Moving out is stressful enough without the added worry of whether you’ll get your bond back. In most cases, the biggest reason tenants lose part of their bond is that the property wasn’t returned in the same condition it was received. Cleaning is a big part of that.
The good news is that a thorough clean, done methodically, covers most of what property managers are looking for. Here’s what to work through.
Start With the Kitchen
The kitchen is usually where the most attention is needed and where cleaning is most commonly underestimated. Work from top to bottom.
Clean the rangehood filter — this often gets ignored and it’s one of the first things an inspector looks at. Degrease the stovetop and oven thoroughly, including the racks, trays, and the interior of the oven door. Clean inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers, including the hinges. Wipe down the benchtops, splashback, and the exterior of any appliances that are staying with the property.
The fridge and dishwasher, if they came with the property, need to be cleaned inside and out. Don’t forget underneath and behind the fridge if it’s moveable.
Bathrooms and Toilets
Soap scum, mould, and limescale are the main things to tackle here. Scrub tiles and grout, especially in the shower and around the bath. Clean the toilet thoroughly — bowl, seat, lid, and the base. Wipe down the vanity, taps, and mirror.
Exhaust fans collect a lot of dust that most people never clean. If there’s an exhaust fan in the bathroom or toilet, clean the cover. Check for any mould on the ceiling and treat it before you leave.
All Rooms
Vacuum all floors, including under and behind any furniture that’s staying. Mop hard floors after vacuuming. Clean inside all wardrobes and cupboards — including shelves and tracks. Wipe down windowsills, window frames, and clean both sides of the windows if possible.
Check the walls for any marks that can be cleaned off. Some marks come off easily with a damp cloth; others need a magic eraser or sugar soap. Don’t use anything abrasive on painted walls without testing it first.
Clean all light switches and power points. They pick up a lot of grime over time and are often noticed during inspections.
Don’t Overlook These Areas
Some things routinely get missed in move-out cleans. Skirting boards collect dust along the top edge. Door frames and the tops of doors accumulate dust that’s invisible at eye level. Ceiling fans need their blades wiped. Fly screens should be removed and washed if they’re dirty. Outdoor areas, including patios, balconies, and any garden areas, need to be cleared of rubbish and left tidy.
If the property has a garage or storage area, clean those out and sweep them. Marks on garage floors from oil or tyre residue can sometimes be an issue — check your lease to understand what you’re responsible for.
Professional Cleaning vs Doing It Yourself
Some leases require a professional clean as a condition of the tenancy. Even when it’s not required, hiring professional cleaners for a move-out is often worth the cost. They work faster, they know what inspectors look for, and they carry the right equipment for jobs like oven cleaning and carpet steam cleaning.
If you do hire professionals, check whether they offer a guarantee for bond returns. Many professional cleaning companies will return to rectify any issues raised by the property manager before the inspection closes, which takes a lot of uncertainty out of the process.
Timing Your Clean
Schedule your clean after you’ve moved your furniture out but before your final inspection. Cleaning around furniture leaves spots that are visible once the property is empty.
Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Most people underestimate how long a thorough move-out clean takes, especially if it’s been a while since the deep areas of the property were attended to. Starting a day or two before your inspection gives you a buffer to go back and fix anything you missed.