So, you’re on the final stretch of your renting journey, and there’s just one important checkpoint left before you can turn the page: the exit cleaning. This step is crucial, not just for the sake of courtesy to the next tenants but also to ensure you get your bond back without a hitch.
Most lease agreements require that the property must be returned in the same condition it was rented out, necessitating a thorough clean from top to bottom, room by room. While many tenants hire reliable exit cleaning services in Geelong, some prefer doing it themselves.
DIY end-of-lease cleaning is a cost-effective way to get your bond back. However, it can be daunting also. But don’t worry, we’re here with the ultimate exit cleaning checklist, designed to guide you through a seamless and spotless move-out process, covering every nook and cranny of your rental home.
Our comprehensive guide will ensure that no stone is left unturned, keeping both you and your landlord happy. So, roll up your sleeves; let’s dive into making your move-out process as smooth and spot-free as possible!
Preparation Steps for an Efficient Exit Cleaning
Moving out can be chaotic and stressful, but having a plan for your end-of-lease cleaning can make everything feel a bit more manageable. Here’s how to prepare for a smooth and efficient cleaning day.
Organise Cleaning Supplies
Before you dive into cleaning, take a moment to gather all the cleaning supplies you’ll need. This will save you time and frustration later on. You’re likely to need:
– Multipurpose cleaners and disinfectants
– Sponges, scrub brushes, and microfiber cloths
– A vacuum cleaner with attachments for furniture and tight spaces
– A mop and bucket
– Window cleaning solution
– A duster with an extendable handle for high surfaces
– Rubber gloves to protect your hands
Having everything in one place, like a cleaning caddy, can make it easier to move from room to room without having to search for supplies.
Schedule the Cleaning Day
Choosing the right day for your final exit clean is crucial. Ideally, this should be after all your belongings have been moved out but before you hand over the keys. This gives you an empty space to work with, making the cleaning process more thorough and less obstructed.
Make sure to give yourself enough time, so you’re not rushed. Depending on the size of your rental, you may need a full day or even two. It’s also wise to check the weather forecast; for tasks like window cleaning, a cloudy day is best, as it prevents streaks caused by the sun drying the cleaning solution too quickly.
Common Cleaning Tasks for All Areas
When doing your end-of-lease cleaning, there are certain tasks that apply to almost every room. These tasks are essential for leaving your place spotless and ensuring you get your security deposit back.
Dusting and Wiping Surfaces
Start from the top and work your way down. This principle ensures that any dust knocked loose falls on surfaces yet to be cleaned. Use a duster with an extendable handle to reach ceiling fans, light fixtures, and cobwebs in corners. Wipe down all surfaces including countertops, shelves, and appliances.
Pay special attention to areas that might often be overlooked, such as the tops of door frames, window ledges, and baseboards. Electrical switchboards, door handles, and mouldings also accumulate a surprising amount of dirt and should be thoroughly cleaned.
Vacuuming and Mopping Floors
Floors are the foundation of any room and can make or break the overall impression of cleanliness. Firstly, vacuum every square inch of the room, including under any fixed installations like a built-in cupboard. Use the appropriate vacuum attachments to ensure you’re not missing any dust or debris in corners or along edges.
Once vacuuming is complete, it’s time to mop hard surfaces. For wooden floors, use a cleaner that’s safe for the finish. Tiles and laminates might require a more robust cleaning solution to deal with any grime or stains. Remember to change your mop water frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
All Areas/Common Tasks
Before we break down the cleaning process room by room, let’s start with a general checklist that applies to the entire house. This sweeping overview ensures you don’t repeat tasks in each room and provides a solid foundation for your cleaning efforts. Here’s what you need to tick off:
– Wipe down electrical switchboards and switches to remove fingerprints and grime.
– Clean baseboards throughout the house to eliminate dust and scuffs.
– Dust and clean ceiling fans and light fixtures to ensure they’re dust-free and shining.
– Remove cobwebs from ceilings and dust door frames, including mouldings, for a crisp look.
– Sanitise door knobs/handles for a germ-free touch.
– Dust and clean air vents and HVAC units to improve air quality.
– Wipe down and refresh interior walls and décor, including picture frames.
– Wipe down all furniture surfaces and polish mirrors for a sparkling finish.
– Wash windows (both inside and out), including treatments, sills, and tracks, for clear views.
– Vacuum carpets and rugs, and sweep/mop all types of flooring to remove dirt and stains.
– Empty, clean, and disinfect garbage bins, removing all rubbish from the premises.
Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist
Living Room
The living room, a hotspot for gatherings and relaxation, requires special attention to ensure it returns to its pre-lease condition. Start by dusting curios, artwork, and decorative items. Clean the TV showcase/unit and dust all electronic screens. Cabinets and drawers should be wiped from the outside and cleaned inside.
Don’t forget the remotes – they need a good wipe down, too. Glass tables and doors should be sparkling clean, while couches and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed. If there are stains on any of the fabric furniture, make sure to remove them.
Kitchen
Kitchens often bear the brunt of daily use, resulting in spills, splatters, and grease. Start by cleaning all dishes and running a hot cycle in the dishwasher to clean it. Clean the insides and outsides of cabinets and drawers, including the tops. The sink, faucet, and surrounding areas need a thorough scrubbing.
Grease from countertops must be removed, and the refrigerator should be emptied and cleaned both inside and out. Clean microwave, oven (interior and exterior), stove top (including the hood and chimney), and any other appliances. Flat surfaces, backsplashes, and the garbage disposal area should also be addressed.
Dining Room
The dining room, prone to food spills and crumbs, requires a thorough cleanup. Buffet tables should be wiped and stains removed. Showcase cabinets, glass surfaces, the dining table, and chairs should all be cleaned diligently.
Additionally, dust any decor and wipe down wall shelves, hooks, and other storage units used for dishware/crockery.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms can accumulate grime over time, making them critical areas during an end-of-lease clean. Start by clearing out all personal items. Windows and their ledges should be washed, and the medicine cabinet should be cleaned inside and out. Don’t overlook the bathroom vanity, mirror, sink, faucet, and bathtub – all these need a thorough cleaning.
Scrub the tiles, clean the toilet bowl thoroughly, including the seat and lid, and ensure the flush tank is wiped down. The shower area, including the curtain or glass door, fixtures, and fittings, also requires attention. Lastly, the tile grout and floor must be scrubbed and cleaned.
Bedrooms
Though similar to the general cleaning checklist, bedrooms have their unique focal points. Ensure all personal items are removed before dusting the tops of large furniture and vacuuming mattresses. Don’t forget to clean the pillows, dust the bed frame, and clean underneath the bed.
Bedroom-specific furniture such as bedside tables, nightstands, cupboards/closets, dressers, lamps, and desks also need good dusting and wiping.
Laundry Room
The laundry room may harbour spills and buildup. Focus on cleaning the interior and exterior of the washer and dryer.
Hampers/baskets should be cleaned, as well as shelves and counters. Remove any soap stains/spills and clean the sink inside and out, including its cabinets and drawers.
Special Focus Areas
Balcony/Porch
The balcony or porch can accumulate dust and grime. Start by removing dust and dirt from the balustrade. Ceiling areas should be dusted and any cobwebs removed.
Light fixtures and wall-mounted fixtures also need a good dusting. The floor should be vacuumed/swept and mopped to ensure it’s spotless for the next tenant.
Garage
The garage often gets overlooked, but it’s just as important for securing your bond. Begin by hosing down the garage door to remove any dirt and grime.
Cobwebs should be removed and the walls dusted. Lastly, clean and remove any grease from the floor to ensure a thorough and satisfactory cleaning.
Finishing Touches for a Spotless Move-Out
Once you’ve gone through the heavy lifting of cleaning room by room, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches to leave your place looking spotless as you prepare for the move-out inspection.
These last steps ensure that you haven’t overlooked anything and that your home is in top-notch condition, potentially making it easier to get your deposit back. Here are the final details to add that shine and sparkle to your home, ensuring nothing is amiss.
Double-Check High-Traffic Areas
Even after a thorough cleaning, high-traffic areas can often benefit from a second look. Ensure the floors in these areas are free of scuffs and stains. If you find any stubborn marks, a magic eraser can work wonders.
Also, ensure that door handles and light switches are disinfected and shining, as these areas can accumulate germs and show wear easily.
Inspect Walls and Baseboards
Walls and baseboards may have collected more dirt and scuffs than you realise, particularly in areas behind furniture. Take a moment to wipe down walls with a gentle, damp cloth, paying special attention to areas around switches and door frames.
Baseboards can collect dust and pet hair over time, so giving them one final pass with a microfiber cloth or duster can really make a difference.
Don’t Forget the Exterior Touches
If you have a balcony, porch, or small yard associated with your rental, ensure these areas aren’t neglected.
Remove debris, sweep the floors, and wipe down outdoor furniture. Paying attention to these details can significantly boost the overall appeal of your home during the final inspection.
Final Garbage Collection and Disposal
After all your hard work cleaning, it might seem like a no-brainer, but ensuring all garbage is collected and properly disposed of is crucial.
Check every room for any trash bags or small pieces of debris you may have missed. Wash out garbage bins as needed to leave them smelling fresh and clean for the next occupants.
Review and Repair
Take one last walkthrough of your home, looking for any damages that need repair. Minor things like filling in small nail holes or touching up paint can be simple fixes that improve the chance of getting your full deposit back.
If you’ve agreed to leave certain items, like light fixtures or shelves, ensure they’re in good condition and properly installed.
Cherish the Final Look
Before you hand over the keys, take a moment to appreciate your hard work. A clean, well-maintained home not only stands a better chance of passing the final inspection with flying colours but also leaves a good, lasting impression on your landlord. This attention to detail can be beneficial if you ever need a reference for future rentals.
Essential Exit Cleaning FAQs
How far in advance should I start preparing for my exit clean?
It’s advisable to start preparing for your exit clean at least one to two weeks in advance. This gives enough time to declutter, organise, and address any stubborn stains or areas needing special attention, ensuring a smooth and thorough cleaning process before your move-out date.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when performing an exit clean?
Some common mistakes to avoid during an exit clean are neglecting to create a checklist, underestimating the time needed, forgetting to tackle hidden areas like inside cabinets or behind appliances, using incorrect cleaning products on certain surfaces, and overlooking small details that could affect your security deposit refund.
Are there any eco-friendly cleaning alternatives I can use for exit cleaning?
Yes, there are several eco-friendly cleaning alternatives suitable for an exit clean. You can use vinegar and water solutions for general cleaning, baking soda for scrubbing surfaces, steam cleaning for carpets and upholstery, and opt for biodegradable or plant-based cleaning products that are gentle on the environment while still effective in removing dirt and grime.
Conclusion
Now, you should have a clear roadmap to clean every nook and cranny of your home, ensuring you leave nothing behind but a sparkling, clean space. Remember, a thorough exit clean is not just about leaving a good impression; it’s also crucial for securing the return of your bond in full. From scrubbing bathrooms to making your kitchen shine, every effort you put into this clean will pay dividends in the end.
Whether you choose to DIY or hire reliable exit cleaning services in Geelong, following this comprehensive exit clean checklist will ensure you don’t overlook any important areas. While the specific needs of homes vary, this guide covers the universally necessary tasks to get your space in top shape for its next occupants.
For professional assistance, you can trust OZ Cleaning Geelong to ensure a sparkling clean property that guarantees your full bond back. Our experts offer detailed cleaning services based on your preferences and rental agreement needs. Schedule a call with our team and ensure a seamless move-out process!
