Kitchen and Bathroom Home Cleaning Checklist Before You Move In

Moving into a new home brings excitement, but it also means preparing the space for daily life. One of the first things you should do before unpacking is deep clean the kitchen and bathroom. These two areas often hold dirt, bacteria, and odors left behind by previous residents. A proper home cleaning checklist helps you make sure everything is clean, hygienic, and safe from the start.

This guide walks you through all the essential cleaning steps, using quality home cleaning tools and solutions you can get from Alclean, so you’re fully prepared to handle the job properly without relying on guesswork or home remedies.

Why the Kitchen and Bathroom Should Be Cleaned First

The kitchen and bathroom are the most used rooms in the house and often the most neglected when it comes to deep cleaning. Grease, moisture, germs, and stains can build up over time especially in tight corners, under sinks, and around appliances.

Before you move in, make sure these rooms are completely cleaned and disinfected. It’s easier to clean them when they’re empty, and doing it early reduces the risk of bad smells, bacteria, or even pests.

What You’ll Need for a Proper Cleaning Session

To make your job easier, gather these cleaning essentials:

• Microfiber cloths for wiping surfaces without leaving streaks
  
  

• Scrub brushes for tiles, grout, and textured surfaces
  
  

• Disinfectant spray for killing bacteria and sanitizing surfaces
  
  

• Degreaser for cleaning stovetops, exhaust hoods, and backsplashes
  
  

• Toilet cleaner and bowl brush for deep bathroom sanitation
  
  

• Gloves and a mask for chemical protection and hygiene
  
  

• Multi-surface cleaner for floors and walls
  
  

You can find all these products at Alclean, ready to use and clearly labeled by purpose.

Deep Cleaning Your Kitchen Before You Move In

Clean Inside Cabinets and Shelves

Start with the cabinets. Even if they look clean outside, the inside can hold crumbs, grease, or insect droppings. Spray each shelf with a surface disinfectant and wipe thoroughly using a microfiber cloth. Use a scrub brush in corners and joints where fine dust collects.

Let the cabinets air dry before placing your kitchen items inside.

Degrease the Stove and Range Hood

Stovetops and hoods collect tough, sticky grease. Spray the surface generously with a heavy-duty kitchen degreaser. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes to break down the oil, then scrub with a cloth or a scrub brush. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a fresh microfiber.

Remove the range hood filter and clean it using the same degreaser in a separate bucket or sink. If it’s too worn out, replace it before moving in.

Disinfect Countertops and Backsplash

Wipe countertops using a quality disinfectant spray suitable for marble, granite, or laminate. Spray, wait a few seconds, and wipe clean using a fresh microfiber cloth. Clean the backsplash area, especially behind the stove where oil splatters often stick.

Avoid acidic DIY mixes—a products are pH-balanced and safe for food-contact surfaces.

Clean the Sink and Drain Area

For the sink and tap area, apply kitchen disinfectant, focusing on the edges, faucet base, and drain rim. Use a scrub brush for tougher grime around the tap and sink strainer. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth.

To freshen the drain, use enzyme-based sink cleaner instead of home vinegar methods. It breaks down residues and removes odors safely.

Sanitize Kitchen Appliances

For the refrigerator, remove all shelves and wipe them down with a multipurpose cleaner. Clean the interior and seal edges using a microfiber cloth. For microwaves and ovens, spray the interior with degreaser, let it sit, and then scrub with a brush.

Dishwashers should be emptied, and filters cleaned manually. Then run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner tab to sanitize.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist Before You Move In

Disinfect the Toilet Completely

Apply an appropriate amount of toilet cleaner inside the bowl and under the rim. While it sits, spray the seat, lid, tank, and flush handle with bathroom disinfectant spray. Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl thoroughly.

Rinse and dry using paper towels or a microfiber cloth. If the toilet seat is stained or worn, replacing it is a smart hygiene upgrade.

Scrub the Shower, Tub, and Tiles

Spray your shower walls, tub, and tile surfaces with a tile and grout cleaner. Let it sit, then scrub using a stiff scrub brush to remove soap scum, mildew, and grime.

For tough spots on grout, repeat the process or use a narrow brush for deep cleaning. Rinse with warm water and dry the area well to avoid mold buildup.

Clean the Sink, Mirror, and Vanity

Apply some disinfectant spray to the sink basin, faucet, and handles. Use a scrub brush for faucet edges, and wipe everything clean with a microfiber cloth.

Mirror surfaces can be wiped using a glass cleaner. Spray lightly and wipe in circular motion until the mirror is spotless. Don’t forget to clean the vanity drawers inside and out using the same disinfectant.

Dust the Ventilation Fan and Clean the Floor

Dust collects inside the bathroom exhaust fan over time. Remove the cover and gently clean it with a microfiber cloth. Use a dry brush or vacuum nozzle to clean the fan blades if possible.

Mop the bathroom floor using a surface cleaner. Scrub grout lines if they appear dark. Focus on edges and under the vanity where dirt builds up.

Advanced Cleaning Areas to Include

Air Vents and HVAC Filters

Clean vent covers using a microfiber cloth and a multipurpose cleaner. These areas collect dust, pet dander, and allergens that recirculate in the home if ignored. If your new place has a filter-based AC or HVAC system, replace the filter right away for better air quality.

Light Switches and Door Handles

Spray a disinfectant onto a cloth and gently wipe light switches, handles, and any knobs throughout the kitchen and bathroom. These are high-touch areas that often carry bacteria from the previous owners.

Behind Appliances and Under Cabinets

Pull appliances away from walls and sweep out crumbs, grease, and grime from the floor and wall areas behind them. Use a degreaser and a scrub brush if you see dried spills or stains.

Cabinet Joints and Baseboards

Spray inside cabinet corners and around shelf brackets with a surface cleaner, and use a toothbrush-style scrub brush to reach tight spots. Wipe clean with a cloth.

For baseboards and door frames, spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and scuff marks.

Final Steps: Small Spots That Still Matter

Once your kitchen and bathroom are clean, go over the smaller areas like towel racks, curtain rods, drain covers, and window sills. These are often skipped, but they still collect dust and bacteria. A quick spray and wipe-down with a disinfectant spray will do the trick.

Always wear gloves and a mask while cleaning to protect your hands and lungs, especially if you're using strong cleaners. Avoid mixing chemicals, and read each product label to ensure safe usage.

Final Words: Start Fresh with Alclean

A clean kitchen and bathroom set the tone for your entire living space. Using this home cleaning checklist helps you stay organized, cover hidden dirt, and make sure nothing important is missed. Whether it’s grease, grime, mildew, or bacteria—you can handle it all with the right solutions.

Alclean offers all the essential move-in cleaning supplies to make your job easier and safer. From powerful degreasers to eco-friendly tile cleaners, everything is designed to clean thoroughly without harming your surfaces.

Visit Alclean today and stock up on everything you need for your kitchen and bathroom deep clean. Your fresh new start deserves the best tools and products to match.