June 9, 2008

Showtime Clean
          Whether we like to admit it or not, we have different levels of “clean” for our homes. There is “everyday family clean” which is the level needed to keep the family healthy and happy but probably includes a significant amount of clutter on several surfaces. There is “celebration” clean which often involves finally getting around to painting the family room and either cleaning out the garage so guests can be seated there or storing everything in the garage so guests can find seats in the house.  And then there is “sell this house” clean.  The Soap and Detergent Association often reminds us of the importance of hand washing, how to stop the spread of colds during cold and flu season and to deal with stubborn stains.   This time they are providing info on how clean equates with improved home sales.

          Clear Out Clutter
          Any potential buyers may not see past dirt and clutter. If the house is crowded with the owner's "stuff," they will assume that the house is too small for their possessions. Too much clutter also poses a safety hazard! A person who trips over items left on the stairs is unlikely to have a good feeling about the house. In addition, a clean, clutter-free environment is more attractive than a grimy, untidy one. Begin by purging the house, including the basement, attic and garage, of items that are no longer needed. Things that are in good condition can be sold or donated to a charity. Rooms will appear more spacious, closets will look bigger and shelves will look roomier to potential buyers.

          Clean Focus Points
          Focus on the rooms that potential buyers are most interested in - living room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. Look at each room as a potential buyer might and see what catches the eye first. Make that the starting point for the cleaning process. Then, follow the top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule for cleaning each room. That way, no surface is overlooked. Give major attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Check the labels on cleaning products to make sure they are appropriate for the surfaces to be cleaned. Abrasive cleansers provide extra cleaning power for hard-to-remove soils like food particles and grease residue in sinks. However, they may be too harsh for surfaces that are easily scratched, such as laminate or solid surface countertops. In general, liquid and gel cleansers are less abrasive than powders. Spray cleaners are easy to use for small areas, such as countertops, while powders or liquids mixed in a pail of water are more efficient for larger areas, such as walls and floors. Floors can become cloudy from cleaning solution residue, making them look dirty when they're actually clean. To prevent this, use a no-rinse product or rinse the floor well after each cleaning.

          Combat Mold & Mildew
          Mold and mildew are big no-no’s for bathrooms if a sale is to happen. With all the news stories concerning the illnesses that mold can cause, prospective home buyers are more sensitive than ever about the presence of mold and mildew. Use liquid household bleach or cleaners with bleach to remove mildew stains from shower doors, shower curtains and grout between tiles. Use a non-streaking cleaning product, such as a glass or glass and multi-surface cleaner, for shower doors and mirrors. A regular routine, including rinsing the tub after bathing, using a small squeegee on shower walls after each use, and drying faucets and handles to prevent water spots, will keep things clean.

          Brighten Up
          Clean all windows, inside and out, keep curtains open, use natural light, use the brightest light bulbs possible, install dimmer switches and create lighting for different occasions. As the song goes "let the sunshine in." Even if you prefer more muted lighting in your home, most buyers react positively to a light, airy home. Besides, it makes your rooms seem more spacious. Open up the curtains and blinds, make sure the windows sparkle, wipe the baseboards, remove fingerprints from the doors and dust blinds and light fixtures.

          Freshen Up
          Every house has a distinctive smell that its owners can become accustomed to. But strong odors - pets, tobacco, sharp cooking odors - can turn a buyer off. A deep cleaning and deodorizing may be essential.

          How much can a little elbow grease and attention to detail actually be worth? According to a survey by Better Homes and Gardens, clean and clutter-free can mean as much as 10% more for your home.  Sounds like 10,000 reasons to start that clean-up job.