Moving out of a rental home can be stressful. Many renters worry about getting their bond back. End-of-lease cleaning is a key step in this process. 1This guide will help you clean your rental property like a pro.
You’ll learn tips and tricks to make your place spotless. Get ready to ace your final inspection and secure your deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Clean room by room, starting from the back of the house and moving forward, to stay organised and thorough.
- Focus on deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, as these areas often need extra attention to pass inspection.
- Document the clean condition with photos and a detailed checklist to avoid disputes and secure your bond.
- Consider hiring professional cleaners, who charge $200 to $1,000 flat fee or $20 to $50 per hour, for a thorough end-of-lease clean.
- Don’t forget outdoor areas like lawns, gardens, and patios, as these are also vital for getting your full bond back.
Preparing for End of Lease Cleaning
Preparing for end of lease cleaning starts with a solid plan. Check your lease agreement for specific cleaning rules. Make a list of all areas that need attention. Get your cleaning supplies ready, including mops, vacuums, and cleaning agents.
Start early to avoid rushing at the last minute. This gives you time to tackle tough stains and hidden dirt.
Book professional cleaners in advance if you need help. They can ensure a thorough clean that meets your landlord’s standards. Inspect your home for any damages that need fixing before you clean.
Repair small issues like nail holes in walls or loose doorknobs. A well-prepared approach will help you get your bond back and leave the property in top shape.
Cleaning Room by Room
Cleaning room by room makes the job easier. Start at the back of the house and work your way forward. This method helps you stay on track and not miss any spots. Get a checklist from your landlord or agent to guide you.
It lists all the areas you need to clean.
Deep clean each room before moving on. This means scrubbing floors, wiping walls, and dusting every surface. Don’t forget high spots like ceiling fans and light fittings. Clean inside cupboards and drawers too.
Use the right tools for each job. A vacuum for carpets, a mop for hard floors, and glass cleaner for windows and mirrors. Pay extra care to the kitchen and bathroom. These rooms often need more work to pass inspection.
Kitchen Cleaning Tips
The kitchen needs extra care during end-of-lease cleaning. Start by tackling the oven, rangehood, and sink. Scrub these areas well to remove grease and grime. Don’t forget the dishwasher and fridge.
Empty them out and give them a good wipe down inside and out.
For best results, use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels. They clean better and leave fewer streaks. To make your sink shine, soak it in vinegar first. Then, polish it with mineral oil.
This trick works great on stainless steel sinks. Lastly, clean all benches and cupboards thoroughly. A clean kitchen will impress your landlord and help you get your bond back.
Bathroom and Laundry Cleaning
Bathroom and laundry cleaning can make or break your bond return. Start with the toilet, scrubbing the bowl, seat, and cistern. Move on to the shower, tackling soap scum and mould on tiles, doors, and the showerhead.
Don’t forget the sink and mirror – wipe them down for a sparkling finish.
In the laundry, clean the washing machine and dryer, inside and out. Mop the floors and wipe down any shelves or cabinets. Pay extra care to often-missed spots like light switches and door handles.
A deep clean of these areas will impress your landlord and boost your chances of getting your full bond back.
Living Room and Bedroom Cleaning
Tackle the living room and bedrooms with care. Start by clearing out all rubbish and personal items. Dust and polish every surface, from tables to shelves. Don’t forget to clean inside drawers and cupboards.
Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. If needed, shampoo the carpets for a deep clean.
Pay close attention to windows, blinds, and curtains. Wipe down windowsills and tracks. Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans. Remove any marks from walls and doors. Lastly, ensure all built-in furniture is spotless.
These steps will help you ace your final inspection and get your bond back.
Exterior and Outdoor Area Cleaning
After tidying up inside, it’s time to focus on the outdoor areas. A clean exterior is just as vital for getting your bond back. Start by mowing the lawn and trimming any overgrown plants.
Remove weeds from garden beds and pathways. 6 Don’t forget to clean the bins, as they can be a source of bad smells.
Next, tackle patios, balconies, and decks. Sweep these areas first, then wash them down with soapy water. Clean all windows, including frames and sills. If you have a garage, sweep the floor and wipe down surfaces.
For pet owners, pay extra attention to areas where your furry friends spend time. Lastly, if your rental has a pool or spa, ensure it’s clean and properly maintained.
Final Inspection and Touch-Ups
Final checks are key to getting your bond back. Your property manager will do a walk-through to spot any missed areas. They’ll give you a report if they find issues. You’ll have a set time to fix these problems.
If you don’t, you might lose your bond. Focus on the main rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Don’t forget spaces like the laundry, balcony, and garage.
Pay close attention to details during this last look. Clean shower heads, wipe down countertops, and mop floors. Vacuum carpets and clean windows. Make sure the oven and dishwasher are spotless.
A thorough clean now can save you money later. Next, we’ll talk about how to get the most from your security deposit.
Maximize Your Deposit with End of Lease Cleaning Tips
Get your full bond back with smart cleaning tips. These tricks will help you ace your final inspection and keep your landlord happy.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
Essential cleaning supplies are key to a top-notch bond clean. You’ll need all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant, and floor cleaner. These products tackle most surfaces in your rental.
Don’t forget mops, vacuums, and sponges – they’re your main tools for the job. 1
For best results, use pro-grade supplies and gear. They often work better than basic household items. Keep your sponges clean by disinfecting them often. Throw away worn sponges to avoid spreading germs.
With the right kit, you’ll breeze through your end-of-lease clean. 7Documenting the Clean Condition
Documenting the clean condition of your rental property is crucial. Take clear photos of each room after cleaning. These images serve as proof of your hard work. 9 Create a detailed cleaning checklist and mark off tasks as you go.
This list acts as a record of your efforts.
Keep all receipts for cleaning supplies and services. Ask your landlord or property manager to inspect the property with you. Get their sign-off on the condition report. This step helps avoid disputes about the cleanliness later.
Good records boost your chances of getting your full bond back.
Hiring Professional Cleaning Services
After documenting the clean state of your rental, you might want to think about hiring pros. Professional cleaners can make your end-of-lease clean a breeze. They know what landlords and agents expect.
These experts use top-notch tools and eco-friendly products for a deep clean.
Costs for pro cleaning vary. You might pay a flat fee of $200 to $1,000. Hourly rates run from $20 to $50. Carpet steam cleaning often has its own price, based on size. Window cleaning may cost extra too.
It’s smart to get three quotes to find the best deal. Pro cleaners can help you get your bond back with their thorough work.
Conclusion
End-of-lease cleaning is key to getting your bond back. Follow this guide to leave your rental spotless. Start early, clean room by room, and don’t forget outdoor areas. Use the right tools and products for each job.
If you’re short on time or energy, consider hiring pros like Brand ABC. With these tips, you’ll boost your chances of a full bond refund.
FAQs
1. What does bond cleaning involve?
Bond cleaning covers all areas of a rented home. This includes bathroom cleaning, oven cleaning, and garage cleaning. It aims to restore the property to its original condition.
2. How do I clean the bathroom properly?
Focus on toilet cleaning, shower cleaning, and showerheads. Don’t forget shower doors. Use proper cleaners for each surface. Make sure everything shines.
3. What’s important when cleaning floors?
Start with vacuuming all floors. Then move on to mopping. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas. Don’t forget the pavement outside.
4. Should I clean appliances?
Yes. Clean the microwave, oven, and dishwashers. These are often checked during the final property appraisal. Make sure they look and work like new.
5. What about outdoor areas?
Clean the garage and any outdoor spaces. Check the hot water system and pipeline for leaks. Tidy up any garden areas if they’re part of your rental agreement.
6. Is a bond back guarantee worth it?
Many cleaning services offer a bond back guarantee. This means they’ll re-clean if the property manager isn’t satisfied. It can help ensure you get your full bond back under the Residential Tenancies Act.
References
- ^ https://resident.com/resource-guide/2024/01/19/the-ultimate-end-of-lease-cleaning-checklist (2024-01-19)
- ^ https://nancyshousekeepingservice.com/move-out-cleaning-checklist/
- ^ https://www.finehomesandliving.com/home_design/the-complete-end-of-lease-cleaning-checklist/article_aa55d74e-3cca-11ef-a686-6fe4b93dd172.html
- ^ https://www.amazingarchitecture.com/articles/end-of-lease-cleaning-a-comprehensive-guide