Keep in mind that this step may be the difference between you getting your deposit back and walking away empty-handed. That’s why you should take it seriously. Down below, we offer a cleaning checklist that can be your guide to getting the desired results. There is a lot to tick off the list, so let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- It’s important to remember that end of tenancy cleaning is more detailed than your regular cleaning routine. You need to clean surfaces you rarely do like light switches, light fixtures, blinds, corners, etc.
- You should prepare all the cleaning tools and supplies beforehand to save time and effort
- Avoid using abrasive products and tools in most areas; always test a small area beforehand to see how the surface responds to the treatment
General Rules for All Areas in the Property
Giving a property a good clean does take time but if you are prepared and cognizant of what you are doing, it will be over before you know it. Do obtain all the cleaning products and tools you need so as not to waste time looking for them in the middle of the cleaning process. Use white towels and cleaning rugs to avoid staining any fabrics or surfaces.
Remember to test your cleaning products on the surfaces you want to clean well ahead of time to make sure they will not do any harm. Now, when cleaning surfaces, use the S-pattern where you start at the top and zigzag your way down. Using the proper technique will save you time and effort.
Before you start scrubbing the tiles and other surfaces, let the product sit for 15-20 minutes so it can work its magic. This way the amount of elbow grease required for the job will be significantly smaller.
As far as your appliances are concerned, do not use any abrasive products or tools to clean any part of them. This might scratch the surface or even cause damage. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the units properly so they can continue to work as intended.
This advice applies to the carpets and rugs as well. They have delicate fibres; hence you should pick the cleaning agents carefully. If you can afford it, call a carpet cleaning agency to help you deal with the bigger and heavier items.
If you feel like it’s a lot of work, divide the job into sessions and do it over the next couple of days. Do not leave anything to the last minute. You want to spend a good amount of time on every task so that the end result is satisfactory both for you and your landlord.
Kitchen:
- Clean all drawers, shelves, and cupboards inside out
- Wash and disinfect all work surfaces
- Remove limescale, soap scum, and stains from the sink and taps
- Clean and descale the faucets
- Wash and polish all tiles
- Vacuum and clean any carpets or rugs
- Remove cobwebs and stains
- Dust the baseboards and window sill
- Clean the windows on the inside
- Clean the extractor fan
- Clean and degrease the oven inside out; let the product sit overnight so it can do its thing
- Clean the microwave inside out
- Clean the fridge inside out
Bedroom:
- Vacuum and mop the floor
- Vacuum the mattress on both sides
- Clean all cupboards, wardrobes, and drawers inside out, dust and polish every surface
- Clean corners
- Remove cobwebs
- Dust all surfaces
- Clean the carpet or rug
- Remove streaks from the mirror
- Clean the windows on the inside and don’t forget to also clean the window sills
Bathroom and Toilet:
- Clean cupboard and drawers inside out
- Clean the washing machine inside out (run an empty cycle with a special machine cleaning product)
- Descale and clean all sinks and taps
- Remove limescale and soap scum from bathroom tiles, bathtub, shower, sinks, and walls
- Clean and disinfect the bathtub
- Remove mold and mildew
- Clean and descale the tiles
- Clean extractor fans
- Clean the toilet bowl, the tank and all around the toilet, don’t forget to clean behind the toilet as well
- Wash shower curtains
Living Room and Common Areas:
- Clean under/behind furniture
- Remove dust from skirting boards and other wooden surfaces
- Clean windows on the inside
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and cushions
- Vacuum and mop the floors
- Clean mirrors
- Dust corners
- Dust and polish picture frames
- Remove cobwebs
- Remove any stains from all surfaces
- Vacuum and clean the carpets
- Clean and disinfect light switches, sockets, plugs, lamps and light fittings
Entrance Hall, Hallway & Stairs:
- Wipe down railings and stairway
- Wipe doors and door handles
- Clean sills and ledges
- Polish mirrors
- Clean curtains rails
- Remove cobwebs
- Disinfect light switches, any lampshades and fittings
- Clean skirting boards and polish any wooden surfaces
- Clean on top of doors
- Vacuum and mop the floor
- Wash door mats
- Clean behind cupboards and cabinets
In conclusion, end of tenancy cleaning is a detailed process that requires a checklist to ensure that every area in the property is left spotless. It’s crucial to use the right cleaning tools and products to avoid damaging any surfaces, appliances, or fabrics. You can also divide the cleaning job into sessions if it feels overwhelming. And if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable cleaning company in London, consider Skycleaners, located at 83 Drapers Rd, London E15 2AZ, United Kingdom, and can be reached at +44 7879 101049.
FAQs:
Q1: What is included in an end of tenancy clean?
Since the purpose of end of tenancy cleaning is to restore the original condition of the property, hygiene-wise, the process involves cleaning everything from top to bottom. This includes appliances, furniture, carpets and rugs, windows (internally) and curtains, walls, floors, etc. The place had better be free from dust, cobwebs, limescale, mold, stains, soap scum, and mildew.
Q2: How long should an end of tenancy clean take?
There is no set amount of time you can do that will ensure your property is in pristine condition. Depending on the size of the premises, you may spend anywhere between two and four hours cleaning and still not get the job done right. That’s why you want to start ahead of time and focus on carrying out the task in the best way you can.
Q3: Do landlords have to deep clean between tenants?
Well, somebody has to. Whether it’s the landlord or the tenant, the property should be cleaned in between tenancies. It is the landlord’s responsibility to inspect the premises at the end of one’s tenancy and provide any repairs as needed.