Organizing your vacate cleaning checklist routine within a reasonable time frame is the key to stress-free lease termination. Make your next bond clean a success by following these guidelines.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move
Trying to tackle your entire rental clean in one frantic afternoon is a recipe for stress—and missed spots. Give yourself plenty of time to work methodically through your checklist. If you’re hiring professional cleaners, book them well ahead of your move-out date to avoid last-minute scrambles.
Clean Room by Room
Break the job into manageable chunks by focusing on one room at a time. Start from the back of the property and work your way towards the front door. This ensures nothing gets overlooked and helps you keep track of your progress.
Be Thorough—Details Matter
A quick sweep won’t cut it here. Pay close attention to areas that are often forgotten: inside cabinets, skirting boards, window tracks, and behind appliances. Don’t forget to clean kitchen appliances inside and out, and give some love to outdoor areas like balconies, patios, or entryways. Even outside windows deserve a wipe-down!
By working systematically and leaving no surface untouched, you’ll ensure a sparkling finish—and give yourself the best chance of getting your full bond back.
Why Routine Cleaning Matters
Keeping up with regular cleaning during your tenancy isn’t just about staying tidy—it can seriously lighten your load when it’s time to move out. By tackling dust, stains, and general mess as you go, you’ll stop grime from building up and setting in, leaving fewer surprises (and less scrubbing) when the end-of-lease clean rolls around.
Consider this your secret weapon for handling the final inspection with ease. Instead of rushing through a massive cleaning marathon in those final days, you’ll just need to focus on the finishing touches—saving time, reducing stress, and increasing the chances of getting your full bond back.
One month before the end of your lease or vacate cleaning checklist
In most situations, your lease agreement will include a clause stating that you must have your carpets professionally cleaned before leaving the property. Now is the time to schedule an appointment with a professional carpet cleaning for the day before you return the keys to the agent/landlord. Don’t forget to save a copy of the invoice!
Your lease agreement may also require you to have pest control services performed on your home (particularly if you’ve had pets). You are responsible for keeping the property pest-free as a renter. Organize a professional pest control operator to spray your property in the coming weeks.
If you have pets: Take extra care to thoroughly clean up any animal mess both inside and outside the property. Check for and repair any damage caused by pets—such as scratched doors, chewed skirting boards, or dug-up garden beds—before your final inspection. Giving attention to these details will help ensure you meet your lease requirements and avoid any deductions from your bond.
Do you have grass on your property? If that’s the case, make sure they’re mowed during your final week of the tenancy. If you don’t have a mower, hire a gardener or handyman to take care of the lawns for you.
Keep an eye out for cigarette butts and bottle tops left the last walk-through using this end of lease cleaning checklist once it’s finished to verify your home is in good handover condition to avoid any tenancy issues with your property managers.
Dust around the garden and remove them before you leave if you have any residual trash in the backyard.
Extra attention for a spotless handover
Patios and Verandas: Clean and hose down all outside verandas or decks, removing spiderwebs and giving any outdoor appliances (like barbecues) a thorough clean.
Windows: Clear cobwebs from window frames and sills, then wash and dry all exterior glass for streak-free results.
Bins: Wash rubbish bins using household detergent or disinfectant in hot water. For an eco-friendly alternative, pour a few cups of vinegar into the bin, add hot water, and let it soak before scrubbing. Leave bins upside down in the sun to dry.
Garage: Beyond sweeping, empty the space, tackle oil marks or dirt on the floor, remove cobwebs, and give the garage door a quick clean.
Driveway: Scrub your driveway, paying careful attention to any leftover oil spills or tire marks from your vehicle.
Pets: If you have pets, make sure to clean up any animal mess and repair any damage caused during your tenancy.
Pool and Spa: Remove any debris from the water and check the filter for blockages.
You may also like to read: “Can I give baking soda to my cat?“
A detailed approach in your final week will make sure nothing slips through the cracks, helping you breeze through your final inspection and secure that all-important bond return.
Scrub your driveway, paying careful attention to any leftover oil spills or tire marks from your vehicle.
Rubbish bins: a fresh approach
If your rubbish bins are starting to smell less-than-pleasant, there’s an easy and eco-friendly way to freshen them up. Start by emptying all contents and giving the bin a good rinse with the hose. For a green cleaning boost, mix a solution of hot water and several cups of white vinegar—no harsh chemicals required.
Let this mixture sit in your bin for a few hours to help break down built-up grime and neutralize odors. Once soaked, scrub the interior with a sturdy brush (an old dish brush does the trick), paying extra attention to sticky patches or stubborn bits. Tip out the dirty water, rinse thoroughly, and—if the sun’s shining—leave your bin upside down outside to air dry completely. Sunlight works as a natural disinfectant and helps zap lingering smells.
A regular clean every few weeks keeps pests away and impresses even the fussiest landlords, so don’t skip this step—your nose (and your neighbours) will thank you!
Keep your rental home clean inside and out.
Clean all light fixtures out and wash them, then dry and reinstall them. Check to see if your light globes are in good operating order. Any globes that have blown out should be replaced.
Take a look at your drapes and blinds. Is there any dirt, dust, or markings that you can see? It’s a good idea to clean Venetian blinds slat by slat if you have them. Some curtains may be machine washable. If not, vacuuming may assist in the removal of any remaining dirt and dust.
Clean your air conditioner and ceiling fans if you have them (and the internal filters). The same may be said for your smoke detectors. Remove the exhaust fans from the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, then wash and reinstall them.
Do your ceilings have any fly or inspection spots? In a pail of warm water, sponge with sugar soap or a light detergent. (However, test a tiny area first to verify your paint doesn’t come off.)
Clean the debris and build-up from your window tracks by carefully running a screwdriver down the tracks to remove any dirt. Vacuum the area with the smallest nozzle you have, then wipe it off with a wet towel.
Using a screwdriver, raise and move the fly screen to the left or right before taking it out and uninstalling it. Don’t put too much pressure on your screens since they will quickly bend. If necessary, hose down the fly screen.
Quick tip: Are your flyscreen’s too tight? Do you have security screens or windows on the second floor? In most cases, the sliding windows will open from the inside. Simply check to see whether the screws at the top of the window need to be loosened (and then tightened again).
How to use a squeegee to clean a window
Clean your window with a scourer sponge to eliminate any grime and build-up. Wipe the top border of the window with a dry cloth to help minimize streaks now that it’s all wet and soapy. With forceful, consistent pressure, slide your squeegee down the window.
Dry your squeegee blade after each stroke and keep going until you’re done. To avoid lines, make sure each stroke overlaps the previous one slightly.
Finally, use a clean towel to dry the borders and eliminate any residual stains on the glass. Wipe the window ledge and the frame.
Quick tip: You can clean your interior windows in the same manner – just use less water on your sponge and put a cloth beneath the glass to prevent any internal water da
It’s time to disinfect and clean your toilet, including the fittings, the cistern, the area behind your toilet, and the pipes. Using a spray disinfectant, a paper towel and some disposable gloves is the best approach (this keeps everything safe and hygienic).
Use a spray disinfectant and a cloth to clean your wall tiles, as well as any unclean walls. Finally, use a toilet bowl cleaner and a toilet brush to scrub the interior of the bowl.
Don’t forget the details:
For a deeper clean, lift the toilet seat and make sure to scrub underneath, as well as around the base of the bowl and the outside.
If you want to tackle mineral deposits or stubborn stains in the cistern, pour some vinegar into the tank and leave it overnight before flushing—this can work wonders on buildup.
If things are looking especially grimy, turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush repeatedly to empty the tank, then (with gloves on!) clean inside the tank using bleach or a commercial cleaner. Once you’re done, turn the water back on and flush several times to ensure all chemicals are rinsed out.
Staying thorough here not only impresses the landlord but also keeps things sparkling for the next occupant.
Vacuum your closets and cabinets, then wash them in warm, soapy water before drying. Any personal hooks, posters, or sticky tape, as well as any residue, should be removed. Are there any cobwebs or smudges on your walls? In a bucket, wash them down with sugar soap or a light detergent. Keep a watchful eye on your light switches.
Cleaning the kitchen
To clean your oven, take out all of the components (range hood, stovetop, and knobs if they come off). Soak overnight in hot, soapy water. Scrub with a stiff scourer until the surface is clean. Clean your oven glass according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep a close eye on the glass.
For stubborn grease and grime inside the oven, you can use a store-bought chemical cleaner—just follow the instructions on the can for best results. If you’d rather go for a more planet-friendly option, make a paste using baking soda and water, spread it over the oven interior, and let it sit before scrubbing clean.
Don’t forget to clean your oven racks too—remove them and give them a good scrub in hot, soapy water, or let them soak while you tackle the rest of the kitchen.
Vacuum your bathroom to get it ready to use. Before you begin, this will remove any hair and lose items. Using a scourer sponge and a crème cleanser, clean your shower. Make sure the edges, door frame, and top of the shower area free of soap scum, mildew, and rust marks. Make sure your drain is clear of hair! Squeegee your shower glass after rinsing it with water.
Vacuum your whole house at the end. This will ensure that everything is ready for the carpet cleaner’s arrival the following day. Sweep any hard floors and mop as the last step. Make sure there is no hair or trash on the floor. Make one last sweep of your terrace.
Kitchen essentials: Sinks, benches, dishwashers, fridges, and cupboards
Sinks: Clear out any leftover food scraps from the drain, then give the taps and water spout a thorough wipe-down. For extra sparkle, use a touch of cream cleanser or a squirt of dish soap on a scrub brush.
Benches: Wipe all bench tops, splashbacks, and walls with a warm soapy cloth, making sure to banish every last sticky spot or mystery stain. Pay close attention to those corners where crumbs like to hide.
Dishwasher: Take out the racks and give them a quick clean in hot, soapy water. Wipe down the inside of the dishwasher (including the door edges and rubber seals) with a damp cloth. Don’t forget to remove any hidden bits of food from the filter—this one’s easy to miss, but agents will notice.
Refrigerator: Unplug and empty the fridge, then pull it out so you can vacuum and mop behind and under it—beware the dust bunnies! Clean every internal shelf, drawer, and door seal with a mild detergent. Leave the door slightly ajar once you’re done so it doesn’t smell musty.
Cupboards: Empty every cupboard and drawer, then wipe them inside and out with warm, soapy water. Check for stains, crumbs, or sticky patches—especially along the backs and handles. Give each surface a final dry before you move on.
These detailed touches will help leave your kitchen looking sparkling clean—ready for its final inspection.
You have one day before returning your keys
You should get your carpets professionally cleaned now. Landlords and letting agents suggest having a cleaning service receipt of your rental property to prove that the professional lease cleaners have attended and completed the cleaning.
Get Vacate cleaning Quote Now
