. If the bottom cleans up well leave it alone. You might have done this during the Simplify Contained Spaces step. Check to ensure everything is still clean.

Now, start with the ceiling, go on to the walls, then clean the floor. Clean the outsides and rims of cabinets and drawers.

Finally, follow the instructions and clean counter tops, sinks, toilets, and tubs. Make them shine. And, every day, keep them shining.

Unless anyone has something about baths and kitchens they would like to discuss, tomorrow we clean the bedrooms.

I hope you have a great day!