Real estate experts agree: dirt and clutter are the anti-staging elements that can send buyers running for the door before they ever think of making an offer. Prior to staging your home, invest some time in deep cleaning it. Once you’ve created a clean foundation, follow through with these quick cleaning tasks before showings:
Sweep in front of the house
A pot of flowers on the front step is great, but they won’t look that welcoming if dirt and debris are visible too. Thoroughly sweep front walks, stairs and entryways, and don’t forget to clear cobwebs above the door. Put away any children’s toys or gardening tools that may be in the front yard. Hide trash and recycling containers out of sight.
Freshen the aromas inside
Pet and cooking smells are major turnoffs for homebuyers, but even if your house has neither, freshening the indoor scent can have a positive effect on a buyer’s mood. To deodorize more naturally, try cleaning with essential oils. Mix two teaspoons of Aura Cacia Main Squeeze Essential Oil Blend, 1 3/4 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon of Borax and 1/4 teaspoon of unscented liquid soap in a 16-ounce bottle. Before a showing, use the mixture to wipe down kitchen counters, leaving behind clean countertops and a fresh, energizing citrus scent.
Speed clean the kitchen
Now that your counters are clutter-free, sparkling and smelling good, just a few more tasks will get your kitchen ready to show. Wipe away any fingerprints on appliances, and put away all pots, pans, dishes and glassware in their proper place. Store pet bowls out of sight, give the floor a quick sweep and dry the interior of the sink with a paper towel.
Put your best foot forward in the bath
It’s tough but critical to keep the most-used room in the house looking its best. You probably used your bathroom to get ready this morning, so wipe down surfaces to ensure no hair or debris lingers. Check the mirror for spots and wipe and dry the sink. If the bathtub or shower door show signs of recent use, dry them off.
Clean carpets
Nothing says “show home” like fresh vacuum tracks in the carpet! Just before you leave the house for a showing, give carpets a quick pass with the vacuum. Before you do your other last-minute cleaning tasks, mix one teaspoon of Aura Cacia Petal Power Essential Oil Blend with a cup of baking soda and sprinkle on carpets. After 10 minutes, vacuum away the powder and leave a light, refreshing floral scent behind.
Take out the trash
Go through every room with a trashcan and make sure it’s empty. Remove trash, store it in a sealed receptacle outside the house, and give potentially stinky trashcans a refreshing shot of sweet basil and lavender aroma with a DIY garbage pail pod.
For more home care ideas and essential oil recipes, visit auracacia.com.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.