When a Christchurch family decided to put their three-bedroom home on the market, they wanted it to present at its absolute best. The property was in good general condition — regularly tidied and well looked after — but, like most lived-in homes, years of day-to-day life had left their mark in places that do not get attention during a weekly clean.
They booked Harmony Clean for a full residential deep clean. Here is exactly what that looked like from start to finish.
The Brief
A three-bedroom, one bathroom home in Christchurch. The owners were preparing for a real estate photography session and open homes the following week. The property was in average condition — nothing neglected, but nothing deep cleaned in some time either.
The goal was simple: present the home at the highest possible standard so buyers would walk in and see a well-maintained, move-in-ready property.
What The Team Found On Arrival
Before starting, the Harmony Clean team did a walkthrough of the property. This is standard practice — it sets the scope, flags anything that needs special attention, and makes sure nothing gets missed.
On this job, the walkthrough identified the following priority areas:
- Kitchen — grease build-up on the rangehood filter and inside the oven. Splashback tiles with accumulated residue around the edges.
- Bathroom — soap scum and early-stage mould on the shower grout – Limescale on the taps and showerhead.
- Bedrooms — dust accumulated on ceiling fans, cornices, and the tops of wardrobes. Window tracks full of dust and grit from Canterbury’s nor’wester season.
- Living Areas — skirting boards and door frames with built-up grime. Light switches and power points that had not been wiped down in some time.
- Floors — hard floors with residue build-up along the edges and in the corners that regular mopping misses.
Nothing unusual for a lived-in Christchurch home, but exactly the kind of detail that a buyer notices — and a real estate agent photographs.
How The Day Unfolded
The team worked top to bottom and room by room — the right sequence for a deep clean — to ensure dust and residue disturbed from high surfaces do not re-settle on areas already cleaned.
Kitchen — The Most Time-Intensive Room
The oven was degreased inside and out, including the racks and glass door. The rangehood filter was removed, soaked, and cleaned separately. The splashback tiles were degreased, and the grout lines scrubbed. All cupboards were also wiped inside and out. The fridge exterior and top were cleaned, with the benchtops polished, and the sink descaled.
A kitchen that has been deep-cleaned properly smells different. Buyers notice that within seconds of walking through the front door.
Bathroom
The shower grout was scrubbed, the early mould treated, and the taps and showerhead descaled. The toilet was cleaned thoroughly, including under the rim and around the base. Tiles were scrubbed, and all glass and mirror surfaces were polished. The vanity was wiped down inside and out.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
Ceiling fans and cornices were dusted first. Then all the surfaces — shelves, skirting boards, door frames, and light fittings. Window tracks were also cleaned. Wardrobes were wiped inside, blinds were dusted, and light switches and power points were sanitised.
Floors
All carpets were vacuumed thoroughly, including along the edges and into the corners. Hard floors were swept and mopped, with particular attention paid to the edges where residue tends to accumulate.
How Long It Took
The full job took just over seven hours for a team of two. A three-bedroom home in average condition, cleaned to this standard, takes a full day. There is no shortcut to doing it right.
The Result
The homeowners walked through the property after the cleaning and commented that it looked better than it had in years. The real estate agent noted the presentation was excellent at the photography session, and the property went to market the following week.
This is what a proper residential deep clean does. It does not just make a home look tidy — it makes it feel cared for. Buyers feel that difference, and so do the photos.
What Does This Kind Of Cleaning Cost
Every home is different. The price for a residential deep clean in Christchurch depends on the size of the property, its current condition, and any additional services, such as carpet cleaning or oven cleaning. Harmony Clean provides upfront quotes — no surprises on the day. Most quotes come back within 15 minutes.
Is A Pre-Sale Deep Clean Worth It?
For most Christchurch homeowners preparing to sell, yes. A professionally cleaned home photographs better, presents better at open homes, and signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained. It is also one of the most cost-effective things you can do before listing.
If you are thinking about selling and want your home to look its best, Harmony Clean’s House Cleaning Service covers full residential deep cleans across Christchurch.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote — we can usually turn it around in 15 minutes.