Becoming a homeowner is one of life’s most thrilling milestones, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially in maintaining cleanliness. With freshly painted walls and new furniture, the urge to preserve your new home’s pristine condition is strong. Professional cleaners have broken down five essential habits every new homeowner should adopt for long-term cleanliness and peace of mind.

1. Start with a Deep Clean

Before unpacking and getting comfortable, your first mission is a thorough clean. “It’s the perfect time to scrub every corner,” says Karina Toner from Spekless. This involves hitting areas like baseboards, inside cabinets, and even behind appliances. As Carolina Kazimierski from Sophia’s Cleaning Service emphasizes, don’t neglect your dryer vents—a crucial task to prevent house fires.

2. Assemble a Cleaning Caddy

Streamline your cleaning process by preparing a dedicated caddy. Will Cotter from DeluxeMaid suggests equipping it with essentials like disinfectant sprays, microfiber cloths, and other basics, making it your go-to tool for quick and effective cleaning sessions.

3. Establish a Weekly Routine

Creating a cleaning schedule early on can prevent clutter. According to Karina, developing a rhythm of daily and weekly tasks ensures that cleanliness is maintained consistently and stress-free. “A simple routine can prevent future overwhelm,” she notes.

4. Clean as You Unpack

Although a deep clean precedes your arrival, unpacking necessitates its own tidying rituals. Will Cotter advises wiping down each item before stowing it away. It’s a great way to integrate cleaning into the moving process, keeping dust and dirt at bay.

5. Understand Your Surfaces

Different surfaces require different care. From granite to stainless steel, knowing the cleaning specifics is crucial to avoid damage or dulling. “Being knowledgeable about what you’re cleaning can protect your investments,” says Karina.

With these expert-backed habits, your new home will remain a retreat of cleanliness and organization. These practices not only enhance the longevity of your home’s features but also help create a healthier living space. According to inkl, adopting these methods can transform daunting cleaning tasks into manageable rituals, ensuring that your new chapter begins on the right note.