📷 How to Clean Your Home for a Photo Shoot or Open House

You never get a second chance to make a first impression—especially when you’re trying to sell your home. Whether you’re prepping for a real estate photo shoot or getting ready to open your doors for an open house, the way your home looks can make a huge impact.

The good news? You don’t need a total renovation. With a solid, strategic clean, your space can sparkle on camera and in real life.

Here’s how to get your home photo-ready and wow-worthy—from front porch to back door:

🧼 1. Start With a Deep Clean

First things first: the camera sees everything. A deep clean is essential to make your space shine.

Focus on:

• Baseboards, vents, light fixtures, and ceiling fans (these collect sneaky dust!)

• Bathrooms and kitchens—polished faucets, sparkling mirrors, and clean grout go a long way

• Floors—vacuum carpets, mop hardwoods, and polish where needed

• Windows—clean both inside and out for that light, airy feel in photos

Pro tip: Don’t forget to clean under furniture and inside appliances—buyers will peek!

📦 2. Declutter Like a Pro

Less stuff = more space. The goal is to make your home feel open, bright, and easy to imagine living in.

• Clear countertops in the kitchen and bathroom

• Remove small appliances, knick-knacks, and too many personal items

• Pack away toys, pet supplies, stacks of mail, and extra furniture

• Streamline open shelves and surfaces—less is always more for photos

Think: Model home vibes. Your house should feel lived in... but barely.

🛋️ 3. Stage Your Space for the Camera

After your clean and declutter, it’s time to stage your home so it photographs beautifully.

• Fluff pillows and fold throws neatly on couches and beds

• Add a pop of color with fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit

• Turn on all the lights and open the curtains—natural light is your best friend

• Make beds hotel-style with smooth linens and straightened sheets

• Set the table simply with placemats, dishes, or a centerpiece

You're not just cleaning—you’re telling a story with each room.

🚪 4. Don’t Forget Curb Appeal

First impressions start before the front door. Give your exterior some love, too!

• Sweep porches and walkways

• Clean windows and doors

• Tidy up flower beds or potted plants

• Remove cobwebs and dust from door frames and light fixtures

• Hide trash cans, tools, and lawn clutter

That first photo could be your buyer’s first "wow" moment—make it count!

🐾 5. Tame the Pet & Kid Zones

We love pets and kiddos—but buyers need to be able to picture their life in your home.

• Remove litter boxes, pet beds, and food bowls before photos/showings

• Tuck away toys (yep, even that squeaky one under the couch)

• Do a quick sniff test—neutralize any lingering odors with a light scent or open windows

🧽 Need a Hand? We’ve Got You.

Preparing your home for a photo shoot or open house can be a lot. Let us take care of the scrubbing, polishing, and sparkle so you can focus on packing, staging, and selling. 🏡✨

📸 Sparkling Homes Cleaning offers pre-listing and staging cleanings that will have your home camera-ready in no time.

📅 [Book your prep clean today] and let your listing shine—literally.

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