Moving out of a rental property can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to the end of lease cleaning.
One of the most critical factors determining how much of your deposit you will receive back is the condition in which you leave the place.
That’s why it’s crucial to ensure everything is spotless and in excellent condition for the final inspection. And while it’s essential to clean the entire unit, certain areas require special attention.
In this article, we’ll focus on the five important rooms to clean for tenants before leaving their rental property.
The kitchen
This is perhaps the most important room on the property. Your landlord will pay the most attention to it because it’s one of the most used areas in any home.
- Start by removing all the items from the cabinets and drawers, and then wipe the surfaces using a damp cloth. Check for any stains or spills on the countertops, stove, and sink. Use appropriate cleaning solutions to remove the stains and dirt.
- Next, focus on the oven, one of the most challenging appliances to clean in the kitchen. If it has a self-cleaning function, run it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps loosen any food residue and grease, which can be easily wiped away afterwards. Otherwise, use a heavy-duty oven cleaner to remove the grime and stains. Take out all the trays and clean each individually.
- Similarly, clean the microwave by removing any food stains or spills. To loosen grime effectively, try this handy tip: place a bowl of water and detergent in the microwave and set the timer for one minute. The mixture’s steam will help soften and remove the grime easily.
- Then it’s time for the fridge and freezer. Remove all the shelves and put them on one side. Thoroughly wash the interior using a damp cloth. Make sure that you don’t miss any food debris. After that, wipe down each of the shelves you removed and put them back in.
- Don’t miss cleaning the sink and the drain deep. Remove any accumulated stains and dirt by wiping them off. To prevent any unpleasant smells, use drain-unclogging detergent. Also, wipe down the light fixtures and frequently used surfaces such as door knobs and switches.
- Finish cleaning the kitchen by vacuuming and mopping the floor.
The bathrooms
This should be your second priority during the end of lease cleaning.
Before you begin washing, remove items that don’t belong to your landlord. This includes toilet rolls and towels.
- Start by cleaning the toilet bowl and tank with a toilet cleaner.
- Then, scrub the sink, shower, and bathtub with a suitable cleaning solution.
- Also, remove all the hairs from the drains and carefully apply bleach and disinfectant.
- Clean any mould or mildew from the tiles, showerhead, and grout using a specialised detergent.
- Polish the taps and any other chrome fixtures.
- After that, clean the exhaust fan and the vents to remove accumulated dust or dirt.
- It’s also vital that you clean the bathroom window, which is often missed by tenants. When you have a shower, the entire bathroom becomes moist and warm. Over time this causes mould to form on the sealant on the windows, which you need to get rid of. Take a cloth, put some professional standard solution on it and scrub till the mould it’s gone.
The bedrooms
The bedroom is where we spend most of our time and deserves a deep cleaning at the end of the lease.
- Start by stripping and washing the bed linens, pillows, and blankets.
- It’s also essential to clean the mattress, often overlooked during regular cleaning. Use a mattress cleaner to remove any stains or odours that may have accumulated over time.
- Furthermore, dust the bedroom furniture, including the dressers, nightstands, and closet shelves, to ensure no dust or dirt particles are left behind.
- Don’t forget to wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth or a furniture polish to give them a fresh and clean look.
- Finally, clean the floors, including any carpeted areas, by sweeping or vacuuming. Pay extra attention to corners, baseboards, and under the bed, where dust and dirt accumulate. Make no mistake that your landlord will take the time to check every nook and cranny.
The living room
The living room is the area where most of the guests gather. Thus, it should be clean and presentable.
First things first, you need to remove all your possessions. Once you’ve done that, the real work can begin.
- Start by dusting the ceiling, walls, and baseboards.
- Clean the windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces with a suitable cleaner.
- Similarly, remove any dust or stains from the furniture, including the couch, chairs, and tables.
- Clean all wooden surfaces with a specialist cleaning solution, so they shine.
- Pay special attention to the sofa. Vacuum it from top to bottom. Then take off the cushions and go underneath them. Afterwards, move the whole sofa to one side so you can get to the surface beneath. There’s sure to be a significant accumulation of dust.
- Vacuum the floors and carpets.
- Don’t forget to clean any electronics, such as TV, stereo, or speakers, using a soft cloth.
The dining room
The final step, you’re almost there!
The dining room’s centrepiece is undoubtedly the table, which should be given special attention during the cleaning process.
- Start by dusting the table and thoroughly wiping it down, paying attention to any hard-to-reach areas or stains.
- In addition, don’t forget to clean the skirting boards of the room and the carpet. Skirting boards accumulate dust and dirt over time, so thoroughly wipe them down.
- If your dining room has carpeting, vacuum or steam clean it to ensure it’s spotless.
- Finally, dust and wipe the blinds down to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated.
Final thoughts
Leave your rental property in good condition to avoid any disputes regarding the security deposit with your landlord.
This will help you get your full bond back and leave a positive impression on your landlord, which could be helpful for future references.
By paying attention to specific areas and following these cleaning tips, you can ensure that your rental unit is spotless and make moving out hassle-free.
