Table of Contents
Introduction
Bond cleaning is an essential part of moving out of a rental property in the Gold Coast. A thorough clean is not just about making the property look presentable, but about securing your bond refund. Landlords and property managers expect the property to be left in excellent condition, and ensuring it is spotless can be a cleaning service task. To help you navigate this process smoothly, here are the top 10 tips for bond cleaning tips in Gold Coast that will ensure your property is ready for inspection and increase your chances of getting your full bond back.
Bond Cleaning in Gold Coast Tips
1. Start Early and Plan Ahead
Why It’s Important:
Bond cleaning is a time-consuming task, especially if you’re leaving a large property or one that’s heavily soiled. Trying to clean everything at the last minute could lead to missed areas and a rushed job, which may affect the inspection.
How to Do It:
- Create a cleaning checklist: Make a detailed list of all the areas and items that need attention. Break them down into manageable sections like bathrooms, kitchen, and outdoor areas.
- Allocate specific days: Set aside certain days for different tasks, such as one day for deep cleaning the kitchen and another for carpets.
- Gather cleaning supplies early: Having your cleaning tools and products ready in advance will save you time and stress.
Preparing the Property: Your Responsibilities
Before the cleaners arrive, there are a few essential things for you to take care of to ensure a smooth and efficient cleaning process.
Heavy Items:
If you have furniture or appliances heavier than 5 kilograms think couches, fridges, or wardrobes it’s important that you move them prior to the cleaning appointment. This makes those tricky spots behind and beneath items accessible, allowing the cleaners to deliver a comprehensive clean. If needed, please move them back into place once everything is spotless.
Cupboards and Cabinets:
To guarantee the inside of your kitchen cupboards and storage areas are cleaned thoroughly, it’s best to empty these spaces beforehand. Place items safely out of the way, ideally in another room or clearly in front of the cupboard, so nothing gets damaged during the clean.
A Note About Liability:
While every care is taken during your clean, please remember that the cleaners cannot be responsible for any items left inside cupboards or for moving fragile possessions. Taking a little time to prepare the property helps protect your belongings and ensures every nook and cranny gets the attention it deserves.
You may also like to read about- “A Comprehensive Checklist for Bond Cleaning in Gold Coast”
2. Pay Attention to Gold Coast’s Coastal Challenges
Salt Buildup:
Being a coastal city, Gold Coast properties often deal with salt residue from the ocean. Over time, this can accumulate on windows, outdoor furniture, and patios, affecting their appearance.
How to Tackle It:
- Clean windows thoroughly: Use a glass cleaner to remove any salt buildup from windows and glass surfaces. Don’t forget to clean the window frames and tracks as well.
- Outdoor furniture and surfaces: Wipe down and wash outdoor furniture and any exposed surfaces like patios or balconies to remove salt stains.
Humidity-Related Mold:
Due to the subtropical climate, Gold Coast properties are prone to mold and mildew, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
How to Tackle It:
- Mold removal: Use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean tiles, grout, and other surfaces prone to mold. For more stubborn mold, consider using a commercial mold cleaner.
3. Use the Property Condition Report as a Guide
Why It’s Important:
The Property Condition Report (PCR) is a vital document that details the property’s condition when you moved in. It serves as the baseline for the final inspection and is an essential reference for bond cleaning.
Understanding Normal ‘Wear and Tear’ in Bond Cleaning
Bond cleaning focuses on returning a property to its condition at the start of the tenancy, allowing for normal wear and tear. Some changes, like discoloured grout, toilets, or plastic surfaces and minor wall marks, are considered everyday aging and aren’t expected to be fully removed. As long as the property is clean and well maintained, these signs of age typically won’t affect your bond.
How to Do It:
- Review the PCR: Go through the report thoroughly to identify any areas that were noted as needing attention at the start of your tenancy. This helps you focus your efforts on areas that need extra care.
- Match the original condition: Try to return the property to the condition it was in when you first moved in, especially in terms of cleanliness.
Bond Cleaning Inclusions for Furnished Properties
For fully furnished rentals, bond cleaning includes:
- Dusting and wiping furniture: Couches, tables, shelves, and entertainment units.
- Cleaning inside cupboards: Empty items first, then wipe shelves thoroughly.
- Extra care for personal items: Handle furniture and belongings carefully.
Pro Tip: Organize contents before cleaning to ensure a thorough, safe job.
Items Not Covered During Furnished Property Cleaning
When it comes to bond cleaning in furnished properties, there are certain exclusions to be aware of especially if you haven’t arranged for extra services in advance.
What’s Usually Excluded?
- Personal décor and decorative items: This includes ornaments, photo frames, vases, clocks, lamps, and fruit bowls. These “nick knacks” are generally left untouched to avoid accidental damage and due to their often delicate or sentimental nature.
- Linen and soft furnishings: Items like bed linen, decorative cushions, and throws aren’t included in standard cleaning. If these need laundering or special attention, it’s something you’ll want to discuss with your cleaning service ahead of time.
- Cupboards and drawers with contents: Cleaners typically won’t empty and clean inside cupboards, drawers, or storage units if personal belongings, kitchenware, or other items are still inside. For a thorough clean, ensure these areas are empty before cleaning begins.
- Kitchenware and utensils: If the kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, cutlery, or other equipment, these items won’t be individually washed or handled unless organized separately.
By understanding these exclusions, you can better prepare your furnished property for inspection, ensuring there are no last-minute surprises or missed spots that could impact your bond return.
You may also like to read about- “How to Choose the Best Bond Cleaning Service in the Gold Coast”
4. Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important areas to focus on when bond cleaning. A dirty kitchen can result in significant bond deductions.
Focus Areas:
- Oven, stovetop, and range hood: These are high-priority areas where grease and food residue build-up. Use a degreaser or oven cleaner to tackle tough grime.
- Cupboards and drawers: Empty them and wipe down the interiors to remove crumbs, spills, or stains.
- Sink and taps: Polish the sink and taps to remove watermarks and stains. A mixture of baking soda and water can work wonders for stubborn stains.
5. Tackle Bathrooms Thoroughly
Bathrooms are another area where landlords scrutinize cleanliness. A thorough clean will leave the property looking fresh and hygienic.
Focus Areas:
- Tiles and grout: Scrub the tiles and grout to remove soap scum, mold, and mildew. For grout stains, you can use a baking soda paste.
- Shower screens and mirrors: Clean these surfaces with a glass cleaner for a streak-free finish.
- Toilets: Disinfect the toilet thoroughly, including the bowl, seat, and handle. Don’t forget to clean the surrounding areas and the floor.
6. Don’t Forget Small Details
Small details often get overlooked during cleaning, but they can have a big impact on the inspection outcome.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Light switches, door handles, and power outlets: These areas often collect dust and grime, so make sure to clean them carefully.
- Air vents and skirting boards: Dust and wipe down air vents and skirting boards, which can accumulate dust and cobwebs.
- Window tracks: If your property has sliding windows, ensure that the tracks are clean, as dirt can easily build up here.
How Blinds and Specialty Cleaning Tasks Are Handled
- Blinds: Standard dustable blinds are included; Venetian, roller, or delicate blinds usually require a separate quote.
- Specialty Tasks: Carpet/upholstery cleaning, pool, garden, rubbish removal, and pest control are extra services.
- Furnished Properties: Extra rooms/items may need separate quotes.
- Tip: Always check your quote if it’s not listed, it’s not included.
Clarifying these upfront ensures your property is fully inspection-ready.
Are Ceilings and High Areas Included in a Bond Clean?
Standard bond cleaning doesn’t cover ceilings or hard-to-reach areas, including upper windows, fans, or light fittings that require ladders. Safety is the priority.
Tip: Ask about add-on services or handle safely yourself before inspection.
7. Clean Carpets and Floors Professionally
Carpet and floor cleaning can make or break your bond cleaning efforts. Stains, dirt, and allergens can be a red flag for landlords during the inspection.
How to Do It:
- Hire professional cleaners: If your lease agreement specifies carpet cleaning, or if your carpets are heavily soiled, hire a professional carpet cleaner. They have the equipment and expertise to remove deep stains and dirt.
- Mop and polish hard floors: If your property has hard flooring, give it a good mop. For tiles, make sure to clean the grout as well. If necessary, hire a professional floor cleaner for a more polished finish.
8. Refresh Outdoor Areas
Outdoor areas are often overlooked but play a big part in creating a positive impression.
Focus Areas:
- Patios, balconies, and driveways: Sweep and pressure wash these surfaces to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. This is especially important in coastal areas, where salt and sand can accumulate quickly.
- Gardens: Trim any overgrown hedges, mow the lawn, and remove weeds. A tidy outdoor space adds to the property’s overall appeal.
Are Additional Services Like Pest Control and Pool Maintenance Included?
It’s important to note that certain tasks often fall outside the standard bond cleaning checklist. Services such as pest control, pool maintenance, garden care, and rubbish removal are typically considered extra and require a separate quote. This means that unless specifically detailed in your agreement or quote, these services won’t be automatically included in your bond clean.
Some other examples of separately quoted services include:
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Blinds (such as Venetians)
- Pressure washing
- Garden and lawn care
- Pool servicing
- Removal of large rubbish items
If your property is furnished or requires any specialist cleaning, expect these to be listed as additional services as well. Always double-check with your cleaning provider to ensure nothing gets left off your quote it’s better to clarify up front than be surprised later!
You may also like to read about- “Bond Cleaning Gold Coast: Hidden Spots That Risk Your Bond”
9. Consider Hiring Professional Bond Cleaners
While you can tackle many aspects of bond cleaning yourself, professional cleaners can handle everything with expertise and precision.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Bond-back guarantee: Many professional cleaning companies offer a bond-back guarantee. If your landlord isn’t satisfied with the cleaning, they will return and re-clean at no extra cost.
- Time-saving: Professional cleaners take care of the hard work for you, allowing you to focus on packing and other moving tasks.
How to Choose:
- Opt for local cleaning services in the Gold Coast that are familiar with the specific challenges of coastal cleaning.
Common Bond Cleaning Exclusions
Standard bond cleaning usually doesn’t cover:
- Deep mould or persistent damp spots
- Full wall cleaning or significant stains
- Discoloured grout, toilets, or plastic fittings
- Stains on porous surfaces (e.g., stone tiles)
- Ceilings, hazardous areas, or high spots
- Garage walls and floors (unless arranged)
- Specialist services like pressure cleaning, repairs, or repainting
- Personal items, fridges, or furniture
- Cabinets or decorative items in furnished properties
Knowing these exclusions helps you plan ahead and arrange any specialist services if needed.
What’s Not Covered Under Cleaning Guarantees?
Most bond cleaning guarantees don’t include:
- Kitchenware and cupboards still full
- Decorative items like ornaments, picture frames, vases, lamps, clocks, or linens
- Oven glass and doors (beyond surface cleaning)
- Personal or soft furnishings like blankets and throws
Knowing these exclusions helps you handle finishing touches before the final inspection.
What Can Affect Your Bond Refund After Cleaning?
Even after a professional clean, some factors can impact your bond:
- Settled dust on surfaces
- Dead insects or new cobwebs
- Dirt tracked in by people or contractors
- Fresh animal messes or marks
- Access by others causing mess or damage
Tip: Limit property access and keep everything closed until the final inspection to protect your bond.
What Additional Services Can You Request?
Beyond a standard bond clean, optional services include:
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Venetian, vertical, or roller blind cleaning
- Pool and garden maintenance
- Rubbish removal
- Pest control
- Pressure washing
- Specialty requests like minor repairs
Tip: Only services listed in your quote are included request anything extra upfront to avoid surprises.
Can Cleaning Companies Handle Last-Minute or Urgent Bond Cleaning?
Yes! Many professional cleaners offer same-day or next-day bookings and have efficient teams to complete the job quickly. Reputable services often provide bond back guarantees and follow-up support for peace of mind.
Tip: Book early when possible, but urgent cleanings are usually manageable.
What Should You Expect from Professional Bond Cleaners?
When choosing professional bond cleaners, it’s important to look for more than just a sparkling mop and bucket. Leading cleaning services on the Gold Coast (and everywhere else) typically ensure their staff are:
- Police-verified and background checked: This gives you peace of mind that trustworthy people are entering your home.
- Fully insured and licensed: Proper insurance protects both you and the cleaners from any accidental damage or rogue runaway vacuums.
- Trained for end-of-lease cleaning: The best companies invest in thorough training, so their teams know exactly what real estate agents and landlords expect.
- Experienced with all property types: Whether you’re moving out of a high-rise beachfront apartment, a cozy “shoebox” unit, or a sprawling duplex, their expertise should cover it all.
Checking for these qualifications means you can hand over the scrubbing gloves, knowing your place is in good and thoroughly vetted hands.
10. Conduct a Final Walkthrough
Before the landlord arrives for the final inspection, make sure to do a thorough walkthrough of the property.
Why It’s Important:
A final check helps ensure you didn’t miss anything and gives you the chance to fix minor issues that could result in bond deductions.
How to Do It:
- Use your cleaning checklist and PCR: Cross-check everything to ensure all areas have been cleaned.
- Fix minor issues immediately: If you notice any missed spots or areas that need a touch-up, clean them up before your landlord inspects.
Bonus Tip:
Keep Documentation
If you hire professional cleaners, retain the receipts and any service records as proof of compliance with your lease agreement. This documentation can be helpful in case any issues arise during the inspection.
Conclusion
Bond cleaning in the Gold Coast is a detailed and essential process that requires time, effort, and attention to detail. By following these top 10 bond cleaning tips, you can ensure your rental property is left in pristine condition and maximize your chances of securing your full bond refund. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals, planning ahead and focusing on key areas will make the process much easier.
For expert bond cleaning services in the Gold Coast, consider reaching out to local cleaning professionals who understand the region’s unique cleaning challenges and guarantee exceptional results.
Turn dust and grime into dazzle! Schedule your cleaning today and experience a home that truly sparkles.
