Common End Of Lease Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid

Preparing a rental property at the end of a tenancy can be tedious. Tenants in Victoria are obligated to return the premises reasonably clean and secure the hard-earned bond money without any disagreement. However, the process can be more stressful than it sounds. This is because most landlords and property managers conduct a thorough inspection and may deduct your deposited security to cover cleaning and repair costs.

Therefore, most renters prefer outsourcing quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne for their rental properties. They follow the pre-approved checklists that comply with your tenancy agreement to meet the landlord's cleaning expectations and specific requirements. They leave no room for blunders and help you ensure a seamless move-out process.

But, if you are planning to do it yourself due to the financial crunch, consider the following guide and avoid common end of lease cleaning mistakes. Ensure you follow the tried-and-tested methods to dislodge stubborn stains, gunk and grime without causing any damage to the property.

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1. Not Preparing a Pre-Approved Cleaning Checklist

Vacate cleaning is more intensive and thus requires extra attention to meet the pre-defined cleaning requirements of a fussy landlord.

Even professionals also adhere to a cleaning checklist that includes every property nook and cranny. So, it is good to check the cleaning clause in your lease agreement and prepare a list of tasks accordingly.

Tip: Prioritise the tasks and areas that need more attention.

2. Procrastinating The Cleaning Process

Do not delay the cleaning task to the last moment when moving out of your rental property. This can increase stress, and you will tend to miss some important spots in the house, such as windows, door tracks, shelves, air vents, blinds, bathroom tiles, etc.

Instead, understand the components of cleaning and start the process as early as possible. Refer to your tenancy agreement and set the end of lease cleaning deadline. This will help you avoid last-minute chaos, which is crucial for a hassle-free retrieval of bond money.

3. Not Emptying the Space Before Sprucing

Large furniture pieces and heavy kitchen appliances make it difficult to access certain areas, such as windows, walls, baseboards, and floors, and you may lose your bond money.

So, avoid this blunder and empty the property before starting the cleaning process. Remove all your furniture, personal items, and bulky items so that you can spruce up every nook and cranny without leaving dust or dirt behind.

In fact, end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals also prefer an empty property to perform tasks without hindrance.

4. Neglecting Hard-to-Reach Spots

Difficult-to-reach surfaces like ceiling fans, air ducts, light fixtures, window sills, door tracks, baseboards, tile grouts, and the area under the faucet accumulate dirt, dust, and germs. Overlooking these spots can ruin your rental property's overall look and feel.

If you want to pass your rental inspection, pay special attention to these areas. Below are some quick and effective ways to clean these areas:

• Ceiling fan Blades: Wrap an old pillowcase into each blade and wipe it out gently.
• Light Fixtures and Fittings: Use a telescopic duster to remove dust and grime.
• Air Ducts: Use a step stool or ladder to access the spot and vacuum clean it using an appropriate brush attachment.
• Window Sills, Door Tracks, and Tile Grouts: Scrub the surface using an old toothbrush.

5. Rubbing the Carpet Stains Abrasively

It is important to debunk the cleaning myth that rubbing or scrubbing techniques on delicate floor coverings can cause further damage. It can wear out the fabric and leave you in a more stressful situation at the end of your tenancy.

According to experts, combining the blotting technique with a DIY cleaning agent is always good. Spray white vinegar and a warm, soapy solution onto the affected area, such as ink stains, pet urine, spills, and splatters. Gently blot the carpet with a damp microfiber cloth. Repeat the process until the stain completely transfers to the cloth.

6. Not Cleaning Kitchen Appliances Inside and Outside

Filthy kitchen appliances, such as an oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher, are breeding grounds for lethal germs. Unfortunately, most tenants lose their hard-earned bond money due to grease—or dirt-laden appliances.

Cleaning them from the outside won't help you impress the fussy landlord. Instead, empty your fridge or remove racks from your oven and deep clean every nook and cranny to restore their pristine shine. You can use a vinegar-based cleaning solution or baking soda to keep your appliances spotless and shiny.

You should also deep clean the stove hood, cabinets and backsplash for sparkling results.

7. Using Acidic Cleaners on Natural Stone Surfaces

White vinegar, lemon, and other acidic cleaners can damage natural stone surfaces like laminate, marble, and limestone countertops. Instead, use warm, soapy water or baking soda to remove stains, grease, and grime from delicate surfaces. Also, use a sponge or soft-bristled brush for effective stain removal.

8. Skipping the Disinfecting Process

Most tenants only focus on removing visible dirt, dust and stains. They forget to disinfect contaminated surfaces, like light switches, door handles of doors and appliances, knobs, faucets, sinks, bathroom fixtures and floors.

If you want to return the property in a clean and hygienic condition, focus on killing lurking germs and bacteria using the power of rubbing alcohol. Professionals also use EPA-approved disinfectants for a cheap end of lease cleaning Melbourne to prevent the spread of microbes and control infections. This ensures a healthy and hygienic living space for the next occupants.

Avoid These Common End of Lease Cleaning Mistakes

Wrapping Up

These are some of the most common end of lease cleaning blunders that every tenant should avoid for a hassle-free retrieval of bond money. Focus on the right cleaning techniques and leverage the benefits of modern tools to save time and energy during the cleaning process.