Last-Minute Checklist for Move-in Cleaning

by | Mar 31, 2024 | Guide | 0 comments

Transitioning to a new residence is thrilling, yet the required cleaning can seem overwhelming. No need to worry – you’re in good company! We’ve put together an extensive checklist for move-in cleaning in Malaysia to ensure your move is as seamless and worry-free as can be. Are you prepared for the big move-in day? Let’s dive in!

Organizing Cleaning Supplies and tools

Before you start cleaning, make sure that you have all the necessary supplies to complete the task. Make sure that you have items such as:

  • a vacuum cleaner
  • floor cleaner
  • window/glass cleaner
  • carpet cleaner (if needed)
  • dusters
  • mop and bucket (for tiled floors)
  • disinfectants and cleaners for surfaces like cabinets and cupboards (which could be hidden dirt magnets).

Stock up on these essential supplies so that you don’t have to run to the store in the middle of your cleaning frenzy. You should also bring some garbage bags for disposing of any discarded items found during your cleaning session.

Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces

To ensure your new place is clean and ready for you when you move in, take some time to dust and wipe down all surfaces. Start with the ceilings, walls and corners. Use a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer duster to trap dust, debris, cobwebs and insect infestations. Just make sure to shake out the dust at least once during the process.

Once the dusting is done, it’s time to wipe down all surfaces with an antibacterial cleaner. This includes doors handles and frames, windowsills, light switches, window blinds/curtains, cupboards and shelves – basically any surface that attracts germ buildup like doorknobs or bathtub faucets should be cleaned thoroughly with a disinfecting spray such as Dettol Power & Fresh Multi-Purpose Cleaner or other trusted brands.

Clean Appliances

Before you get settled into your new home in Malaysia, it’s important to give the appliances a thorough clean. Start by scrubbing every surface of the appliances with warm soapy water and drying completely with a soft cloth. Pay particular attention to food-contact areas such as the refrigerator and freezer. If necessary, use a vacuum in crevices and hard-to-reach places such as ice machines and fan motors on refrigerators.

If you have an electric stovetop which is more common in Malaysia, make sure that all parts are cleaned between uses, including stovetop grates, plates or rings, drip bowls or pans and burner heads. Wipe away any built-up grease with a damp cloth followed by cleaning liquid after each use to help avoid any grease buildup or odors. You may also want to clean out the ventilation hoods so that air can freely flow through them.

It’s also important to clean filters for both washing machines and dryers if needed. Vacuum out lint filters after each use for clothes dryers for safety reasons; remove any excess lint from around both indoor and outdoor vent holes too before operating them next time. Meanwhile for washing machines, run an effective cleaner through it prior moving into your new home if this wasn’t done previously!

Scrub Bathrooms

Moving into a new home in Malaysia can be a very exciting experience, but the work and cleaning that come with it can be quite overwhelming. To make sure you finish all the necessary tasks, here is a checklist of things to do in the bathroom so that your bathroom is as clean and inviting as possible on move-in day.

  • Scrub Bathrooms: The bathrooms are likely to have some pretty tough build-up between shower tiles and heavy soap residue stuck to counters. Use an all-purpose cleaning product to remove it. If you’re feeling ambitious, clean out the cabinets too!
  • Clean All Surfaces: Make sure to thoroughly wipe down surfaces like mirrors, countertops, toilet lids, and door handles with sanitizing wipes or a multipurpose cleaner. This ensures hygiene and that no one gets sick from germs left behind from former tenants.
  • Sanitize Showers/Baths: Use a mild detergent solution or vinegar and hot water to scrub away any grime built up in tubs or showers for deep cleaning. This helps get rid of those hard-to-reach spots which otherwise might not be cleaned properly with just general wiping down.
  • Mop Floors: Mop the floors with disinfectant cleaner and rinse thoroughly afterwards. Make sure you get into corners and crevices where dirt may have collected over time – especially in tiled spaces like showers or tubs. Also don’t forget about any linoleum flooring which may need special treatment for optimal cleanliness.
  • Clean Faucets/Sinks: Remove any built up residue from faucets or sinks using dish soap or scouring pad as needed, then let air dry before shutting off water sources completely when done cleaning bathrooms. This also ensures maximum water pressure when turning on these fixtures again after move-in day!

Vacuum or Sweep Floors

It’s important to not only clean the floors but also to make sure that they are dry and safe before you move in. Vacuuming the floors will help get rid of any dust, dirt and other debris that may be hiding beneath furniture or behind doors, while sweeping is a great way to remove any large particles still lingering on the floors. Additionally, if you’re dealing with carpets or rugs, use a broom to make sure that all areas are free from dirt, hair and pet dander – it’s best to steam clean all carpets before moving into your new home.

Once the floors have been thoroughly vacuumed or swept, use a mop and cleaning solution to wash away any sticky spots or stains left behind. Make sure to let them air dry completely before you move any furniture back into place!

Mop Hard Floors

Hard floors, such as those made from marble, tiles, terrazzo and linoleum, require frequent cleaning to keep them spotless. When mopping hard floors in Malaysia, do the following:

  1. Prepare a mop bucket with lukewarm water and a mild cleaning solution suitable for the specific type of hard floor.
  2. Use a soft mop and begin by mopping the area in one corner, working your way across the room rather than in circles.
  3. Follow up by rinsing the mop in clean water and wringing it out until it is almost dry before using it to remove all residual detergent solution.
  4. If available, use a damp steam mop for extra cleaning power and convenience.
  5. Lastly, let the floors dry completely before moving furniture or covering with rugs/carpeting.

Clean Windows

When moving into a new home in Malaysia, it is important to complete a thorough cleaning of all windows throughout the entire property. Windows should be washed both inside and out to remove dirt and grime that may have accumulated over time.

First, use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm water to wipe off any dirt or dust. Then, use glass cleaner to clean the glass surfaces of the window. Once the window has been thoroughly cleaned, dry it with a dry cloth or newspaper for extra shine.

For hard-to-reach areas like high windows and French doors, utilize tools such as poles with wash cloths attached to help you reach those areas without having to scale tall ladders. In addition, cleaning materials like vinegar or lemon can also be used for tough spots that require more intensive scrubbing.

Finally, consider adding window screens and dusting those screens on both sides as well before finally moving in!

Check for Cobwebs

When you move into a new home in Malaysia, it’s important to check for cobwebs and other signs of dust accumulation. A buildup of dirt and dust can not only be unpleasant to look at, but can contribute to poor air quality, which is something all homeowners should be aware of.

Checking the corners of your new home is a good place to start; evaluate the window sills, door frames, ledges, light fixtures, wall creases and ceilings for any signs of spider webbing or dirt accumulation. If spider webs are present and you can access them safely from a ladder or chair then remove them with a broom or vacuum.

For higher areas like ceilings and hard-to-reach places such as ceiling fans it’s a good idea to hire a professional cleaner and ensure the job gets done thoroughly and safety.

Paying attention to the finer details like cobwebs will save you time in the long run as it will reduce allergens that could trigger health issues such as asthma. Even if there isn’t an existing problem with allergies in your house – moving into an already clean house will just make settling in easier!

Inspect for Any Missed Areas

When you inspect for missed areas, make sure to inspect the entire property from top to bottom. Start with the exterior first and check that there are no holes or cracks in the walls, and that the windows, doors and roof tiles are still in good condition.

Move inside and take a look at each room. Check that all fixtures such as lights, fans, switches and outlets are functioning properly. Look out for any signs of moisture damage; water stains on ceilings or walls may suggest leaky pipes or a problem with drainage. Don’t forget to test all taps to ensure they have adequate water pressure.

Once you’ve inspected every room, head outside one last time and make sure there is no rubbish left behind. Finally, don’t forget to clean up whatever mess you may have created during your inspection!

Dispose of Trash

It is important to properly dispose of all the accumulated trash before moving into a new space. It is also important to ensure that all surfaces are properly cleaned and sanitized before moving in your furniture and personal belongings.

When it comes to disposing of garbage, there are a few steps you should take. Firstly, check if the area has dedicated trash disposal areas or dedicated garbage bins for small items such as food waste and organic materials. If so, be sure to separate your waste according to these guidelines. For example, organic waste should be disposed of separately from non-organic waste and cans should not be mixed with glass or plastic.

If there isn’t a designated area for trash disposal, consider taking your trash directly to the nearest public dumpsite or use the services of professional rubbish removal companies who can help you with larger amounts of waste quickly and efficiently.

Once all your unwanted items have been accounted for, don’t forget to clean up any spots where single-use plastics have been discarded or thrown away – these will significantly add on to your overall move-in cleaning bill if left unchecked!

Leave a Welcoming Touch

When you’re in a rush to get the house ready for move-in day, it can be easy to overlook small details that can make a big difference. Before bringing your belongings into the new place, don’t forget about leaving a welcoming touch. Take some time to freshen up the house and put some of your personal touches around!

Before you fully move in, think about ways you can add a touch of coziness, such as lighting candles or scented wax melts. Try cleaning or replacing curtains and blinds to let more light inside. From fresh rugs and towels to bedding which feels new, you could bring all these items into your home before moving in and it’ll make all the difference when you settle in.

Try out these ideas:

  • Place fresh flowers or plants around the house to give it that welcoming feeling when people walk in
  • Set up comfy cushions and cozy throws on couches
  • Add an extra layer of warmth with an area rug or even a faux fur rug
  • Light up fragrant candles for that extra special calming sensation
  • Upgrade kitchen equipment with tasteful countertop appliances
  • Refresh tired walls with your favorite piece of art

Hire Professionals

For those who would rather hire cleaners to do the job, there are many local cleaning services in Malaysia that offer move-in cleaning services or one-off deep-cleaning packages.

Hiring a professional cleaner can be especially helpful to ensure that all difficult-to-access areas have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitised including skirting boards, window sills and windows, nooks and crannies, sinks and toilets, kitchen appliances, cabinets and cupboards for pests or dust.

A professional move-in cleaning can save you an enormous amount of time and energy when it comes to getting your new home ready for occupation. Professional companies also bring their own supplies, so you do not have to worry about buying more detergents or disinfectants.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better idea of what and how moving-cleaning should be done in Malaysia, it’s important to follow these tips and techniques to ensure your safety.

  • Make sure you do a final inspection of the rental property right before you turn in the keys.
  • Remove all items that are not yours and check that all light fixtures, outlets, and switches are all working as they should.
  • Look for any repairs or damages to the furniture, walls or floors and make notes of it while you are cleaning.
  • Finally, if possible, ask your landlord or rental agency for a checklist so that all parties know exactly what had been cleaned before the move-out date. This will avoid disputes upon the return of the security deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do for a last-minute move-in cleaning in Malaysia?

For a last-minute move-in cleaning in Malaysia, you should focus on thorough dusting of all surfaces, wiping down all cupboards and surfaces, vacuuming carpets and rugs, and mopping all floors. Before you move into your new home, make sure you declutter the space and remove all garbage.

What cleaning supplies should I use for move-in cleaning in Malaysia?

For move-in cleaning in Malaysia, you should use basic cleaning supplies such as a vacuum cleaner, mop, sponge, and cloths. You should also have cleaning solutions, like all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and wood polish, on hand to help with the cleaning process.

How often should I clean my new home in Malaysia?

Once you’ve completed your move-in cleaning, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine for your new home in Malaysia. Depending on the size of your home, you should aim to clean high-traffic areas at least once a week, and do a deep clean of your entire home every two to three weeks.