Spring clean and supercharge your home’s value

When Country Life magazine ran an article on the biggest property turn offs, we expected the usual suspects to be detailed – lack of parking, a small kitchen or too few bedrooms - but we were surprised.

In the top 10 of most off putting aspects voted for by homeowners were numerous issues that could be fixed with a good clean. Taking top spot was mould/damp patches on the walls, which 70% of potential buyers found off putting.

This was followed by nasty smells from bins, unclean bathrooms and pets, which took third place, followed by limescale/mould in bathrooms in fourth. Also in the top 10 was cigarette smoke and/or cigarette butts flowing out of an ashtray, dirty toilets, bugs/flies in the home, dog mess in the garden and dirty underwear on the floor.

A previous survey by Hammonds Furniture came to a similar conclusion – dirt and unattractive deposits are not a seller’s friend. Its own list of most off putting aspects when selling a property also had mould/damp in the top spot. Other unappealing occurrences included signs of a pest infestation, pet smells, a messy garden and stained carpets.

So, how important is a clean home when selling? In April 2025, trade finder website HaMuch revealed a clean home can also be a more valuable one. A spotless, tidy property exterior can increase a home’s value by as much as 10% - that’s equivalent to £26,809 more in value using the UK’s current average house price. A deep clean inside can also boost market value by 2.8% - or £7,506.

Targeted cleaning will help impress potential buyers and add the most value. Based on the research, here are five areas where your cleaning efforts should be concentrated:

Remove mould: mould-removing sprays are widely available and can usually be used on grouting, sealant and silicon – the most common places in bathrooms and kitchens where mould can grow. If your mould is extensive or on walls and ceilings, book a professional who specialises in identifying, removing and remediating mould growth as there may be a structural issue.
Spot-treat stains: if your carpets and upholstery are showing signs of a clumsy household, it’s worth trying to remove stains and spillages. Specialist products and steam cleaners can be successful in restoring patches to ‘as new’, or at least reducing the impact of the stain.
Neutralise foul odours: our olfactory sense is powerful and we often associate bad smells with dirty homes, so do the sniff test before viewings. Opening windows and lighting a scented candle ahead of visitors is a good idea but you may need to be more specific. Bathrooms can be a source of whiffs, so inspect toilet bowls, check plug holes and mop floors. Also ensure kitchen bins are emptied and avoid cooking anything that’s pungent. Finally, wash pet bedding, remove litter trays and food bowls, and remove festering sports kits and sweaty shoes.
Check for creepy crawlies: warmer weather means open windows and doors, which is a free invitation for insects to invade. There’s nothing more off putting than a window sill full of bluebottles or a trail of ants in the kitchen. Regularly keep pests in check, cleaning away anything that’s dead and ushering out anything that’s still alive.
Treat limescale: many areas in the UK have hard water, which can’t be helped, but the limescale deposits as a result can mar bathroom surfaces. Try not to let limescale build up on shower screens, around taps, on shower heads and in toilet bowls. If deposits are unavoidable, use a specialist product or natural cleaner to remove, or at least reduce, the residue.