An in-depth case study exploring the costs and methods involved in thoroughly cleaning a neglected 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom house located in Joondalup WA 6027
Project Summary
- Property Type: Single-storey house with 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (280m²)
- Location: Joondalup WA 6027
- Total Deep Cleaning Cost: $2,847 AUD
- Project Duration: 14 hours over 2 days
- Initial Condition: Extreme neglect requiring full restoration
By Emily Turner, Northern Suburbs Bond Cleaning Expert
June 25, 2025
There are scenarios when property managers have to confront houses that need extreme amounts of cleaning. In these cases, the budget and scope of work required is often well above standard expectations. Our recent project in Joondalup sheds light on how deep cleaning dirty houses in Perth involves meticulous planning from evaluation to full restorative work.
Understanding Why Houses Become Severely Dirty
Before describing our approach to restoration, it’s worth looking at the reasons houses end up in this condition. Homes needing deep cleaning are most likely to fit one or more categories, each with their own specific set of restoration challenges.
Abandoned Properties
Property abandonment is perhaps one of the most extreme cleaning scenarios. Many properties across Australia were left unattended and neglected as more than 1.3 million dwellings stood vacant in the country in 2021 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Understanding the cost and process of deep cleaning an abandoned house is crucial for property managers dealing with these challenging situations.
Common abandonment scenarios include:
- Sudden tenant departure without notice
- Financial struggles leading to property desertion
- Moving overseas or relocation circumstances
- Mental health problems affecting self-care and property upkeep routines
Abandoned houses typically have:
- Pest infestations due to unsealed entry points
- Mould growth caused by inadequate air flow
- Accumulated debris and former inhabitants’ possessions
- Structural damage from weather exposure
Deceased Estate Properties
Deceased estate properties require special handling due to their sensitive nature. The Australian Taxation Office has outlined all procedures related to deceased estates, such as dealing with the ATO after a death, getting authority for tax returns, filing final tax returns, and managing trust returns. While families deal with these complex processes alongside other paperwork, many estates tend to sell under market value due to their condition. Undertaking professional vacate cleaning before evaluation provides better value estimates and preserves overall estate value.
Cleaning challenges related to estates:
- Sensitive handling of accumulated possessions requiring delicate approach
- Medication and medical equipment disposal requiring adherence to safety protocols
- Biohazard situations requiring specialized treatment and certification
- Emotional considerations of families during the cleaning process
- Time pressures to prepare property for sale or rental market
Hoarding Situations
Research in the mental health field has found that between 2-5% of the population is affected by hoarding disorders. These circumstances call for specialized cleaning approaches that address both sanitation and psychological factors.
Hoarding-related cleaning includes:
- Methodical removal and classification of accumulated items
- Structural damage assessment from weight accumulation
- Pest control and sanitization protocols
- Coordination with mental health service providers
Extended Illness or Disability
Properties with residents dealing with chronic illness or disability often need intensive restoration work. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that 4.4 million Australians live with disability, with some facing challenges maintaining property cleanliness.
Illness-related cleaning considerations:
- Medical waste disposal requirements
- Potential contamination from bodily fluids or medication spillage
- Accessibility modifications affecting cleaning protocols
- Insurance and liability related concerns
The Joondalup Project: Complete Assessment and Restoration
Our Joondalup property was a combination of abandonment and deep neglect spanning 18 months. This restoration process breakdown details every aspect of the comprehensive cleaning project.
Initial Property Assessment
Day 1: Safety and Documentation Phase (2 hours)
Our team performed comprehensive safety assessment protocols essential for extreme cleaning projects:
- Air Quality Testing: Analysis revealed elevated mould spore counts requiring respiratory protection equipment
- Structural Integrity Check: Water damage assessment raised concerns about floor stability in certain areas
- Utility Assessment: Electrical and plumbing systems evaluation confirmed both remained operational
- Photographic Documentation: Over 200 images captured throughout different project phases
- Waste Volume Estimation: Preliminary calculations estimated approximately 15 cubic metres of debris requiring removal
Room-by-Room Restoration Breakdown
Kitchen Restoration (4 hours)
The kitchen presented the most challenging conditions, requiring specialized equipment and progressive cleaning methods:
Hour 1: Appliance Assessment and Disconnection
- Refrigeration unit contained 18 months of spoiled food requiring hazmat disposal protocols
- Oven interior exhibited complete carbonization from accumulated grease and food residue
- Dishwasher showed extensive mould growth throughout internal components
- Range hood filters were beyond restoration, requiring complete replacement
Hour 2: Surface Decontamination
- Applied industrial-strength degreasers to all contaminated surfaces
- Steam cleaned cabinet interiors and exteriors using 200°F temperature settings
- Removed and disposed of contaminated shelf liners and drawer contents
- Treated pest infestation evidence with approved pesticide applications
Hour 3: Deep Cleaning and Sanitization
- Scrubbed and restored tile grout using specialized brushes and cleaning agents
- Cleaned and polished all hardware and fixtures to original condition
- Applied antimicrobial treatments to prevent recontamination
- Tested and cleaned all electrical components for safety compliance
Hour 4: Final Inspection and Certification
- Reconnected appliances with verified safety measures in place
- Conducted comprehensive final air quality testing
- Applied protective coatings to prevent future contamination accumulation
- Documented completion through timestamped photography
Bathroom Restoration (3 hours)
Extensive mould contamination required biohazard protocols for bathroom restoration:
Hour 1: Mould Assessment and Treatment
- Identified black mould covering 70% of shower recess surfaces
- Applied hospital-grade antifungal treatments following EPA guidelines
- Removed and disposed of contaminated silicone and grout materials
- Established negative air pressure to prevent spore spreading
Hour 2: Surface Restoration
- Steam cleaned all tile surfaces at maximum temperature settings
- Restored chrome fixtures using specialized polishing compounds
- Cleared blocked drains and applied enzymatic treatments
- Thoroughly cleaned and disinfected all toilet facilities
Hour 3: Final Treatment and Prevention
- Applied new silicone seals with mould-resistant properties
- Implemented improved ventilation to prevent future mould issues
- Conducted final antimicrobial treatment throughout the entire space
- Verified air quality met all safety standards
Living Areas and Bedrooms (5 hours)
Hours 1-2: Debris Removal and Initial Cleaning
- Removed 12 cubic metres of abandoned personal belongings and debris
- Addressed pet waste evidence throughout all carpeted areas
- Cleaned walls showing nicotine staining and general accumulated grime
- Dismantled and thoroughly cleaned all light fixtures
Hours 3-4: Professional Carpet Steam Cleaning
- Pre-treated all stains using specialized enzyme solutions
- Applied hot water extraction at 220°F throughout entire carpeted areas
- Used truck-mounted systems for maximum cleaning efficiency
- Applied protective treatments to prevent rapid resoiling
Hour 5: Final Detailing and Quality Control
- Cleaned all windows on both interior and exterior surfaces
- Polished all woodwork and restored natural finishes
- Conducted comprehensive quality assurance inspection
- Prepared property for final management inspection
Complete Cost Breakdown Analysis
Our detailed cost analysis reflects current Australian residential cleaning services industry standards, with the sector valued at $1.4 billion annually, where 70-75% of costs are attributed to labour.
Labour Costs: $1,896.00
Specialist Team Lead (14 hours @ $45/hour): $630.00
- Biohazard certification and advanced mould remediation training
- Project management and safety protocol oversight responsibilities
- Quality control and final inspection processes
Senior Cleaning Technician (14 hours @ $38/hour): $532.00
- Specialized equipment operation and maintenance
- Advanced stain treatment and restoration techniques
- Client communication and progress documentation
Cleaning Technicians x2 (28 total hours @ $26/hour): $728.00
- General cleaning and debris removal tasks
- Equipment setup and breakdown procedures
- Surface preparation and basic restoration work
Hazmat and Safety Premium (4-person team): $206.00
- Respiratory protection equipment and specialized training
- Biohazard handling certification requirements
- High-risk cleaning operation insurance coverage
Equipment and Machinery Rental: $423.00
Industrial Air Filtration System (2 days @ $78/day): $156.00
- HEPA filtration for airborne contaminant removal
- Negative air pressure maintenance during mould treatment
- Continuous air quality monitoring capabilities
Truck-Mounted Carpet Cleaning Unit: $89.00
- 1200 PSI water pressure for deep extraction cleaning
- 220°F water heating for maximum cleaning effectiveness
- Waste water containment and disposal systems
High-Pressure Steam Cleaning Equipment: $66.00
- 2000 PSI steam pressure for carbonized residue removal
- Multi-surface capability for various material types
- High-temperature steam sanitization applications
Specialized Ventilation Fans x3: $112.00
- Fume extraction during chemical application processes
- Moisture removal to prevent secondary mould growth
- Enhanced air circulation throughout property
Materials and Consumables: $378.00
Professional-Grade Chemicals and Treatments: $189.00
- Hospital-grade antifungal treatments: $67.00
- Industrial degreasers and enzyme cleaners: $56.00
- Antimicrobial protection coatings: $44.00
- Specialized stain removal compounds: $22.00
Replacement Components: $89.00
- Range hood filters (non-restorable): $34.00
- Bathroom silicone seals and grout materials: $28.00
- Air freshening and odour neutralizer systems: $27.00
Safety and Protection Equipment: $100.00
- Disposable hazmat suits and respiratory masks: $45.00
- Heavy-duty gloves and eye protection: $23.00
- Disposable cleaning materials and tools: $32.00
Waste Disposal and Environmental Services: $150.00
Hazardous Waste Disposal: $83.00
- Mould-contaminated materials requiring special handling
- Spoiled food and organic waste professional removal
- Chemical waste disposal through licensed facilities
General Debris Removal (15 cubic metres): $67.00
- Furniture and personal belongings beyond restoration
- Construction-type waste from damaged materials
- Packaging and protective materials used during cleaning
Deep Cleaning Process: Technical Methodology
Our systematic approach ensures comprehensive restoration while maintaining safety standards throughout every stage of the project.
Phase 1: Safety Preparation and Risk Assessment
Environmental Hazard Identification
- Air quality testing for mould spores, chemical vapours, and particulates
- Structural inspection for water damage and pest infestation
- Electrical system verification for safe equipment operation
- Personal protective equipment fitting and safety briefings
Containment and Protection Protocols
- Work area isolation using protective plastic sheeting
- Negative air pressure systems to prevent contamination spread
- Protective coverings for items requiring preservation
- Emergency ventilation and evacuation procedures establishment
Phase 2: Systematic Debris Removal and Sorting
Category-Based Removal System
- Hazardous materials identification and separate containment
- Salvageable items evaluation and protection protocols
- Bulk debris removal using systematic grid methodology
- Documentation of all removed items for insurance purposes
Pest Control Integration
- Professional pest assessment and treatment application
- Breeding site elimination and entry point sealing
- Monitoring system installation for ongoing protection
- Follow-up treatment scheduling for complete eradication
Phase 3: Deep Cleaning and Restoration
Surface-Specific Treatment Protocols
- Stone and tile: Acid etching followed by alkaline neutralization
- Wood surfaces: Gentle cleaning with moisture control measures
- Metal fixtures: Corrosion treatment and protective coating application
- Carpet and fabric: Enzyme treatment followed by hot water extraction
Air Quality Restoration
- Ozone treatment for persistent odour elimination
- Air duct cleaning and filter replacement throughout property
- Humidity control measures to prevent future mould growth
- Final air quality verification testing before project completion
Phase 4: Protection and Prevention Measures
Long-Term Protection Application
- Antimicrobial coatings applied to high-risk surfaces
- Moisture barrier application in vulnerable areas
- Enhanced ventilation system recommendations provided
- Maintenance schedule development for property managers
Investment Recovery and Market Impact
The $2,847 restoration investment must be evaluated against alternative scenarios and market conditions in Joondalup’s competitive rental environment. Research demonstrates that comprehensive cleaning can offer up to 3,650% ROI when selling properties, making professional deep cleaning one of the highest-return property investments available.
Alternative Cost Analysis
Complete Property Renovation Scenario:
- Partial property renovation estimate: $15,000-$25,000
- Extended vacancy period: 8-12 weeks minimum
- Lost rental income (@$650/week): $5,200-$7,800
- Total alternative cost: $20,200-$32,800
Standard Renovation vs. Deep Cleaning:
- New flooring installation: $8,000-$12,000
- Kitchen appliance replacement: $6,000-$10,000
- Bathroom renovation: $8,000-$15,000
- Renovation total: $22,000-$37,000
Our professional vacate cleaning service in Joondalup delivered immediate market readiness at 87% cost savings compared to renovation alternatives, while industry data shows that comprehensive cleaning can deliver extraordinary returns of up to 3,650% ROI when properties are prepared for sale or rental.
Market Re-entry Timeline
Immediate Benefits Achieved:
- Property available for inspection within 48 hours
- Full market rental rate ($650/week) achieved immediately
- No extended vacancy period or reduced rental pricing required
- Investment recovery completed within 4.4 weeks
Quality Assurance and Certification
Our restoration process includes comprehensive verification measures ensuring lasting results and client protection.
Final Inspection Protocols
Technical Verification Measures:
- Air quality testing confirming safe habitability standards
- Moisture content measurement preventing future mould development
- pH testing of all treated surfaces ensuring chemical neutralization
- Photographic documentation comparing before and after conditions
Client Protection Guarantees:
- 30-day warranty on all restoration work completed
- Insurance coverage for any cleaning-related property damage
- 14-day bond back guarantee for tenancy-related cleaning services
- Emergency response availability for any post-cleaning issues
Lessons Learned: Prevention vs. Crisis Intervention
This project underlines the critical importance of preventive maintenance compared to crisis intervention expenditures.
Preventive Maintenance Cost Comparison
Annual Preventive Approach:
- Monthly professional cleaning: $200 x 12 = $2,400
- Quarterly deep cleaning services: $400 x 4 = $1,600
- Annual maintenance inspection: $300
- Total annual prevention cost: $4,300
Crisis Intervention Reality:
- Deep restoration project: $2,847
- Potential vacancy loss (1 month): $2,600
- Emergency response premium: $400
- Single crisis cost: $5,847
The data reveals that comprehensive annual maintenance costs 26% less than a single crisis intervention, excluding additional risks of property damage and rental income loss.
Technology Integration and Modern Solutions
Our restoration project incorporated advanced technology for superior results and complete client transparency.
Digital Documentation Systems
Real-Time Progress Monitoring:
- Timestamped photography every 30 minutes during active work
- Digital air quality readings uploaded to client portal
- GPS-tracked waste disposal for environmental compliance
- Cloud-based project management with live updates
Quality Verification Technology:
- Thermal imaging cameras for moisture detection
- Digital pH meters for chemical neutralization confirmation
- Professional air quality monitors with data logging capabilities
- UV light inspection for biological contamination verification
Conclusion: The Investment Value of Professional Deep Cleaning
This Joondalup deep cleaning project demonstrates that professional intervention represents sound financial decision-making when compared to alternative solutions.
Key Success Metrics:
- Cost Effectiveness: 87% savings compared to renovation alternatives
- Investment Returns: Industry data shows up to 3,650% ROI potential from comprehensive cleaning
- Time Efficiency: 2-day completion vs. 8-12 week renovation timeline
- Market Performance: Full rental rate achieved immediately
- Quality Assurance: Comprehensive warranty and guarantee protection
For property owners and managers facing similar challenges, professional deep cleaning offers the optimal balance of cost control, time efficiency, and quality results.
Our expertise in comprehensive vacate cleaning services ensures that even the most challenging properties can be restored to market-ready condition efficiently and economically.
Emily Turner leads our dedicated northern suburbs bond cleaning division at Majestic Vacate Cleaning Perth, bringing over 12 years of specialized experience in extreme property restoration projects. Her expertise in challenging cleaning situations ensures property managers can confidently address any restoration challenge while protecting their investment returns.
Need professional deep cleaning services for challenging properties in Perth? Contact Majestic Vacate Cleaning Perth at (08) 6185 0866 for expert consultation and immediate service availability.