The New Homeowner's Complete Cleaning Guide

Welcome to Homeownership

Congratulations on your San Diego home! Whether you've landed in a North Park bungalow, a Chula Vista family home, or a Downtown condo, you've achieved something significant. Now comes the reality: maintaining it.

Unlike renting, where someone else handled the big stuff, your home's care falls entirely on you. This guide helps you establish the cleaning routines that protect your investment, maintain your home's value, and create the living space you've dreamed about.

The Move-In Deep Clean

Before arranging furniture, before unpacking boxes—clean everything. Previous owners' dust, contractors' debris, and general pre-occupancy grime deserve attention.

Why Clean First

Easiest time to clean (empty rooms)
Sets baseline for your home
Removes previous occupants' residue
Identifies any issues (stains, damage)
Fresh start mentally and physically

Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Throughout the House:

[ ] Wipe all light switches and outlets
[ ] Clean all doorknobs and handles
[ ] Dust all ceiling fans and light fixtures
[ ] Clean inside all cabinets and closets
[ ] Wipe all baseboards
[ ] Clean all windows inside and out
[ ] Check and clean HVAC vents

Kitchen:

[ ] Deep clean inside all appliances
[ ] Clean inside refrigerator thoroughly
[ ] Clean oven and stovetop
[ ] Run dishwasher empty with cleaner
[ ] Clean microwave interior
[ ] Sanitize all countertops
[ ] Clean inside all cabinets
[ ] Clean pantry shelves

Bathrooms:

[ ] Scrub and sanitize toilets
[ ] Clean all fixtures and hardware
[ ] Scrub tubs and showers
[ ] Clean inside vanities
[ ] Clean medicine cabinets
[ ] Sanitize all surfaces
[ ] Check and clean exhaust fans

Bedrooms and Living Areas:

[ ] Clean inside all closets
[ ] Dust all surfaces
[ ] Clean windows and tracks
[ ] Vacuum or clean floors thoroughly
[ ] Check for any wall damage or marks

Garage:

[ ] Sweep thoroughly
[ ] Wipe down shelving
[ ] Clean garage door interior

Outdoor Spaces:

[ ] Sweep patios and decks
[ ] Clean outdoor fixtures
[ ] Check and clean gutters

DIY vs. Professional Move-In Clean

Do It Yourself If:

You have time before moving
The home is relatively clean
You enjoy detailed cleaning
Budget is tight

Hire Professionals If:

Closing-to-moving timeline is tight
Previous occupants left significant mess
Construction or renovation occurred
You want to start with guaranteed cleanliness
Your time is better spent unpacking

Understanding Your Home's Cleaning Needs

Every home has specific requirements based on:

Home Type

Single Family Home:

More square footage to maintain
Outdoor spaces need attention
HVAC system maintenance
Multiple bathrooms often
Garage and storage areas

Townhome:

Shared wall consideration
Often HOA exterior maintenance
Usually smaller footprint
Vertical living (multiple floors)

Condo:

Smaller space (often easier)
HOA handles some maintenance
Shared ventilation concerns
Balcony instead of yard

Home Age

Newer Construction (0-10 years):

Modern finishes require appropriate cleaners
Warranty considerations
Systems likely in good shape
May have off-gassing from new materials

Mid-Age (10-30 years):

Systems may need attention
Grout and caulk may need refresh
Water heater approaching replacement
Regular maintenance prevents bigger issues

Older Homes (30+ years):

Character features need special care
Older plumbing considerations
May have lead paint (pre-1978)
Drafts and air sealing issues
Often need more frequent maintenance

Local Considerations

San Diego's climate affects cleaning:

Coastal salt air (more frequent window cleaning)
Low humidity (less mold risk, more dust)
Year-round use of outdoor spaces
Wildlife (rodents, insects) in certain areas
Wildfire ash during fire season

Establishing Your Cleaning Routine

The Foundation: Daily Habits

Build these habits from day one:

Make bed every morning
Dishes done before bed
Counters wiped daily
10-minute evening tidy
Laundry started when hamper is full

Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Establish a day or distribute across the week:

Bathrooms (45-60 min total)

Toilets cleaned thoroughly
Showers/tubs scrubbed
Sinks and counters cleaned
Mirrors polished
Floors mopped

Kitchen (30-45 min)

Appliance exteriors wiped
Inside microwave cleaned
Stovetop detailed
Counters thoroughly cleaned
Floor swept and mopped

Living Areas (30-45 min)

Dust all surfaces
Vacuum floors and furniture
Mop hard floors
Straighten and organize

Bedrooms (20-30 min)

Change bed linens
Dust surfaces
Vacuum floors

Monthly Tasks

Add to calendar:

Deep clean refrigerator
Clean oven
Wash windows (interior)
Clean light fixtures
Vacuum vents and returns
Dust blinds
Clean under furniture
Wash bedding (comforters, mattress protector)
Clean dishwasher
Check and clean garbage disposal

Seasonal Tasks

Spring:

Deep clean entire house
Clean windows inside and out
Clean outdoor furniture
HVAC filter change
Gutter cleaning

Summer:

Deep clean outdoor spaces
Check weatherstripping
Clean ceiling fans
HVAC tune-up

Fall:

Prepare outdoor furniture for storage
Clean fireplace (if applicable)
HVAC filter change
Gutter cleaning

Winter:

Deep clean indoor spaces
Clean holiday items before storage
Post-holiday organization

Home Maintenance vs. Cleaning

As a homeowner, you're responsible for both. Know the difference:

Cleaning (You or Professional Cleaners)

Surface cleaning
Floor care
Bathroom sanitation
Kitchen cleaning
Dust and debris removal
Window cleaning

Maintenance (You or Contractors)

HVAC servicing
Plumbing repairs
Electrical issues
Appliance repairs
Roof maintenance
Exterior painting
Pest control

Overlap Areas

Dryer vent cleaning (affects safety)
Gutter cleaning (affects home protection)
Deep carpet cleaning (affects lifespan)
Grout cleaning and sealing (affects surfaces)

Building Your Cleaning Arsenal

Essential Supplies

Cleaning Products:

All-purpose cleaner
Glass cleaner
Bathroom cleaner
Floor cleaner (appropriate to your floors)
Dish soap
Laundry detergent
Wood polish (if applicable)

Tools:

Vacuum with attachments
Mop appropriate to floors
Broom and dustpan
Microfiber cloths (variety)
Scrub brushes
Toilet brush
Duster (extendable)
Bucket
Spray bottles

Nice to Have:

Steam cleaner
Robot vacuum
Carpet cleaner (or rental plan)
Pressure washer (for outdoor)
Window cleaning kit

Quality vs. Budget

Invest in quality for:

Vacuum (affects air quality and cleaning effectiveness)
Mop system (proper care protects floors)
Microfiber cloths (last longer, clean better)

Save money on:

Basic cleaning products
Disposable supplies
Specialty items you rarely use

Protecting Your Investment

Your home is likely your largest investment. Cleaning and maintenance protect it:

Value Preservation

Regular cleaning prevents damage
Maintained homes appraise higher
Neglect compounds into expensive repairs

Warranty Considerations

Some appliance warranties require maintenance
HVAC warranties often require regular servicing
Documentation helps with claims

Insurance Implications

Well-maintained homes may qualify for discounts
Neglect can affect claims
Documentation of maintenance helps

When to Hire Professional Help

Consider professional cleaning for:

Regular Maintenance:

Bi-weekly or monthly deep cleaning
Time savings for busy homeowners
Consistent results

Specific Tasks:

Move-in cleaning
Window washing
Carpet cleaning
Post-construction cleaning
Pressure washing

Special Situations:

After illness (sanitization)
Before events
When overwhelmed
During major life transitions

Starting fresh in your new San Diego home? and begin homeownership with a spotless space.