The Importance of Comprehensive End of Lease Cleaning

The Importance of Comprehensive End of Lease Cleaning

Many essential details need to be considered in preparation for an upcoming move from a leased property. Advanced planning for the little details is necessary to ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Cleaning Out One of the difficulties some people have is understanding the extent of cleaning the property needs. A thorough cleaning of the unit is important to ensure all of your security deposit gets refunded.

Whilst some of the details of cleaning may seem trivial, it can be a costly error to minimize the extent of the cleaning needed to ensure your deposit is refunded.

Landlords can charge up to the full amount of the security deposit for cleaning if the property is in poor condition when they take it back. That is why making sure it is completely cleared out and cleaned is essential. Unlike the primary cleaning done to maintain a leased property, the end-of-lease cleaning is significantly more extensive. Landlords expect their property to be left in the same condition as when it was leased. To ensure comprehensive cleaning is done, attention to detail is critical.

Deep Cleaning Projects One of the main differences in this type of deep cleaning project is that it is primarily done after a lease has ended. This includes cleaning certain areas in the property that often only get basic maintenance cleaning. This is most often the case with stove and oven cleaning as well as cleaning certain bathroom areas. Hidden spaces are more inclined to see a build-up of dirt, mildew, and soap that often go undetected until after the property is cleared out.

Stove and Oven and Exhaust Hood This is an area that often needs a closer look and a deeper cleaning. This should include cleaning the inside of the oven, the racks, the stovetop, the burner drip pans, under the drip pans, and the bottom drawer area.

The exhaust hood should also be cleaned thoroughly. The stove hood often has a build-up of grease, oil, and sauces near the vent and light area, which can be overlooked. Cleaning external areas of the top of the exhaust fan as well as underneath is recommended, including the light.

Bathtubs and Showers The bathtub and shower areas are notorious for having a buildup of soap scum and mold. Spaces in between tile and in the caulking of a tub and shower base should be a big concern spot to pay attention to. Using tile and tub cleaners with a bleach derivative can be the most effective for these areas. Special attention should also be given to potential soap scum build-up that has likely occurred in the bathtub soap holders.

Thorough Cleaning In addition to getting to the potential build-up spots that require deeper cleaning, it's essential to get to areas that are often overlooked for cleaning.

Here is a basic guide for the areas that need cleaning and how to get them back into a preoccupancy state.

Sinks and Countertops The sinks in the kitchen and bathroom should be wiped down, including the basin, handles, and spouts.

The countertops of the kitchen and bathroom vanities should be cleaned and wiped down. Particular attention should be given to the removal of stains on the kitchen countertop.

Cupboards and Drawers Thorough cleaning should include all areas under cupboards and cabinets, including stain removal. All cupboards and drawers in the kitchen and bathroom should all be cleaned out and wiped down. Even the higher shelves must be looked at, especially if they were holding food to make sure they are not left unattended.

Appliances When it comes to the appliances other than the stove, each should be thoroughly cleaned out. This includes ensuring there are no leftover food or dishes. Each appliance should be wiped down and left sanitized.

Dishwasher The filter should be checked for any leftover food items. Then place detergent in the detergent holder and run through it the wash cycle without dishes. This should clear out any remaining deposits in the system.

Refrigerator This is an appliance that has lots of nooks and crannies to tend clean.

The first step is ensuring that it is completely emptied and wiped down, making sure there are no stains or food particles left in the freezer or refrigerator.

Microwave If there is a microwave, the tray should be washed out, and the walls inside wiped clean of any food stains.

Clearing Out and Washing Down Rooms All rooms should be emptied of furnishings and personal belongings. Once this is done, the floors should be swept, and all carpets vacuumed and shampooed when necessary. It is essential to ensure all stains are removed from the carpet and the floors. Leaving stains and spots on flooring materials will cause a reduction in the deposit refund.

Walls All walls should be checked to see if any significant damage has occurred. Any holes that are larger than a picture nail hole should be spackled and repaired. If significant wall discoloring has occurred, painting over them with a color that matches the room wall paint is recommended. Finally, each room's walls and ceilings should be swept to remove cobb webs and dust build-up.

In the bathroom, it is recommended that any hair gel or other hygiene product spills on the walls be cleaned, and the mirror should be wiped clean with a window cleaner. Whilst you're in the bathroom, finish up the toilet cleaning with a disinfection product. This should include cleaning the outside seat, cover, and basin.

Closets When it comes to closets; it is not unusual for them to be overlooked for thorough cleaning. It is important not to leave personal items in closets. The property owner can charge for the disposal of all personal items left at the property.

Therefore all closets should be cleaned out. Then all closet shelving should be wiped down, and a complete vacuuming of the inside floor is recommended.

Lighting This is another area that is frequently overlooked. Lights fixtures should be wiped down, and light bulbs replaced when necessary.

Outside Cleaning If the property is a house, all personal items should be removed from the yard. And all trash bins and recycle bins should be emptied and placed in their proper storage area. If the trash removal has not yet occurred, containers should be left on the street in their regular spot for trash pick up.