Introduction
Author: Sayyid Muhammed Shibu
Email: sayyid@gmail.com
About the Author:
Sayyid Muhammed Shibu is a professional cleaning specialist with over 5 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning services across Abu Dhabi. He is passionate about maintaining hygiene standards and helping clients enjoy clean, healthy spaces.
Moving into a new home in Abu Dhabi is an exciting milestone — but before you unpack and settle in, there’s one crucial step that guarantees your comfort and peace of mind: a
move-in deep clean.
Even if your new apartment or villa looks tidy, unseen dust, grease, and allergens can linger in hidden corners. This comprehensive checklist ensures every part of your new home is sanitized, refreshed, and truly ready for you to begin your next chapter.
Why Move-In Deep Cleaning Matters
When moving into a new home, most people underestimate how much cleaning is required before the boxes arrive. Abu Dhabi’s unique climate — warm temperatures, humidity, and fine desert dust — means that every home, new or previously occupied, collects grime in unexpected places.
A professional deep cleaning before you move in offers several benefits:
● Removes hidden dirt and germs: Even “brand new” homes may contain construction dust, adhesive residues, or paint splatters.
● Improves indoor air quality: Dust and sand trapped in air vents and corners can trigger allergies and discomfort.
● Eliminates bacteria and odours: Kitchens, bathrooms, and drains often harbour invisible germs or musty smells.
● Protects your health and belongings: A sanitized home prevents pest issues and helps your furniture and fabrics stay fresh.
● Saves time post-move: Once your furniture is in place, deep cleaning becomes much harder to perform properly.
Whether you’re a tenant or homeowner, a deep clean gives you a fresh, healthy, and welcoming start.
How to Prepare for a Move-In Deep Clean
Before cleaning begins, follow these preparation steps to make the process smooth and efficient:
1. Clear the space: Make sure rooms are empty or have minimal furniture. The less clutter, the more thorough the cleaning.
2. Inspect for maintenance issues: Fix any leaks, broken tiles, or paint touch-ups before cleaning.
3. Plan the order: Start from top (ceilings, fans) and work downward to avoid re-dirtying surfaces.
4. Choose cleaning methods: Some surfaces may require special care — for example, marble floors or wooden cabinets.
5. Schedule the cleaning early: Ideally, complete deep cleaning 24-48 hours before moving your belongings.
6. Ventilate the space: Keep windows open or use fans for better air circulation after cleaning.
Room-by-Room Move-In Deep Cleaning Checklist
Here’s a detailed breakdown to ensure your Abu Dhabi home is spotless from floor to ceiling.
1. Entrance & Hallway
● Wipe door handles, knobs, and locks.
● Clean doors, frames, and light switches.
● Dust wall corners, baseboards, and skirting.
● Sweep and mop the floors.
● Clean light fixtures and remove cobwebs.
● Refresh welcome mats or replace them.
2. Living Room & Common Areas
● Dust all surfaces including shelves, decorative pieces, and electronics.
● Wipe walls, ceiling fans, and lighting fixtures.
● Clean windows, frames, and sills.
● Vacuum or steam-clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
● Wipe TV stands, coffee tables, and sideboards.
● Clean air-conditioning vents and filters.
● Mop hard floors and polish them if necessary.
3. Kitchen – The Heart of the Home
Kitchens require extra attention since they collect grease and bacteria easily.
● Clean and disinfect all countertops and backsplashes.
● Degrease stove tops, ovens, range hoods, and microwaves.
● Wipe the inside and outside of cabinets and drawers.
● Wash and sanitize sinks, taps, and drains.
● Clean and disinfect refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers.
● Scrub and mop floors, including tile grout.
● Sanitize garbage bins and replace liners.
● Polish chrome fixtures and ensure the kitchen smells fresh.
4. Bedrooms
Your bedroom should feel peaceful and clean.
● Dust all surfaces including bedside tables, lamps, and shelves.
● Clean inside wardrobes and closets.
● Wipe mirrors and windows.
● Vacuum mattresses and bed frames or steam-clean if possible.
● Clean AC vents and filters.
● Vacuum under the bed and behind furniture.
● Wash or vacuum curtains and blinds.
5. Bathrooms & Toilets
This is where deep cleaning makes the biggest difference.
● Descale tiles, grout lines, and shower walls.
● Sanitize toilets, seats, and flush handles.
● Clean and disinfect sinks, taps, and mirrors.
● Wipe down cabinets and vanity surfaces.
● Scrub bathtubs or shower cubicles.
● Clean exhaust fans and air vents.
● Mop and disinfect the entire floor.
● Polish taps and stainless-steel fixtures for a sparkling finish.
6. Floors, Walls & Baseboards (Whole Home)
● Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors thoroughly.
● Use the appropriate solution for each surface (tiles, wood, or marble).
● Wipe baseboards, skirting, and door frames.
● Spot-clean walls to remove fingerprints or scuff marks.
● Clean under heavy furniture areas where dust tends to gather.
7. Windows, Glass & Mirrors
● Clean all interior windows with streak-free glass cleaner.
● Wipe sliding doors, balcony glass, and mirrors.
● Clean window tracks and frames — they trap a surprising amount of sand and dust.
● Dust and clean blinds or wash curtains if fabric allows.
8. Outdoor Areas, Balcony, or Patio
Abu Dhabi homes often have outdoor spaces that accumulate dust quickly.
● Sweep and wash the floor or tiles.
● Wipe balcony railings, outdoor furniture, and planters.
● Clean outdoor lights and wall fixtures.
● Check and clear drains.
● Remove cobwebs or dust from ceilings and walls.
9. Final Touches
● Wipe all door handles, switches, and remote controls again.
● Empty bins and replace liners.
● Air out every room to remove the smell of cleaning products.
● Use a mild air freshener or essential oil diffuser for a pleasant scent.
● Do a final walkthrough to check if any spots were missed.
What to Expect from a Professional Cleaning Service
If you’re hiring professionals for your move-in deep clean, ensure they cover these essentials:
● Trained and background-checked cleaners.
● All cleaning tools and eco-friendly supplies included.
● A complete room-by-room checklist (including kitchen appliances and bathrooms).
● Attention to detail in hidden areas like AC vents, behind furniture, and baseboards.
● Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
● Optional extras such as mattress cleaning, balcony washing, or disinfection.
Scrub and Spray’s move-in cleaning team in Abu Dhabi follows an intensive process that ensures every surface is dust-free, sanitized, and ready for immediate occupancy. Their eco-friendly products are safe for children, pets, and sensitive surfaces, while the trained staff handle everything — from ceilings to outdoor areas — with precision and care.
After-Cleaning Maintenance Tips
Once the deep clean is done, you can maintain a spotless home with simple weekly habits:
● Wipe kitchen counters and dining tables daily.
● Vacuum or mop floors twice a week to prevent sand buildup.
● Clean bathroom sinks and mirrors regularly.
● Dust furniture and AC vents once a week.
● Schedule a professional deep clean every 6 to 12 months to maintain
hygiene standards.
FAQs
It depends on your home’s size and condition. A one-bedroom apartment may take around 3-4 hours, while a large villa could take 6-8 hours.
Yes. Once the cleaning is complete and the home is aired out, you can safely move in.
No. Professional cleaning teams bring their own tools and eco-friendly products.
Ideally every 6-12 months. The city’s dust and humidity make regular deep cleaning important for hygiene and comfort.
Absolutely. Regular cleaning focuses on visible surfaces, while deep cleaning targets hidden dirt, grease, and bacteria in every corner — from AC vents to grout lines.
Yes. Reputable services use non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning solutions that are safe for your family and pets.