When you put your home up for sale, potential buyers are going to walk all over your home—and they’re going to notice your floors, which means that you should keep them clean and looking their best. Here are some simple tips that will help make sure your floors pass muster.
Kitchen Floors. Whether your kitchen floor is made of wood, bamboo, laminate, stone or tile, be sure to give it a good sweeping before open houses or visits from prospective buyers. Clear out the chairs and sweep thoroughly around the table to ensure the area is in tip-top shape. Food has a way of making its way along the edges and into corners, so clean those thoroughly, as well. If necessary, give the floor a good polish.
Wood Floors. Hardwood floors are quite possibly the most common floor type. To give these a good cleaning, clear the floor (that includes furniture that can easily be moved), then vacuum the area thoroughly. Many wood floors should be cleaned with a wood floor cleaner, not soap. Follow the instructions on the product you use and buff the floor with a cloth.
Bathroom Floors. For the best results here, you’re going to need to put in some work. Clean the easy-to-access areas with a mop or similar product, then use a sponge or cleaning wipe to get less accessible areas, such as around the toilet, under the sink and along the edges of walls.
Carpeting. Carpeting is fairly easy to maintain, as it’s really just about regular vacuuming, but be sure to vacuum along the walls and next to furniture, where things get dusty when ignored. Also, inspect your carpet for stains and use a spot carpet cleaner to get rid of any unsightly spots. If necessary, consider hiring a professional to give carpets a thorough cleaning.
No matter the type of flooring you have in your home, it’s always a good idea to be prepared, especially as you go through the home-selling process. You never know when a muddy shoe print, stain or spill will mark your floors, so be sure to have proper cleaning supplies handy at all times. This includes mops, sponges, cleaners and stain removers.
