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May 31, 2023
Moving out clean-up can be hectic. There’s so much to do, and cleaning up the space you’re leaving isn’t the most fun thing on the list. However, whether it’s to secure a lease deposit or help you sell your home, cleaning up is essential to make a clean sweep. Here are a few things to consider and some ideas on how Bar Keepers Friend products can help.
First, before you start the move-out clean-up, take the time to declutter. Clutter gets in the way of cleaning, and it’s a great time to rid yourself of items you no longer need or want. Donate, sell, or discard them responsibly, but why take them with you?
Next, get prepped to clean by gathering cleaning supplies, of course, BKF products but also a disinfectant, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, gloves, mop, broom, vacuum cleaner, and don’t forget garbage bags.
Moving Out? Clean-Up
Clean one room at a time. Don’t try to do it all at once, such as sweeping and mopping all the floors, before you tackle cleaning each room. We suggest starting with your biggest challenge, which most likely is the kitchen or bathroom.
Kitchen
Empty and clean the refrigerator, freezer, and defrost if necessary. I like to use Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray + Foam inside the fridge. It’s easy to use, and it’s quick. You can set it to spray on horizontal surfaces or foam on vertical. The foam doesn’t flow down the sides as a liquid cleaner does. It sticks to the vertical surface you’re cleaning. Here’s more, How to Clean the Inside of Your Refrigerator with Bar Keepers Friend.
The More Spray + Foam works great for metal or vinyl-coated fridge exteriors, but if you have stainless steel exterior appliances, you can’t beat Bar Keepers Friend Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish. Here’s what one customer had to say.
“I had assumed this product (BKF Stainless Steel Cleaner) advertised to clean, polish, and protect, would clean, and then over time, keep my new stainless fridge and other/older stainless steel appliances more protected. What I didn’t expect was the immediate difference. The older stainless in my kitchen looks so much better…. and the new fridge, which had some areas already a little discolored from where there hadn’t been any protective plastic sheeting in shipment, instantly polished away. Another great product from Bar Keepers Friend -a produce line my mom introduced me to many years ago.” Alexis S. — Amazon Customer Review
Oven Grime!
Is your oven door glass covered with burnt grime? It’s a common problem and can be challenging to clean. However, we have an answer BKF Cookware Cleanser & Polish.
Here’s more on cleaning oven grime, including the racks. How to Clean Oven Grime Before the Holidays or before you move out!
Don’t forget the sink! A dirty sink can sink your move-out. “Yesterday afternoon, I received the full-size bottle of MORE Spray + Foam cleaner that I got to choose. I must admit, I was skeptical because I’ve tried so many other products. I tried it on a rust stain on my old kitchen sink, and to my surprise, it REMOVED it! Next, I will be trying it on my shower door and can hardly wait. You don’t mind cleaning so much when the product actually works! Thank you, Bar Keepers Friend. You are a keeper!!!” — Mary D
Whether your sink is porcelain or stainless steel, here’s how it’s done, How to Clean Kitchen Sinks.
Finally, wipe down cabinets, countertops, and the backsplash, then sweep and mop the floor. Save the mopping for last because cleaning everything above the floor can send dirt and grime down to it.
Bathrooms
Cleaning the bathroom(s) can be daunting. There’s often soap scum on glass shower doors and mineral stains in the sinks and then there’s the toilets. Like I said, daunting. But never fear BKF is here to take the daunt out of cleaning your bathroom.
Bar Keepers Friend products are terrific in the bathroom, and here’s some specific how-to-clean-the-bathroom information:
How to Clean Glass Shower Doors
“According to Pods, a moving and storage company, you have to wipe down your windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces, so don’t forget the ones in your bathroom—even your shower. The more pressing issue in the shower, though, is going to be scum. Soap scum and grime needs to go.” — Lifehacker Move out Checklist
Toilet Cleaner Tips: Keeping Your Bathroom Fresh for Guests
“Oh. My. Gosh. This stuff is the best product I have ever tried for cleaning the toilet, which, let’s face it, no one really likes doing. It is inexpensive, and it works without scrubbing. It WORKS. I have tried sooooo many different products, but none of them really got the job done. With this, squirt it on the stains, and under the rim, wait a bit, toilet brush it out. Clean! It’s so awesome, it can even clean marble and old porcelain stains.” — Reviewed on influenster.com
How to Clean Bathtub Grime with Bar Keepers Friend
Finally, remember to wipe down mirrors and countertops, scrub tiles and grout, clean bathroom fixtures, and then sweep and mop the floor.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Start with dusting your furniture, shelves, and windowsills. Next, clean your windows, which BKF is great for. Wait, What? You Can Clean Windows with Bar Keepers Friend!? Yes. You. Can.
Wipe down your walls, then vacuum or clean carpets, rugs, and mop floors
Don’t forget to clean the entryway, hallway, and additional rooms, such as a home office and laundry room
Pay Attention to the Details
Obviously, BKF doesn’t clean everything for your move-out clean-up. Here are a few more tips:
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- Clean air vents and replace filters if needed
- Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans
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- Clean switch plates, doorknobs, and handles
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- Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings
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- Clean blinds or curtains
Don’t Forget the Exterior
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- If applicable, sweep or clean the front porch or balcony
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- Clean windows from the outside if accessible
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- Remove any trash or debris from the yard
Final Touches
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- Empty and clean out all closets, cabinets, and drawers
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- Check for any forgotten items
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- Take out the trash and recycling
Pro Tip: If you’re renting, check your lease agreement or contact your landlord for specific cleaning requirements.
Moving Out Clean-up with BKF and Chill Out
As I said, moving out is a hectic time, and one of my least favorite things was always the moving-out clean-up. With BKF products, you can make the challenge less daunting.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek and on weekends (after COVID-19) he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook: A crash course in effective management.
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