Moving out of a rental property can be stressful enough without the added pressure of an impending inspection. To ensure that you receive your full bond back and leave a good impression on your landlord or property manager, it’s essential to prepare your rental property for inspection by thoroughly cleaning it. Melbourne vacate cleaning is essential to securing your bond money back, ensuring the property is left in pristine condition and meeting all landlord expectations.
In this article’ll discuss key cleaning tips to make your property shine before the final inspection. With some elbow grease and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to a successful inspection.
End of lease cleaning Melbourne ensures you get your bond money back by offering a satisfaction guarantee on all cleaning services.
1. Start with the Basics: Declutter and Organize
Before deep cleaning, it’s important to start by decluttering. Removing personal items and unnecessary clutter will not only make the space look more presentable but also make cleaning much easier.
- Remove all furniture and belongings (unless specified otherwise by your landlord).
- Organise cupboards and drawers: Ensure that these spaces are tidy and empty.
- Dispose of any trash: Don’t leave anything behind, including unwanted items in the garage or shed.
A tidy, clutter-free environment sets the stage for a more thorough cleaning job and makes the property feel more polished.
2. Kitchen Cleanliness: High Priority Area
The kitchen is one of the most scrutinised areas during an inspection, as it’s essential for hygiene and general upkeep. Given the many surfaces, appliances, and grease build-up, it’s also one of the hardest areas to clean.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Clean the oven and stove top: Oven doors and stove tops are magnets for grease and spills. Use a degreaser or baking soda paste to tackle stubborn grease stains.
- Wipe down all counters and cabinets: Make sure countertops and cabinet fronts are spotless. Don’t forget to wipe under the cabinets and around any appliances.
- Clean the refrigerator: Empty it out and wipe down all surfaces. Make sure there are no spills or food residue inside.
- Sink and taps: Scrub the sink and make sure taps are shining. If there are any stains or mineral deposits, a vinegar solution can help break them down.
- Dishwasher: If the property includes a dishwasher, run a cleaning cycle to remove any food debris, and wipe down the interior.
By thoroughly cleaning your kitchen, you’re demonstrating that you’ve taken good care of one of the most used rooms in the property.
3. Bathrooms: Thorough Scrubbing Required
Bathrooms are another high-priority area that can be the deciding factor in your inspection. Clean, sparkling bathrooms leave a positive impression and suggest that the property has been well cared for.
Focus on these areas:
- Toilet: Thoroughly clean the toilet both inside and out. Use a disinfecting cleaner for the bowl and wipe the exterior with a cloth.
- Shower or bath: Scrub the walls, tiles, and grout. Pay attention to soap scum build-up or water stains.
- Mirror and sink: Clean the mirror and wipe down the sink. Polish the taps and ensure there are no toothpaste stains or watermarks.
- Flooring: Sweep, mop, or vacuum the bathroom floors. Don’t forget to clean corners and edges where dust can accumulate.
- Towel racks and light fixtures: Wipe down all hardware, light fixtures, and any other surfaces.
By taking the time to clean your bathroom thoroughly, you can avoid the risk of the landlord making a note of poor hygiene.
4. Focus on Floors: Sweep, Vacuum, and Mop
Clean floors are one of the first things landlords and property managers notice, so ensure they are in tip-top shape before the inspection.
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly: Pay special attention to high-traffic areas. If your carpet is stained, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring a professional cleaning service to give it a deep clean.
- Sweep and mop hard floors: Whether it’s tile, wood, or laminate, make sure the floors are swept and mopped. Don’t forget to clean baseboards and edges, as dirt and dust often accumulate there.
- Check for scuff marks: If there are scuff marks or stains on the floor, try removing them with appropriate cleaning solutions or a magic eraser.
Clean floors create a sense of cleanliness and care, and they can make a big difference in how the property looks during the inspection.
5. Don’t Forget the Windows and Walls
Windows and walls may seem like less important areas, but landlords will notice them during the inspection. Clean windows help maximize natural light, while well-maintained walls show that you’ve paid attention to the finer details.
Here’s what to do:
- Clean windows inside and out: Use a window cleaning solution or a vinegar-water mix to get the glass sparkling. Don’t forget the windowsills and tracks.
- Check for marks or scuffs on walls: If you have scuff marks, fingerprints, or smudges, clean the walls using a gentle detergent or wall cleaner. For stubborn marks, you may need to use a magic eraser.
- Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans: Dust accumulates on light fixtures, fans, and air vents. Wipe these areas down to remove dust and cobwebs.
Windows and walls are often overlooked in regular cleaning, but they can significantly impact the overall cleanliness of the property.
6. Address Any Maintenance Issues
In addition to cleaning, it’s a good idea to take care of any minor maintenance issues before the inspection. This shows that you’ve respected the property and helped maintain it throughout your tenancy.
- Fix any holes in the walls: Patch up small holes from picture hooks or nails.
- Replace any burnt-out lightbulbs: Make sure all lights are functioning properly, including in hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Check for leaks: Ensure there are no leaks under sinks, in faucets, or around the shower, and hire a plumber if necessary.
- Replace any damaged or missing blinds: If there are broken or missing blinds, consider replacing them or notifying the landlord ahead of time.
Taking care of small maintenance issues will demonstrate to your landlord that you’ve been a responsible tenant.
7. Final Touches: The Clean Smell of the Property
A fresh, clean scent can greatly affect how a property feels during an inspection. The best way to ensure this is to clean out any lingering odours before the final walkthrough.
- Air out the property: Open windows and let fresh air circulate through the rooms.
- Use air fresheners or natural scents: To create a pleasant atmosphere, you can use essential oils, candles, or air fresheners. Just be careful not to overwhelm the space with strong scents.
A fresh-smelling home will enhance the overall presentation and leave a lasting, positive impression on your landlord.
Conclusion: Take Your Time and Be Thorough
Preparing your rental property for inspection requires time and attention to detail, but the effort you put into cleaning can pay off in the form of a full bond refund. Following these key cleaning tips ensures that your property looks its best and that your inspection goes smoothly.
Remember: a well-prepared property is about cleaning and presenting your space as one that’s been cared for. By cleaning thoroughly, you’ll show your landlord that you’ve been a responsible tenant, and you’ll be on your way to getting that bond back with minimal hassle.
