Table of Contents
Introduction
Moving out of a rental property in the Gold Coast involves more than just packing your belongings; it requires leaving the property in immaculate condition to meet landlord expectations and secure your bond refund. Bond cleaning is a detailed process, and missing even small areas can result in disputes or deductions.
This comprehensive checklist is designed to guide tenants through the essential steps of bond cleaning in Gold Coast ensuring a spotless property and a stress-free move-out experience.
Checklist for Bond Cleaning in Gold Coast
1. Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen is one of the most scrutinized areas during a bond cleaning inspection. Grime, grease, and food residue can easily build up, so it’s essential to leave this space spotless.
Tasks to Complete:
- Oven and Stovetop: Deep-clean the oven, removing baked-on grease and stains. Degrease the stovetop and clean the rangehood filters.
- Cabinets and Drawers: Wipe down the interiors and exteriors of all cabinets and drawers. Ensure no crumbs or spills are left behind.
- Countertops and Splashbacks: Scrub all surfaces, removing grease, stains, and grime.
- Sink and Taps: Clean and polish the sink and taps. Remove any stains, limescale, or water spots.
- Refrigerator (if included): Defrost and thoroughly clean the refrigerator, ensuring it’s free of food, odors, and grime.
Pro Tip:
Use a vinegar and baking soda mixture to remove stubborn grease and odors from kitchen appliances.
2. Bathroom Cleaning
Bathrooms are another high-priority area during inspections. They must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate mold, soap scum, and grime.
Tasks to Complete:
- Toilet, Bathtub, and Shower: Scrub and disinfect all surfaces, including shower walls, doors, and screens. Pay extra attention to soap scum and limescale buildup.
- Tiles and Grout: Remove mold and grime from tiles and grout lines using specialized cleaning agents.
- Mirrors and Fixtures: Clean mirrors for a streak-free shine and polish all taps and fixtures.
- Floors: Mop and sanitize bathroom floors, ensuring no residue is left behind.
Pro Tip:
A mixture of white vinegar and water can effectively remove limescale and mold from tiles and shower screens.
3. Living Areas and Bedrooms
Living spaces and bedrooms require detailed attention to ensure all surfaces are clean and dust-free.
Tasks to Complete:
- Dusting: Dust all surfaces, including skirting boards, shelves, and ceiling fans.
- Doors and Light Switches: Wipe down doors, handles, and light switches to remove fingerprints and marks.
- Windows and Tracks: Clean both sides of windows, paying special attention to tracks and frames.
- Floors: Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. Address any stains or scuff marks on floors or walls.
Pro Tip:
Use a microfiber cloth for dusting to capture particles effectively without spreading them.
Air Conditioners, Exhaust Fans, and Vents
These fixtures often collect dust, pet hair, and grime, so they’re key areas to address during a bond clean.
- Air Conditioners: Wipe exterior surfaces and vents, clean filters with warm water, and let them dry fully before reinstalling.
- Exhaust Fans: Remove and wash covers, then wipe fan blades gently with a damp cloth.
- Vents: Dust and wipe covers clean; if removable, wash and dry them before placing back.
Keeping these areas clean improves air quality and ensures your property meets inspection standards.
You may also like to read about-“The True Bond Cleaning cost and Everything You Need To Know”
4. Outdoor Areas
Outdoor areas are often overlooked but are just as important as indoor spaces during a bond cleaning inspection.
Tasks to Complete:
- Patios and Balconies: Sweep and clean all outdoor surfaces, removing dirt, leaves, and debris.
- Cobweb Removal: Remove cobwebs from exterior walls, ceilings, and light fixtures.
- Gardens and Lawns: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and weed garden beds if applicable.
- Garage Floors: Sweep and clean the garage floor, removing stains and oil spills.
Pro Tip:
A pressure washer is highly effective for cleaning driveways, patios, and exterior walls.
5. Specialized Cleaning Tasks
Certain areas and items may require extra attention, especially if outlined in your lease agreement.
What to Include:
- Carpet Cleaning: Use steam cleaning to remove deep-set dirt, stains, and odors from carpets. Some leases may require professional carpet cleaning, so check your agreement.
- Pest Control: If pets were allowed in the property, pest control may be mandatory. Ensure this is addressed before the inspection.
- Tile and Grout Cleaning: Use strong but safe cleaning solutions to tackle grime and mold on tiles and grout in kitchens and bathrooms.
Pro Tip:
For carpets and tiles, consider renting professional-grade equipment if you’re cleaning them yourself to achieve better results.
You may also like to read about-“Bond Cleaning How Much Does It Cost And What is Included”
What’s Not Usually Included in a Standard Bond Clean
A standard bond clean covers most household areas but excludes certain tasks that require extra time, effort, or equipment.
Common Exclusions:
- Blind Stain Removal: Only dusting is included; deep stain removal needs a specialist.
- Sticker and Hook Removal: Usually avoided to prevent wall damage and may cost extra.
- Heavy Furniture Shifting: Large items like sofas or beds aren’t moved for safety reasons.
- Ceiling Cleaning: Not part of standard cleaning unless specifically requested.
- Tile and Grout Deep Cleaning: Basic scrubbing is included, but stain restoration is extra.
It’s best to confirm details in advance and review your lease requirements to avoid surprises during inspection.
6. Addressing Coastal Challenges
The Gold Coast’s coastal environment presents unique cleaning challenges, such as salt residue and humidity-related issues like mold. These problems must be tackled to meet inspection standards.
Why It’s Important:
- Salt buildup can corrode windows, doors, and outdoor furniture, affecting their appearance.
- Humidity fosters mold growth in areas like bathrooms, basements, and around windows.
Tasks to Complete:
- Salt Residue: Use a vinegar-water solution to clean windows, outdoor furniture, and other affected areas.
- Mold Removal: Check damp-prone areas and use mold removers or natural solutions like tea tree oil to eliminate mold.
Pro Tip:
Regular ventilation and the use of a dehumidifier can prevent mold buildup in coastal areas.
7. Final Inspection Checklist
Once all cleaning tasks are complete, conduct a thorough walkthrough of the property. This step ensures you haven’t missed anything and provides an opportunity to fix any issues before the final inspection.
Tasks to Complete:
- Inspect each room against your checklist, focusing on high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and living spaces.
- Double-check often-overlooked areas such as window tracks, skirting boards, and behind appliances.
- Take photos of the cleaned property to document its condition for your records.
Pro Tip:
Use the property condition report (PCR) from the start of your lease as a reference during the walkthrough to ensure the property matches its original state.
8. Consider Hiring Professionals
If you’re short on time or lack the tools and expertise to clean thoroughly, hiring professional bond cleaners is a worthwhile investment.
Why It’s Beneficial:
- Expertise: Professional cleaners are skilled in handling all aspects of bond cleaning, from carpets to window tracks.
- Bond-Back Guarantee: Many cleaning services offer a guarantee, meaning they’ll re-clean at no extra cost if the property manager isn’t satisfied.
- Time-Saving: Professionals complete the job quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.
What to Look For:
- Choose a service experienced in Gold Coast properties to ensure familiarity with local requirements.
- Check reviews and testimonials to select a trusted provider.
Conclusion
A comprehensive bond cleaning checklist for Gold Coast is your key to leaving your rental property in pristine condition. By tackling each area methodically—kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, outdoor areas, and addressing coastal challenges—you can meet your landlord’s expectations and maximize your chances of securing your full bond refund. Whether you decide to clean yourself or hire professionals, attention to detail and thorough preparation are essential for success.
Taking the time to clean thoroughly or enlisting professional help ensures a smooth handover process and provides peace of mind as you transition to your next home.
