Should I Clean Everything Before Selling? Yes — and Here's Why

🧹 Should I Clean Everything Before Selling? Yes — and Here’s Why

If you’re planning to sell your home this fall in Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford County, you may be asking:

“Do I really need to deep clean everything before listing?”

Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes, you do.

A properly cleaned and decluttered home doesn’t just look good — it sells faster and for more money. Let’s break down why this step is critical, what buyers notice (and what they don’t forgive), and how to make your home sparkle without breaking your back.

🧠 First Impressions = Buyer Emotion

Before a buyer reads your price or your list of upgrades, they’ve already made a gut-level judgment about your home based on what they see, feel, and smell.

If your house smells like last week’s fish fry, has fingerprints on the fridge, or dust bunnies dancing across the floors? You’ve just given the buyer a reason to lowball — or walk away entirely.

Clean homes feel:

Well-maintained
Larger
Brighter
More move-in ready

And those emotions translate to offers.

🔍 Buyers Notice What You Don’t

You’re used to that scuffed baseboard, the sticky cabinet knob, and the mysterious mark on the wall. Buyers? They’re laser-focused on every single one of them — especially in a slower-moving market.

Here are a few areas that always get noticed:

Greasy stove tops and range hoods
Grimy bathroom grout
Pet hair and odors (trust me — you’ve gone nose blind)
Baseboards and trim
Ceiling fans and vents
Windows and screens

And don’t forget closets. A cluttered, overstuffed closet screams, “not enough storage,” even if it’s technically huge.

🧼 Deep Cleaning = More Dollars

It’s not just about aesthetics — cleaning has a real return on investment.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®:

A deep cleaned home can increase perceived value by thousands of dollars
Homes that are clean and decluttered spend less time on market
Buyers are more likely to offer full asking price (or more) when they’re not distracted by dirt

So yes, the elbow grease pays off.

📝 What Should You Clean Before Listing?

Here’s a high-level list to get started:

🪟 Windows (inside and out)
🚪 Doors, trim, and baseboards
🌬️ Air vents and ceiling fans
🧽 Kitchen appliances (inside, outside, and under)
🚽 Bathrooms (tile, grout, tubs, toilets, and mirrors)
🛏️ Bedrooms (make beds, dust nightstands, clean under furniture)
🧺 Laundry areas
🏠 Garage and basement

And yes — clean like your mother-in-law is coming over with white gloves.

🛋️ Declutter Like You’re Moving Tomorrow

Once you clean, take the next step: declutter.
You’re going to pack it all eventually anyway — why not start now?

Remove personal photos, extra furniture, stacks of paperwork, knickknacks, and anything that makes your space feel smaller or busier.
Clear countertops in kitchens and bathrooms — nothing should live on the bathroom counter except maybe a hand towel.
If it doesn’t spark joy or help your home shine, pack it up or donate it.

The result? A home that feels bigger, cleaner, and more inviting.

🤝 You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Overwhelmed already? Don’t be.

When you work with me, I give you:

✅ A customized cleaning and prep checklist
✅ Honest feedback on what matters (and what doesn’t)
✅ Access to trusted local cleaners and stagers (if needed)
✅ A full game plan to get your home ready fast — without spending a fortune

I’ve helped over 1,000 Central Illinois homeowners prepare their homes for market — and I’ll walk you through every step.

🧭 Bottom Line

Cleaning and decluttering isn’t optional — it’s essential.
And when done right, it’s one of the cheapest, most effective things you can do to increase your home’s value.

Want a copy of my room-by-room checklist?
📞 Real Estate? Call Duvall!
Let’s get your home looking its absolute best — and sold for top dollar.