Free end of lease cleaning checklist

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These moving house cleaning recommendations might help tenants return a rental home to its original state. This going out end of lease cleaning checklist, when combined with Dirt2Tidy’ moving home checklist for renters, is guaranteed to provide a successful, stress-free relocation, especially when it comes to rental bond refund for end of lease clean .Before you hand back the keys, remember one final but crucial step: arrange for your real estate agent to inspect the property immediately after you finish cleaning. This way, you can tackle any last-minute issues on the spot, giving yourself the best chance of getting your full bond back. If you’ve followed this checklist closely, you should feel confident about passing the final inspection and leaving your rental in top-notch condition.

Best End of Lease Cleaning Advice

• Keep all of your cleaning products nearby; store them in a portable container or even a bucket to expedite the cleaning procedure.
• Gather Your Essential Cleaning Supplies
• Before you roll up your sleeves, make sure you have all the right tools on hand. A well-stocked cleaning kit will save you time and frustration as you move from room to room. Here’s what you’ll need:
• Broom
• Brush and dustpan
• Duster
• Gloves
• Bucket
• Mop
• Vacuum
• Carpet steam cleaner (if required)
• Oven cleaner (degreaser)
• Oven scraper
• Preferred cleaning product (such as Easy-off, Pledge, or Vim)
• Sugar soap
• Sponges
• Paper towels
• Towels
• Squeegee
• Newspapers (great for streak-free windows)
• Ladder (for those hard-to-reach spots)
• Screwdriver (for small fixes or removing fixtures as needed)
• With your supplies ready and within reach, you’ll be able to clean efficiently and tackle each task without unnecessary trips back and forth.
• We recommend cleaning from left to right, back to front, and top to bottom for the best results.

You may also like to read: Simple bond cleaning tips to pass your property inspection.

• Begin with dry cleaning duties (such as dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping) before wiping or mopping the surface. Forget the regular wear and tear.
• Don’t forget about the mess your dogs have made. Clean kennels, tanks, and cages thoroughly. If necessary, fumigate the property.
• Make arrangements to dispose of any dangerous or forbidden moving goods that your removalist is unable to transport.

Extra Tips for a Full Bond Refund

• Plan Your Cleaning: Many tenants underestimate the sheer amount of work involved, leading to a last-minute rush. To avoid this, break the cleaning into sections and tackle them over a few days rather than all at once. This helps ensure nothing gets missed.
• Move Out First: If possible, move your belongings out before beginning your deep clean. This makes it easier to access hard-to-reach spots and ensures a more thorough job (think under the fridge, behind doors, and skirting boards).
• Gather Essential Supplies: Stock up on all your cleaning essentials ahead of time—microfibre cloths, sponges, scrub brushes, a vacuum, mop, and cleaning sprays. Having everything on hand will keep your momentum going.
• Check the Details: Pay extra attention to forgotten areas like behind appliances, inside cupboards, window tracks, and light switches. These are common spots agents check during the final inspection.
• Final Inspection Ready: Once the cleaning is done, arrange for your real estate agent to inspect the property straight away. This means you can handle any minor issues immediately, giving you the best shot at getting your full bond back.
• Bond Refund Tip: In most states, you can submit your bond refund request as soon as you return your keys. This shifts responsibility to your agent or landlord to raise any disputes, helping you secure your bond faster.

Taking a bit of extra time and following a methodical process can make all the difference when it comes to a smooth move and a full refund.

Common End of Lease Cleaning Pitfalls

• Underestimating the Scope: One of the biggest blunders tenants make is misjudging just how much cleaning needs to be done. A quick sweep and a half-hearted wipe-down won’t cut it—especially when trying to secure that precious bond refund. Many people don’t factor in the time for deep cleaning every nook and cranny.
• Leaving Tasks to the Last Minute: Procrastination often leads to panic-cleaning as you dash around with a sponge in one hand and a mop in the other. This rushed approach can result in missing key areas or not cleaning thoroughly enough, which may ultimately cost you part of your bond.
• Skipping the Details: It’s easy to overlook spots like skirting boards, ceiling fans, window tracks, and inside cabinets. Agents and landlords are usually eagle-eyed about these areas, so don’t give them any reason to hold back your deposit.
• Neglecting Pet Mess: Pet hair, odours, and stains can quickly become deal-breakers. Ensure you go over pet areas meticulously, and consider using specialised odour removers or enlisting a service if things have gotten out of hand.
• Improper Cleaning Order: Tackling wet tasks first—like mopping before you sweep—can make cleaning much harder than it needs to be. Always start with dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping before moving on to any damp work.

By keeping these hiccups in mind, you set yourself up for a smoother move and a stress-free handover.

End of Lease Cleaning Checklist: Exterior Cleaning

• Remember to clean the veranda or patio, as well as the BBQ and any other outside furniture.
• Dust or cobwebs should be removed from the walls, window sills, and eaves.
• Cut the grass, trim the borders, weed the gardens, and clean the walks.
• Remove any pet-created messes and fix any pet-caused damage.
• Clean the filter and remove any leaf debris from the pool.
• Empty the letterbox and compost bin.
• Check and clean the exterior lighting.
• Sweep the garage and driveway to remove any dirt or oil stains.
• Remove any trash, as well as empty and clean home containers.
• Ensure that a functional opener is left behind and hose down the garage door.
• End of lease cleaning Checklist: Interior Cleaning
• Clean and clear your closets, cabinets, shelves, and drawers.
• Check that all globes are operating and that all light fixtures and switches are clean.
• All window ledges, architraves, skirting boards, picture rails, and doors should be cleaned.
• Inside and out, clean the windows, sliding doors, and fly screens.
• Wipe down the air conditioner, clean the vents, then wash and dry the filter.
• Remove any dust and cobwebs.
• Clean the ceiling fan blades and the light fixture.
• Clear the tracks on your doors and windows.
• Venetian and vertical blinds should be cleaned.
• Curtains should be washed or dry-cleaned before being rehung.
• Wipe out all switches, door hardware, and surrounding areas.
• Remove cigarette odours and nicotine stains from patio areas
• Clean any given piece of furniture and return it to its original location.

End of Lease Cleaning Checklist: Cleaning Tips for the Kitchen

• Clean the oven walls, racks, and grill, and then leave the cleaned trays inside. Mix half a cup of baking soda with three tablespoons of water to clean your oven without using harsh chemicals (adjust ratios as required until you have a smooth paste).
• Spread the paste across the insides of your oven, avoiding the heating components if you have an electric oven. Allow the paste to rest overnight before removing it, and then spritz it with vinegar. A foam will form; simply wipe it away.
• Remove all stains from the cooktop and carefully clean it.
• Clean the filters and the range hood, and make sure the overhead light is working.
• Clean the dishwasher’s rubbers, door, and filter. Shake baking soda onto a moist sponge and rub over door seals to remove food and stains for a sparkling dishwasher. A tiny cup of bleach added to a cycle will also eliminate any bacteria and leaving the machine clean and fresh.
• Remove food and debris from sink holes, plugs, and faucets. Make your stainless steel kitchen sink gleam by cleaning it off with a few drops of mineral oil and a soft sponge.
• Drop in slices of lemon, a teaspoon of salt, and a couple of ice cubes to clean trash disposals; the lemon deodorises while the salt and ice dissolve built-up residues.
• Clean all counters, seats, and surfaces.
• Clean the interior and exterior of all cabinets.
• Remove all food from the refrigerator and freezer.
• Clean the area between the refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave.
• A brief vacuum will generally suffice to clean the extractor fan.
• Checklist for End of Lease Cleaning: Bathrooms and Laundry Cleaning Suggestions
• Baths, showers, screens, basins, and toilets should all be cleaned and disinfected.

Our moving home cleaning tip 

• For cleaning showerheads is to fill a plastic bag with enough vinegar to soak the nozzle and tie the bag in place. Allow the nozzle to soak overnight to eliminate any residue.
• Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar, apply liberally, and let to soak for an hour on glass shower walls and doors. Remove it with a moist towel to reveal gleaming clean glass.
• Make certain that the facilities and fixtures are clear of soap residue and mildew.
• Clean all surfaces, including tiled areas and counter tops.
• Mold should be removed from the tiles, grout, ceiling, and walls. Dip an old toothbrush in bleach and clean difficult mould off tile grout.
• Towel rails and toilet paper holders should be cleaned and polished.
• Clean the sinks, drains, plugs, and faucets.
• Mirrors and ceiling fans should be cleaned.

Laundry Cleaning Tips

• Vacuum, sweep, or mop all laundry floors to remove dust and lint.
• Wipe down the surfaces of both the washer and dryer, ensuring no soap or detergent residue is left behind.
• Remove all dryer lint from the filter—this is crucial for both safety and efficiency.
• Clean laundry sinks, handles, and spouts thoroughly to ensure there’s no lingering grime or build-up.
• Don’t forget to check behind and beneath appliances for any stray items or dust bunnies.
• Make sure any laundry cupboards, shelves, or storage areas are wiped clean and left tidy.

With these bathroom and laundry tips, your end of lease clean will be sparkling from top to bottom, giving you the best chance at a full bond return.

Cleaning Tips for Walls and Floors at the End of a Lease

• Scuff marks on the walls should be cleaned up on the spot.
• On walls with substantial scuff marks, apply sugar soap mixed with warm water using a gentle cloth.

You may also like to read: What are the benefits of floor cleaning?

• All carpets should be vacuumed and steam cleaned.
• All sliding door and window tracks should be vacuumed and cleaned.
• Mop and sweep tiled floors and flooring.
• Clean the walls and floors around equipment, including the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, washing machine, and dryer.

Hiring a professional cleaning service

When you hire a cleaning service for move out cleans Dirt2Tidy lease cleaners are preferred by property managers for their rental properties.

When you have a professional cleaner the bond cleans will save you a lot of time. And if this whole checklist feels a bit overwhelming, remember—you don’t have to do it all yourself. There’s still time to bring in the professionals to handle the nitty-gritty, so you can focus on the move itself and reduce your stress. Even if you’re committed to tackling most of the cleaning, outsourcing just the final detail can make a world of difference when it comes to ensuring your bond is returned in full.

Optional End of Lease Cleaning Tasks

Sometimes, standard cleaning just doesn’t cut it—some rental agreements call for a few extra touches. Here are common optional tasks that may be required for certain tenancies:

• Professional Carpet Steam Cleaning: Some properties, especially those with high-traffic carpeted areas or homes where pets have resided, may require steam cleaning to remove deeply ingrained dirt, stains, and allergens. Renting a machine or hiring a service like Bissell or Rug Doctor can make this job easier.
• Pest Control Treatments: Especially if pets were present, property managers might insist on pest control to ensure the home is free from fleas, spiders, or other unwelcome critters. Popular brands like Rentokil or Orkin provide comprehensive treatment options.
• Deep Cleaning of Blinds and Curtains: Depending on your lease, deeper cleaning—such as ultrasonic cleaning of blinds or dry-cleaning curtains—may be necessary to remove dust, pollen, and odours. Local dry cleaners often offer pickup and delivery for convenience.
• Full Wall Washing: In cases of notable marks, excessive residue, or tobacco stains, a thorough wall wash could be stipulated. Products like Sugar Soap are especially handy for this task.
• Detailed Cleaning of Light Fixtures and Fittings: Some properties expect light fittings to be dismantled and washed to remove dust and insects.
• Additional Services: Window tracks, air conditioning filters, and even garage spaces might require a little extra elbow grease, depending on your specific lease requirements.

Before moving out, always double-check your tenancy agreement or consult your property manager so no unexpected cleaning chores catch you off guard.

Download Free End of lease Cleaning Checklist