6 Mistakes to Avoid During End of Lease Cleaning

End of lease cleaning is a crucial step when vacating a rental property. It can make the difference between getting your bond back in full or having deductions made for cleaning costs. However, many tenants make common mistakes during this process that can lead to unsatisfactory results and potential disputes with landlords or property managers. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top mistakes to avoid during end of lease cleaning to help you ensure a smooth transition and maximise your chances of getting your bond back.

Not Starting Early Enough

One of the biggest mistakes tenants make is underestimating the time required for a thorough end of lease clean. Procrastinating or leaving the cleaning until the last minute can lead to rushed, subpar results. To avoid this mistake:

• Begin cleaning well in advance of your lease end date
• Create a schedule to tackle different areas of the property over several days or weeks
• Allow extra time for unexpected issues or more challenging cleaning tasks

Rushing the cleaning process can result in overlooked areas, missed details, and an overall unsatisfactory result. This can lead to disputes with your landlord or property manager and potential deductions from your bond. By starting early and allowing ample time for each cleaning task, you can ensure a more thorough clean and minimise the risk of any issues arising during the final inspection.

Overlooking the Cleaning Checklist

Most landlords or property managers provide tenants with a detailed bond cleaning checklist outlining their expectations for the end of lease clean. Overlooking this checklist is a common mistake that can lead to missing important areas or tasks. To avoid this:

• Carefully review the cleaning checklist provided by your landlord or property manager
• Use the checklist as a guide to create your own cleaning plan
• Tick off each item as you complete it to ensure nothing is missed

Some common areas often overlooked during end of lease cleaning include:

• Inside and outside of cupboards and drawers
• Skirting boards and door frames
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Window sills and tracks
• Bathroom grout and exhaust fans
• Balconies and outdoor areas

By closely following the cleaning checklist and paying attention to these often-overlooked areas, you can demonstrate to your landlord or property manager that you have taken the end of lease cleaning seriously and have made every effort to return the property in the best possible condition.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Using unsuitable cleaning products can cause damage to surfaces, appliances, and finishes, potentially leading to costly repairs or deductions from your bond. To avoid this mistake:

• Read labels carefully and choose cleaning products appropriate for each surface or appliance
• Avoid abrasive or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage delicate surfaces
• Test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they won’t cause any adverse reactions

Some recommended cleaning products for different surfaces include:

• Glass and mirrors: Microfibre cloths and glass cleaner
• Stainless steel: Soft cloths and specialised stainless steel cleaner
• Wooden floors: Soft mop and wood-safe cleaner
• Carpets: Vacuum cleaner and carpet shampoo or steam cleaner
• Bathroom and kitchen tiles: Grout brush and tile cleaner

By using the appropriate cleaning products for each surface, you can effectively clean the property while minimising the risk of damage or wear and tear.

Neglecting Hard-to-Reach Areas

Many tenants focus on visible and easily accessible areas during end of lease cleaning, neglecting hard-to-reach spaces that can accumulate dirt and dust over time. Some commonly overlooked hard-to-reach areas include:

• Top of kitchen cabinets
• Behind and under appliances (refrigerator, oven, washing machine)
• High shelves and ledges
• Ceiling corners and light fixtures
• Behind and under furniture
• Air conditioning vents and filters

To effectively clean these areas:

• Use a step ladder or stable chair to reach high surfaces safely
• Move appliances and furniture (where possible) to clean behind and underneath them
• Use extendable dusters or vacuum attachments to reach ceiling corners and light fixtures
• Remove and clean air conditioning filters and vents

Paying attention to these hard-to-reach areas demonstrates a thorough approach to cleaning and can help you avoid potential issues during the final inspection. Remember to prioritise safety when cleaning hard-to-reach areas and use appropriate tools and equipment to prevent accidents or injuries.

Forgetting to Clean Appliances

Appliances are often overlooked during end of lease cleaning, but they require thorough attention to ensure they are left in pristine condition. Common appliances that need cleaning include:

• Oven and stovetop: Remove all racks, trays, and burners, and clean the interior and exterior using an appropriate oven cleaner. Don’t forget to clean the knobs and control panel.
• Refrigerator: Empty the fridge, remove all shelves and drawers, and clean the interior and exterior with a mild detergent. Dry thoroughly before replacing shelves and drawers.
• Dishwasher: Remove any food debris, run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner, and wipe down the door seal and exterior.
• Microwave: Clean the interior and exterior, paying special attention to any grease or food splatters.
• Washing machine: Clean the detergent dispenser, wipe down the door seal, and run an empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner.

By thoroughly cleaning each appliance, you can demonstrate that you have taken care of the property during your tenancy and help avoid any potential disputes or deductions from your bond.

Not Paying Attention to Detail (203 words) Small details can make a big difference during end of lease cleaning. Overlooking these details can give the impression that the cleaning has been done hastily or incompletely. Some often-overlooked details include:

• Fingerprints and smudges on walls, doors, and light switches
• Dust on skirting boards, door frames, and window sills
• Cobwebs in corners and on ceilings
• Limescale and soap scum in bathrooms
• Grime and grease on kitchen surfaces and splash backs

To ensure you don’t miss these details:

• Work methodically through each room, starting from the top and working your way down
• Use a checklist to keep track of all the small tasks that need to be completed
• Inspect each room from different angles to catch any missed spots
• Consider hiring professional end of lease cleaners who have an eye for detail and experience in spotting often-overlooked areas

By paying attention to these small details, you can demonstrate a commitment to returning the property in the best possible condition and increase your chances of getting your full bond back.

Failing to Hire Professional Cleaners

While it may be tempting to tackle end of lease cleaning on your own to save money, hiring professional cleaners can be a wise investment. Professional end of lease cleaners offer several benefits:

• Expertise and experience in tackling all aspects of end of lease cleaning
• Access to high-quality cleaning equipment and products
• Time-saving efficiency, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move
• Increased likelihood of meeting your landlord’s or property manager’s expectations
• Potential for a bond-back guarantee, offering peace of mind

When choosing a professional end of lease cleaning service:

• Research and compare different companies, reading reviews and testimonials
• Ensure they offer a detailed cleaning checklist that aligns with your landlord’s or property manager’s requirements
• Confirm that they use eco-friendly and safe cleaning products
• Inquire about their bond-back guarantee and any terms and conditions

By investing in professional end of lease cleaners, you can save time, reduce stress, and increase your chances of a successful final inspection and the return of your bond.

Conclusion

End of lease cleaning can be a daunting task, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to:

• Start cleaning early
• Follow the provided cleaning checklist
• Use appropriate cleaning products
• Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas and appliances
• Focus on small details
• Consider hiring professional end of lease cleaners

By taking a thorough and detailed approach to your end of lease clean, you can demonstrate your commitment to being a responsible tenant, minimise the risk of disputes with your landlord or property manager, and maximise your chances of getting your bond back in full.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​