The DIY Guide to End Of Lease Cleaning

Want to save some money when moving house? Have some spare time before your lease end date? Then you’ll probably want to handle the end of lease cleaning yourself. DIY End Of Lease Cleaning.

But end of lease cleaning isn’t exactly your everyday cleaning session. Any missed spots or oversights could result in you losing part of your bond – and that expense may even outweigh the costs of end of lease cleaning services. So the question is what exactly do you need to do to get your bond back in full? 

The short answer is clean everything. Thankfully, you can make it simpler by breaking down the work into three sections: general interiors, kitchen, and bathrooms. Each takes some special equipment and chemicals, so you can even do all three at once if you help on hand.

Stick with us as we outline our top tips and strategies for going DIY with your end of lease clean using DIY natural cleaning products.

Preparing for your DIY End Of Lease Clean

Before we get into the nitty gritty, you’ll want to first make sure that you’ve packed the bulk of your personal belongings away and checked the End of lease cleaning checklist. This means reorganising furniture so you can conduct a deeper clean without having to move around obstacles. If you’re living in a compact space and would have to hire moving vans before you can conduct a DIY clean, then factor this into your moving timeline.

And what if you still have plenty to sort through even after your furniture has been relocated? Well, this is where services like same day rubbish removal can come in handy, saving you time between moving your furniture out and being able to commence your full cleaning process.

As the end of lease cleaner– or bond cleaner– your job is to meet the lease agreement’s conditions for the place you’re vacating. The rule is that you must return the property to the condition it was first rented in, minus any fair wear and tear. As what constitutes wear and tear can be subject to discussion, you don’t want to rely on this contingency and should aim at all times to return the property and its exterior to its original condition.

Choosing Your Cleaning Products

With your space all prepped, it’s time to get together your ideal armada of cleaning products. Having the right products at your disposal will save you time when you’re fighting against grime. 

Here are some essential household cleaning products that can help streamline your DIY end of lease cleaning process:

Multipurpose cleaners

• Sugar soaps – removes dirt and evens out bumpy surfaces 
• Dish-washing liquid – dish-washing liquid helps tackle grease and stains in kitchens and even bathroom and laundry spaces
• Cleaning wipes – alcohol cleaning wipes can be used for spot and stain removal on countertops, and other general cleaning purposes
• Cleaning vinegar – white vinegar is ideal for gently dissolving dirt, grime, and grease
• Baking soda – a natural deodoriser/odour remover, baking soda can help clean microwaves, ovens, and tile grout
• CLR – calcium, limescale, a rust remover is an effective cleaning solution for combating limescale and other buildups in bathrooms, and rusty pipes in all areas of the house
• WD40 – great for lubricating squeaking hinges and removing thin coats of paint

Targeted cleaners

• Oven cleaners
• Window cleaners
• Toilet cleaners
• Descaling cleaners
• Stainless steel cleaners

The Essentials of End of Lease Cleaning

Your deep cleaning will have to dust every windowsill and wipe every spill, but the essentials for each section are as follows:

Kitchen

Your oven and the stovetop can be sprayed with oven cleaner and left to break up stains while you clean other areas. Wiping down the cupboards and benches, then mopping the floors will take the most time when it comes to DIY kitchen cleaning, so don’t rush through these areas to ensure you clean thoroughly. 

Don’t forget to check your ventilation fans and even the underside of your cupboards as they can often build up grease while cooking. Tackle these with a degreasing soap – dishwashing liquid works for all but the major build ups.

Bathrooms

Descaling lime and calcium buildup takes time so this is another spot you’ll want to spray down with cleaner at the start of the day so the buildups can gradually break down. Apply CLR to the shower head and faucets, spray toilet cleaner in the toilet bowls, and coat any spots where green calcium has built up with cleaner. 

If your bathroom ceiling has spots of black mould, you’ll want to bust out a mix of water and vinegar to wipe it off. Stained tiles may also need time for the chemicals to break down the stains, but otherwise you can scrub the tiles, wipe the cupboards, and clean any windows or shower walls while you’re waiting for the CLR and toilet cleaners to work their magic.

General Interiors

With your furniture and decor removed, you’ll be thankful to realise how little actually it needs cleaning. That said, it’s not a quick job either and you’ll likely have to hire a carpet cleaner for the flooring. 

The areas you’ll need to work through in your general rooms are the walls, floors, windows, fixtures, and (if necessary) ceiling space. Use dishwashing liquid in a bucket of hot water to wipe down the walls. In fact, hot water alone works well for most spills and marks, but for tougher stains you may need to break out the sugar soap or even the WD40.

And the best practice is to clean your floors last to make sure you can exit the property following the final clean without any risks of trekking new dirt into the house!

Areas For Special Attention

Where do our cleaning experts at Dirt2Tidy see tenants losing their bond money the most? Here are two often overlooked areas that property managers tend to scrutinise.

Doors & Hinges

Doors are some of the easiest spots to overlook. Have a look at the spots where you and others hold the door when you open and close it – there will likely be grime built up. Wipe down the handles, clean any stains, and check the hinges too. The bolts in the hinges can slide out under pressure, and this can be corrected with a swift hit with a hammer. It’s also worth taking some time to add a little grease to the hinges – for that new-house feeling.

Windows

Cleaning a window for bond cleaning isn’t always as simple as wiping it down with windex. Instead you need to wipe the sills, clear the railing, and even grease stuck windows. It’s an inside-and-out job. That said, you only need to return your windows to the start you got them in, so a deep-clean is usually a step too far. 

Additional Tips for a Successful DIY End of Lease Cleaning

1. Don’t Rush the Process

It’s tempting to rush through the cleaning when you’re on a tight deadline, but this can lead to missed spots. Take your time with each area, ensuring everything is thoroughly cleaned. Plan for multiple cleaning sessions to allow time for certain areas (like your oven or tiles) to soak in cleaner and break down dirt.

2. Don’t Forget the Floors

Once the property is cleaned, vacuum the carpets and mop the floors. If necessary, hire a carpet steam cleaner to tackle stains, dirt, or pet hair. Clean the edges of the floor and make sure grout lines and corners are free of dust and grime.

3. Use the Right Tools

Having the right tools makes a huge difference. Use microfiber cloths, scrubbing brushes, and a squeegee for windows to avoid streaks. For tough stains, a steel wool pad can be used carefully to scrub without damaging surfaces. Extendable dusters can reach high places like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air vents.

4. Air Freshening

After you’ve finished cleaning, use an air freshener or open windows to allow your property to ventilate and smell fresh. A clean space with a fresh scent can leave a positive impression on your property manager, increasing your chances of a full bond return.

5. Final Walkthrough

Once you’ve completed the cleaning, do a final walkthrough of the property. Check every room, closet, and even the outside of the property to make sure nothing has been missed. It’s a good idea to use your checklist as a reference to ensure nothing has been overlooked.

6. Dealing with Stubborn Stains

For stains that just won’t budge, use DIY stain removers like a mix of baking soda and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. These natural solutions are great for removing tough stains from carpet, grout, and bathtubs. Let the mixture sit for a while before scrubbing.

Time: DIY End of Lease Cleaning vs. Professional Cleaning

DIY End of Lease Cleaning

DIY cleaning can be an affordable option, but it takes time and effort. If you’re working full-time or have a busy moving schedule, the time it takes to do a proper end of lease clean can quickly add up. The process can take anywhere from 5 to 10 hours depending on the size of your property. This includes everything from scrubbing tiles to vacuuming carpets and cleaning windows, so be prepared to spend a full day or more. Additionally, cleaning all the high-touch and hard-to-reach areas may take longer if you don’t have the right equipment or experience.

Professional End of Lease Cleaning

Hiring professionals for end of lease cleaning, like Dirt2Tidy, means you don’t have to worry about spending time and effort on the cleaning process. Professional cleaners come with the right equipment and expertise, completing the job in 2–4 hours depending on the property size. While it costs more upfront, it saves you time and ensures your property meets real estate standards, helping you get your bond back. Professional cleaners also use advanced tools and techniques that ensure a higher standard of cleanliness, especially for tough spots or stains.

Chemicals: What DIY vs. Professionals Handle

DIY End of Lease Cleaning Chemicals

When doing DIY end of lease cleaning, you’ll likely rely on household products such as baking soda, vinegar, and dishwashing liquid. While these products are effective for light cleaning and sanitizing, they may not be strong enough for more stubborn stains or areas that require heavy-duty cleaning. For example:

• Baking soda and vinegar are great for cleaning grout or tough kitchen stains.
• Dishwashing liquid helps remove grease, especially in kitchens.
• All-purpose cleaner works for countertops and floors but might not break down deep grease or limescale build-up.

Professional End of Lease Cleaning Chemicals

Professionals use commercial-grade cleaning chemicals that are more powerful and effective than typical household products. For example:

• Oven cleaners designed to tackle built-up grease and stains in a fraction of the time.
• Descaling chemicals like CLR for limescale and rust removal, which is essential in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Professional-grade window cleaners for streak-free shine.
• Deodorizing agents that leave the space smelling fresh and clean.

While these chemicals may be harsh, professional cleaners are trained to handle them safely, ensuring your property is spotless without damaging surfaces.

DIY End of Lease Cleaning Won’t Provide a Receipt

One of the key differences between DIY and professional cleaning is the receipt. If you do the cleaning yourself, you won’t have a formal receipt for the cleaning services performed. This can be problematic if you need to prove the property has been cleaned to meet real estate standards.

Why You Need an End of Lease Cleaning Receipt for Property Managers

A receipt for professional cleaning provides evidence that the cleaning service was conducted and meets the property manager’s expectations. This is especially important because:

• Proof of Compliance: Some property managers require proof that the property was cleaned by a professional service, which is why having a receipt is important.
• Bond Disputes: If there’s a dispute over your bond, a cleaning receipt provides confirmation that the property was cleaned to meet the required standards. It can be essential in preventing deductions from your bond, especially if your property manager decides to withhold part of it for cleaning purposes.
• Property Manager Trust: A receipt from a reputable cleaning company builds trust with your property manager and may even speed up the bond refund process.

Terms of Cleaning Expected by Property Managers in Different Locations

Cleaning expectations may differ slightly depending on the state or territory you’re located in. Below are general cleaning terms expected by property managers across key locations:

New South Wales (NSW)

• Kitchen: Clean oven, stovetop, rangehood, sink, and cupboards. No grease build-up allowed.
• Bathrooms: Remove soap scum, clean the toilet, shower, and mirrors.
• Windows: Must be streak-free both inside and outside.
• Floors: Should be swept, mopped, and any carpets should be steam cleaned if required.

Queensland (QLD)

• General Cleaning: Includes all living areas, windows, and bathrooms.
• Oven and Stove: Must be cleaned thoroughly, with no grease or stains left behind.
• Special Attention: Special care must be taken with ceiling fans and air conditioning units.
• Carpets: Should be vacuumed and steam cleaned for full bond return.

South Australia (SA)

• Kitchen: Clean all surfaces, including inside the oven and microwave.
• Bathrooms: Ensure there’s no mould or soap scum.
• Windows: Both interior and exterior should be cleaned, ensuring the frames are free of dust.
• General Interiors: Walls, skirting boards, and light fittings must be wiped clean.

Western Australia (WA)

• General Cleaning: Deep clean required, including all surfaces, windows, and floors.
• Special Attention Areas: Pay close attention to the grout in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Windows and Doors: Ensure no fingerprints or smudges are left behind, especially on glass surfaces.
• Gardens and Outdoors: Often included if the property has an outdoor area that needs tidying.

Conclusion

If you’ve read through the requirements of bond cleaning and decided it’s a few too many hours than you think is worth it, hire some professionals. When you’re moving, you have a lot on your mind and cleaning is more meditative for some than others. Still, now that you know what’s required, you might find that it’s a surprisingly simple job, and certainly one that anyone can do.