How to Prepare Your Rental for a Smooth Move-Out Cleaning

Moving house can be exciting yet demanding because there is a lot of work involved. Among the numerous tasks to check off the list, cleaning the rental property should be the primary focus to get the rental bond back. However, end of tenancy cleaning is not as simple as regular house cleaning. It is common for tenants to overlook a few areas during routine maintenance, which can lead to rental bond deductions.

Besides basic tasks like dusting and vacuuming, deep cleaning the entire property is the best way tenants can resolve this issue. Hiring experts for professional end of lease cleaning Geelong is often recommended in such cases.

However, for DIY cleaning, it is important to utilise expert-recommended tips. Here is how to prepare your rental for a smooth move-out cleaning. It will help you get all your bond money back.

1. Create and Follow a Checklist

Tenants can easily feel overwhelmed and stressed just by thinking about the number of tasks they need to do before the move. They may also stress about missing any crucial chore. Creating and following a checklist is recommended for streamlining end of tenancy cleaning because it will ensure nothing gets missed.

Not only should it include the basic tasks of sweeping and vacuuming all the rooms, but tenants should also complete the following:

• Utilise soapy, warm water and a washcloth to wipe the baseboards.
• Deep clean the carpets.
• Empty the trash.
• Scrub the tiles and sinks in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Vacuum or sweep the closets.
• Dust the higher surfaces, including light fixtures, tops of ceiling fans, air vents, ceiling corners, top of the refrigerator, etc.
• Eliminate any smudges from the window glass and clean the sills.
• Sweep the balcony.
• Pressure wash the patio.
• Get repairs done, especially the ones that are highlighted as your responsibility in the lease agreement.

2. Scrub Walls and Floors

Floors and walls get abused a lot, which is why they require extra attention during cleaning. Here are some things to do to achieve a thorough clean:

• Use a sponge or mop along with a cleaning product designed specifically for tiles.
• Use an old toothbrush and a grout cleaner to easily reach all the cracks between tiles.
• Wipe away the cleaner remnants with a moist cloth.

In case this method fails, utilise a steam cleaner on kitchen floors and bathroom tiled walls. Steam cleaning is perfect for eliminating stuck-on dirt and grease that any standard method does not remove, which is why it is used for budget end of lease cleaning Geelong. After completion, ensure the surfaces are dry before proceeding to the next step.

3. Ensure the Glass Surfaces are Streak-Free

Focusing on glass surfaces like windows and mirrors is crucial to ensuring the rental property looks as good as when your tenancy started. It is important to use the right supplies to achieve streak-free results. This includes:

• Paper towels
• A ladder
• DIY glass cleaner (mixture of distilled white vinegar and a very little amount of dish soap)
• Microfibre cloths
• Rubber gloves

Start by spraying the glass cleaning solution directly on each side of the window or mirror. A gentle spray is crucial to ensure that the liquid does not run down surfaces like walls or floors. Next, use a microfiber cloth in circular motions to wipe away any dirt. After that, flip over the cloth to buff out any streaks until the surfaces are spotless.

4. Thoroughly Clean the Appliances and Fixtures

Deep cleaning the appliances at the end of tenancy is very important yet challenging, which is why many tenants prefer hiring experts for the best end of lease cleaning. Here is how to clean them:

Stovetop

Utilise a degreasing cleaner to get rid of the grease build-up on the cooking surface and around the burners. Remember to deep clean the interior of the oven as well.

Dishwasher

Run a cycle with vinegar to eliminate the trapped food particles or remnants. It will ensure that the dishwasher smells fresh while reducing the chances of future clogs.

Refrigerator

Remove everything from the refrigerator and discard all the old and expired food items. Then, use a mixture of baking soda and water to wipe down the drawers and shelves to eliminate the bad odours caused by spoiled foods. Do not forget to scrub the outside of the fridge as well.

Light Fixtures

Remove the dust from the light bulbs before unscrewing them. Next, soak them in soapy water for at least 20 minutes. Follow up by wiping them with a moist cloth. Use an old toothbrush to get into the hard-to-reach areas, such as lampshades.

Bathroom Fixtures

According to professionals who do cheap end of lease cleaning Geelong, tenants should use a homemade cleaner to clean the toilet bowl. Next, dip a cloth in warm, soapy water and wipe the faucets. Finally, remove the shower head and soak it in vinegar before reinstalling.

A Tenant’s Guide: Preparing Your Rental Property for End of Tenancy Cleaning

Wrapping up

Preparing your rental property for a smooth move-out cleaning requires strategic planning and proper execution. So, follow the tips from this post to pass the final rental inspection.