When your lease ends, bond cleaning (also known as end-of-lease cleaning) is an essential part of the process and it should follow a bond cleaning checklist. This ensures that your rental property achieves the cleanliness that gives you the best chance of getting your full bond refund. If you want to avoid stress and deductions, follow this step-by-step guide to make sure you cover every aspect of bond cleaning.
Checklist for a Stress-Free Bond Cleaning
General Interior Cleaning
Before diving into the details of specific rooms, it's time to tackle the overall interior of the property. General Interior Cleaning focuses on thoroughly cleaning all surfaces inside the property to ensure a fresh and tidy environment. Here's what you need to do.
Dust all surfaces like skirting boards, window sills, and light fixtures.
Wipe down light switches, power points, and door handles to remove any grime or fingerprints.
Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners to give the place a fresh, clean feel.
Vacuum carpets and sweep or mop hard floors. Make sure to get rid of dust, debris, and dirt.
Clean inside wardrobes, cupboards, and drawers—make sure these spaces are spotless, inside and out.
Kitchen Deep Clean
The kitchen is one of the most important areas in bond cleaning checklist. You want it to shine, as it's one of the first places your landlord or property manager will meticulously check. Kitchen Deep Cleaning involves thoroughly removing grease, grime, and food residue. Here are a few things you need to consider.
Clean the inside and outside of cabinets and drawers to ensure no crumbs or spills anywhere.
Wipe down countertops and splashbacks because these are areas prone to grease and stains.
Scrub the sink, taps, and drainage area. Patiently remove any built-up residue.
Degrease the stovetop, scrub the oven, and clean the range hood. Don't forget to clean the filters as well.
Clean the oven thoroughly, including racks, trays, and the glass door.
Wipe down the exterior of your appliances, including the microwave, dishwasher, and fridge, using a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching them.
Mop the kitchen floor to ensure it's free of dirt and sticky spots.
Bathroom and Toilet Detailing
A spotless bathroom is essential to impressing your landlord and ensuring you meet the cleaning standards. Therefore, focus on bathroom and toilet detailing to ensure a hygienic and polished space. Your landlord and property manager will surely appreciate it. With that, here's a list of tasks for you.
Scrub the shower, bathtub, and sink to ensure that there's no soap scum or limescale buildup.
Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, cistern, or toilet tank.
Polish mirrors and wipe down glass surfaces. That way you can avoid mistakes in damaging glass, use glass-based products.
Wipe down all bathroom cabinets and drawers. Also, consider removing any clutter or unnecessary items that take up space in the storage cabinet.
Mop the floor to remove any water marks or stains. Also, pay attention to the tiles and remove unnecessary dirt as well.
Laundry Area Cleaning
The laundry area is often neglected when it comes to cleaning, but it's important to clean it just as thoroughly as the rest of your home. Cleaning the laundry area is important because it often accumulates dust, detergent residue, and lint, creating an untidy and unhygienic space. Without further ado, include these tasks on your list.
Remove lint from behind and inside the washing machine and dryer.
Mop the laundry floor to remove any dirt or detergent spills.
Wipe down laundry counters and shelves to remove accumulated dust and dirt
Clean the laundry tub and taps to ensure that there's no soap buildup or grime around the sink.
Window and Glass Cleaning
Over time, dust, fingerprints, and smudges can build up, making the property look neglected. Therefore, Window and Glass Cleaning is essential. Your windows and glass surfaces contribute to the overall look and feel of the home, so make sure they're spotless. Here are a few task considerations.
Clean sliding door tracks and frames, as these can accumulate dirt and debris.
Dust or clean blinds, screens, and curtains if applicable.
Clean all interior windows and window sills because streak-free glass will make a big difference.
Wipe down mirrors and any glass doors. Pay attention to the dust and dirt in the partitions as well.
Wall and Door Spot Cleaning
Wall and Door Spot Cleaning is important because walls and doors often collect fingerprints, scuff marks, stains, and dirt over time. These can make a property look worn or poorly maintained. Thankfully, simple steps can make a big difference. It's time to take note of these bond cleaning checklist tasks.
Remove scuff marks, fingerprints, and stains from walls and doors.
Wipe down doors and frames to ensure they're clean and presentable.
Spot clean walls, especially around light switches and door handles, where marks tend to build up.
Floor and Carpet Cleaning
Your floors will often be the first thing your landlord will notice, so they must be in top shape. So, in getting your bond back, take advantage of professional carpet cleaning. If you're DIYing, consider doing these:
Vacuum all carpets thoroughly, including the edges, corners, and underneath furniture.
If your lease requires, steam clean carpets to remove any deep stains or dirt.
Mop tiles, hardwood, or vinyl floors ensure no sticky spots or dirt are left behind.
Clean grout if needed, especially in high-moisture areas like the bathroom or kitchen.
Outdoor and Exterior Cleaning (if applicable)
Outdoor areas also need attention, especially if they're part of your rental property. Cleaning areas like patios, balconies, lawns, and entryways is necessary. Therefore, consider these:
Sweep patios, balconies, and outdoor areas to clear any leaves, dirt, or debris.
Mow the lawn (if required) and tidy up the garden. Remove weeds or dead plants.
Remove rubbish from the garden or balcony and empty outdoor bins.
Wipe down any outdoor furniture or surfaces that need attention.
Final Touches and Inspection Prep
You're almost done! Now, it's time to do the final checks before your landlord arrives. Final Touches and Inspection Prep are essential to make sure nothing has been overlooked before your final inspection. Here's what you have to do.
Replace any blown lightbulbs throughout the property.
Check the smoke alarms. Also, replace the batteries if required by your lease.
Air out the property by opening windows to eliminate any lingering odors.
Do a walkthrough using your condition report from when you moved in, and compare the property's same condition to that.
Take photos for your own records in case of any disputes later on.
Conclusion:
Bond cleaning doesn't have to be overwhelming if you take it one step at a time. Following this guide and addressing every area of the property will give you the best chance of getting your full bond back. Whether doing it yourself or hiring a professional, complete attention to detail is key.If you prefer to leave the cleaning to experts, professional bond cleaning services like Yahweh Property Care are available. They can ensure everything is handled, giving you peace of mind during your move-out process.
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