Moving out of a property can be a stressful experience, but a thorough move-out cleaning is essential for both tenants and landlords. It ensures the return of security deposits and prepares the space for new occupants. A comprehensive cleaning approach, including mopping, scrubbing, and even oven cleaning, is crucial to leaving the property in pristine condition.
This article from our Fulham end of tenancy cleaning team provides a detailed breakdown of effective cleaning techniques for different home areas. It covers essential tasks for the kitchen and bathroom and tips for living areas and bedrooms. The guide also discusses final touches and inspection preparation, helping readers understand the expectations of property managers and landlords. Following this area-by-area guide allows renters and homeowners to streamline their move out process and increase their chances of a successful and pleasant experience.
Kitchen Deep Clean
The kitchen, the home’s heart, requires thorough cleaning during the move-out process. A deep clean ensures a hygienic environment for the next occupants and helps secure the return of security deposits.
Appliance Cleaning
To begin, one should tackle the refrigerator. After removing all items, they should unplug the appliance and allow it to defrost. Once defrosted, thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior, including shelves, drawers, and door compartments, is necessary. The oven and stovetop often accumulate the most grease and grime. One can start by removing the oven racks and soaking them in warm, soapy water. While they soak, an oven cleaner can tackle built-up residue inside the oven. The stovetop, burners, and control knobs should be scrubbed until free of grime.
Surface Sanitisation
For countertops, one should use a mild cleaner suitable for the material, whether it’s granite, laminate, or another surface. The backsplash should be paid special attention, removing any oil or stains. The sink requires a deep clean using a quality sink cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. One should not forget to wipe down the faucet, handles, and other fixtures to remove water spots or grime.
Cabinet and Drawer Organisation
Cabinets and drawers should be emptied completely. Both interior and exterior surfaces need to be wiped down to remove crumbs or spills. Handles and knobs require cleaning with an appropriate cleanser. A toothbrush can remove debris from exterior crevices for a thorough cleaning. After cleaning, it’s advisable to dry all surfaces with a microfiber cloth to prevent water marks.
Bathroom Sanitisation
The bathroom requires thorough cleaning during the move-out process to ensure a hygienic environment for future occupants. A comprehensive approach to bathroom sanitisation involves addressing fixtures, tiles, grout, and potential mould issues.
Fixture Cleaning
To begin with, one should focus on cleaning the toilet thoroughly. Using a toilet bowl cleaner, one should scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush. It’s crucial not to overlook the exterior surface, including the tank and seat. Wiping everything down with a disinfectant cleaner helps eliminate bacteria and odours.
Next, attention should be given to the sink and countertop. A mild cleaner or a mixture of water and dish soap can be used to wipe away toothpaste residue, soap scum, or other stains. Special care should be taken with faucet handles, knobs, and soap dispensers to ensure they are spotless.
For the shower and bathtub, scrubbing the walls, floor, and tub itself is necessary to remove soap scum, grime, and any mildew. A bathroom cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water can be effective for tough stains. Thorough rinsing is important to avoid leaving any residue behind.
Tile and Grout Scrubbing
Grout, being porous and often light-coloured, is prone to staining and discolouration. An old toothbrush can apply a paste made from two parts bicarbonate of soda to one part water to dirty grout. An electric toothbrush with an old head can be used for an easier approach.
After applying the paste, distilled white vinegar should be sprayed over it. The resulting fizzing reaction contributes to the cleaning process. Once the fizzing stops, the area should be scrubbed with a toothbrush or a stiff-bristled grout brush. Rinsing with water and drying with a microfibre cloth completes the process.
Mould and Mildew Removal
Specialist products like HG Mould Remover Spray can be effective for mould spots on the ceiling or walls. When using such products, it’s important to ensure proper ventilation and to vacate the bathroom for a few hours after application.
Increasing ventilation is crucial to prevent future mould growth. Properly using an exhaust fan and opening windows after showers or baths can help keep the bathroom dry. Applying a grout sealer can also create a protective surface, making future cleaning easier and preventing staining.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Dusting and Vacuuming
To begin the cleaning process in living areas and bedrooms, dust all surfaces. Using a microfibre cloth or duster, remove dust from shelves, tables, entertainment centres, and decorative items. It’s crucial not to overlook the tops of picture frames, mirrors, and ceiling fittings. For hard-to-reach areas, a small, clean brush can be effective.
After dusting, the floors should be cleaned. Vacuuming or sweeping is essential, as well as paying special attention to corners, baseboards, and areas under furniture. One might consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional cleaning service to clean the carpeted areas deeper.
Window and Mirror Cleaning
Windows and mirrors require thorough cleaning to ensure a spotless finish. For streak-free results, clean both the interior and exterior surfaces of windows using a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth. For mirrors, a mixture of vinegar and water can be an effective cleaning solution. Pay attention to any streaks or smudges, ensuring that all surfaces are crystal clear.
Upholstery Care
Upholstered furniture demands special attention during the move-out cleaning process. One should start by vacuuming the upholstery to remove dust, crumbs, and loose debris. For sofas, it is advisable to remove the cushions and vacuum both the cushions and the base thoroughly. Any stains should be spot-cleaned using a suitable fabric cleaner, always testing on an inconspicuous area first.
Final Touches and Inspection
Outdoor Area Tidying
One should not overlook the outdoor areas when preparing for a move-out inspection. The garden requires attention, including mowing the lawn, removing weeds, and trimming overgrown plants and bushes. Any dead plants should be replaced, especially if their demise resulted from neglect. Paths should be swept and washed, with a high-pressure hose recommended for thorough cleaning. Balconies, patios, verandas, or decks need sweeping to remove debris and cobwebs, followed by a wash using a mop or high-pressure hose for stubborn dirt.
Rubbish Removal
Proper rubbish removal is crucial during the move-out process. One should ensure that no rubbish is left inside the property, as cleaners may charge extra for removal. Rubbish bins should be emptied and washed. Special attention should be paid to small items such as cigarette butts or bottle tops. For outdoor areas, any debris from cleaning should be properly disposed of. It’s advisable to contact a local waste provider or council for the removal of bulky items.
Landlord Walkthrough Preparation
One should thoroughly inspect the property to prepare for the landlord’s walkthrough. This includes checking for faulty smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, signs of dampness or mould, blocked or broken drains and gutters, and any significant marks, stains, or damage that doesn’t appear to be fair wear and tear. Appliances and electrics should also be examined for any issues. Conducting an inspection a few weeks before the move-out date is recommended to discuss any necessary repairs or cleaning with the tenant.
FAQs
What level of cleaning is required when vacating a property?
When moving out, it’s important to conduct a thorough clean, which includes dusting walls and ceilings, cleaning windows and blinds, ensuring smoke detectors and light bulbs are functional, patching any holes in the walls from decorations, cleaning baseboards, and either mopping floors or cleaning carpets.
How can I efficiently clean my entire house in just one hour?
To clean your entire house in about an hour, follow these steps: ensure the house is empty, decide which areas you won’t clean, move systematically from room to room and task to task, start by tidying up, thoroughly clean the bathrooms, make the kitchen presentable, dust all surfaces, and finally, vacuum the floors.
What’s the best strategy for cleaning a messy house in two hours?
For a comprehensive clean in two hours, adopt one of two main strategies: clean large common areas like countertops or playrooms before moving on to smaller details, or clean one room at a time, ensuring each space is tidied and cleaned before moving on to the next.
What is the best method for cleaning apartment walls before moving out?
To clean the walls of an apartment before moving out, remove any visible marks or stains using mild soap and water or a suitable wall cleaner. Focus particularly on areas around light switches and door handles. If necessary, touch up any paint chips or damage to restore the walls to their original condition.
What if I don’t have time to do it myself?
We always suggest booking a professional end-of-lease cleaning company like Cleaning Day. Hiring an expert can save you time and money. Most cleaning services work with landlords who have pre-approved end-of-tenancy cleaning checklists.
