Pre-Listing Deep Clean Checklist
A professional pre-listing deep clean is one of the highest-ROI investments a seller can make before listing an Ontario property. Real estate agents consistently report that clean homes receive more offers and higher offers than comparable properties that are presented dirty or cluttered. Here is the complete checklist.
Kitchen
- Oven interior (inside, racks, bottom)
- Range and range hood (grease removal, filter cleaning or replacement)
- All cabinet and drawer interiors wiped clean
- Refrigerator interior (and defrost if needed)
- Countertops and backsplash — degreased and polished
- Sink and faucet — shined
- Under and behind appliances
Bathrooms
- Grout deep scrub (most noticed item in bathroom)
- Caulk lines — recaulk any failing lines
- Toilet — bowl, exterior, base, behind
- Tub and shower stall to bright clean
- Mirror — streak-free
- Vanity interior
All Rooms
- Baseboards throughout
- Light switches and electrical plates
- Window ledges and tracks
- Blinds and window coverings
- Ceiling fans
- Door handles and frames
Floors
- Carpet professionally cleaned or replaced if stained
- Hardwood cleaned and buffed
- Tile mopped — grout lines clean
Professional pre-listing cleaning in Ontario costs $288–$558 for a typical 3–4 bedroom home. Ontario HST (13%) applies. Schedule 3–5 days before listing photographs — this allows time for any final touch-ups and airing.