12 Things You Might Be Forgetting To End Of Lease Clean

Ever found yourself standing in an empty apartment after you’ve packed up, thinking, “I’m sure I’ve cleaned everything, right?” Only to have the landlord call you later and mention spots you missed? You’re not alone. Many tenants miss key areas when cleaning for the end of their lease. With the stress of the move, loads of packing and ensuring that everything is in order, it is easy to forget cleaning the less obvious areas in the property that landlords and property managers inspect very meticulously. Unfortunately for you, missing these small areas can lead to unnecessary deductions from your bond.

To avoid such surprises, go above and beyond simply vacuuming, mopping and dusting the various areas in the home. This guide will highlight 12 commonly forgotten cleaning tasks that can make or break your bond cleaning inspection results. From dusty skirting boards to hidden grime behind appliances, paying attention to these details can help ensure your professional end of lease cleaning in Melbourne meets the highest standards.

1. Skirting Boards

Skirting boards accumulate a lot of dust, dirt and scuff marks over time, yet they are often forgotten during regular cleaning routines. So, before you hand back the keys of your property, wipe these down with a damp cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove all the built-up grime. A neglected skirting board can make an otherwise clean home appear dusty.

2. Light Switches and Power Points

Light switches and power points are high-contact areas that end up collecting a lot of fingerprints, dust and bacteria. Use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution to wipe them down. Ensuring that these small details are clean and well taken care of will make a noticeable difference in your detailed end of lease cleaning in Melbourne task, earning you a lot of brownie points from the inspectors.

3. Ceiling Fans and Air Vents

Ceiling fans are notorious for gathering a lot of dust within a short span of time, especially if they have been lying dormant for a while. The same can be said about air vents, which can trap dirt and even mould. To clean them, use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove all the dust and dirt from the fan blades and the air vents. This will not only improve the appearance of your home but will enhance the air quality inside.

4. Window Tracks and Frames

While most tenants will remember to clean the window glass, one thing that gets overlooked here is the tracks and the frames of the window itself. Dust, insects and grime can gather in these areas, making it difficult to clean them at the last minute. To make things easier for you, use a toothbrush and a mixture of vinegar and water to scrub the tracks and remove the stubborn gunk from them.

5. Inside Cupboards and Drawers

Kitchen and bathroom cupboards, along with the wardrobes in the bedroom, can accumulate a lot of crumbs, dust and spills over time. Ensure that you are wiping everything down – all shelves, handles, corners – before you hand back the property, as the inspectors will often check inside of these storage units to see if they have been left clean. Leaving them dirty could cost you money.

6. Behind and Under Appliance

While wiping down the benchtops in the kitchen is a standard practice, many tenants forget that cleaning behind and under large appliances, like fridges, ovens, and washing machines, are also mandatory. Grease, food particles and dust gather in these spaces over time, so during thorough end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, make sure to move these appliances from their spots and give them a good clean.

7. Rangehood and Exhaust Fans

Rangehood filters and exhaust fans collect a lot of dust and grease over time, making them one of the dirtiest areas in the kitchen. To get them clean, remove and soak the filter in warm, soapy water or use a mild degreaser to clean the gunk away. If these are not addressed properly, it can become a red flag during the time of inspection.

8. Door Handles and Knobs

Like the light switches, the handles and knobs on your doors are frequently touched, but rarely are they cleaned. For this, use disinfectant wipes or a damp cloth dipped in a mild cleaning solution to remove the dirt, grime and germs from them. This small task adds a professional touch to the property’s overall cleanliness.

9. Toilet Base and Behind the Toilet

Most tenants clean the toilet bowl and the seat, but they often forget about the base and the area behind the toilet. Dust, hair, and grime accumulate in these spaces quite often, making them a common inspection point for property managers. To ensure you’ve ticked every box for your budget End of Lease Cleaning Melbourne, give them a good wipe-down with a disinfectant to ensure no hidden dirt is left behind.

10. Walls and Scuff Marks

Walls often have scuff marks, fingerprints or stains left behind that are not noticeable until the room has been bared of its contents. To get rid of such things, use a magic eraser or a damp cloth dipped in mild detergent to remove the marks from the walls and pay special attention to the high-traffic areas like the hallways and near the door frames.

11. Outdoor Areas

If your rental property includes an outdoor space like a balcony, patio or backyard, you will have to ensure that these areas are thoroughly cleaned as well. Sweep away any leaves, remove cobwebs, and hose down outdoor furniture or flooring. Neglecting outdoor spaces often leads to deductions from your bond, especially if they were well-maintained when you first moved in.

12. Garbage Bins

Last but not least, if your property has indoor and outdoor garbage bins as part of the lease contract, cleaning them is a must before vacating the property. Empty the bins, wash them with hot, soapy water and let them dry out completely to prevent bad odours. Property managers will expect a fresh and hygienic environment, so clean the bins to leave behind a good final impression.

Things You Might Be Forgetting to End of Lease Clean

Wrapping Up

End of lease cleaning can be a stressful task, but attention to detail and the smooth transition it promises is worth the effort, not to mention you’ll get your bond money back. Make sure to keep these key areas in mind when carrying out the vacate cleaning, and you’ll be able to avoid unexpected deductions. Good luck and Happy Cleaning!