End of tenancy cleaning is a major concern when moving out. You need to meet the landlord’s cleaning expectations for the bond refund. Tenants often make some common mistakes that cost them the cleaning deposit refund. It includes having no plan, last-minute rush, wrong cleaning techniques, and overlooking some areas. This end of lease cleaning guide will help you understand and avoid these mistakes. It will help you impress property managers and get a positive inspection report.
14 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid During Bond Cleaning
Bond cleaning requires more attention than regular cleaning. Your bond money return depends on it. The following mistakes can upset the landlords. You must avoid making them.
Vacate Your Items Before Cleaning
It’s not wise to start cleaning before moving your items. Tenants often make this error. You will face problems cleaning properly with furniture and boxes in the way. You may miss some spots or damaged items. Therefore, you have to vacate your items first. This makes cleaning faster and easier. It also ensures a thorough cleaning job. The stress will be reduced, and the results will be better.
Prepare A Plan and Detail Cleaning Checklist
You need to start planning with enough time in hand. This saves you from a last-moment rush. Plan out when you are going to move your items and when you will clean. Consider whether you are going to try DIY cleaning or hire professionals. You should also make a thorough exit cleaning checklist. Take your time to make the list. Make sure no places are left. After the cleaning is done, cross-check the list for confirmation. Otherwise, you might miss important areas. This can affect the inspection report, and you may not get a full bond refund.
Do Not Apply New Cleaners Directly on the Surface
This mostly happens during DIY cleaning. You must not apply a new cleaner directly on the surface. This can cause harm to your carpet, furniture, or other items. Instead, you should do a spot test first. Apply the cleaner on a small portion and check if it’s safe for the item. Reading the product description also helps understand their uses.
Pay Attention to Kitchen Appliances
It’s not rare to forget to clean the kitchen appliances. However, this can lead to issues with your cleaning contract obligations. Your lease agreement likely requires you to clean all appliances. This includes the oven, fridge, and microwave. Grease and grime build up over time. If you neglect these areas, you may not pass the inspection. Remove all food and stains and take time to clean all kitchen items, such as:
- Oven, stove, and microwave
- Range hood
- Freezer and refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Rice cooker, coffee maker, blender, etc.
Ask for Help from Friends and Family Members
It’s always better to opt for professional cleaning services. They are more aware of bond cleaning and tenant cleaning responsibilities. However, if you opt for DIY cleaning, make sure you have people to help. Ask your family members and friends to lend hands. End of lease cleaning demands a thorough cleaning of the rental property. It’s a lot of work. You will need others to help you with the cleaning. Trying to do all the work alone can be very tiresome and energy-consuming.
Check on the Cleaning Service Providers
When hiring a cleaning company, you should inquire about different questions. A common mistake tenants make is not asking about the cleaners insurance. Accidents can happen during the cleaning process. If cleaners are insured, you won’t have to bear accidental costs. According to the United Workers, 37% of cleaning workers go through accidents at least once in five years. Therefore, you should do your research about the employee efficiency and insurance of the company before hiring.
Clean the Outdoor Areas
Tenants often forget to clean the outdoors. Rental property cleaning is not limited to indoor items only. It also includes patios, balconies, and gardens. Your real estate agents will check these spaces, too. For a proper bond cleaning, you need to perform the following activities:
- Sweep and wash the patio
- Remove weeds and leaves
- Clean outdoor furniture
- Check for cobwebs around windows and doors
You should check the agreement and make a complete list of both indoor and outdoor items.
Avoid Putting Dirty Upholstery Directly in the Water
Putting dirty upholstery directly in water is a bad idea. Water can damage the fabric and padding. It can also cause stains to spread. Wet upholstery takes a long time to dry. This can lead to mould and bad odours. This can be unhealthy for new tenants. Mould can lead to sneezing, coughing, congestion, and wheezing, according to the enHealth. The ideal way to clean upholstery is to vacuum it first. Use a soft brush to remove dust and debris. Spot-clean stains with a mild detergent and water. You can blot, but don’t rub, to avoid damage. For deep cleaning, use a steam cleaner or hire professionals.
Follow the Correct Cleaning Methods
For DIY cleaning, you have to be aware of the correct and thorough cleaning techniques. Incorrect techniques can lead to damage or incomplete cleaning. Read the equipment and product instructions properly to avoid mistakes. Follow these expert lease cleaning tips for proper cleaning methods:
- Use microfiber cloths to capture dust without spreading it.
- Move the vacuum cleaner to and fro for proper cleaning
- Use a vacuum with attachments for carpets, upholstery, and corners.
- Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth for windows and mirrors.
- Check upholstery levels for instructions on appropriate cleaners.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
One of the common move-out cleaning mistakes is using harsh chemicals. They can damage surfaces and affect the environment. Eco-friendly cleaners are better alternatives for them. They are safer for you and the environment. They reduce the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Useful green products you can use are:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Essential oils, etc.
Use them in the kitchen, bathrooms, and living rooms. These items can give you better cleaning results and improve the indoor environment.
Hard-To-Reach Spots Are Important Too
Some areas are difficult to reach and clean. It can be behind appliances, on tops of cabinets, on light fixtures, etc. However, you still need to clean them. Ignoring them can impact your rental inspection cleaning result. You can get professional help for this. They have specialised tools and equipment to reach the difficult areas. This will help you get over with the cleaning in the first inspection.
Document Original and Current Condition
It’s crucial to have documents of the original condition of the property. If you had taken pictures, they would come in handy. Compare them to the current state after cleaning to ensure accuracy. Document any changes or damages during your tenancy. This prevents disputes over security deposits and makes your move-out process smoother.
Discuss the Repairing Items
Some items can get damaged during your tenancy. Some of them are regular wear and tear that might not need your repairing. However, some damages are your responsibility. Especially the ones that occurred due to any negligence on your half. You should make a list and discuss it with the property owners. Cross-check what items are needed to be repaired by you. This saves you from unnecessary repairs. You should repair the items before cleaning. Otherwise, your place can get dirty again.
Do Not Ignore Bad Odour in the Property
Bad odour can linger around even after cleaning the dirt and dust. If you let it be like this, it’s a grave mistake. You must not attend an inspection when the property is still smelling bad. Use natural adsorbents like baking soda, lemon, vinegar, and charcoal. Avoid using chemical deodorants as they can affect the air quality. A clean property with fresh air will help you impress the inspectors and landowners.
Final Words
You don’t have to go through bond cleaning every now and then. So, making some mistakes is not rare. But you have to be conscious of avoiding the above-mentioned common mistakes. Make a plan with enough time in hand, hire professional cleaners and do a proper background check. Eco Cleaning Brisbane ensures to follow proper cleaning methods. We use only eco-friendly cleaning products. Our staff are trained and insured. We do a proper background check during recruitment. You can rely on us for an error-free end of lease cleaning. Our 100% bond return guarantee makes your transition smooth and tense-free.
