If your South Florida home has been closed up since spring, it has spent five or six months in heat and humidity with the AC turned up or off. Opening it for the season takes more than a quick dust. This checklist is for seasonal owners, property managers, and family members opening a parent's condo in Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and the rest of South Florida.
Before you arrive
- Book the clean for one or two days before you land, so you walk into a fresh home instead of spending your first weekend scrubbing.
- Ask your HOA or condo office about access, keys and parking for the cleaning team.
- If you can, have someone switch the AC back on a few days early to pull moisture out of the air.
Air, moisture and mildew
- Check closets, bathrooms, under sinks, the AC closet and window tracks for musty smells or small spots.
- Run the AC and ceiling fans, open interior doors, and wash shower curtains and bath mats.
- Small surface spots can be cleaned. If you see larger growth, soft drywall or a smell that will not go away, call a mold or water-damage specialist before cleaning.
Kitchen reset
- Wipe out the fridge and freezer and check the seals.
- Go through the pantry for expired food and signs of pests.
- Run the dishwasher and garbage disposal empty once, and clean the outside of every appliance.
Bathrooms
- Flush every toilet and run every tap for a minute to clear standing water.
- Descale showerheads and faucets, and clean grout and caulk lines.
Dust and fabrics
- Ceiling fans, vents and return grilles, blinds and baseboards collect a season of dust.
- Launder bedding, towels and throw blankets that sat in closets all summer.
Lanai, balcony and outdoor spaces
- Wipe down patio furniture and cushions.
- Clean sliding-door tracks and screens.
- Remove pollen and salt film from glass doors and windows.
Want a printable version? Use our deep cleaning checklist and add the moisture checks above.
Do it yourself or book a deep clean?
Most seasonal owners book a one-time deep clean to open the home, then switch to recurring cleaning while they are in town. We can also do a closing-up clean when you leave in the spring, so the home is ready for next season.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a home opening clean take?
It depends on the size of the home and how long it was closed. A typical condo takes a few hours; a larger house with a lanai can take most of a day. We confirm the time when we quote.
Should I book before or after I arrive?
Before, if you can give the team access. You arrive to a clean, aired-out home.
Do you do a closing clean when I leave?
Yes. A closing clean empties the fridge, cleans bathrooms and kitchen, and leaves the home ready to sit for the summer.
Opening your home in Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale or Miami? Get a free quote. See our pages for Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Ready when you are
Bethel J Cleaning Services works nationwide with vetted, background-checked cleaners, organic pet-safe products and a 75-point inspection on every job. Ask for a free quote or read why customers choose us.