End of lease cleaning is one of the tenant’s responsibilities. You have to go through a deep cleaning of the property before leaving. It’s essential to get your security deposit back. You should have a proper checklist for the cleaning. Otherwise, you may miss some spots. This can cause dissatisfaction during the landlord inspection.
Professional cleaning companies follow a thorough checklist. They adjust the list according to your property and make sure no place remains dirty. You should help them prepare the list. Also, inspect all the things on the list before the final inspection. This ensures the transition is smooth for you.
Preparation for Move-Out Cleaning
Bond cleaning requires more attention than you may have thought. Tenants often make some common mistakes that cause trouble with the bond money. Here are some tips to avoid unwanted consequences:
Start Early with Enough Time in Hand
You should check the lease agreement first. See if there is any obligation regarding the cleaning date. You must start preparing with much time in hand. This will help you avoid the common mistakes tenants make. When you start early, you can check and recheck the list. It ensures all the items are included. You can overlook some items if you are in a hurry. Therefore, always start preparing early.
Book for Professional Cleaning Service
Professional cleaning can make your move-out process smoother. You can opt for DIY cleaning, too. But there are some risks, such as:
- You may not have the right tools for thorough cleaning. So, the final result won’t be satisfying.
- It will be much more time-consuming for self-cleaning. Professionals can do it more quickly with their expertise.
- You may not have enough expertise or manpower to clean all the items. Professional cleaning guarantees better results than DIY cleaning.
End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
Your end of lease cleaning checklist must have everything included. Here are the key checklist items that professional cleaners follow:
Bedroom Cleaning
Bedrooms should be on your priority list. You have many things to clean here. It includes performing dusting, vacuuming, and mopping, too. The common bedroom cleaning activities include:
- Dust and clean light fixtures
- Clean windows and sills
- Wipe down walls
- Clean baseboards
- Dust and clean ceiling fan
- Vacuum and/or mop floors
- Clean and polish mirrors
- Dust and clean closets, both inside and out
- Clean door handles and doors
- Wash or vacuum blinds or curtains
- Remove cobwebs
- Check and clean under furniture
- Clean switches and outlets
- You should also remove personal items as well.
Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen requires quite an effort. It is often the messiest and most cluttered space in the house. You will have to spend a lot of time on oven cleaning and other equipment as well. You can follow this sequence for better cleaning results:
- Disinfect countertops and sinks to meet hygiene standards
- Clean and degrease the stove, oven, and range hood
- Wipe down and clean the refrigerator, inside and out
- Empty and clean the dishwasher, microwave, etc. These will also be in the inspection checklist.
- Clean and organise cabinets and drawers
- If anything is damaged, check the lease agreement to see if the fixing is under tenant obligations.
- Check and clean light fixtures, windows, ceilings, and switches
Bathroom Cleaning
A clean bathroom will help you impress the landlords. From floors to bathroom fixtures, you should clean everything. You can follow this checklist to ensure nothing important is left out.
- Clean and disinfect the toilet, including the bowl, seat, and tank.
- Scrub and disinfect the shower and bathtub.
- Clean faucets, showerheads, and handles.
- Scrub soap scum and grime to remove from tiles and grout.
- Use safe cleaning products for stain removal. Make sure they are not too harsh, which may affect the bathroom items.
- Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces.
- Sweep and mop the floor.
- Check thoroughly if anything goes missing.
You can rely on a professional bathroom cleaning service. However, you should still inspect yourself before the final inspection. It gives you confidence and mental peace.
Cleaning Balconies
You need to clean the balconies, too, to pass the inspection. This will also create a good impression on the new tenants. Pay attention to wall cleaning and make sure there are no stains. You can use these tips for effective cleaning:
- Did you place any furniture or tie any rope on the balcony? You should remove them and other personal items.
- Clean the upper area of the walls first, then sweep the floor.
- Use a suitable solution for cleaning solution to mop the floor
- Remove cobwebs and dust from wall corners
Laundry Work
Every apartment does not include a dedicated laundry room. If you had one, then you were lucky. Now, it is your responsibility to clean the room properly. Like other places, you should clean every corner of this room as well. Clean the floors, walls, carpets, and other equipment.
Other Places
The above-mentioned areas are a must for end-of-lease cleaning. The list does not end there. You have to take care of other areas as well. It includes the roof and basement. Bond cleaning also includes the outside areas of the house. If you have a swimming pool, garage, and garden, then you also have to clean them. Garage requires the same cleaning methods as other indoor rooms. You should also trim the hedges and trees in the garden, and clean the patio and walkways.
Make A List of Damaged Items
Did something get broken that you have not fixed yet? During your tenancy, repair and maintenance were your responsibilities. Now is the right time to fix them. Start by inspecting each room systematically.
Note any scratches, dents, or broken items in the living room. It can be any furniture that you don’t own. You should specifically focus on the kitchen appliances. Check for damaged countertops or cabinets. In the bathroom, look for cracked tiles, leaking fixtures, or mould issues.
This documentation will help you with the fixing. You can negotiate with the landlord or spend your money on repairing them.
Tips for End of Lease Cleaning
Once you have completed the list, you can start working on the next step. Here are some tips that will help you complete the cleaning process smoothly.
Make A Strategy
Having a plan is necessary for proper cleaning. First, you need to decide how you are going to clean the property. You can choose between DIY cleaning or professional cleaning services. Consider all the pros and cons of professional vs DIY cleaning. Make the decision quickly, and if you choose a professional cleaning service, then you must book early. It will help you get the expected cleaning schedule.
For DIY cleaning, set a sequence. You should clean the high areas first and then the lower areas. Otherwise, floors will get dirty again when you clean the ceiling. This will increase the hassle.
Arrange the Cleaning Equipment
Professional cleaning companies have their equipment. You don’t have to worry about that. However, for DIY cleaning, you need to arrange cleaning supplies. Make the list and arrange them a day before the cleaning. It will save you from missing things during work. Some common equipment you will need are:
- Microfibre mop, cloth, newspaper, and bucket
- Window squeeze
- Gloves
- Vacuum cleaner
- Ladder, etc.
Start from the Ceiling
Professional cleaners will always begin from the ceiling. You don’t have to tell them. But if you are trying DIY cleaning, remember to start from the ceiling. Dust and cobwebs can tend to settle on ceiling corners, fans, and light fixtures. Clean them properly. You don’t have to worry if they are falling on the floor. It’s not difficult to handle during floor cleaning, which is the later step of the cleaning process.
Tips for Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning is a difficult job. You must ensure it meets the cleaning standard of the inspection. Carpets often need deep cleaning, which requires specialised machines. Check the label first for specific recommendations. Some carpets are not suitable for dry cleaning, while some do not suit steam cleaning. Let professionals handle them for more convenience. They have the necessary tools and know what methods are best for you.
The Right Way for Window Cleaning
You have to give extra attention to windows. You have numerous windows in the house, and all of them need to be cleaned. Avoid abrasive or harsh chemicals to avoid scratches on the glass. Microfibre mops, fabrics, etc, are more suitable for window cleaning. You can use commercial cleansers or opt for natural solutions. Baking soda, dish soap, and white vinegar work great on windows.
Floor Cleaning
During floor cleaning, start by sweeping or vacuuming. It will remove dust and debris. This ensures you don’t spread dirt around while mopping or spot cleaning. Beware of the common floor cleaning mistakes, such as:
- Using too much water
- Choosing wrong cleaners
- Neglecting the corners and
- Not drying the floors properly.
Such errors can cause discolouration, mild growth, residue build-up, and slippery surfaces. These can lead to potential accidents and floor damage. You must check for these issues before the final walkthrough of the inspection.
Final Thought
An end-of-cleaning checklist helps you thoroughly clean. Otherwise, you might miss some areas. This can lead to the dissatisfaction of the property managers. Instead of DIY cleaning, you had better opt for professional cleaners. In Parramatta, you can book Affordable Cleaning and Gardening Services. We have over 20 years of experience and offer a 100% bond back guarantee. We prepare a cleaning checklist for you and work accordingly. With the help of a detailed checklist, we set the property in its pristine condition.
