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.
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.
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.
Scrub your driveway, paying careful attention to any leftover oil spills or tire marks from your vehicle.
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.
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.
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.
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
