Maintaining a property is a continuous responsibility that every homeowner must manage to preserve their home's resale value. Some maintenance tasks require daily or weekly attention, while others can be added to the annual spring-cleaning routine.
“Regular cleaning is the foundation of preserving a home's value — it's the simple, consistent care that ensures your investment shines when it's time to sell,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
To safeguard the investment value of a home, it is advisable to maintain certain key features at least once a year, while other aspects within the home will require more regular ongoing care. To help homeowners who are about to embark on their annual spring cleaning, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few cleaning tips.
Declutter First: Before diving into deep cleaning, start by decluttering each room. Donate or discard items you no longer use or need. Keeping a home clutter-free is a great way to keep it market-ready for if the need to sell suddenly arises.
Work Top to Bottom: Begin cleaning from the ceiling down. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves before moving to lower surfaces like countertops and floors. This way, dust and debris fall to areas you’ll clean later. Sometimes dusting ceilings and walls is not enough. In these scenarios, it might be time to add a fresh coat of paint.
Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs: Your annual Spring Clean can offer a great reminder to deep clean carpets and rugs. Consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring professionals to remove built-up dirt and stains.
Wash Windows and Curtains: Clean windows inside and out and check for damages to the frames while doing so. Don't forget to wash the curtains and blinds to remove dust and allergens.
Kitchen Clean Out: Empty the fridge and pantry, toss expired items, and wipe down all shelves. Deep clean your oven and stovetop, and run a cleaning cycle on your dishwasher and washing machine.
Clean and Check Safety Devices: Test and replace batteries in any alarm systems and/or sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety devices to ensure they’re functioning properly. Regular dusting of alarm sensors also helps ensure that they are in peak condition.
“Spring cleaning is more than just a seasonal chore. It's an opportunity to refresh and maintain your home. Tackling the deep cleaning tasks that often get overlooked during the rest of the year will help ensure that your home is ready for the warmer months ahead. Beyond this, a clean and well-maintained home not only enhances your daily comfort but also protects your investment in the long run,” says Goslett.
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