The Ultimate End Of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist: Secure Your Deposit Return!
Moving out of a rental property requires thorough end-of-tenancy cleaning to leave it in good condition and ensure your full deposit return. Landlords often have strict cleanliness guidelines, so attention to detail is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist to cover every area, ensuring no critical tasks are overlooked.
KITCHEN CLEANING CHECKLIST
A. Appliances (oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher)
Oven: Remove all racks and trays, soak them in hot soapy water, and scrub away any burnt-on food. Clean the interior and exterior of the oven using a heavy-duty oven cleaner. Wipe down the stovetop and control panel.
Refrigerator: Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer. Wipe down all shelves, drawers, and surfaces with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Clean the exterior, including the top and sides.
Microwave: Remove and clean the turntable. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Remove any stubborn stains with a microwave-safe cleaner.
Dishwasher: Remove and clean the filter. Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to remove any residue or buildup. Wipe down the exterior, including the door and control panel.
B. Cabinets and drawers
Empty all cabinets and drawers, and wipe down the interiors with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Clean the exteriors, paying attention to the handles and any greasy or dirty spots.
C. Countertops and backsplash
Remove any items from the countertops and thoroughly clean them with a gentle surface cleaner. Pay special attention to any stains or sticky spots. Wipe down the backsplash with a damp cloth and mild detergent, removing any grease or grime.
D. Sink and faucet
Use a non-abrasive cleaner and sponge to scrub the sink and remove any stains or residue. Clean the faucet with a gentle cleaner, focusing on the base and any hard-to-reach areas. Use a toothbrush for detailed cleaning if necessary.
E. Floors
Sweep or vacuum the kitchen floor to remove any loose debris. Mop the floor with a suitable cleaning solution, ensuring that you reach all corners and edges.
BATHROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
A. Toilet
Clean the toilet bowl with a toilet cleaner and brush, making sure to reach under the rim and around the edges. Wipe down the exterior of the toilet, including the seat, lid, and tank, with a disinfectant cleaner.
B. Bathtub and/or shower
Remove any soap scum or limescale from the bathtub or shower with a suitable cleaner. Scrub the tiles, grout, and any fixtures, including the showerhead and taps. Clean the shower screen or curtain, ensuring there are no watermarks or residue.
C. Sink and countertop
Wipe down the sink and countertop with a gentle cleaner, removing any stains or buildup. Clean the taps and any other fixtures, paying special attention to the base and any hard-to-reach areas.
D. Mirrors and glass surfaces
Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean all mirrors and glass surfaces, ensuring they are streak-free and spotless.
E. Cabinets and storage
Empty all bathroom cabinets and storage areas, and wipe down the interiors with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Clean the exteriors, paying attention to the handles and any dirty spots.
F. Floors
Sweep or vacuum the bathroom floor to remove any loose debris. Mop the floor with a suitable cleaning solution, ensuring that you reach all corners and edges, especially around the toilet and sink.
LIVING ROOM AND BEDROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
A. Dusting furniture and surfaces
Dust all furniture and surfaces, including shelves, bookcases, dressers, nightstands, and tables. Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from delicate items, such as electronics or decorative accessories.
B. Cleaning windows and mirrors
Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean all windows and mirrors, ensuring they are streak-free and spotless.
C. Vacuuming or mopping floors
Thoroughly vacuum or mop the floors in the living room and bedrooms, paying special attention to corners, edges, and under furniture.
D. Wiping down baseboards and trim
Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to wipe down all baseboards, trim, and molding, removing any dust or dirt buildup.
E. Cleaning light fixtures and switches
Carefully clean all light fixtures, including chandeliers and ceiling fans, using a suitable cleaner and cloth. Wipe down light switches and outlets with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
LAUNDRY AND UTILITY ROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
A. Washer and dryer
Clean the interior and exterior of the washing machine and dryer, including the detergent dispenser and lint trap. Run an empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner to remove any residue or buildup.
B. Storage areas and cabinets
Empty all storage areas and cabinets, and wipe down the interiors with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Clean the exteriors, paying attention to the handles and any dirty spots.
C. Sink and faucet
Use a non-abrasive cleaner and sponge to scrub the sink and remove any stains or residue. Clean the faucet with a gentle cleaner, focusing on the base and any hard-to-reach areas. Use a toothbrush for detailed cleaning if necessary.
D. Floors
Sweep or vacuum the laundry and utility room floor to remove any loose debris. Mop the floor with a suitable cleaning solution, ensuring that you reach all corners and edges.
FINAL TOUCHES
A. Emptying and cleaning trash bins
Empty all trash bins and clean the interiors and exteriors with a disinfectant cleaner. Replace the liners if necessary.
B. Checking for damages and repairs
Inspect the property for any damages or necessary repairs, such as holes in the walls, broken fixtures, or burned-out light bulbs. Address these issues before the final inspection to avoid potential deductions from your deposit.
C. Replacing light bulbs, if necessary
Replace any burned-out light bulbs with new ones, ensuring that all lights are functioning properly.
CONCLUSION
A comprehensive end of tenancy cleaning is vital for leaving the rental property in excellent condition and ensuring the return of your deposit. By following this detailed checklist, you can confidently tackle each area of the property and avoid overlooking any essential tasks.
Adhering to this end of tenancy cleaning checklist will greatly increase the likelihood of receiving your deposit back in full. By putting in the effort and paying close attention to detail, you can demonstrate to your landlord or letting agent that you have taken good care of the property during your tenancy. As a result, you will be well-prepared for the final inspection and can move on to your next home with peace of mind.
Remember that investing time and energy in a thorough end of tenancy cleaning not only benefits you but also sets the stage for the next tenant to enjoy a clean and welcoming living space. So, follow this ultimate end of tenancy cleaning checklist and secure your deposit return today!