TLDR: Focus on floors, kitchens, bathrooms, ventilation and pest control. Consider professional cleaning for older or vacant units. 

Buying a subsale condo is a smart move for many Malaysian homebuyers.  

You get a mature neighbourhood, established facilities and often better value per square foot.  

But one thing every subsale buyer must plan for is this: deep cleaning an old condo before moving in. 

Even units that appear “well maintained” during viewing may hide years of dirt, bacteria, odours and wear.  

From a property perspective, proper cleaning isn’t just about comfort — it protects your health, preserves the unit’s condition and helps you spot repair issues early. 

Here’s a step-by-step, expert guide to cleaning an old condo properly, before you settle in. 

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Step 1: Empty the Unit and Inspect Thoroughly 

Before cleaning, remove everything left behind: furniture, curtains, appliances and storage items. 

Cleaning should only begin once the unit is fully empty. Old furniture and appliances hide leaks, mould and pest activity, which can easily be missed during viewing. 

Once empty, inspect the unit carefully: 

• Water stains on ceilings or walls 

• Leaks under sinks and air-cond units 

• Cracks in tiles or grout 

• Signs of mould or pests 

👉 Property tip: Fix leaks and defects before cleaning. Otherwise, you’ll end up redoing the work. 

Step 2: Deep Clean Floors from Bottom Up 

In older condos, dirt settles downward over time. Dust, grease and moisture accumulate most heavily on floors, especially in grout lines and corners. 

Start with floors so any loosened dust doesn’t resettle on cleaned surfaces later.

This step alone can significantly change how “old” a unit feels. 

Best practices by floor type: 

• Tiles: Scrub grout lines and consider steam cleaning 

• Vinyl or laminate: Use mild cleaners; avoid excess water 

• Parquet or hardwood: Use wood-safe products only 

Clean floors first so dust doesn’t resettle after other areas are done. 

Step 3: Kitchen Deep Clean (Highest Priority Area) 

Kitchens in subsale units often look acceptable at first glance, but years of cooking leave behind grease in places you don’t immediately see.  

Cabinets, cooker hoods and drains are common problem areas. 

A thorough kitchen clean removes built-up oil residue that attracts pests and causes lingering smells. If appliances are very old, cleaning may not be enough.  

Replacement is sometimes the more practical long-term choice. 

Focus on: 

• Degreasing cabinet interiors and exteriors 

• Cleaning cooker hoods and filters 

• Scrubbing backsplash tiles 

• Sanitising sinks and drains 

• Removing odours from old appliances 

If appliances are very old, replacement may be more cost-effective than deep cleaning. 

Step 4: Bathroom Sanitisation and Mould Removal 

Bathrooms may appear clean, but moisture-heavy areas are breeding grounds for mould and bacteria.  

Beyond scrubbing visible surfaces, focus on drains, grout lines and exhaust fans.  

Simple upgrades like replacing toilet seats and shower heads are low-cost but greatly improve hygiene and peace of mind. 

Deep clean: 

• Toilet bowls and flush tanks 

• Shower drains and floor traps 

• Tile grout and silicone seals 

• Exhaust fans and mirrors 

👉 Smart upgrade: Replace toilet seats and shower heads: low cost, high hygiene impact. 

Step 5: Walls, Doors and High-Touch Areas 

Walls and fixtures absorb years of smoke, humidity and daily contact.  

Even when they look clean, they often carry odours and bacteria. 

Wiping down switches, door handles, window tracks and fans helps reset the unit.  

If stains or smells remain after cleaning, repainting is often the most efficient way to refresh an old condo and make it feel move-in ready. 

Don’t forget to clean: 

• Light switches and sockets 

• Door handles and railings 

• Window grilles and tracks 

• Ceiling fans and light fittings 

If stains or odours remain, repainting is often the fastest way to refresh an old condo. 

Step 6: Improve Air Quality and Ventilation 

Many older condos feel stuffy not because they’re dirty, but because poor air circulation. Cleaning without improving ventilation traps odours and moisture.

Opening windows, servicing air-conditioners and replacing filters improves indoor air quality almost immediately.  

This step is especially important if the unit was vacant, smoked in or pet-occupied. 

Older condos can feel stuffy due to limited airflow. 

• Open all windows during cleaning 

• Service air-conditioning units 

• Clean or replace filters 

• Run fans for a few days 

This step is crucial if the unit was vacant, smoked in or pet-occupied. 

Step 7: Pest Control Before Move-In 

Pests often appear only after occupants move in and food is present. That’s why preventive pest control is best done before move-in, when the unit is still empty. 

Consider professional pest control if: 

• The unit was vacant for months 

• You spot ants, cockroaches or termites 

• The condo is in an older or forest-adjacent area 

Preventive treatment is far easier than dealing with infestations later. 

Area / Task	DIY Cleaning	Professional Cleaning
Light dirt & dust	✅ Suitable	❌ Not necessary
Heavy grease & mould	⚠️ Time-consuming	✅ Recommended
High ceilings & fixtures	❌ Difficult	✅ Efficient
Post-vacant unit	⚠️ Limited	✅ Thorough
Before renovation	❌ Inefficient	✅ Ideal

Property insight: Many buyers opt for professional deep cleaning once, then maintain the unit themselves. 

When Should You Clean a Subsale Condo? 

The best time is: 

• Immediately after vacant possession, or 

• Before renovations, to avoid spreading old dust and bacteria 

This ensures contractors and movers work in a cleaner, safer environment. 

Should I Clean First or Move In?  

Short answer: Clean first, then move in.  

From a property standpoint, cleaning an old condo isn’t just housekeeping, it’s asset care. A properly cleaned unit: 

• Preserves finishes and fixtures 

• Reduces future repair costs 

• Improves indoor air quality 

• Makes the space feel truly yours 

Whether you DIY or hire professionals, a deep clean set the foundation for comfortable living and smarter long-term ownership. 

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Thinking about buying a new home or a subsale unit? Talk to our agents and discover which one’s right for you.

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