Move-In Cleaning Checklist: What to Clean Before Moving Into a New Home

Move-In Cleaning Checklist for Your New Home

Getting the keys to your new place in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor is a huge milestone. We know the excitement of standing in that empty living room and imagining where your sofa will go.

However, that “empty” look can be deceivingly clean. Most people assume an empty house just needs a quick sweep, but invisible hazards like silica dust from renovation or dormant pest eggs often hide in plain sight.

We have cleaned hundreds of homes across the Klang Valley, and we’ve seen exactly what gets left behind. This guide breaks down the specific cleaning steps you need to take, the local challenges to watch out for, and how to decide if you should tackle it yourself or call in a team.

Why Move-In Cleaning Matters

A proper move-in clean goes far beyond aesthetics. We treat this stage as a health and safety reset for your family.

Hidden dangers in Malaysian properties often include:

• Fine Construction Dust: New condos often have silica dust settled on ledges, which can irritate respiratory systems.
• Pest Residue: Cockroach eggs can remain dormant in cabinet hinges for weeks before hatching in Malaysia’s humid climate.
• Chemical Residue: Strong solvents used during renovation can linger on surfaces if not neutralized.
• Mold Spores: Closed-up units in high-humidity areas like Petaling Jaya often develop mold in wardrobes or under sinks.

The practical benefits of doing this first:

• Defect Discovery: Cleaning forces you to look closely at every inch, helping you spot defects before the Defect Liability Period (DLP) expires.
• Sanitization: You eliminate the biological footprint of previous tenants or construction workers.
• Pest Prevention: Deep cleaning removes the food sources and pheromone trails that attract ants and rats.

Complete Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen

Appliances (Critical):

• Refrigerator: Remove all shelves to wash with warm soapy water and check the rubber door seals for mold.
• Oven & Microwave: Degrease the interior walls and the glass door using a non-abrasive cleaner.
• Dishwasher: Run a cycle with a specialized cleaner to remove lime scale and clear the drain filter.
• Hood & Hob: Soak the metal grease filters in hot water and baking soda to remove sticky residue.

Cabinets & Storage:

• Hinges & Tracks: Vacuum drawer tracks and cabinet hinges where cockroach eggs often hide.
• Upper Cabinets: Wipe the tops of wall-mounted cabinets where dust settles thickest.
• Interiors: Clean inside all shelves and drawers, paying attention to corners where sawdust accumulates.
• Under Sink: Inspect for moisture damage or plumbing leaks while cleaning this dark area.

Surfaces & Fixtures:

• Countertops: Sanitize stone or laminate surfaces with a food-safe disinfectant.
• Backsplash: Scrub grout lines to remove old grease splashes or construction grout haze.
• Sink: Polish the basin and pour hot water down the drain to clear potential blockages.

Bathrooms

Toilet (Non-negotiable):

• Bowl Interior: Scrub deep under the rim where mineral deposits from hard water accumulate.
• Base & Bolts: Disinfect the floor bolts and the area behind the toilet where dust collects.
• Seat: Remove the seat completely to clean the mounting holes, or replace it entirely for peace of mind.

Shower & Tub:

• Glass Doors: Remove watermarks and soap scum from glass screens using a vinegar solution or glass cleaner.
• Tiles & Grout: Scrub wall tiles to remove mold spores that thrive in our humid bathrooms.
• Drain Trap: Remove the floor trap cover to clear out hair and construction debris blocking the flow.
• Water Heater: Wipe down the casing and check the pump filter if accessible.

Sink & Vanity:

• Faucet Aerator: Unscrew the faucet tip to remove sediment or sand trapped in the mesh.
• Cabinet Interior: Wipe out the vanity cabinet and check for signs of leaking pipes.
• Mirror: Clean with a streak-free solution to ensure good lighting visibility.

Bedrooms

Flooring & Wardrobes:

• Parquet/Timber Floors: Use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop with a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid water damage.
• Built-in Wardrobes: Vacuum the sliding door tracks and wipe down the top shelves.
• Closet Rods: Wipe dust off the hanging rods so your clothes don’t get dirty immediately.

Fixtures:

• Air Conditioning: Clean the exterior casing and wash the dust filters of your split units.
• Ceiling Fan: Wipe the top of fan blades where thick dust bunnies gather.
• Light Fixtures: Remove glass covers to wash out dead insects and dust.

Living Areas

Windows & Doors:

• Sliding Door Tracks: Vacuum and scrub the tracks of balcony doors to ensure they glide smoothly.
• Window Panes: Clean glass inside and out (where safe) to remove construction stickers or paint spots.
• Grilles: Wipe down each bar of your window grilles, a common dust magnet in Malaysian homes.

General Areas:

• Skirting Boards: Wipe the top edge of baseboards throughout the entire house.
• Switches & Sockets: Sanitize all light switches and power outlet covers.
• Floors: Vacuum corners first, then mop tiles with a suitable disinfectant floor cleaner.

Often-Forgotten Areas

Don’t miss these spots:

• Store Room (Stor): Sweep and mop this often-neglected space before filling it with boxes.
• Utility/Yard: Clean the washing machine tap area and floor trap.
• Door Frames: Wipe the top of every door frame in the house.
• Intercom/Bell: Sanitize the handset or doorbell button.
• Electrical Box: Dust the exterior of the distribution board (DB box).

Special Considerations for Malaysian Properties

New Construction (Condos & Landed): We strongly recommend performing your defect inspection while cleaning.

• Hollow Tiles: Tap on floor tiles as you clean; a hollow sound could indicate improper bonding.
• Paint Splatters: Look for dried paint drops on window frames and aluminium tracks.
• Vents: Check bathroom exhaust fans for blockage from construction debris.

High-Rise Condos: Moving into a high-rise involves specific logistics.

• Balcony Drains: Test the balcony drain to ensure it doesn’t flood during a heavy KL downpour.
• Refuse Area: Sanitize the handle and chute of your floor’s garbage disposal area if it’s near your unit.
• Management Rules: Check if you need a permit for contractors or bulk disposal access.

Landed Properties: Ground-level homes face different challenges.

• Pest Entry Points: Check the perimeter for termite mud tubes or gaps where rats could enter.
• Outdoor Drains: Ensure perimeter drains are flowing freely to prevent Aedes mosquito breeding.
• Porch Area: Scrub the car porch floor to remove oil stains or tire marks.

Move-In Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning

Aspect	Move-In Cleaning	Regular Cleaning
Primary Goal	Sanitization & Reset	Maintenance
Depth	Inside cabinets, drawers, & appliances	Surface wiping only
Tools Used	Heavy-duty vacuums, steamers, scrapers	Standard broom & mop
Duration	5 - 8 hours (Deep Clean)	2 - 4 hours
Cost (Est. 1000sqft)	RM350 - RM600+	RM80 - RM150

Timeline for Move-In Cleaning

Ideal Schedule:

2 Weeks Before:

• Confirm your key collection date with the developer or landlord.
• Book your professional cleaners (slots fill up fast before festive seasons like CNY or Hari Raya).

1 Week Before:

• Activate your utilities (TNB and Air Selangor) so cleaners have electricity and water.
• Purchase basic supplies like trash bags and toilet paper for the moving day.

3 Days Before:

• Perform the deep clean (DIY or Professional).
• Conduct a final defect check after surfaces are spotless.

Moving Day:

• Do a quick sweep of the floors before furniture is placed.
• Focus purely on unpacking and settling in.

DIY vs Professional Move-In Cleaning

Do It Yourself If:

• You have a full day (8+ hours) to dedicate to scrubbing.
• The property is already relatively clean or was professionally cleaned by the owner.
• You have the necessary equipment (ladder, heavy-duty vacuum, steamers).
• Your budget is very tight.

Hire Professionals If:

• You are moving into a newly renovated unit covered in fine silica dust.
• You want a guaranteed level of hygiene for a baby or elderly family member.
• You lack the tools to reach high windows, fans, or deep clean upholstery.
• Your time is more valuable than the cost of the service.

What Professional Move-In Cleaning Includes

At 22 Cleaning, our move-in service is designed to be comprehensive.

• Deep Surface Sanitization: We use hospital-grade disinfectants on high-touch areas.
• Interior Detailing: We clean inside all empty cabinets, drawers, and wardrobes.
• Appliance Care: We degrease the oven and sanitize the fridge interior.
• Bathroom Restoration: We scrub tiles, grout, and sanitize toilets top-to-bottom.
• High Dusting: We reach ceiling fans, light fixtures, and AC exteriors.
• Window Clarity: We clean interior glass and tracks to remove grime.

Hidden Issues to Look For

While you are cleaning, keep an eye out for these red flags.

• Termite Trails: Look for mud tubes on walls or wood dust near skirting boards.
• Water Leaks: Check for yellow stains on ceilings or warped cabinet bottoms.
• Mold Growth: Inspect corners of the master bedroom ceiling or inside dark wardrobes.
• Electrical Faults: Test that all switches actually turn on their respective lights.

Document these issues immediately with photos to send to your landlord or property management.

Conclusion

A clean start is the best housewarming gift you can give yourself. Whether you decide to spend a weekend scrubbing with your family or bring in our expert team, ticking off these items ensures your new home is safe, healthy, and welcoming.

Contact 22 Cleaning to schedule your move-in/move-out cleaning today. We are ready to make your new Kuala Lumpur or Selangor home spotless so you can focus on the fun part—moving in.