Vacate Cleaning, also referred to as end-of-lease cleaning or bond cleaning, is an essential task for tenants looking to ensure they receive their security deposit back from landlords. A spotless departure not only creates an excellent impression with landlords, but can help prevent disputes that could otherwise arise between you and them. Here are 9 essential tips that will ensure a thorough and successful vacate cleaning Melbourne experience.
1. Plan Ahead and Create a Checklist
One of the key components of vacate cleaning is planning ahead and creating a checklist, to make sure no area is overlooked. Include each room, as well as specific tasks like dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing and wiping surfaces – break it into manageable sections to focus on one room at a time.
Checklist:
Kitchen: Clean the oven, stovetop, range hood, cabinets, sink, countertops and refrigerator.
Bathroom: Scrub shower tub toilet sink tiles shower tub shower toilet tile floor mirrors as well as wipe down all surfaces
Living Areas: Dust and wipe down all surfaces, such as windowsills, light fixtures and skirting boards. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors before mopping carpets and hard floors respectively.
Bedrooms: Clean windows, mirrors and surfaces before vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors.
General: Clean windows inside and out, remove cobwebs, and address any maintenance issues that require attention.
2. Assemble Essential Cleaning Supplies
Having the appropriate supplies on hand can make all the difference when it comes to quality and efficiency of cleaning. This may include items like multi-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, oven cleaner and disinfectant cleaner, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, vacuum cleaner, mop bucket, garbage bags and gloves (for instance).
Consider purchasing quality and professional cleaning products to minimize their impact on the environment.
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3. Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most scrutinized areas during an inspection. Giving it the attention it deserves can make all the difference when it comes to getting your bond back.
Key tasks here include:
Oven: Remove and clean oven racks. Use an oven cleaner on any tough stains such as stubborn grease or burnt-on food, then wipe down both interior and exterior of the oven.
Stovetop: Wipe down burners. Clean stovetop and control knobs with hot soapy.
Range Hoods: Remove and clean filters before wiping down exterior surface with hot soapy water.
Cabinets and Drawers: Empty and wipe down all surfaces inside and out.
Sink / Countertops: Scrub the sink, taps, countertops. Remove any stains to disinfect all surfaces thoroughly.
Refrigerator: Empty, defrost, and clean the fridge and freezer. Wipe down all surfaces inside and out.
4. Thoroughly Clean Bathrooms
Bathrooms require meticulous care in order to combat mold, soap scum, and grime accumulation.
Focus on:
· Shower and Bathtub: Scrub tiles, grout, and glass surfaces. Use a mold remover for any mildew.
· Toilet: Clean the bowl, seat, lid, and exterior. Don’t forget the area around the base.
· Sink and Vanity: Wipe down all surfaces, including mirrors. Clean the faucet and sink.
· Floor and Walls: Mop the floor and wipe down walls if necessary. Pay attention to any mold or mildew.
5. Don’t Forget Windows
Clean windows make an incredible difference to the overall aesthetic of any home, so ensure both inside and outside panes of windows are spotless with regular use of glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to avoid streaking or marks on sills or tracks. Don’t forget about cleaning window tracks or sills!
6. Pay Attention to Floors and Carpets
Floors and carpets can become worn over time. Here is how you can maintain them: Hard Floors: Sweep and mop all hard floor surfaces regularly using an appropriate cleaner depending on the type of flooring material used.
Carpets: Thoroughly vacuum all carpets before considering steam cleaning to address stains or dull appearance. In many lease agreements, this may even be mandatory.
7. Clean Walls and Skirting Boards
Over time, walls and skirting boards may accumulate dust, dirt, scuff marks and any other types of grime that accumulates over time. Use a mild cleaner on all skirting boards before wiping down all walls using mild scrub brushes – being careful not to damage the paint!
8. Dust Light Fixtures
Cobwebs and dusty light fixtures can easily be overlooked but are essential to achieving a deep clean. Use a duster or vacuum with an extendable attachment to dust out cobwebs from corners and ceilings, wiping down all light fixtures after wiping down cobwebs from corners, replacing any burnt-out bulbs if applicable and wiping down all light fixtures once completed.
9. Final Touches and Inspection
Once the cleaning is complete, double check your checklist to make sure nothing was overlooked.
Pay special attention to any final details like:
Air freshening: Open windows to let in fresh air or use an air freshener to ensure the home smells pleasant.
Touch-Up Painting: If necessary, touch up any minor scuffs or marks with touch up painting.
Final Inspection: Conduct a comprehensive final inspection and ensure each room meets the cleanliness standard expected of it.
Conclusion
Vacate cleaning is an integral task that requires careful consideration and planning, yet often takes less time than anticipated. By following these tips, you can increase the odds of receiving back your security deposit – not only are the benefits to yourself but also for future tenants! Have fun cleaning!