Essential Steps to Prep Your Home for Sale — With Cleaning Tips!

Essential Steps to Prep Your Home for Sale — With Cleaning Tips!

July 1, 2025  |  Cleaning Tips

First impressions matter. A clean, fresh home not only looks more appealing — it helps buyers picture themselves living there. From gleaming floors to dust-free corners, a spotless space sends a clear signal: this home has been well cared for.... and it helps your home sell faster and at a higher price.

With moving season right around the corner (hello July 1st!), now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and give your home the attention it deserves before listing.

Fun fact: In Quebec, July 1st isn’t just Canada Day — it’s also Moving Day! When leases turn over and the streets fill with moving trucks.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to boost curb appeal, stage your space, and deep clean every room — all with Vileda-approved tips and tools!

The importance of a clean space when selling your home

CA_blog_clean_home.jpg

The importance of a clean space when selling your home

  • A clean space creates a positive first impression.
  • No one wants to see dust bunnies in their future home!
  • A bright, inviting space appears more valuable and well-maintained and helps buyers visualize themselves living in the home.

On the other hand, a dirty or poorly maintained home may turn off buyers, or may lead to price reductions or a longer time on the market.

Shop Our Must-Haves!

H2prO Flat Mop System
RinseClean™ Spin Mop & Two Bucket System
Vileda Flex & Catch™ Heavy Duty Dusting Kit

Key areas to focus on when cleaning

Key areas to focus on when cleaning

Curb appeal and exterior cleaning:
  • First impressions start at the curb. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and power-wash driveways or walkways. Add planters or flowers for a pop of colour.

Don’t forget to:
  • Sweep stairs and porches with a sturdy outdoor broom
  • Clear gutters
  • Wash windows inside and out

CA_blog_clean_home_hallways.jpg

Entryway and hallways:
These high-traffic zones are buyer magnets. Keep floors free of dirt and dust with the Vileda H2prO Flat Mop — compact, powerful, and perfect for last-minute touch-ups. Luckily, the H2prO system provides a powerful clean that is always ready to go, and is tiny enough to tuck into a closet or under the sink.

Wipe door handles, light switches, and fixtures to ensure everything shines. Grab the Vileda Microfibre Cloth to wipe away dirt.

A step-by-step guide to cleaning your entire home before selling

CA_blog_flex_catch_sell_home.jpg

A step-by-step guide to cleaning your entire home before selling

Living areas:
We all know how dust loves to settle on bookshelves, sideboards and tabletops. Dust all surfaces using the Vileda Flex & Catch Duster – this innovative duster features a patented, flexible head that wraps around objects, and traps up to 3x more dust the traditional feather dusters. While you’re at it, remove personal items like family photos and unnecessary knick-knacks to keep the space looking uncluttered and inviting. A well-staged home goes a long way!

As a final step, freshen up couches and upholstery with a fabric spray.

CA_blog_clean_home_kitchen_1.jpg

Kitchen:
Deep clean countertops, sinks, and cabinets. Clean appliances such as the (oven, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher) inside and out.

For a sparkling floor finish, use:

A spin mop, such as the EasyWring system, that delivers a flawless finish with a foot-activated pedal. No wonder it’s Canada's #1 spin mop! For an even easier clean, pair with PACS Floor Cleaner: these convenient, pre-portioned cleaning pods deliver a powerful clean with no harsh chemicals – no measuring required.

Selling a smaller space? Consider the Vileda H2prO Flat Mop. This small but mighty mop delivers 100% separation of clean and dirty water, ensuring your kitchen is in tip-top shape.

Don't forget Scrunge Multi-Use Scrub Sponges to wipe your counters, backsplashes, appliances and of course, dishes in the sink!

✨ Bonus: All Vileda mop heads are machine washable and reusable — Durable and cost-saving! When you’re finishing cleaning, simply toss them in the wash, lay flat to dry, and use them again! Saving you time and money over wasteful disposables.

Bathrooms:
Bathroom cleaning might not be your favourite chore – but a refreshed bathroom can make a world of difference to potential buyers. Start by scrubbing toilets, tubs, and showers. Canadians love to use the Vileda Bath Magic Bathroom Mop, specifically designed to scrub bathroom surfaces including the tub, glass walls and the mop head is detachable to clean the sink too!

Clean mirrors and faucets, and remove any signs of mildew.

Replace old or worn-out towels and bathroom mats.

Finally, give your floors a good mopping – we recommend switching to new mop head replacement so you’re not spreading germs from one area of the house to another. And when you’re finished, throw it in the washing machine and use it again!

Bedrooms: (Pstt... Buyers will peek inside!)
Clean and organize closets, dust surfaces, and change bed linens to make the room feel fresh. Continue your staging process by removing personal items that could distract potential buyers.

Finally, sweepmop, or vacuum all floors.

Have carpets professionally cleaned or replaced if necessary.

Organizing and decluttering your home

Organizing and decluttering your home

Decluttering is the final step in home selling preparations. Removing and storing excess items can make rooms appear larger and more inviting. Simplify personal spaces by keeping surfaces clear, and storing personal belongings out of sight to create a neutral, inviting space.

You may be tempted to stuff everything in the closet – don’t! Potential buyers will be opening closet doors and assessing storage space, so make sure closets and storage areas are organized and visually appealing.

Additional cleaning tips to add value for buyers

CA_blog_clean_home_walls.jpg

Additional cleaning tips to add value for buyers

Neutralize Odours: Remove any lingering smells by cleaning carpets, upholstery, and using air purifiers or natural deodorizers. Light a candle in a seasonal scent, such as spring flowers or winter pine, or a neutral smell like fresh laundry.
Fresh Paint and Touch-Ups: Consider painting walls with neutral tones to make rooms feel larger and brighter.
Clean Windows and Let in Natural Light: Clean windows inside and out to let in as much light as possible. (Tip: use your H2prO Flat Mop wash windows and walls!)
Stage with Style: A vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit can subtly elevate the vibe.

Final Steps Before Showings

Final Steps Before Showings

You’re almost there! Keep things in showing-ready shape by:
  • Making beds
  • Taking out trash
  • Doing quick daily sweeps of high-traffic areas
These simple rituals help preserve all your hard cleaning work and create a welcoming atmosphere for every potential buyer.

In closing

In closing

A clean, well-prepared home can sell faster and for more — and getting there doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With smart planning and the right tools, you’ll make your home shine when it matters most.

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.

Shop Our Must-Haves!

H2prO Flat Mop System
RinseClean™ Spin Mop & Two Bucket System
Vileda Flex & Catch™ Heavy Duty Dusting Kit
Bath Magic Mop
a brand of FREUDENBERG