Pre-sale cleaning checklist before listing photos

A pre-sale clean has a narrower goal than a routine visit: make every room read as cared for before the photographer, agent or first buyer reaches it. The best order follows the viewing route, removes distractions first and saves floors until nobody needs to cross them again.

Clear counters, bathroom ledges, nightstands and open shelving before a cloth comes out. Pack personal photos, spare appliances and excess toiletries. A clear surface can be cleaned edge to edge, and the camera can show the room instead of the objects sitting in it.

Clean the front door, handle, threshold and first stretch of flooring. Remove cobwebs around the light and wipe fingerprints from glass. Buyers form their first impression while the key is turning, so the entry should feel finished first.

In the kitchen, degrease the range, backsplash and cabinet fronts; clear the sink; polish the faucet; and wipe appliance handles. Clean inside the refrigerator or oven only if it will be opened during a showing. In bathrooms, remove mineral film from fixtures and shower glass, clean visibly marked grout and leave mirrors streak-free.

Listing photography exaggerates streaks on stainless steel, dark corners, dusty baseboards and smears on glass. Turn on the lights and look from the photographer's likely position. Wipe switch plates, door edges and window sills, then remove cords, cleaning bottles and trash cans from the frame.

Vacuum carpet edges and traffic lanes, then mop hard floors with the product specified for that finish. Empty every trash can. Fresh air is preferable to heavy fragrance: deal with the source of pet, food or drain odors instead of covering it.

Walk each room at normal eye level and then sit where a buyer might sit. Check under cabinet lips, around toilets, behind doors and along stair rails. Put away supplies and leave enough time for floors to dry before photography or a showing begins.