Moving into a new home in sunny Orlando is exciting—but before you unpack, a thorough move-in cleaning can set the foundation for a healthier, more comfortable fresh start. With Florida’s high humidity and fast-paced housing market, knowing what to clean and how is key to making your new space truly feel like home.
Why Move-In Cleaning Matters for Your Orlando Home
Even a house that “looks clean” can hide buildup from previous tenants, contractors, or just sitting empty. And in Central Florida’s unique climate, mold, dust, and bacteria can linger in unseen places.
Benefits of a Deep Clean Before Move-In
- Sanitizes high-touch surfaces and hidden germ zones
- Removes allergens, pet dander, and chemical residues
- Helps protect your furniture and indoor air quality
Health + Safety in Florida’s Climate (Humidity, Mold Risks)
Orlando homes often deal with mold in vents, bathrooms, or near AC returns due to year-round humidity. A fresh AC filter and disinfecting fan blades or ducts can significantly improve respiratory comfort and prevent long-term issues.
Peace of Mind: Starting Fresh in a Sanitized Space
Don’t carry someone else’s grime or germs into your new chapter. Cleaning before move-in ensures you start in a space that truly belongs to you.
Before Moving Day – Prep Like a Pro
Timing your clean right can eliminate chaos. Choose a day before your belongings arrive—or the morning of—so surfaces are accessible.
Supplies You’ll Need for Move-In Cleaning
- Non-toxic all-purpose cleaner
- Disinfectant (EPA List N–approved)
- Microfiber cloths, gloves, mop + bucket
- Vacuum with HEPA filter
- AC vent brush, step stool, and trash bags
Cleaning Plan by Day or Hour
- Day before move: Deep clean kitchen and bathrooms
- Morning of move: Dust bedrooms, wipe vents, sanitize switches
- After move: Spot-clean floors, door knobs, fridge handles
Cleaning Before Movers Arrive vs After
Before lets you clean everything unobstructed. After is ideal if construction just wrapped or movers walked on fresh floors. Combine both for best results.
Move-In Cleaning Checklist by Room
Use this room-by-room new home cleaning guide tailored for Orlando homes. Print it or pin it to your fridge during week one.
Kitchen Deep Clean
Cabinets (inside/out), Pulls, Hood Filters, Oven Interior
- Use degreaser on cabinet tops
- Disassemble hood vent filters—soak and scrub
- Baking soda paste in oven, rinse thoroughly before cooking
Refrigerator Sanitation + Odor Removal
- Remove trays, soak in vinegar + warm water
- Disinfect walls and seals
- Place open baking soda box inside after cleaning
Bathrooms
Tile, Fixtures, Mirrors, Toilet Seat Replacement Recommendation
- Sanitize handles, faucets, and light switches
- Check toilet seat—replacing it is affordable and sanitary
Shower Mold Prevention & Grout Cleaning
- Spray peroxide or vinegar on grout, let sit before scrubbing
- Wipe dry to prevent mold regrowth
Bedrooms & Living Areas
Baseboards, Floors, Light Switches, Windowsills
- Use damp microfiber towels (no residue)
- Vacuum floors and mop after dust settles
Ceiling Fans, Dusting in Vents & Around AC Returns
- Use extendable dusters; wipe blades with damp cloth
- Remove vent covers, vacuum or hand-wipe slats
Other Spaces Often Missed
Closets, HVAC Filters, Utility Rooms
- Vacuum shelf edges and replace any contact paper
- Always change HVAC return filters before first AC use
Air Quality Boost: AC Filter Changes & Duct Vent Wipe-downs
“In Florida homes, indoor air contamination from old filters or dusty ducts is a hidden health risk—swapping them can dramatically improve air quality on day one.”
Safe, Family-Friendly & Eco Cleaning Options for New Homes
Avoid harsh products that can off-gas for days. Especially if kids, pets, or anyone with allergies are moving in.
What to Avoid: Harmful Residues or Off-Gassing
- Avoid ammonia, bleach mix-ins, and synthetic air fresheners
- Don’t spray heavily in closed bathrooms—ventilate first
Best Non-Toxic Products for New House Cleaning
- Seventh Generation, Method, ECOS, Force of Nature (for USDA-approved disinfecting)
- Look for Green Seal-certified, fragrance-free cleaners
Homemade Cleaners vs Green Brands
- DIY: Vinegar + baking soda for showers, lemon oil for wood
- Store-bought: More consistent results, EPA registered options
Should You DIY or Hire a Move-In Cleaning Pro in Orlando?
Doing it yourself can work—but larger homes or time crunches often demand backup.
When a Professional Cleaning Service Makes Sense
Big Homes, Short Timelines, Allergies/Sensitivities
- 3+ bedroom homes with multiple bathrooms
- Post-renovation mess or strong odor concerns
- Health-sensitive households needing chemical-safe cleaning
When DIY Cleaning Can Be Just Fine
Tips for Managing It Yourself
- Start cleaning 2–3 days in advance
- Focus on fixtures + vents first—furniture can’t cover bad air
What’s Included / Not Included in a Professional Move-In Clean
Each company varies, but a reputable cleaner gives you visibility and viable support before you invest.
Typical Inclusions
Surface Disinfection, Floors, Fixtures, Kitchen & Bath Sanitation
- Wiped interiors of appliances and cabinets
- Disinfection of high-touch areas and handles
- Sanitized sinks, shower stalls, and vent covers
Common Exclusions
Biohazards, Major Debris, Exterior Windows, Heavy Furniture
- Mold remediation or pest removal
- Moving furniture or scrubbing outside of second-story windows
How to Choose the Right Move-In Cleaning Company in Orlando
Choosing right means trusting your cleaner to show up, do it right, and prioritize real sanitization—not just surface sparkle.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Do you clean inside appliances and sanitize vents?
- What disinfecting agents do you use? Are they pet/kid safe?
- Are filters changed or recommended as part of the visit?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Flat-rate price with no exclusions listed
- Refusal to specify which cleaning products are used
What Makes All Great Cleaner Different
“We’re Orlando’s go-to for health-first move-in cleanings—with eco options, vent disinfecting, and filter change reminders you won’t get elsewhere.”
- Locally operated + reviews from your neighborhood
- Emergency and same-week availability
Conclusion – Enjoy a Refreshed Start in Your New Orlando Home
Final Tips for a Smooth Transition
Starting life in a clean home means cleaner air, safer surfaces, and better sleep—all from day one. Don’t skip vent cleaning, AC filter changes, or high-touch sanitizing. Avoid the mistake of cleaning after moving everything in. Get inspection-ready cleanliness upfront and build peace of mind into your move.
Book a Trusted Orlando Cleaner When You Need Backup
Your clean start is just a call or click away. Schedule your expert move-in cleaning with All Great Cleaner – Orlando’s move-in pros.
Book your cleaning online now or call us at (321) 315-9177.
Recommended Reading
FAQ
- Should I clean a house before moving in?
Yes. Even if the home looks clean, prior occupants or construction may leave behind germs, dust, and allergens. A clean start ensures your safety and comfort. - How do I clean my new home before I move in?
Focus first on kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and air vents. Sanitize high-touch areas and replace AC filters for better air quality. Follow a room-by-room checklist to avoid missing key areas. - What should be cleaned first in a new home?
Start with the kitchen and bathrooms, then wipe down ceiling fans, light switches, and vents. Clean floors last to trap all remaining dust. - Why hire move-in cleaners if the place looks clean?
Surface sparkle doesn’t mean sanitized. Professional cleaners deeply disinfect hidden surfaces, sanitize vents, and use safe, effective products—especially important in Florida’s humid climate.
