What Home Inspectors Notice: How Routine Cleaning Helps You Avoid Common Issues and Close with Confidence

If you’ve ever sold a home—or helped someone through the process—you know how stressful home inspections can be. It doesn’t take a broken water heater or a crumbling foundation to derail a deal. Sometimes, it’s the little things: dust in the furnace filter, signs of mildew in the bathroom, or forgotten dryer lint that quietly raises red flags.

As a Portland-based Realtor and founder of Full Time Clean, I’ve walked through more inspections than I can count. (You can also check out my Zillow profile to see my background and client reviews.) I know exactly what tends to get flagged—and more importantly, how regular cleaning can help avoid those unnecessary headaches before the inspector ever arrives.

Let’s talk about furnace filters. A clogged or dusty filter doesn’t just impact air quality—it can make an inspector wonder if the HVAC system has been neglected. Replacing your filter regularly (we recommend every 3 months, or more often with pets) helps your system run efficiently and makes your home feel fresher. Bonus points if you clean the return vents while you’re at it.

Mildew in bathrooms and laundry rooms is another common issue—especially in the Pacific Northwest, where moisture is always in the air. Regularly wiping down tile, sealing grout, and keeping exhaust fans clean can keep these areas looking and functioning like new. It also signals to inspectors (and buyers) that the home has been well cared for.

Then there’s the dryer vent—a spot that’s easy to forget but frequently flagged. Built-up lint isn’t just messy; it’s a fire hazard. We always recommend a quarterly check or hiring someone to do a full dryer vent cleanout annually. If you're cleaning regularly, you’ll catch the signs of buildup early.

Even under-sink areas can make a difference. Inspectors often peek under kitchen and bathroom cabinets to look for leaks, warping, or signs of mold. Keeping these areas clean and clutter-free makes it easier to spot a problem early—and shows buyers the home has been maintained thoughtfully.

Regular deep cleaning also helps reduce wear and tear across the board. You’ll notice loose caulk, chipped tile, or damaged paint before it becomes a bigger issue. And when everything’s sparkling? It sends a message: “This home has been loved.”

At Full Time Clean, we’re more than just a surface wipe-down. We help homeowners get ahead of the small things that turn into big costs—whether you’re prepping for market, maintaining your investment, or just want to avoid a surprise note on your inspection report.

Want your home to show better and sell smarter? Get a quote today and let us help you impress your inspector—and your future buyer.