A Fresh Start: Cleaning Your New Home

2025-03-17

Many people assume, “I don’t need to clean my new home since it has already been professionally cleaned.” It’s true that if your new home was professionally cleaned right before your move-in, it should be clean.

However, if the property had been left vacant for a while after cleaning, dust may have accumulated over time. Moreover, cleaning before moving in allows you to inspect the home for any scratches, stains, or potential issues that need attention.

In this article, we’ll explore why cleaning your new home before moving in is important, essential cleaning products to have on hand, and a step-by-step guide to getting it done efficiently. If you’re unsure how much cleaning is necessary before moving in, please use this article as a reference.

At Village House, there are no security deposits, key money, renewal fees, or handling fees （※）. If you’re looking to save on initial costs, be sure to check out our website!

※ Depending on the contract details and screening results, a security deposit may be required.

Why is it necessary to clean before moving in?

There are two reasons why you should clean your new home before settling in.

①Even after professional cleaning, the property may still be dirty

Even if no one has been living in a newly built property, dust and moisture can still accumulate over time. This is because fine dust in the air can get in through small gaps in the windows and doors.

Additionally, if a property is left vacant for a long time after professional cleaning, dust and moisture can build up again. Therefore, it is important to clean it thoroughly before moving in to make your new life comfortable.

②To check for any issues or defects in the room

Cleaning before moving in also gives you a chance to inspect the property for any scratches, stains, or other defects. If you find any damages, take clear photos with a timestamp for your records.

If you are charged for repairs when you move out, the photos you take can be used as proof that the scratches or defects were already there before you moved in. Additionally, if you find any major problems with the facilities, such as the toilet not flushing or the air conditioner not working, contact the property management company or landlord as soon as possible to get them fixed.

Useful cleaning products to prepare for your new home

When cleaning your new home, it’s a good idea to prepare the following items. You can bring the items you used in your old home, or purchase some new ones at a 100-yen shop or drugstore.

Cleaning rag (2-3 sheets)

Rubber gloves

Floor wiper

Dry cleaning sheets

Wet cleaning sheets

Pest control products

Vacuum cleaner

Scrubbing brush

Detergent for oil stains

Bathroom detergent

Mold prevention spray

Bath sponge

Toilet brush

Toilet cleaning wipes

STEP ① Ventilate the room

Before you start cleaning, make sure to ventilate the room. It is important to open all the windows and doors to let in fresh air. If you leave the room sealed without proper ventilation, moisture and dust can linger, creating an unhygienic environment.

If the property has been vacant for a long time, it’s especially important to ventilate the room thoroughly, as humidity and dust may have accumulated. Ventilating the room can surprisingly take quite some time, so it’s best to keep the windows and doors open while cleaning.

STEP ② Wipe the ceilings and walls

Ceilings and walls can be surprisingly dirty. Before bringing in your belongings, use an extendable floor wiper to clean them thoroughly. Since dust will fall during the process, be sure to wear a mask to protect yourself.

First, start with the ceiling and work your way down to the walls. Use a vacuum cleaner nozzle to remove dust. Then, attach a wet cleaning sheet to your floor wiper and wipe from the ceiling down to the walls to remove dirt. Finally, finish by attaching a dry cleaning sheet and doing a dry wipe.

For nicotine stains, it is effective to use a neutral detergent containing orange oil. If there are oil stains, try using alkaline electrolyzed water or baking soda.

STEP ③ Clean the areas with water

Kitchen

In the kitchen, be sure to wipe away limescale from the sink and remove dust from the countertops. It is also recommended to install an oil-resistant protective sheet around the stove, as this will prevent oil stains from adhering to the stove and make future cleaning much easier.

It is also a good idea to install a non-woven fabric filter on the ventilation fan. This prevents dirt from accumulating directly on the fan, so you’ll only need to replace the filter periodically to keep it clean. In addition, installing a cover to fill the gaps around the stove will prevent oil and dust from accumulating, making it easier to clean.

Bathroom

Use bathroom detergent and a sponge to scrub the surfaces thoroughly. Pay extra attention to the corners of the walls and floor, as well as around the drain, since these are areas where dirt tends to accumulate. Additionally, applying an anti-fog coating to the mirror will help prevent limescale buildup, making daily maintenance easier.

As a finishing touch, use a mold-prevention spray to make it easier to keep the bathroom clean. We especially recommend a fumigation-type mold prevention product with strong antibacterial properties that can thoroughly prevent mold throughout the entire bathroom.

Toilet

To clean the toilet, we recommend using a toilet cleaning sheet that can be flushed after use. Use the toilet cleaning sheet to thoroughly wipe off dust from the toilet seat, floor, walls, etc.

Furthermore, to maintain cleanliness, consider placing a toilet tank cleaner under the faucet—this helps prevent stains each time you flush. Installing a stamp-type cleaner that is easy to use by simply pressing it into the toilet bowl can prevent the bowl from getting dirty.

After cleaning, check if the water drains properly. If you notice any issues, contact your landlord or property management company as soon as possible.

STEP ④ Clean the AC

Inspect the air conditioner filters to see if there is any dust buildup. If you notice any dust, use a vacuum cleaner to remove it.

Furthermore, test both the cooling and heating functions to ensure they are working properly. While the air conditioner is running, be sure to check if there are any strange odors as well.

If there is any dirt inside the air conditioner, contact your landlord or property management company to request professional cleaning.

STEP ⑤ Wipe the floor

Once all the cleaning is done, finish by wiping the floors. For hardwood floors, start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and debris. Then, wipe the floor with a well-wrung damp cloth for a thorough finish.

For tatami floors, avoid using water, as it can cause mold and damage. Instead, clean the surface by gently wiping along the grain with a dry cloth to remove dust effectively.

STEP ⑥ Measures against pests

If your new home is located near a downtown area, on a lower floor, or above a restaurant, it’s important to take measures against pests before moving in. Since the space is still empty before you bring in the furniture, using a fumigation-type insecticide is highly recommended.

There are various types of fumigation-type insecticides, including quick-acting formulas that work in just an hour and smoke-free options that won’t trigger fire alarms. For apartments and condominiums, a mist-type fumigant is ideal, as it spreads effectively without filling the room with excessive smoke.

After using a fumigation-type insecticide, be sure to ventilate the room thoroughly. Keep the windows open for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum up any dirt on the floor and wipe down the walls and floors with a rag. It is also a good idea to attach a net to the end of the air conditioner’s drain hose as a filter to prevent pests from entering.

However, in multi-unit apartment complexes, the smoke may affect neighboring units, so it’s better for you to get permission from your landlord or property management company first before using fumigation products.

At Village House, we offer a wide selection of affordable rental properties across Japan, starting from just 20,000 yen per month. If you’re looking to save on rent, feel free to contact us for more details!