Moving out of a rental property can be stressful, especially when it comes to end of lease cleaning. Ensuring the property is in perfect condition is essential for securing your bond refund. To help you through the process, here’s the ultimate checklist for end of lease cleaning. Use it to guide you through every cleaning task to make sure nothing is overlooked.
1. Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen is one of the most critical areas in end of lease cleaning. Ensure every nook and cranny is spotless.
Checklist:
- Oven: Clean the oven thoroughly, including the racks and trays. Use a degreaser to remove built-up grease.
- Stovetop: Wipe down the stovetop and ensure burners are free of food spills.
- Rangehood and Exhaust Fan: Degrease the rangehood filters and wipe down the fan.
- Cabinets: Wipe down all cabinet surfaces, inside and out, removing crumbs, grease, and grime.
- Sink and Taps: Scrub the sink, faucets, and surrounding surfaces to remove stains and soap scum.
- Dishwasher: Clean the dishwasher, including filters, trays, and seals. Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner if needed.
- Floors: Sweep and mop the floors thoroughly, paying extra attention to grout and tiles.
2. Bathroom Cleaning
Bathrooms are high-priority areas during inspections, so make sure they are spotless and sanitized.
Checklist:
- Toilet: Scrub the toilet bowl, cistern, and around the base. Don’t forget the toilet seat and lid.
- Shower and Bathtub: Scrub the shower walls, glass doors, and bathtub, removing soap scum and mildew.
- Sink: Clean the bathroom sink and vanity, removing toothpaste and soap residues.
- Mirrors: Wipe mirrors and glass surfaces free of streaks and smudges.
- Tiles and Grout: Clean tiles and grout, removing mold or stains.
- Flooring: Sweep and mop the floor, paying attention to corners and edges.
3. Bedroom Cleaning
Although less intensive than other rooms, the bedroom should still be cleaned thoroughly.
Checklist:
- Dusting: Dust all surfaces, including shelves, skirting boards, and light fixtures.
- Wardrobes and Drawers: Wipe down the insides of wardrobes, closets, and drawers, removing any dust or leftover items.
- Floors: Vacuum carpets or rugs, and mop hard floors.
- Windows: Clean windows and sills to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Light Switches and Door Handles: Wipe down light switches, power outlets, and door handles for cleanliness.
4. Living Room Cleaning
The living room can accumulate dust and dirt, especially in corners and on furniture.
Checklist:
- Dusting: Dust all furniture, electronics, and surfaces. Don’t forget hard-to-reach areas like shelves and baseboards.
- Upholstery: Vacuum sofas and chairs, paying attention to cracks and crevices. Consider steam cleaning upholstered furniture for a deep clean.
- Floors: Vacuum carpets or rugs, and mop hard floors.
- Windows: Clean windows, removing any smudges and dust from sills.
- Light Fixtures: Clean and wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fans.
5. General Areas
Don’t forget to check common areas, hallways, and entryways for dust and dirt.
Checklist:
- Walls and Doors: Wipe down walls and doors to remove fingerprints, marks, or stains.
- Skirting Boards: Clean skirting boards in every room.
- Light Fixtures: Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Air Vents: Clean air vents and remove any dust buildup.
6. Floors and Carpets
Clean floors in all rooms, as they are one of the most noticeable features in any home.
Checklist:
- Carpets: Vacuum carpets thoroughly, paying attention to edges and corners. Consider steam cleaning if there are stains.
- Hard Floors: Sweep and mop hard floors, ensuring they are free of dirt and debris.
- Grout and Tiles: Scrub grout and tiles, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
7. Windows and Glass
Clean windows and glass surfaces to ensure they are streak-free and clear.
Checklist:
- Windows: Clean both the inside and outside of windows, using a window cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
- Glass Doors: Wipe down sliding glass doors, ensuring they are free of smudges and fingerprints.
- Mirrors: Clean mirrors in bathrooms and other rooms, removing streaks and spots.
8. Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
If your rental property has outdoor spaces, make sure they are well-maintained.
Checklist:
- Patios and Balconies: Sweep and clean any outdoor surfaces, removing dirt and debris.
- Gardens: Trim any overgrown plants, remove weeds, and tidy up the garden.
- BBQ or Outdoor Furniture: Clean outdoor furniture and BBQ grills.
- Garage: Sweep the garage floor, remove any items, and clean the walls.
9. Final Inspection
Once you’ve completed all the cleaning tasks, do a final inspection of the property.
Checklist:
- Walkthrough: Conduct a thorough walkthrough to ensure everything is cleaned according to your landlord’s standards.
- Check for Missed Spots: Look for any overlooked areas, such as behind furniture, inside cabinets, or light fixtures.
- Clean Smells: Ensure the property smells fresh, with no lingering pet odors or food smells.
Conclude with Professional Service
End-of-lease cleaning is a detailed task that requires attention to every corner of the property. With this ultimate checklist, you can ensure that your rental is cleaned to perfection, giving you the best chance of securing your bond back. If you want to save time and ensure a flawless result, consider hiring a professional end of lease cleaning Torquay service that specializes in end of lease cleaning. They can handle all the heavy lifting and guarantee that your property meets your landlord’s high standards.