How To Do Bond Cleaning Yourself And Pass Rental Inspection

Preparing a rental home for the final inspection can be an uphill battle for the majority of tenants/renters in Melbourne. The task goes beyond eliminating visible dust, grime or stains. In Victoria, where real estate agents are strict during inspections, tenants must adhere to the pre determined checklist and tackle stains from almost all surfaces to prevent bond deductions. This will not only leave a great impression on your landlord but also establish your reputation as a good tenant in the residential rental market. And the key is to performing a thorough end of lease cleaning.

While hiring professionals can be the best option, many tenants in Victoria prefer to do it themselves, either due to financial constraints or other potential reasons. Unfortunately, many fail their inspection due to a lack of cleaning, which can be discouraging. Fret not! Here is a comprehensive guide on DIY bond cleaning to help you pass your inspection and secure your bond money. With an optimistic mindset, a well defined strategies and a proper checklist, you can achieve the best outcomes like a pro.

1. Understanding Outlined Cleaning Clauses in Your Lease Agreement

A lease or tenancy agreement is a legally binding agreement between landlords and tenants that determines the roles, responsibilities, duties, and obligations throughout the lease. As a responsible tenant, you must read it thoroughly before signing it. This agreement outlines specific cleaning responsibilities of both parties, especially tenants, to prevent disputes and disagreements.

It clearly mentions the clause of maintaining a clean and hygienic property during the tenancy. According to the Residential Tenancy Laws in Victoria, tenants are obligated to return the premises in a 'reasonably clean' condition (except for fair wear and tear). This is the least that every agreement outlines. However, the landlord can also add specific cleaning clauses, such as professional carpet cleaning and mould removal. That's one of the reasons why end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts thoroughly check the agreement and cleaning clauses before getting into the process. You should do the same for a seamless process.

2. Refer to the Entry Property Condition Report

Remember that renters are not obligated to fix existing filth, damage and normal wear and tear. You must return the property in its original state, as it was when you moved in. Ensure you refer to the entry condition report and compare it with the current condition to clean or fix areas accordingly. If anything is damaged by you, repair it before beginning the cleaning process. That’s why knowing your rights and responsibilities as a renter makes a world of difference.

3. Stocking on Necessary Cleaning Supplies

Scuff marks on walls, cooking grease inside an oven or soap scum on shower doors need proper tools and products. When performing a DIY bond cleaning, ensure you have all the necessary supplies in hand. Create a caddy and include microfibre cloths, dusters, assorted brushes, a vacuum cleaner with different brush attachments, sponges, magic erasers, broom and dustpan, mops, etc.

Instead of using store bought cleaners, prepare DIY solutions at home using white vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquid, warm water, lemon, hydrogen peroxide, etc. This will remove stains while protecting the indoor environment by keeping toxic chemicals and fumes at bay.

4. Creating a Pre Approved Checklist

Do you know why companies offer guaranteed end of lease cleaning in Melbourne? It is because they use a pre approved cleaning checklist. It helps them cover every nook of the property according to the set standards. You should also prepare a checklist and streamline the process. This will save you a lot of time and energy while helping you meet your landlord’s expectations regarding cleaning.

5. Dusting From  a Top to Bottom

Believe it or not! This is one of the best ways to clean any type or size of rental home. Accumulated dust bunnies may be overlooked, but they can contribute to indoor air pollution. If you want to boost cleaning efficiency without missing any important areas, dust from top to bottom. Start from your air vents, ceiling walls, fans, light fixtures, fittings, cupboards, and then move towards windows, blinds, door tracks, skirting boards and flooring. This helps you cover every nook and cranny with ease while preventing the dust from falling on already clean surfaces like carpets and floors. You can use damp microfibre cloths as they can fetch tiny dirt and debris with ease. For hard to reach areas, use a telescopic dusters.

Tip: It is good to empty your room by removing all furniture pieces and household belongings.

6. Pay Attention to Kitchen Appliances

The majority of bond deductions happen due to overlooked kitchen appliances. Cleaning countertops, sink and cabinets isn’t enough. To pass your rental inspection, ensure you thoroughly clean an oven, microwave, stovetop, range hood, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other small appliances both inside and outside.

Remove buildup grease, food particles, stubborn stains and bad smell using baking soda and vinegar solution. Ensure you submerge the greasy oven racks, fridge drawers and grills in hot soapy water. For interior cleaning, apply the product and wipe down with a sponge. This will keep foodborne diseases at bay while leaving a great impression on your landlord.

7. Restore Your Carpet Shine

Carpets take a lot of grime, gunk and stains on a regular basis. This can make them look dull and discoloured. So, it is good to vacuum your carpets thoroughly using a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner. If there is any specific cleaning requirement for professional carpet cleaning, you can steam clean the delicate floor coverings. It will help you achieve spotless results with ease.

8. Clean and Disinfect Bathroom Naturally

This can be a little tricky due to nasty soap scum, limescale, and mould patches on the walls and fixtures in your bathroom. You can follow these hacks to clean your bathroom like a pro:

• Submerge your showerhead in vinegar and baking soda water overnight. This will breakdown the gunk
• Run a rubber squeegee to clean the glass doors
• Deep clean bathtubusing baking soda or soda crystals
• Remove brown stains from the toilet bowl using a vinegar solution. Scrub the rim area as well
• Polish the mirror
• Wipe down the sink and faucets using rubbing alcohol
• Apply 3 % hydrogen peroxide solution and gently scrub with an old toothbrush.

9. Don't overlook Outdoor Areas.

Exterior cleaning is as important as interiors to help you secure bond money. It is important to clean the patio area, garage walls, concrete driveways and exterior walls. You may need a pressure washing machine to tackle stubborn stains and grime. So, make necessary arrangements for spotless results. Also, keep the seasonal bond cleaning challenges in mind and find out ways to overcome them, especially when cleaning during the spring and winter season.

10. Enlist Help

Don't overburden yourself with laborious bond cleaning chores. Instead, delegate tasks to your family members, kids, and roommates to increase efficiency. You can prepare a list of tasks and assign them according to their age and potential. If you are worried about your hard earned bond money, hire experts for a top quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne. They know what landlords look for during the inspection and clean the property meticulously to give you peace of mind.

Infographic: DIY Bond Cleaning Tips To Secure The Bond Money

Wrapping Up

DIY bond cleaning can be an ideal choice if you want more control over the process or tackle the dirt yourself. You can follow these easy yet effective tips to achieve spotless results and pass your rental inspection without any disputes or disagreements.