When it comes to end of tenancy cleaning, ensuring your rental property is left spotless is essential. A thorough cleaning not only helps you secure the return of your deposit but also fulfils your legal responsibility to leave the property in good condition.
What is End of Tenancy Cleaning?
End of tenancy cleaning involves doing a detailed and deep cleaning of your rental property before moving out. This ensures the house is restored to its original condition. This cleaning is often included in the lease agreement as an obligation. Due to this, it plays an essential role in determining whether the tenant gets their full deposit back.
Why Should End of Tenancy Cleaning Be Done?
- Fulfil Lease Obligations: Most tenancy agreements state that the property needs to be clean and as close to its original state as possible.
- Secure Deposit Refund: A cleaned property boosts your chances of getting your deposit back in full.
- Legal Requirement: Depending on local regulations, end of tenancy cleaning is mostly mandatory.
How to Prepare for End of Tenancy Cleaning
- Gather Supplies: Gather all the necessary items like cloth, microfibre towels, mop, all-purpose cleaners, etc.
- Plan Ahead: Distribute your time for each room and create a checklist to ensure everything is complete before moving out.
- Check the Lease Agreement: Some contracts specify areas or items that require extra attention, such as carpets or windows.
- Consider Professionals: For challenging tasks like deep cleaning carpets, hiring professional cleaners might be worth it.
Tools and Supplies Checklist
To make your cleaning day efficient, have these supplies on hand:
- Microfibre cloths
- Glass cleaner
- Mop and vacuum
- Baking soda for stubborn stains
- Dish soap and sponges
- All-purpose cleaner
Essential tips for end of tenancy clean
Here are the top 10 cleaning tips and tricks to help with end of tenancy cleaning.
Plan Your Cleaning Day
Start with a detailed cleaning schedule to ensure all tasks are covered. Divide the work by room and assign a certain time for each task. Prioritise the rooms that need the most effort, like the kitchen and bathroom.
Pro Tip
- Prioritise the most used rooms, like the kitchen and bathroom, to tackle heavy cleaning first.
- Allocate breaks between sessions to stay energised and focused.
Create the Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist
A comprehensive house cleaning checklist ensures no area is missed. Include tasks like cleaning windows, wiping down cabinet doors, sanitising the kitchen sink, and vacuuming carpets. Group similar tasks under the same category for better efficiency.
Pro Tip
- Use coloured markers or digital apps to track progress for each task.
- Add subtasks for often left-out areas, like behind appliances or under furniture.
Declutter Before Cleaning
Clear the space of personal belongings, old clothes, and unnecessary items. A decluttered environment makes it easier to identify what needs cleaning and prevents you from wasting time cleaning around clutter.
Pro Tip
- Dedicate a box for misplaced items you may need later.
- Label items for donation or disposal to streamline the process.
Start with High-Traffic Areas
Focus on rooms like the kitchen and bathroom that accumulate the most dirt and grime. Begin by scrubbing the kitchen sink, counters, and tiles. In the bathroom, disinfect the toilet seat, clean the shower, and remove soap scum.
Pro Tip
- Use a steam cleaner for stubborn grime on tiles or grout.
- Pre-soak greasy or grimy areas with a cleaning solution to save scrubbing time.
Dust and Remove Cobwebs
Thoroughly dust surfaces, including picture frames, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. Make sure to address hard-to-reach corners where cobwebs tend to accumulate.
Pro Tip
- Spray a bit of water or cleaning solution on the cloth to trap dust effectively.
- For delicate items like lampshades, use a lint roller to remove dust without damage.
Focus on Floors and Carpets
Give floors a thorough cleaning by vacuuming and mopping. For carpets, consider hiring a professional cleaner or renting equipment to deep clean carpets. Pay close attention to stains, pet hair, and high-traffic areas.
Pro Tip
- Mop floors with warm water and a small amount of vinegar for a streak-free shine.
- Use doormats or floor protectors to avoid tracking dirt during the cleaning process.
Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen requires extra attention. Clean the stoves and small appliances, scrub the oven and wipe down all surfaces, including appliance fronts. Don’t forget to address overlooked spots like the kitchen drain and window sills.
Pro Tip
- Create a paste with baking soda and water for stubborn stains on appliances.
- Use a toothpick or small brush to clean the edges of cabinets and fixtures.
Clean the Bathroom Thoroughly
Deep clean the shower, remove soap scum and disinfect the toilet and sink. Focus on eliminating mildew from tiles and replacing the shower curtain if necessary.
Pro Tip
- Apply a baking soda paste to the grout and let it sit before scrubbing for brighter tiles.
- Replace the shower curtain if it has visible mould or odours.
Tidy the Living Room and Dining Room
Dust and vacuum furniture, clean blinds, and wipe down high-touch surfaces like light switches and remote controls. Ensure the coffee table and other visible areas are spotless.
Pro Tip
- Use coasters under decor items to avoid scratching polished surfaces during cleaning.
- Run a handheld vacuum over couches to remove crumbs and debris.
Don’t Forget the Extras
Pay attention to overlooked areas like the laundry room, tub, vents, cabinet doors and storage areas to ensure a comprehensive result. And remember, cleaning windows inside and out is a necessary part of end of tenancy cleaning.
Pro Tip
- Use a dryer sheet to wipe down laundry appliances for added freshness.
- Empty and sanitise rubbish bins in all rooms.
Challenges of End of Tenancy Cleaning
- Time-Consuming: Cleaning the entire place takes a lot of time, energy, and money as well.
- Attention to Detail: Landlords check small and often neglected areas like switches or cabinet doors, which often results in deductions from the deposit.
- High Standards: Landlords or agents often expect professional cleaning.
Conclusion
By following these tips and sticking to your cleaning schedule, you can ensure a successful end of tenancy clean, impress your landlord, and secure your deposit. With a little effort and planning, you’ll leave the property looking better than ever!