Moving to a new home is an exciting yet overwhelming journey. And the pressure of a perfect end-of-lease clean adds to the overall stress. Every dust and forgotten fingerprint could cost a portion of your security deposit.
No doubt, hiring a professional service for end-of-lease cleaning is a good option. But doing it yourself can save a significant amount of money.
In this article, we will discuss some valuable deep-clean tips that can help you avoid common pitfalls and secure your full bond back.
1. Review Your Lease
Before starting the end of lease clean, it is wise to review your original lease agreement and move-in report to understand your specific obligations. Keep in mind that requirements may include professional services, such as carpet cleaning or pest control.
Confirming responsibilities outlined in the paperwork avoids unnecessary work or security deposit deductions. This approach saves you a lot of time, money, and effort.
However, when leaving the property, you must differentiate between damage, for which you are financially responsible, and normal wear and tear. It will help you protect the security deposit.
2. Schedule in Advance
The most efficient approach to end-of-lease cleaning is scheduling the deep clean after all your belongings have been moved out. Doing so prevents you from re-cleaning areas, saving time and effort.
If you are planning to hire professional end-of-lease cleaners, book your services at least two weeks in advance. During peak moving seasons, it is difficult to get a time slot that works with your lease termination date.
There must be a difference of 24 to 48 hours between your move and the final property inspection. So you can make any last-minute touch-ups, like final vacuuming.
3.Clean Top-to-Bottom
You should start with light fixtures and fans. First, clean all the dirt accumulated on them. After that, work your way down to walls, surfaces, and then come to floors.
Cleaning top-to-bottom prevents dust and debris from settling on already cleaned areas. This method ensures that dirt is collected on the floor for a final cleaning.
4. Focus on Key Areas
Landlords and property managers are most likely to inspect the areas that accumulate the most grime and are costly to clean. Focusing your energy on these spots ensures a maximum return on effort and is the key to getting back your full security deposit.
The key areas of the home that require your attention during end-of-lease cleaning include:
Kitchen
A deep, grease-free clean of the kitchen is essential for a full deposit return. So you must remove all the dirt and make sure the overall cooking area is well-cleaned.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, your focus should be on eliminating mould, mildew, and lime scale, which are reasons for deposit deductions.
Walls and Floors
Walls and floors form the foundation of a clean property. For walls, a gentle spot-clean using a solution and warm water can effectively remove stains without damaging the paint. And on carpets, you must vacuum thoroughly, paying special attention to edges and corners where dust hides.
