“Buyers decide within 8 seconds whether a home is worth their time.”
That’s what the data says. And when it comes to that first impression? The photos do all the talking.

That means your space—yes, every square inch of it—needs to be ready for its close-up. And I don’t just mean a casual wipe-down or a last-minute toss of clutter into the closet. I mean clean. Like, photo-worthy clean.

As a professional real estate photographer with decades in the industry, I can confidently say: cleaning isn't just part of the prep. It's the foundation. Even the most jaw-dropping mansion will look sad on camera if there's a smudge on the window or pet hair on the rug.

This blog post isn’t just a checklist—it’s your master key to showcasing any home in its absolute best light. Whether you're a real estate agent, a stager, or a homeowner prepping for the big day, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to make your photos shine—and ultimately, help that property sell faster and for more money.

Let’s break it down room by room.

Why Cleaning Matters in Real Estate Photography

Before diving into the actual checklist, let’s set the stage.
Photography is brutally honest. It captures everything. Dust on a baseboard? It shows. Fingerprints on a fridge? Crystal clear. Wrinkled bedspread? You bet it’ll be the first thing people notice.

Great photos are the hook that draw buyers in—and a spotless home is the secret sauce behind every high-performing listing photo you’ve ever double-tapped on Instagram.

So let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

General Cleaning Checklist (Applies to Every Room)

These universal steps apply across the entire home and are non-negotiable if you want your photos to look professional.

✅ Declutter Everything

• Clear off countertops, desks, nightstands, and coffee tables.

• Remove remote controls, tissue boxes, paperwork, pet beds, and visible trash bins.

• Less is more. Clean lines = clean photos.

✅ Wipe Surfaces

• Dust furniture, shelves, and light fixtures.

• Clean smudges from windows, mirrors, and stainless-steel appliances.

• Wipe baseboards and door frames (often forgotten, always noticeable).

✅ Check Lighting

• Replace burnt-out bulbs and use matching color temperatures (preferably warm white, 2700K–3000K).

• Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.

✅ Floors Matter

• Vacuum rugs, mop hardwood or tile.

• Hide cords and charging cables.

• Remove any floor clutter, including shoes, bags, or toys.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide

🛋️ Living Room / Family Room

This is often the hero shot of a listing. Make it count.

• Fluff and arrange pillows neatly.

• Fold throws or remove them completely.

• Clear coffee tables of coasters, books, candles—unless they're part of intentional, minimal decor.

• Dust electronics and tuck away visible wires.

• Remove personal photos and loud decor (this isn’t a personality contest—it’s about broad appeal).

🍽️ Kitchen

Kitchens sell homes. A spotless kitchen sells faster.

• Clear all countertops except 1–2 decorative items (think: bowl of lemons, a stylish cookbook).

• Wipe down all surfaces including cabinets, backsplash, and appliances.

• Polish stainless steel until it gleams—no fingerprints.

• Hide dish racks, soap, sponges, dish towels, and trash cans.

• Remove all magnets, notes, or papers from the fridge.

• If there’s an island, leave it bare or style it lightly (a wooden cutting board with fruit works wonders).

🛏️ Bedrooms

These should feel like a calm retreat—not a crash zone.

• Make beds with smooth, hotel-style bedding. No wrinkles.

• Use minimal pillows; symmetrical is usually best.

• Clear nightstands of everything but maybe one lamp or a small decor piece.

• Hide laundry hampers, clothes, personal items, and exercise gear.

• Open curtains to let in light and show off any nice views.

🛁 Bathrooms

Clean like your listing depends on it. Because it does.

• Remove all personal products (shampoo, razors, toothbrushes, etc.).

• No bath mats or toilet lids in photos—seriously, hide them.

• Shine mirrors and polish faucets until they sparkle.

• Wipe shower doors, tiles, and make sure grout looks fresh.

• Fold towels neatly or remove them altogether.

• Double-check the toilet paper roll—yes, it should be there, and yes, it should look full and tidy.

🧸 Kids’ Rooms

Keep it simple and calm.

• Tidy toys into bins or baskets—try to remove large or colorful toys if possible.

• Make the bed and smooth out wrinkles.

• Remove excess wall art, posters, or decals.

• Minimize clutter to keep the space feeling bigger and brighter.

🧺 Laundry Room / Utility Space

Often overlooked but definitely photographed.

• Clear countertops, fold any laundry neatly (or better yet, put it away).

• Wipe down machines.

• Remove detergent bottles and cleaning supplies.

• Empty trash cans and close cabinets.

Outdoor Spaces

These days, outdoor living sells. Don’t skip this.

🌳 Front Entry:

• Sweep the porch and steps.

• Remove shoes, packages, or newspapers.

• Wipe down the front door, polish any glass or hardware.

• Add a fresh doormat and maybe a plant—curb appeal matters.

☀️ Backyard / Patio:

• Arrange patio furniture neatly (think symmetry again).

• Remove covers from furniture or grills.

• Sweep the patio or deck and clear any yard clutter (toys, tools, etc.).

• Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and make sure any landscaping looks neat.

• If there’s a pool or hot tub, clean the water, remove covers, and tidy the surrounding area.

Bonus Tips for Flawless Results

• Smell test: A clean home shouldn't just look clean—it should smell clean. Air out the property well before the shoot.

• Pets: Hide all pet beds, bowls, and toys. Make arrangements for them to be out of the home during the shoot.

• Mirrors and Windows: These reflect everything, including the photographer. Get them really clean.

• Don’t forget the garage (if it will be photographed): Tidy it up. At minimum, sweep it out and stack items neatly.

Wrapping It Up: A Clean Home = Better Photos = Faster Sale

Look—cleaning for real estate photography isn’t glamorous. But it’s powerful.
The effort you put into preparing a home directly impacts how it performs online.

Professional photography captures light, space, and emotion—but only when the scene is ready for it.
So use this checklist. Save it. Share it. Stick it on the fridge of every listing.

Because when the home looks clean, the camera sees it—and buyers feel it. And that, my friend, is what turns interest into action.

Need stunning real estate photos that actually sell?
I bring 25 years of experience, fast turnaround, and ultra-high-quality visuals that do your listings justice.
📸 Book your next shoot now at www.MarkJacobsProductions.com

For More information on Professional Real Estate Media visit:  www.MarkJacobsProductions.com Online Booking available at www.markjacobsproductions.com/booking Check out Residential Real Estate Media  and our Commercial Real Estate Media today.  We also offer AirBnB and VRBO photography and Commercial Media Services  

Real Estate Photography, Real Estate, Photographer, Charlotte Real Estate Photography, Charlotte Commercial Photography, Charlotte Hospitality Photography, Winston Salem Real Estate Photography, Winston Salem CommerFcial Photography, Winston Salem Event Photography, Greensboro Real Estate Photographer, Lake Norman Real Estate Photographer, Mooresville Real Estate Photographer, Statesville Real Estate Photographer, Hickory Real Estate Photography, Huntersville Real Estate Photography, Cornelius Real Estate Photography, Lake Norman Real Estate Photography, Concord Real Estate Photography, Charlotte Real Estate Photographer, Winston Salem Real Estate Photographer, Architectural Photography, Salisbury Real Estate Photography, Kannapolis Real Estate Photography, Lexington Real Estate Photography, Clemmons Real Estate Photography, Yadkinville Real Estate Photography, Elkin Real Estate Photography, Mark Jacobs Productions