If you are moving out of a rented property then you’ll have to make sure it’s just as clean as when you moved in to stand a chance of getting your deposit back. The chances are you haven’t been doing a deep clean every week, so there’s bound to be a bit of dust and grime that’s built up. Landlords are notorious for deducting sums from deposits to cover the clean-up of things you may have missed.
If you are determined to get your deposit back then you’ll need to make sure everything is sparkling clean. We can of course do it for you if you are worried about doing a thorough enough job. Our cleaning team are experts at end of tenancy cleans and will ensure your landlord is delighted with the cleanliness of the home you are about to leave.
Before you start cleaning, contact your landlord to get a copy of the final inspection checklist. If you’re doing the clean yourself, here’s our 6 top tips to help you pass the final inspection.
1 – The Kitchen
Empty all the cupboards and shelves and wipe clean, clearing any crumbs or deposits. Wipe the insides and outsides of the cupboard doors too. Do your best to pull out appliances and clean behind them as well as the floor underneath them. Wipe dust from the back of appliances with a dry cloth. Don’t forget to clean the fridge inside and out. Pull shelves out so you can clean all the grooves and the shelves too. Defrost the freezer and wipe out if you have one. Clean the microwave thoroughly too.
2 – The Oven and Hob
There’s nothing worse than cleaning the grime off an oven and hob that hasn’t seen a clean in months. Burnt food deposits and thick grime can build up and makes one of the worst cleaning jobs in the kitchen. Put some extra effort into cleaning the oven, trays, rack and hobs until its sparkling. It’s one of the first things to be inspected at the end of tenancies.
3 – Kitchen and Bathroom Limescale
Limescale builds up over time around taps, in baths, sinks, toilets and showers, as well as on tiles and inside your kettle. The good news is it’s not as impossible to remove as you may think.
Various store cupboard ingredients can be effective for removing limescale. A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, for example, is handy for descaling a kettle. Specially formulated cleaning products are also available to tackle limescale problems in the kitchen and bathroom. Leave whatever limescale remover you are using on for up to an hour (or follow instructions on particular product).
4 – The Bathroom
The bathroom is another rigorous checking point for landlords. You need to leave the bathroom spotless. Descale limescale build up and clean taps, tiles, bath, shower and toilet until they are sparkling!
5 – Windows and Window Treatments
Thoroughly clean windows on the inside (and outside if that is also the tenant’s responsibility). Dust blinds and be meticulous with Venetian blinds; wipe carefully. Get curtains professionally cleaned.
6 – The Carpets
Carpets are another notorious sticking point, especially if there are any spills or stains. It could be wise to hire a proper carpet cleaner or get a professional to clean carpets for you. At the very least hoover thoroughly and use a carpet shampoo to lift any marks or stains.
Good luck with your end of tenancy clean!
