Doing Those Little Extras (Part 2)

For those house sitting in New Zealand who are keen to impress the homeowners, earn top references, and build a reputation that sets them apart from other sitters, here are some additional cleaning ideas that will help them to ensure that their services will remain in high demand, particularly if they are seeking to become full-time paid house sitters.

1. Clean Kitchen Appliances

Refrigerator

Kiwi house sitters are encouraged to wipe down the shelves, drawers, and door compartments, even on brief sits. Throw away any expired food, especially if it was left before the homeowners’ trip, in particular any ‘manky’ fruit or vegetables. I always make a point of giving the fridge a tidy-up at each place.

Oven

Give the oven a quick clean if it’s been used. Many modern ovens have a self-cleaning function, or you can wipe it down manually with a degreaser. Depending on how dirty the oven is, you may have to allow yourself 15-20 minutes for this job, but in most cases it’ll take less than 10 minutes.

Stove Top

NZ house sitters should try to spend a bit of time giving the knobs and elements on the stove a quick clean, particularly if they’ve been using the stove during their stay. If the elements are not too grubby (and they’re removable) then they can be popped into the dishwasher.

Microwave

Clean the inside of the microwave, especially any splatters or spills. A simple bowl of water and lemon microwaved for a few minutes loosens up grime and leaves a fresh scent.

Dishwasher

Run a cleaning cycle or use a vinegar rinse to remove buildup. Wipe down the edges and door seals.

2. Dust Ceiling Fans And Light Fixtures

Ceiling Fans

Dust can accumulate on the tops of fan blades, often overlooked in routine cleaning. Wipe them down to remove dust, which will help with air quality in the home.

Light Fixtures

Clean glass light fixtures, lamps, and bulbs. This will brighten up the space and make a noticeable difference.

3. Deep Clean Carpets And Rugs

If there’s access to a vacuum with a carpet cleaner attachment, or you know where to find a simple carpet cleaner, consider freshening up rugs and carpets. Even a thorough vacuuming of pet areas can make a significant impact, removing pet hair and dander.

4. Wipe Down Baseboards And Door Frames

These often overlooked areas can collect dust, dirt, and scuff marks. New Zealand house sitters should take a few minutes to wipe them down to make the house feel noticeably cleaner and fresher, even if they only do the living areas and bathrooms.

5. Polish Furniture

Use furniture polish on wooden surfaces like tables, chairs, and dressers to remove dust and add shine. This simple step makes furniture look well-cared-for and elevates the appearance of a room.

6. Clean the Shower And Bathtub

Something that house sitters in New Zealand should ideally do on each sit is to scrub any soap scum or grime from the shower walls, bathtub, and faucets. If the homeowners have glass shower doors, clean those as well for a spotless finish. Replacing or scrubbing any used bath mats adds to the clean feel.

7. Tidy Outdoor Spaces

Patio/Deck

Sweep the patio or deck and arrange any outdoor furniture neatly. If you notice dirty or dusty surfaces, a quick wipe down will leave the space looking fresh.

Grill

If the homeowner has a barbecue grill, give it a quick clean if it looks like it was recently used.

Outdoor Windows

Clean outdoor windows, particularly in high-traffic areas like near the patio, to brighten the home’s exterior.

8. Organise Common Areas

If any clutter has built up in areas like the entryway, kitchen counters, or living room, you can gently tidy and organise these spaces. For instance, mail, keys, or books that are lying around can be neatly stacked or placed in a decorative tray. Be careful not to move any important items out of their place.

9. Launder Bedding And Towels

If the homeowners have been gone for an extended period, laundering any used bedding and towels will make their return more comfortable. You can leave fresh sheets on the bed, clean towels in the bathroom, and a light, fresh scent throughout the house.

10. Freshen Rubbish Bins

Take out all the garbage and clean any lingering grime in garbage bins. Adding a fresh liner and a sprinkle of baking soda can keep things smelling fresh, especially in the kitchen.

11. Clean Window Tracks And Blinds

Window Tracks

Over time, dirt and dust collect in window tracks, making them difficult to open and close. A quick wipe-down can make windows operate more smoothly.

Blinds

Dusting or wiping down blinds can make a huge difference, especially in areas with pets where dander might have collected.

12. Sanitise High-Touch Surfaces

These are often overlooked during routine cleanings but can harbour germs. Wipe down commonly touched areas like:

Door handles and knobs

Light switches

TV remotes and control panels

Cabinet handles

13. Clean Vent Covers

If you notice dust accumulation on vent covers (for HVAC, bathroom, or kitchen exhaust fans), gently vacuum or wipe them down. This will improve airflow and help reduce dust in the home.

14. Tackle Pet Areas

If the homeowners have pets, taking extra care with their spaces will be much appreciated.

Launder pet beds or blankets

Wash food and water bowls to remove buildup

Organise pet toys and clean the litter box area if applicable

15. Check And Water Indoor Plants

If the homeowners have plants, house sitters in NZ will need to check to see if they need a final watering. Wiping down any dusty leaves or deadheading wilted flowers will keep the plants healthy and vibrant.

16. Clean Air Conditioner Filters

If you’re comfortable, cleaning or changing an air conditioning filter (if it looks clogged or dirty) can help improve air quality in the home and make the system run more efficiently.

17. Polish Glass And Mirrors

A quick polish of mirrors and any glass surfaces (coffee tables, side tables) can make the home feel instantly brighter and cleaner. Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room and bathrooms.

Bonus Tip

Aromatherapy Touches

After cleaning, consider adding a light and pleasant scent to the home. Natural essential oil diffusers, lightly scented candles, or even an open window for fresh air can make the home smell amazing when the homeowners return.

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These simple but thoughtful cleaning extras, combined with a tidy and cared-for space, will leave homeowners feeling wowed when they return home from their trip. By tackling the little details, those who have obtained house sitting jobs in NZ will set themselves apart as sitters who goes above and beyond!