I’ve actually spoken to folks over the years who only want to purchase a brand new home because they ONLY want a brand new bathroom! When you give it some thought, I can see why people are concerned, freaked out, grossed out and otherwise turned off by other people’s bathrooms! Bathrooms are germ-y spaces that can get mold, mildew, germs and stains pretty quickly. When I was a kid, my mother insisted on a weekly scrub and so it never got out of control. I’ll admit that it doesn’t happen that often in my house like it should.
So, when selling an occupied home, the bathroom staging should always start with a deep cleaning!
Grout Cleaning
With all we’ve advanced in technology, you’d think we could come up with a tile grout that doesn’t stain, right? Even if we did, that won’t fix the grout from 1992.
Start with a deep cleaning on the grout. Old fashioned elbow grease might do it. If you need a little more muscle, I’ve had success with Rejuvenate Grout Deep Cleaner to clean up that grout. As an aside, try their hardwood floor products as well!
When all else fails, there are professional cleaning options from some carpet cleaning companies. Check out what is available in your area.
When cleaning water spots and calcium build up, I rely on my one of my favorite bathroom cleaning tricks. Put a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and Dawn dish detergent in a spray bottle and shake. I’m not sure if detergent brand matters, but Dawn sure has made a name for themselves. Am I right?
If you’ve never tried Norwex products, hit up your Facebook friends. I’m sure you have one that will sell you some of their great cleaning products. I use their microfiber cloths with water for most household cleaning. For tougher jobs, the enzyme based cleaners eat up the bad stuff and leave you cleaner than you’d believe! My favorite stain remover is the Norwex Cleaning Paste. They call it “miracle in a jar” for a reason.
Like I said, a properly staged bathroom is a clean bathroom.
Next up is condition. If the bathroom has never been painted, be sure to give it a fresh coat of satin finish paint in a color that works with the existing finishes on the floor, counters, tile and cabinetry. Ask for professional assistance in color selections!
Speaking of cabinetry, those bathroom cabinets can take some abuse! Water, water everywhere! If the painted cabinets need a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to take care of that project. See below….
Water can ruin the finish on your wood cabinets as well, and the fix isn’t a can of paint. Be sure to clean them with a lemon oil cleaner or scratch cover product to give them some new life to them for the new owners.
Get your wood cabinets in great
condition before selling
Cabinet painting
If it looks like you need a do-over on your bathroom cabinets, give this all-in-one product a go for almost new cabinets!
Now for the fun stuff
Once your bathroom is clean and fresh, you’ll want to create a bathroom the buyers want to use and enjoy. Stage the bathrooms so they feel like a spa, a retreat or at least a fun place to brush your teeth. Most bathrooms are not a Pinterest worthy designed space that needs nothing extra to make it feel special. If your bathroom is like most, a few decor items, fluffy towels and art will help make your bathroom feel special. And distract from the porcelain throne.
Declutter the cabinets and linen closet
Start with a major decluttering project of old makeup and medicines and pare down to the items you’ll use during marketing. Clear off the vanity of all the personal items and stage with a centerpiece. Flowers, plants, decor or even nicely folded towels and decorative soaps. Use new, fluffy white towels, baskets for the toilet paper and some neutral art to add color and make the space feel special.
Below are some of my favorite items to recommend sellers purchase for staging to sell, but you may really enjoy them for staging to live as well! Go ahead and enjoy your bathroom!
