End of Lease Cleaning Tips and Checklist
There are so many different things to think about when moving house, from packing and moving through to changing utilities and address details. While cleaning your old home is often left to the last minute, end of lease cleaning is essential whenever you’re moving out of a rental property. In order to get your bond back from a real estate agent or landlord, it’s critical to follow a detailed cleaning checklist and leave nothing to chance.
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Cleaning preparation
Before you get out the mop and bucket, it’s important to get yourself and your moving-house storage organised.
Prepare your schedule, clear out your home, and purchase all of the cleaning products that you’ll need. The time it takes to clean will depend on the size of your home and the number of people available to help.
Generally speaking, it takes two professional cleaners 2-4 hours to clean a studio apartment, 4-6 hours to clean a 2-3 bedroom apartment, and an entire working day to clean a large detached house. If you’re not a professional, these time estimates should be almost doubled.
It’s always better to clean an empty home, so wait until the movers have come by and picked up every last box. Not only is this faster and more efficient, you’re also less likely to damage furniture and personal belongings.
Once you have the time and space you need to start cleaning, it’s important to purchase the right tools for the job. While natural products can be used for most tasks, chemical cleaners may be needed for some of the dirtiest jobs.
Typical cleaning products include:
– broom
– vacuum cleaner
– brush and pan
– mop and bucket
– gloves
– oven cleaner and scraper
– carpet steamer
– vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils
– chemical cleaning products
– sugar soap
– towels and paper towels
– rags
– newspapers and toilet paper
– window squeegee
– ladder and steps
– basic tools
Exterior cleaning checklist
The exterior of your home requires special attention, with the following items needing to be addressed before any inspection takes place:
– clean patio or veranda
– clean BBQ and outdoor furniture
– remove cobwebs and dust
– mow the lawn and trim the edges
– remove pet droppings and mess
– clear out bins and compost bins
– sweep driveway and garage
– hose down exterior walls and garage doors
– check and clean lighting
– clean pool and pool filter if required
Interior cleaning checklist
Cleaning the interior of your home should take most of your attention, so make sure you allocate enough time and resources:
– clean and mop tile floors and floorboards
– clean walls and ceilings if needed
– vacuum and steam clean carpet flooring
– identify and remove scuff marks
– clean windows and window ledges
– clean wardrobes, cupboards, and shelving
– remove dust and cobwebs
– clean blinds and curtains
– wipe clean door handles and switches
– clean furniture if required
– turn off all electrical switches
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Kitchen cleaning checklist
Cleaning and packing the kitchen carefully will take a huge amount of your energy and time, so try not to leave it all until the last minute:
– clean the oven thoroughly, either with baking soda and vinegar or specialised chemical products
– clean the dishwasher, including the doors, filters, and rubbers
– defrost and clean the fridge and freezer
– clean rubbish bins and garbage disposals
– clean behind appliances
– clean inside the microwave oven
– clean and polish backsplash
– clean stains from kitchen surfaces
– clear sinks and drains and ensure adequate flow
– clear and clean pantry
– turn off all appliances
Bathroom and laundry cleaning checklist
Much like the kitchen, bathroom and laundry cleaning requires specialised cleaning products and lots of attention to detail:
– wash showers and baths, either with vinegar and baking soda or specialised products
– clean and disinfect all bathroom surfaces
– clean and disinfect toilets
– clean medicine cabinets
– remove all mould from tiles
– clean sinks and ensure adequate flow in drains
– clean and polish mirrors and fans
– polish taps, plugs, and handles
– clean behind washing machine and dryer
– turn off water access to washing machine if required