Should I Do The End Of Tenancy Cleaning Myself?

Posted on 05/05/2023

Your Checklist to a Spotless House

If you are about to leave a property you have rented for a period of time, it is imperative that it is in perfect condition. You don’t want to risk your security deposit, do you?

There is no doubt that a serious home clean is needed, if you don’t want any trouble with your landlord. The question begs: do you prefer a professional cleaning company to do the job for you, or are you brave and capable enough to ensure it is addressed properly? Obviously, you want to pass the check out and experience no trouble with your landlord, while saving money at the same time. If you want to rely on your ability to deal with the job, here are a few useful tips you should follow:

-    Clear out the room - if you are moving soon, chances are you will have to do this anyway. It is a good idea to free some space in the room before starting your end of tenancy cleaning session, as that will make the process easier. Not only does less clutter contribute to better results, but it also reveals areas you may not have initially featured in your plans. For instance, vacuuming under the sofa may have eluded you in your plans, but it is a good idea, as there is usually a ton of dust there.

-    Window cleaning - often times the tenancy agreement features a clause about the windows. Ensuring that the windows are sparkling clean goes a long way. If you have been a tenant in the property for a long period, chances are that the windows have acquired a layer of dust on the inside and debris on the outside. Tackling window cleaning on the inside is easy - you just need a window cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth for a streak free shine. As for the outside area, you will need some special tools like a telescopic handle and a squeegee. Consider a ladder if the outside window area is just outside of your reach.

-    Focus your efforts on the kitchen area - as one of the most visited rooms in each home, the kitchen is often the one that receives most inspection by a landlord. Be thorough in your kitchen cleaning efforts - clean all cupboards inside out, including the top area. Grease and dirt must be removed completely to ensure a clean look.

-    Oven cleaning - while you are still in the kitchen, don’t forget to give the oven a good clean. Over time, ovens tend to accumulate a great deal of stains. You need a solution strong enough to deal with grease build up. Vinegar/water mix is a good product to use in that regard.

-    Move to the bathroom - the bathroom is another one of the rooms that require serious cleaning. Lime scale and hard water deposits are the things to look out for here. Check out the taps and tiles, as those are the areas the problem is most likely to become evident. Let a lime scale remover sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it off with a non-abrasive sponge to ensure no scratches are left in the process.

-    Pay attention to the carpet and upholstery - this may be a little tricky, since properly cleaning the ingrained dirt requires a bit more than simple vacuuming. Get a steam cleaner if you can, as it makes a world of difference!

Don’t underestimate the importance of any of these cleaning chores. Otherwise you will be unpleasantly surprised when you landlord tells you that an area of the home is not in good condition.