Moving House in Perth? Put Vacate Cleaning at the Top of Your To-Do List
Leaving one home for another stirs up a mix of excitement and nerves. Between changing your address, packing up every room, and booking the removal truck, the to-do list can feel endless. Amid that chaos, people often push vacate cleaning to the back of their minds. Yet, locking in a professional vacate cleaning team should be one of the first things you note.
Renters Returning to the Perth Market? Clean Before You Hand Over the Keys
Anyone moving into a new rental in Perth quickly learns the local cleaning benchmark is sky-high. Landlords expect the place to look exactly as it did at handover, save for the tiniest signs of wear. That rule is baked into most leases and can set you up for trouble if you fall short. Because of that, bond cleaning experts now represent a common safeguard. Bringing them in on schedule often seals the deal for a full bond refund and keeps your rental history spotless.
Besides a natural obsession with tidiness, Perth’s quirky weather throws some unexpected cleaning curveballs. Seaside suburbs like Scarborough and Cottesloe boast stunning ocean views, yet constant salt-laden breezes smear windows; meanwhile, fine beach sand sneaks inside carpets and sliding tracks. For these problems, pros quickly learn tailored techniques that keep homes spotless despite the local environment.
Why Professional Vacate Cleaning Is Essential When Moving Houses
Unlock the Professional Vacate Cleaners’ Perks
These are the major perks of hiring someone else to do your cleaning:
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Bond Recovery | When expert cleaners handle the job, they know real-estate checklists inside-out and meet your goals, so the place is more likely to pass the final walk-through and your bond money stays with you. |
Time Efficiency | A crew on-site can finish in hours work that would drag on for days, freeing you to tackle other move-related tasks while the clock is still on your side. |
Stress Relief | Moving is already one of life’s big stressors; taking deep-cleaning off your plate eases that load and leaves you calmer, clearer, and ready for the next step. |
Better Equipment | Forget renting heavy duty carpet extractors or portable pressure washers; pros turn up with commercial gear that cuts grime fast and leaves surfaces looking brand new. |
Proper Expertise | Seasoned cleaners recognize at a glance what property managers want—dust in hidden corners, spotless windows, and streak-free floors—so they hit all the marks without extra direction. |
They know exactly how to get the space ready when a good manager walks them through.
What Cleaners Should Keep in Mind to Personalize Their Service
Keep these often-overlooked spots and tricky corners in mind as you map out the vacate clean:
- Tracks and frames around windows may not show up on first glance, yet they sit right in the line of sight. Opening the glass turns them into dust magnets. Even the sharpest end-of-lease eye can miss big clumps when the lens zooms out.
- Grease filters in the range hood always need extra elbow grease.
- Bathroom exhaust fans also deserve a full scrub.
- Slip behind fridges and microwaves; that is where dust really hides.
- Corners and cornices on every ceiling are draped with yellow, fragile cobwebs.
- Light fixtures hide a shocking crop of dust and dead insects that flare the moment someone hits the switch.
A thorough end of lease cleaning ticks off all these boxes and protects you from the inspector’s last-minute red pen.
How Vacate Cleaning Can Save You Precious Time
When a seasoned team dives into a full vacate clean of a typical three-bedroom house, it usually takes them only four to six hours. Tackle the job alone, however, and you might spend one to two full days, and that’s if the house is not too grimy and you know your way around a mop and sponge.
Let’s break the numbers:
Method | Time Estimate | Total Labor Hours |
---|---|---|
Crew of Professionals | 3 cleaners × 4 hours | 12 labor hours |
Do-It-Yourself | 1 person × 16 hours | 16 labor hours |
Add in the value of the opportunities you’ll miss while scrubbing floors during a hectic move, and hiring pros often makes the most sense.
Learn What Vacate Cleaning Really Costs in Perth
Prices for vacate cleaning in Perth change based on how dirty a place is and its overall size. Roughly speaking, you can expect:
Property Size | Price Range |
---|---|
Studio or one-bedroom unit | $199 to $299 |
Two-bedroom house | $299 to $399 |
Three-bedroom house | $399 to $499 |
Four bedrooms or larger | $499 to $699 |
Extras like carpet cleaning, wall scrubs or blind care usually add to the bill. Services across Perth can be customised to match each landlord’s cleaning checklist.
As the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety states, tenants in WA must return homes reasonably clean or risk losing bond money, so professional help is wise.
Check Customer Reviews and Feedback on Vacate Cleaning
Recent client feedback points to some common themes about professional move-out cleaning:
“I could concentrate on settling into my new home while the cleaners tackled the old flat. Truly worth every dollar for the peace of mind.” – Sarah, Joondalup
“After a botched DIY attempt, I finally called the pros. If I’d hired them first I’d have saved time and hassle.” – Michael, Fremantle
“The crew spotted and scrubbed areas I never considered, like fans and the fridge cavity. My whole bond came back without question.” – Emma, Scarborough
Find Local Cleaners that Provide Vacate Services
A long list of trusted Perth cleaners now offers vacate packages. When comparing quotes, keep an eye out for:
- A clear money-back guarantee
- Current, adequate insurance cover
- A detailed, itemised estimate
- Add-ons such as carpet steam cleaning
- Positive notes about end-of-lease work
- Experience liaising with local property managers
Majestic Vacate Cleaning Perth works from Yanchep to Mandurah and services most Perth suburbs.
Plan Your Vacate Clean Like a Pro
Make a Clear, Step-by-Step Checklist
Whether you hire a team or go hands-on, a written list stops those last-minute, “Oh-no-I-forgot” moments. Start with these broad rooms, then add the details that suit your place:
Area | Cleaning Tasks |
---|---|
Kitchen | • Wipe inside and out of all cupboards<br>• Deep-clean baking trays, grills, and stovetops<br>• Scrub range hood and filter<br>• Sanitize sink, taps, and drainer<br>• Wipe down all countertops<br>• Clean fridge if it belongs to the landlord<br>• Clean microwave inside and out<br>• Wipe splashbacks |
Bathroom | • Sanitize toilet bowl and seat<br>• Scrub shower screen to remove soap scum<br>• Clean bathtub and remove any mildew<br>• Clean sink, countertop, and mirrors<br>• Remove, wash, and refit exhaust-fan cover<br>• Wipe all tiles and grout<br>• Clear, wipe, and tidy every drawer and cabinet |
General Areas | • Vacuum and mop all floors<br>• Clean all windows, sills, and tracks<br>• Dust furniture, skirting boards, and ledges<br>• Sweep out cobwebs from corners and ceilings<br>• Wipe light fittings and switches<br>• Clean doors, glass, and frames inside and out<br>• Empty, wipe, and inspect closets and shelves |
A solid vacate cleaning checklist keeps your hand steady and your bond secure.
Schedule Your Cleaning Day Ahead of the Move
Move-out cleaning, like any other tidy-up, works best when the timing is thought out. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Wipe surfaces only after the last sofa, bed, and moving box are already gone.
- Let at least forty-eight hours pass between your clean and the landlord’s final walk-through.
- During busy moving months—January through early March—call in pros two to three weeks ahead.
- Build in a spare day or two in case you spot smudges or need extra touch-ups.
Follow these pointers, and you will still have breathing room for any late glitches before the handover.
Gather Necessary Cleaning Supplies and Tools
If you decide to handle the cleaning yourself, here’s what you’ll need:
Category | Cleaning Supplies Required |
---|---|
Basic Tools | • Vacuum with attachments<br>• Mop and bucket<br>• Microfiber cloths<br>• Rubber gloves<br>• Extension pole for high areas<br>• Step ladder<br>• Old toothbrush for tight spots<br>• Sponge |
Cleaning Products | • Dish soap<br>• All-purpose cleaner<br>• Glass cleaner<br>• Bathroom gel<br>• Cooktop paste<br>• Scale remover<br>• Scrub brushes<br>• Bleach<br>• Heavy-duty gloves |
All the items above should cost roughly $150 to $200, a figure worth weighing against hiring a pro.
Decide Whether to Hire Professionals or Go DIY
Keep these tips in mind when weighing a cleaning team against your own elbow grease:
Hire professionals if: | Do it yourself if: |
---|---|
• Your calendar is back-to-back | • The place needs only light touch-ups |
• Dust and grime are baked in | • Someone on site knows the ropes |
• You lack the right tools | • Surfaces are basically tidy already |
• Bond money comes with a guarantee | • You know exactly what the landlord expects |
• Bending over hurts or takes hours | • Every dollar counts and you can spare the time |
• You want that showroom finish | • Cleaning is oddly satisfying and you have the hours available |
Like many Perth renters, you might tackle everyday tidying but call in pros for carpets, ovens and windows when the job demands tools or muscle you don’t own.
Communicate With Your Landlord About Cleaning Needs
Keeping good lines of talk with your property manager matters a lot. Walking through the list ahead of time helps stop mix-ups later:
- Gather every extra cleaning task into one clear document
- Ask which service they like to use
- Should the carpets be done by a pro? (almost always yes)
- Check for any flags from past inspections
- What counts as normal wear: small wall marks, hook dents, or tiny holes?
These talks let you shape the clean-out to exactly what your landlord expects.
Check Your Rental Agreement For Cleaning Clauses
Your rental agreement probably includes its own cleaning rules, so don’t skip reading that section. In Perth leases, these chores show up often:
- Have carpets cleaned by a qualified company and hand over the receipt
- Arrange professional pest treatment if pets were allowed
- Wash windows inside and out
- Clean the whole kitchen, oven and range hood included
- Wipe or wash the walls, tackling any marks
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) notes that keeping written proof of each job shields both tenants and owners when the bond gets checked.
Knowing these tasks lets you plan ahead, avoid arguments, and raise your chances of getting the full deposit back.
Essential Services Included in A Vacate Cleaning Package
Discover Common Things Done During Vacate Services
Most standard vacate-cleaning packages offered in Perth cover the following tasks:
Area | Services |
---|---|
Bathroom | • Full clean and sanitize<br>• Polish shower screens<br>• Scrub tiles and grout<br>• Wipe and treat the exhaust fan |
Kitchen | • Deep disinfect every surface, including cupboards<br>• Sanitize the oven inside and out<br>• Clean the range hood<br>• Wipe the outside of all appliances |
General | • Vacuum and mop all floors<br>• Dust from low surfaces to high<br>• Remove cobwebs<br>• Wipe the windows on the inside<br>• Dust light fittings<br>• Wipe doors and frames<br>• Dust skirting boards and inside cupboards<br>• Clean the bottom of cupboards and drawers |
In Perth, many bond-clean companies offer tiered packages so customers can choose—basic, standard, or premium—with each level adding extra detail.
Know Your Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Options
Many people forget to include carpet cleaning when they do a final tidy before moving out, yet it plays a key role in getting back the bond money. Below are the choices you can weigh:
Technique | Pros & Cons | Price Range | Key Benefits |
---|---|---|---|
Hot Water Extraction (Steam Clean) | Widely trusted. Uses hot water and a cleaning agent to loosen and pull out dirt, dust, and allergens. | $30 to $50 per room | • Tackles heavy soil<br>• Meets most landlord specs<br>• Provides deep clean |
Dry Cleaning | Carpet stays almost dry right away. Solvent powder absorbs soil without soaking the backing. | $25 to $40 per room | • Ideal for light stains<br>• Quick-dry workflow<br>• Gentle on delicate textiles |
Carpet Shampoo | Rotating brushes and foamy solution lift ground-in grime and lift set-in marks. | $35 to $45 per room | • Deep clean for heavy traffic<br>• Targets tough spots<br>• Leaves the pile refreshed |
Many carpet care firms bundle exit-cleans with whole-home packages, so ask for any discounted rates offered that way.
Understand the Need for Cleaning Walls and Windows
Because most composite-window homes sit by the sea, Perth’s coastal suburbs collect thick salt grime on glass and frames. Professional cleaning usually covers:
- Wiping frames
- Wiping screens
- Cleaning sills
- Cleaning window tracks
- Polishing glass inside and out
Walls need attention too, especially rental rooms with pale paint. The service often includes:
- Spot-clearing scuff marks
- Removing dust
- Taking down cobwebs from corners
- Cleaning behind furniture
- Wiping switch plates and outlets
These extras let natural light show off your property during an inspection.
Knowing Why Deep Cleaning the Kitchen Matters
When the final inspection takes place, the kitchen is looked at more than any other room. A deep kitchen clean covers these key spots:
Cleaning Element | Cleaning Procedure |
---|---|
Range Hood | Strip off grease from the hood and filter |
Oven | Clean the inside and outside, plus racks, trays, and door glass |
Cabinets & Drawers | Wipe both sides, clearing out crumbs and spills |
Sink & Faucets | Descale, polish, and sanitize every surface |
Refrigerator Space | Wipe out the cavity if the fridge is pulled out |
Splashbacks | Degrease and scrub away splatter above the counter |
Microwave | Clean inside and out, lifting off any food stains |
Countertops | Sanitize and shine all working surfaces |
Light Fixtures | Dust lights and clear out dead bugs |
This cleanse tackles the thick grease and leftover bits that build up over a tenancy.
Spotting Areas that Need Extra Attention
Bond fights often spring from these trouble spots, so giving them extra care now can save your deposit later.
Problem Area | Why It Matters | Cleaning Approach |
---|---|---|
Exhaust Fans | Turn on, they sit in plain view | Take apart the unit, polish every visible piece, and they go back to shining like new. |
Behind Appliances | Easy to miss when rushing | Slip in cleaning blinds and a Yorkshire disc, then—forget to slide the stove or fridge back. |
Window Tracks | Dirt gathers and sticks | Mud dries, grease hardens without tools; use an old toothbrush and slim vacuum nozzle to pry it free. |
Kitchen Cabinets | Grease and crumbs build fast | Scrub drawers, doors, handles, and tops with strong pad until every square inch feels spotless. |
Shower Screens | Soap scum and water stains cloud glass | A thick spray, a swift wipe, or the vinegar mix lifts grime and leaves the glass bright again. |
Drawer Interiors | Hidden grease lurks unseen | Empty the drawer, vacuum out crumbs, then dampen a cloth to wipe the bottom and side panels clean. |
Light Fixtures | Collect insects and dust | Bugs, lint, and fly specks pile up on lamps, so wipe or vacuum the glass and shade often. For a deep clean, pop off any covers you can safely remove. |
Skirting Boards | At eye level during inspections | These narrow ledges hide clingy dust that blends with the paint and is only seen when scrubbing stairs by hand. Corrective action means a quick scrub pad pass at every crawl-through inspection to keep them clear. |
For tips on how to tackle these challenging areas, check out bathroom cleaning tips for vacate cleaning, which provides specific guidance for one of the most scrutinised areas.
Extra Services You Might Find Helpful
In addition to the basic clean, think about these add-ons, based on your situation:
Service | Cost Range | When Needed |
---|---|---|
Steam Carpet Clean | $120-$250 | For rooms soiled by pets or lots of foot traffic. |
Pest Control | $100-$200 | When previous tenants kept animals or pests visited. |
Window Cleaning | $150-$300 | For high or hard-to-reach glass on multi-storey flats. |
Blind/Curtain Care | $80-$200 | To treat dusty fabric or if the lease specifically asks. |
Wall Clean | $200-$400 | To lift crayons, fingerprints or other obvious marks. |
Ceiling Clean | $100-$250 | To wipe off kitchen grease or the usual layer of dust. |
General Exterior Clean | $100-$300 | For patios, balconies or any outside area named in the lease. |
Tips for Getting Your Deposit Back
Make Sure to Be Thorough With the Procedures
Check your rental contract for:
- Any pro cleans—pest work, carpet care—or other services hinted at.
- Tasks tied to the property such as garden upkeep or pool care.
- Identify any special rules about walls and other fixed surfaces in the building
- Note what paperwork you need to keep (receipts, before-and-after photos, etc.)
Before Cleaning, Document the Condition of the Property
Start with a simple check and record what you find:
- Take clear photos of every room before you begin, adding time stamps to each image
- Point out chips, stains, or worn spots that were there already
- Keep a copy of any written walkthrough that lists these details
- Note any repair work you and the manager agreed would happen first
- Jot down any off-the-record promises the manager made while you were onsite
These notes prove what the space looked like before you cleaned it, protecting you if later issues arise.
Ensure All Areas Meet the Landlord’s Standard After Cleaning
Make sure every corner meets the landlord’s standard after cleaning.
Whether you wiped it down yourself or hired a crew, do a quick walk-through with a checklist.
- Cross-reference every room with your move-in report.
- Stand in spots where sunlight floods in and scan for missed patches.
- View each area from different angles to catch what might hide from a single glance.
- Open every drawer and door; dirt loves to cling inside.
- Test every light switch, tap, and appliance to confirm they work.
- Sniff for odd smells—those can hint at hidden leaks or mold.
Fix anything you spot before the landlord arrives for the final look.
Be On Time for The Final Inspection
- Book the closing visit at least twenty-four hours after the clean.
- Leave enough time for last-minute tweaks.
- Return the keys exactly when you agreed.
- Show up on time for every scheduled check.
- Disconnect all utilities, and double-check the procedure.
Tenants who lock in these steps earn goodwill because managers notice those who respect their timetable.
Prepare for a Quick Inspection Clean-Up
Giving the site a quick once-over before the check always helps the first impression. We’ll still notice some marks inspectors highlight because improvement never stops. You can pitch in by:
- Holding back routine supplies until after the visit
- Keeping the cleaning crew number saved and ready to call
- Arranging prompt payment for any last-minute work
- Leaving doors open so staff can respond during the inspection
- Returning yourself to tidy up loose ends
Following these easy steps boosts your chance of impressing visitors with clear attention to detail.
Collect and Save Photos with Service Receipts
While gathering records takes a bit of work, we urge all cleaning fans to start early:
- Keep every receipt from the contractors who cleaned the property.
- Make clear copies of any before-and-after photos showing the tidy rooms.
- Save the messages or emails where the manager confirmed what cleaning was expected.
- Document any extra work done beyond the agreed list, like window washing or deep scrubbing.
- And yes, hold on to invoices for steam-cleaning or other specialty services.
These records help you prove the property meets lease and rule standards. For more on why managers ask for these cleaning receipts, check our article on the real reason real estate wants bond cleaning proof.

Perth Vacate Cleaning: FAQs You Can’t Ignore
Can I Do My Own Vacate Cleaning Effectively?
Yes, you can pull off the end-of-lease clean yourself if you:
- Set aside one to two solid days for a regular unit
- Gather all the right tools and eco-friendly products
- Know what the real-estate agent expects before they walk in
- Follow a detailed checklist that covers every nook and cranny
- Are fit enough to scrub, bend, and lift without calling it quits
- Are prepared to revisit any spot that fails the final inspection
From what we’ve seen, blending DIY work with a short pro visit usually nets the smoothest hand-back. You tackle the light stuff—kitchen benches, dusting, windows—while trained technicians handle carpets, ovens, and those stubborn, unseen corners.
What Does It Cost to Clean an Empty Apartment Before Handover?
While size, layout and overall grubbiness affect the final bill, these figures offer a rough guide:
Property Type | Basic Clean | Full Package, carpets included |
---|---|---|
1-bedroom flat | $199-$299 | $299-$399 |
2-bedroom home | $299-$399 | $399-$499 |
3-bedroom home | $399-$499 | $499-$599 |
4-bedroom plus | $499-$699 | $599-$799 |
Prices also shift because of:
- How filthy the place is
- How long it has sat untouched
- Which suburb in Perth the job is in
- Peak-moving months
- Any unusual material that needs special care
How Long Should a Vacant Clean Take from Start to Finish?
The time needed, like the cost, depends on size and condition:
Property Type | Team Hours | DIY Hours |
---|---|---|
1-bedroom flat | 2-3 hours | 6-8 hours |
2-bedroom home | 3-4 hours | 8-12 hours |
3-bedroom home | 4-6 hours | 12-16 hours |
4-plus bedrooms | 6-8 hours | 16-24 hours |
These estimates assume two or three cleaners are working together, not one lone person, and that the unit is completely empty.
What To Think About When Hiring For The First Time
Before picking a vacate-cleaning team, check these points:
- Insurance—first, ask if they carry liability cover for any on-site mishaps.
- Bond-back—will they re-clean free if the final inspection raises issues?
- Experience—how many years have they tackled end-of-lease jobs?
- Connections—does the firm work regularly with local property managers?
- Equipment—is their gear commercial grade, rather than home-use tools?
- Product Safety—do they choose non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners that get results?
- Training—have their staff been taught in-house for this exact role?
Firms familiar with rental standards tend to leave properties sparkling. For a deeper look at selecting the right vacate cleaner, read our full guide on how to choose a professional vacate cleaning company.
What Do You Do When Quality Standards Are Not Met?
When arguments start about how clean the place really is:
- First, pull out the lease and check for any cleaning rules written in
- Next, look at the relevant state law, such as Western Australia’s Residential Tenancies Act.
- Share any proof that a professional clean was done, such as dated receipts and clear photos.
- Write a list of tasks the cleaners missed that the contract said should be done.
- Offer to finish those small jobs yourself before agreeing to a full reclean.
- If needed, ask your tenant advocacy group to step back from the process.
- Turn to Consumer Protection WA’s dispute service if the matter still drags on.
With goodwill on both sides, most disagreements can be settled quickly and fairly.
Will I Have to Get My Own Cleaning Supplies?
If you hire cleaning pros, check if you must supply any items:
Cleaning Service Provides | You May Need to Provide |
---|---|
• Chemical Packages and Solutions | • Water Supply |
• Basic Tools and Professional Equipment | • Power for Machines |
• Specialized Floor or Window Equipment | • Parking Close to the Site |
• Microfiber Cloths and Pads | • Clear Access Instructions |
• Ladders or Sky Lifts | • Details About Sensitive Surfaces |
If you clean yourself, budget around $150-$200 for all supplies and tools.
Planning your cleaning timetable—in particular the vacate clean—heads off last-minute chaos, cuts stress, and makes better use of your time. When everything is in order, the odds of getting every dollar back from your bond shoot up. Whether you hire professionals or grab the mop yourself, steady planning and a sharp eye on the details smooths the path to your new Perth home.
For hassle-free help with your move, call Majestic Vacate Cleaning Perth on (08) 6185 0866 and secure a complete service that gets your bond returned.