An Exhaustive Bathroom Clean for Your Bond

Understanding your legal responsibilities regarding cleaning the bathroom is crucial, as bathrooms need extra attention while managing moisture, soap scum, and mold growth. These issues can lead to severe problems if neglected, as well as cause worrying damage to the property over time.

Real estate agents and property managers Australia-wide pay special attention to the cleanliness of bathrooms for the following reasons:

• Bathroom fixtures are costly to replace
• Mold and mildew are capable of spreading quickly if left untreated
• If allowed to build up, mineral deposits can cause permanent damage to surfaces
• Hygiene and bacteria concerns require thorough sanitization for incoming tenants

With this in mind, let’s discuss the eight most overlooked bathroom areas that could be costly in terms of your security deposit.

1. Hinges and The Underside of the Toilet Seat

Most tenants only scrub the toilet bowl and the outer surfaces of the seat. However, landlords check for grime, urine residue, and bacteria under the toilet seat as well as around the hinges.

How to clean properly:

• If possible, remove the toilet seat (use gloves!)
• Scrub around hinges with an old toothbrush and an appropriate disinfectant toilet cleaner
• Clean the underside of the seat as well as the area where the seat joins with the toilet
• Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a final touch to remove any cleaning solution residue

Property managers often cite this area as a major reason for automatic deductions. When following a room-by-room exit inspection checklist, make sure to cross this area off the list so there is no detail left unattended.

2. Space Between The Toilet and The Wall

This space is narrow, making it very hard to reach, but it gets checked during every inspection. This area collects hair, dust, and dirt, which can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors.

How to clean properly:

• Use a flat mop head or attach a microfiber cloth to a yardstick
• Apply an appropriate cleaning agent such as a mixture of vinegar and water
• Carefully reach to the floor and baseboards with the cleaner
• For extremely tight spaces, use compressed air to blow out debris before wiping
• Pay special attention to areas where soap scum and moisture may accumulate

During the final inspection, most property managers shine a light into this area, so thorough cleaning is essential for proper hygiene maintenance.

3. Exhaust Fan Covers and Ceiling Vents

Exhaust fans and ceiling vents are critical for bathroom ventilation and indoor air quality, but their covers collect substantial dust and grime over time. Many tenants in Melbourne, Brisbane, and across Australia forget that these fixtures need to be removed and thoroughly cleaned.

How to clean properly:

• Turn off the power to the fan at the circuit breaker
• Gently pull the cover down (most snap in and out)
• Soak in warm, soapy water with dishwashing liquid
• Remove built-up dust and dirt with a soft brush
• For stubborn grime, create a paste with baking soda and water
• Allow to completely dry before reinstalling

Poor ventilation leads to moisture buildup and mold issues. Keeping exhaust fans clean is essential, just as removing mineral deposits from glass panels is crucial for passing final inspections and securing your bond returns.

4. Window Tracks and Sliding Door Tracks

The tracks for bathroom windows and sliding doors collect an astonishing amount of dirt, soap scum, and moisture over time. This creates a perfect environment for mildew growth and is an immediate red flag for property managers during the final inspection.

How to clean properly:

• Vacuum the tracks first to remove loose debris
• Apply a mixture of vinegar and water (1 cup vinegar and 2 cups water) or a window cleaner
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes to dissolve grime
• Use an old toothbrush to scrub difficult areas
• Wipe clean with paper towels or a microfiber cloth
• For stubborn buildup, a cotton swab can reach tight corners
• Finish with a light spray of disinfectant to prevent mold regrowth

These tracks are specifically mentioned in many tenancy tribunal cases in Adelaide and other Australian cities as areas where tenants failed to meet their cleaning obligations.

5. Inside Medicine Cabinets and Under-Sink Storage

While you’ll certainly empty your personal items from storage spaces, many tenants forget to thoroughly clean the interior surfaces of medicine cabinets, drawers, and under-sink cabinetry.

How to clean properly:

• Remove all shelf liners (if present)
• Wipe down all interior surfaces with an appropriate cleaner
• Pay special attention to corners where dust and hair accumulate
• Check for and clean any stains from products like toothpaste or makeup
• Don’t forget to clean cabinet doors, including edges and handles
• Look for signs of moisture damage or mildew, especially around plumbing fixtures
• Use a disinfectant spray to ensure cleanliness and eliminate odors

Landlords will open every drawer and inspect these spaces carefully during the final inspection.

6. The Overflow Drain in Sink and Bathtub

The overflow drain—that small opening near the top of your sink or bathtub—is easily forgotten but critically important. These drains collect soap scum, hair, and bacteria that can cause odors and drainage issues.

How to clean properly:

• For sinks: Use a small bottle brush dipped in vinegar or bathroom cleaner
• For bathtubs: Consider using a zip tie with notches cut into it to fish out hair and debris
• Pour a diluted mixture of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar down the overflow to disinfect
• Use a cotton swab to clean the visible rim of the overflow
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

Property managers frequently check these overflow drains during inspections. It’s one reason why professional bathroom sanitization techniques are essential for securing your bond return—trained cleaners are thorough with these details.

7. Light Fixtures, Switch Plates and Ceiling Areas

Bathroom light fixtures, switch plates, and ceiling areas accumulate a film of moisture, dust, and product residue over time. Many tenants forget to look up and clean these areas properly, yet they’re among the first things noticed during a professional inspection.

How to clean properly:

• Turn off electricity at the circuit breaker for safety
• For removable fixtures, take them down and wash with appropriate cleaners
• For fixed fixtures, carefully wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth
• Clean switch plates with a disinfectant wipe
• Use a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment for ceiling corners where cobwebs gather
• Check for water stains on the ceiling that might indicate ventilation problems
• Ensure everything is completely dry before restoring power

The cleanliness of these fixtures and ceiling areas significantly impacts the overall impression of the bathroom during inspection and affects indoor air quality for the next tenant.

8. Towel Racks, Toilet Paper Holders and Hardware

Though used daily, towel racks, toilet paper holders, and other bathroom hardware are frequently overlooked during cleaning. These fixtures can collect dust, soap residue, water spots, and even rust marks that property managers notice immediately.

How to clean properly:

• Remove any dust with a microfiber cloth
• Wipe down with an appropriate cleaner based on the material (chrome, plastic, etc.)
• For chrome fixtures, a glass cleaner can restore shine
• Check for and address any rust spots with appropriate cleaners
• Use an old toothbrush to clean around mounting brackets and decorative elements
• Pay attention to any caulking or seals around the hardware
• Buff dry with a clean cloth for a streak-free finish

Many tenants in Brisbane and other humid Australian cities find these fixtures particularly prone to water spotting and mineral buildup.

Commonly Missed Cleaning Tools and Techniques

To properly address these overlooked areas, you’ll need some specific cleaning tools and techniques that many renters don’t consider:

• Steam cleaning: Rental steam cleaners can be incredibly effective for sanitizing grout and hard-to-reach areas
• Squeegee: Essential for preventing water spots on shower glass and mirrors
• Extendable dusters: For reaching ceiling corners and tops of shower enclosures
• Grout brush: A narrow brush specifically designed to clean between tiles
• Magic erasers: Excellent for removing scuff marks and stains without harsh chemicals
• Vacuum with attachments: The crevice tool is perfect for baseboards and tight spaces

The Professional Advantage

While DIY cleaning is possible, many tenants find that hiring Perth’s specialized move-out cleaning teams provides peace of mind, especially when it comes to these easily missed areas. Professional vacate cleaning services use a systematic approach and checklist method that ensures nothing is overlooked, giving you the best chance of receiving your full bond refund.

Professional cleaners also bring specialized equipment like high-pressure steam cleaners that can tackle stubborn bathroom grime in ways that household cleaning tools simply cannot match.

Conclusion

When preparing for your final inspection, paying attention to these commonly overlooked bathroom areas can make the difference between losing money and receiving your full security deposit. Real estate agents and property managers specifically check these areas because they know they’re frequently missed by departing tenants.

The average bond cleaning in Australia costs between $150-$500 depending on property size, but bond deductions for inadequate bathroom cleaning can easily exceed this amount. By following this guide and ensuring each of these eight areas receives proper attention, you’ll significantly improve your chances of a successful bond inspection.

Remember, it’s often the hidden spaces that cause the most problems during wear and tear assessments—don’t let these easily overlooked spots cost you your hard-earned money.

If you’re approaching the end of your lease and want to ensure nothing is missed, consider using a cleaning service with a bond-back guarantee that specializes in exit inspections. The small investment could save you significant money and stress in the long run.