Moving out of your rental property brings with it the challenge of securing your full bond back, a task that requires your residence to be left in impeccable condition. To help you navigate this critical time, we've developed a comprehensive bond cleaning checklist that covers every nook and cranny of your home. Follow these essential steps to not only impress your landlord but also ensure you leave nothing to chance.
Kitchen
- Cabinets and Drawers: Begin by emptying all cabinets and drawers. Use a damp cloth to wipe inside and out, ensuring that all crumbs and stains are removed.
- Appliances: Deep clean the oven, range hood, stovetop, and any other appliances provided by the landlord. Don’t forget to defrost the refrigerator and clean inside.
- Sinks and Countertops: Remove lime scale, stains, and food deposits. Make sure the faucets shine and reflect your thoroughness.
Bathrooms
- Toilets, Tubs, and Showers: These need special attention. Use heavy-duty cleaners to scrub and disinfect all surfaces effectively.
- Mirrors and Fixtures: Wipe down mirrors to a streak-free shine and polish all metallic fixtures to improve their appearance.
- Tiles and Grout: Apply a grout cleaner to eliminate any signs of mold or mildew.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Walls and Doors: Look for scuffs or marks on the walls. Gently wash them off, and don’t forget to clean the door handles and light switches.
- Windows and Sills: Clean the windows inside and out where possible. Wipe down the sills and frames.
- Carpets: These are often a main concern for landlords. Vacuum thoroughly, then follow up with a steam clean to remove any deep-seated stains and odors.
Outdoor Areas
- Gardens and Walkways: Simple gardening, such as mowing the lawn and clearing pathways, can dramatically increase the appeal of your home.
- Garages and Sheds: Sweep out any debris and ensure these areas are tidy and cobweb-free.
Additional Areas
- Air Vents: Dust and wash any accessible air conditioning vents to promote better air quality.
- Light Fixtures and Switches: Clean these fixtures and make sure all bulbs are functional.
- Floors: For non-carpeted areas, sweeping, mopping, and polishing should be part of your cleaning regimen.
Final Tips Before you finish:
- Check for Personal Items: Walk through each room to ensure you haven’t left anything behind.
- Professional Cleaning Services: For those tough jobs or when you simply can’t spare the time and effort, professional cleaners are your best bet for ensuring your home meets the highest standards of cleanliness.
