Moving into a new home is exciting—a fresh start, a blank slate, and endless possibilities. But before you start unpacking boxes and hanging up décor, there’s one thing you shouldn’t skip: a thorough cleaning.
Even if your home is brand new or seems spotless, dust, debris, and residue often linger from construction or previous occupants. That’s why giving your home a proper clean before settling in makes all the difference.
Here are our top cleaning tips for your new home, straight from the professionals at Right The 1st Time.
1. Start From the Top Down
Always begin with ceilings, fans, and light fixtures before tackling floors. Dust and dirt naturally fall as you clean, so working top to bottom saves you from double-cleaning later.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a microfiber duster with an extendable handle to catch dust on ceiling fans, air vents, and high corners.
2. Clean Inside Cabinets and Drawers
Before filling your kitchen or bathroom storage spaces, wipe down:
- Cabinet interiors and shelves
- Drawer bottoms and handles
- Pantry spaces
Even new cabinets can have dust, sawdust, or residue from installation. A damp microfiber cloth and gentle all-purpose cleaner work best.
3. Sanitize High-Touch Areas
Door handles, light switches, and railings are some of the most touched (and most forgotten) spots in any home. Give them a quick wipe with a disinfecting cleaner or sanitizing spray.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t forget thermostats, appliance knobs, and remote controls!
4. Deep Clean Bathrooms Before Use
Bathrooms need extra attention—especially before their first use. Deep clean and disinfect:
- Toilets, sinks, and tubs
- Shower walls and grout
- Mirrors and countertops
- Faucet handles and towel bars
💡 Pro Tip: Replace the toilet seat if you moved into a pre-owned home—it’s a small change that makes a big difference.
5. Refresh the Kitchen Thoroughly
Your kitchen deserves a fresh start too. Clean all surfaces before unpacking cookware or groceries:
- Inside and outside of appliances (especially fridge and oven)
- Backsplash and cabinet fronts
- Sink, faucet, and drain
- Countertops and floors
👉 For a full breakdown, check our deep cleaning tips.
6. Don’t Forget Floors and Carpets
Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpet, floors collect dust during moving and installation.
- Vacuum first, then mop hard floors with the right cleaner for your surface.
- For carpets, vacuum thoroughly—and consider a professional carpet cleaning if the home had previous owners.
💡 Pro Tip: Clean under large furniture and appliances before placing them permanently (specifically beds and appliances).
7. Replace Air Filters and Clean Vents
New homes often have construction dust in vents and ducts. Replacing HVAC filters and wiping vent covers helps your system run efficiently and improves indoor air quality.
8. Schedule a Professional Deep Cleaning
Even with your best efforts, a professional deep clean can make your new home feel truly move-in ready. At Right The 1st Time, our Premium Detailed Cleaning service covers every surface—from baseboards and trim to appliances and fixtures.
Our experienced team ensures your new space is spotless, fresh, and ready to call home.
👉 Book your deep cleaning before move-in day and start your next chapter with confidence.
FAQs: New Home Cleaning
Q1: Should I clean before or after moving in?
Before! It’s much easier to clean empty rooms and cabinets before furniture and boxes arrive and you want to get under beds.
Q2: How long does it take to clean a new home?
Depending on size and condition, 3–8 hours for light cleaning, or up to 10+ hours for detailed deep cleaning.
Q3: Do builders clean before you move in?
Yes, but typically only a “construction clean,” which removes debris—not the thorough sanitizing your family needs. To check if it’s clean rub your hands along the backsplash and inside cabinets.
Conclusion: Start Fresh, Stay Fresh
Moving into a new home is the perfect opportunity to start clean and stay clean. By giving your space a deep refresh before unpacking—and scheduling ongoing maintenance cleanings—you’ll enjoy a healthier, more welcoming environment from day one.
At Right The 1st Time, we specialize in move-in/move-out and recurring cleaning services designed to make every home sparkle—done right the first time.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your new home cleaning and enjoy that “brand-new home” feeling even longer.