Last year around this time we gave you 5 Tips for Cleaning Before Moving In that focused on many of the general cleaning tasks that you should conplete when moving into a new house, apartment or condo.
But there are other cleaning jobs, things that you may not clean as often as the ones we mentioned before, that will truly set you up for a ‘clean’ start in your new home before you move in.
1. Clean the Refrigerator Coils
If appliances came with your new place, it’s unlikely that the previous occupants cleaned them before they moved out. The refrigerator’s condenser coils are located at the back and/or bottom of the fridge. They are notorious for attracting dust and dirt. But that dust and dirt makes it harder for them to cool the air in your fridge. Vacuum, brush and wipe the coils as best you can to not only clean them, but help the fridge last longer.
2. Clean Clothes Dryer Ducts and Lint Screen
Similar to the fridge, it’s unlikely that these have been cleaned recently and cleaning them will help your dryer work more efficiently. You should clean the lint screen that’s in the dryer after each use and inspect and clean the exhaust ducts at least once a year.
3. Replace the Furnace Filter
This is an easy one because there’s no actual cleaning involved!
4. Clean the Air Conditioning Unit
Not only will cleaning your AC condensers and evaporators help the unit to run better, but it will give you a good idea of the overall condition of the unit. Make sure you cut off the electricity to the unit before you clean it. Open the top of the unit and clean the fan blades. Also clear away any grass, weeds or bushes that are growing within 2 feet of the unit.
Cleaning your new place not only gives you a fresh start, but it helps to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings and makes you feel more ‘at home’.
