If you’re like many home-sellers, you find it nerve-wracking that your home has to be ready to show at a moment’s notice – and you’re always on edge thinking of the million things you have to pick up, wipe down or clear out if a prospective buyer wants to swing by. Fortunately, this guide gives you five emergency kitchen-cleaning tips that can help you keep your place in the best possible condition for showings.
5 Emergency Kitchen-Cleaning Tips to Use When Buyers Are On Their Way
The last thing you want to do is scour your kitchen morning, noon and night, but unfortunately, many sellers find themselves in that position. Kitchens are among the toughest rooms to keep clean (partly because they’re the most-used spaces in a home, and partly because things can get messy quickly in the kitchen). But with the following five emergency kitchen-cleaning tips, you can whip your kitchen right into shape:
- Tackle dirty dishes first.
- Invest in bleach wipes and use them everywhere.
- Keep an empty laundry basket under your sink for counter clutter.
- Take out the trash.
- Run a lemon through the garbage disposal.
Here’s a closer look at each.
Emergency Kitchen-Cleaning Tip #1: Tackle Dirty Dishes First
If you have only a few minutes’ notice that buyers are coming to see your home, clear out the sink by putting your dirty dishes in the dishwasher. If your dishwasher is loud, don’t turn it on; if it’s whisper-quiet, go for it. The main idea is to get them out of the sink and off the countertops. Buyers sometimes do look inside dishwashers, so keep that in mind if you’re tossing things in with an eye toward cleaning up the aftermath later.
Related: 5 Awesome Tips for Staging Your Entryway
Emergency Kitchen-Cleaning Tip #2: Invest in Bleach Wipes and Use Them Everywhere
You don’t have to make a habit out of using bleach wipes, but they sure do come in handy when you’re in a pinch. These easy-to-use wipes are great for counters, stovetops, handles, light switches and the inside of your sink; you can even use them to clean up small messes on the floor.
When you get notice that a prospective buyer’s coming by to see your home, dash to the kitchen and pull out your wipes. Hit every surface quickly, then toss the wipes in the trash.
Emergency Kitchen-Cleaning Tip #3: Keep an Empty Laundry Basket Under Your Sink
If you find that your counters are usually cluttered with small appliances, cookbooks, canisters or other items, keep an empty laundry basket under your sink. When you get the word that buyers are coming over, whisk everything into the basket and put it in the trunk of your car. You’ll take it with you when you leave – and when you get back, you can put everything in its proper place. (This tip works for other rooms, too!)
Related: 7 Little-Known Tips for Keeping Your Bathroom Spotless While Your Home is on the Market
Emergency Kitchen-Cleaning Tip #4: Take Out the Trash
You might think that taking out the trash is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many sellers forget to do this simple task before buyers come for a showing. If your kitchen’s garbage can is full (or close to it), take out the bag and put a fresh one in. This will help your kitchen smell fresher – and, as an added bonus, it will give you extra time before you have to take out the trash again.
Emergency Kitchen-Cleaning Tip #5: Run a Lemon Through the Garbage Disposal
Cut a lemon in half and run it through the disposal while you turn on the water. The lemon will help to freshen up your disposal and leave a lemon-fresh, natural scent in your kitchen. Though it won’t last long, it’s a nice touch.
Related: 5 Easy Home Improvements That Can Help You Sell Your Home in DC Ranch
Are You Selling a Home in DC Ranch?
Thinking about selling your home in DC Ranch? Call us at 602-694-3200 to find out how we’ll market it to all the right buyers. If you’re also looking for a new home, we’d love show you any listing in the community. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to search for something that’s a perfect match for your needs.
While you’re here, check out our:
- Country Club Village homes for sale
- Desert Camp Village homes for sale
- Desert Parks Village homes for sale
- Silverleaf Village homes for sale
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21020 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
602-694-3200
