It’s amazing what buyers look for when inspecting a home for the first time.
Most scrutiny falls on the kitchen and bathrooms: drawers are opened and closed, taps turned on and off, and the extractor fans teased at various speeds.
If you’re selling your home, your agent should alert you to buyers’ inspection behaviours so you can ensure everything is in working order.
One area easily forgotten when preparing your home for an Open House or private inspection is the oven. A stove and oven are permanent fixtures, so serious buyers will often inspect them thoroughly.
Cleaning an oven properly can be a little tricky so try these tips to help you complete this task with minimal effort.
Remove glass
Oven doors have double glass for insulation and to reduce the risk of burns if you touch it. Usually, the inside pane can be removed. Check your manual or go online to see how you should approach this challenge.
Self-cleaners
Most ovens will have a self-cleaning facility, which involves heating to a very high temperature to burn off oil and grease. Usually, you’re left with a small pile of burnt crumbs. However, you must still clean the oven’s interior for a five-star finish.
Burnt debris
Wipe any crumbs or loose debris from the oven and the oven door using a moist cloth.
Cleaning agent
In a spray bottle, combine vinegar and water in equal parts. You can also add a small amount of dish soap.
Spray door
Spray the cleaning agent on the inside and outside of the oven door. Let the solution sit on the door for 20 minutes to allow it to penetrate and release the grime.
Caustic chemicals
Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as these will scratch or damage the glass. Stick to mild cleaning solutions and soft cloths.
Last smudges
Finally, you can use a glass cleaner to polish the door.
Keep it clean
During your marketing campaign, always wipe down the oven after use to ensure it makes a positive impression on buyers.