It’s no secret that renting in Australia is expensive. After you’ve signed the lease, paid the rental bond, and moved into your new home, the last thing you want to do is clean. However, if you want to get your security deposit back, you need to perform what’s called a bond clean. Fortunately, the good news is that there are end of lease cleaners that can help. As a result, the even better news is that, by doing a bond clean, you can ease the stress of moving out and make the process a lot faster.
Generally, end of lease cleaning, as it is sometimes called, focuses on the exit of a renter from a property and returning it to the owner in a clean state.
In addition, All types of properties require the same basic procedures for a thorough clean, be it houses, units, townhouses, or apartments. Your clean should focus on high traffic and/or dirty areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as other surfaces like doors, windows, and even walls.
Furthermore, this article will go over what is involved in a bond clean in Melbourne, what areas need to be cleaned, how to prepare for a final rental property inspection, mistakes that are commonly made during final inspections, and when it is appropriate to hire professional end of lease cleaners.
Meanwhile, Cleaning requirements for a bond clean vary by property. They may be specified in the tenancy agreement, or reflect the expectations of the landlord or property manager.
Finally, when creating a bond cleaning checklist, it is important to consider what may not be visibly apparent to the average person.
What are the Benefits of Professional Bond Cleaning?
Once tenants have moved out of a rental property, they may feel overwhelmed with all of the other tasks they need to do, including transit-related tasks to help them with their move, and the need to clean and prepare the new property they are moving into.
A professional bond cleaning service can alleviate some of the stress of moving out by helping to:
- Clean and prepare the property for final inspection.
- Remove dust and other build-up.
- Clean neglected and hard to reach areas.
- Give the property an overall improved appearance.
What is the Difference between Bond Cleaning and Routine Cleaning?
In general, Routine cleaning usually has the objective of simply maintaining a generally clean property.
In contrast, Bond cleaning has the objective of providing a deep and thorough clean of the entire property.
In addition, Because of the nature of a bond cleaning, various and often neglected areas may be cleaned, such as the build up in bathrooms and the kitchen, the insides of kitchen and other cupboards, skirting boards, door and window frames and ledges, corners and other hard to reach areas, floors and other surfaces. The objective of a bond cleaning is to make the property fully prepared and ready for inspection.
Bond Cleaning Checklist
Cleaning a home, particularly a home you are moving out of, can be a daunting task. Therefore, Breaking it up into a series of smaller, more manageable, tasks can help. For example, Following is a series of tasks, broken up by general areas of the home, which can help you when cleaning a home for a move out.
1. Cleaning the Kitchen
When it comes to the areas of the home which require the most cleaning for a bond release, the kitchen is usually high on the list. Moreover, the build-up of food, grease and other residues in a kitchen can be significant if left to accumulate over a long period of time.
For example, things to include on your kitchen cleaning checklist may be:
- Cleaning benchtops
- Cleaning and wiping splashbacks
- Cleaning the stovetop
- Cleaning the controls of the cooktop
- Cleaning the rangehood
- Wiping cabinets
- Cleaning the inside of cupboards
- Cleaning kitchen drawers
- Cleaning the sink
- Removing food residue
- Cleaning the oven
- Cleaning the dishwasher
- Mopping the kitchen floor
When cleaning the oven, the build-up around the stovetop and the rangehood can also be significant.
2. Cleaning the Bathroom
In addition, Bathrooms are also high on the list of areas which require a significant clean for a bond release. Mold and other build-up can occur in a number of places.
Things to include on your bathroom cleaning checklist may include:
- Cleaning toilets
- Cleaning shower stalls
- Cleaning and scraping build-up from shower doors
- Cleaning tiles
- Cleaning and removing build-up from grout
- Cleaning sinks
- Cleaning and removing build-up from faucets
- Cleaning and removing build-up from sink and shower curtains
- Cleaning and removing build-up from baths
- Cleaning and removing build-up from mirrors
- Cleaning cabinets
- Removing build-up from soap residue
- Cleaning the floor
- Cleaning vents
- Removing build-up from fittings
Things to consider when dealing with build-up in fittings and fixtures are the appropriate methods and products to use in order to eliminate the build-up without damaging the fittings or fixtures.
3. Cleaning the Bedrooms
Similarly, Dust build-up in less travelled areas of the home such as corners of bedrooms is not uncommon.
However, the checklist provided is a general one, and may be modified for the purposes for which it is being utilized.
Before the final inspection, When preparing your property for the final inspection, you will want to pay special attention to the following areas during your end of tenancy clean.
- Floors
- Carpets
- Skirting Boards
- Doors
- Window Sills
- Light Fittings
- Accessible Ceiling Fans
- Shelves
- Cupboards
- Corners
- Empty Wardrobes and Cupboards
Living Areas
During the final inspection, your have an opportunity to showcase your best presentation of the rental property to the landlord. Therefore, so be sure to clean the following areas of the living room.
- Floors
- Carpets
- Skirting Boards
- Doors
- Window Sills
- Shelves
- Accessible Light Fittings
- Corners
- Cobwebs
- Wall Marks
For properties with carpeted floors, be sure to arrange for a professional steam clean of all the carpets prior to the final inspection. If you would like additional information on steam cleaning carpets, refer to our resource on Professional Carpet Cleaning vs. Deep Carpet Cleaning
Window
A property with a clear view through its windows gives a good first impression, However, but window cleaning may be restricted by your tenancy. Window cleaning may require the following.
- Wiping Window Frames
- Cleaning Tracks
- Removing Dust from Tracks
- Cleaning Window Glass
Safety should always come first. Do not clean windows from unsafe locations.
Floors
- Carpets
- For Hard Floors:
- Vacuum or sweep up any debris
- Use the appropriate method for your floor type to clean
- Get dirt and other build-up in corners and edges
If necessary, attempt to clean the dirt again using an appropriate method.
For Carpets:
- Make sure to get any built up dirt in carpets
- Pay special attention to stains and odors
- Look in corners and along edges
- If the carpet is really bad you should consider having it professionally cleaned
In particular, this is especially true if the carpet has built up stains and odors from the tenants.
7. Walls, Doors and Skirting Boards
In addition, Markings and dust build-up on walls are common and normally go unnoticed, but can be noticeable during a final inspection
Look along edges of doors and door frames
Look along edges of skirting boards and corners
Avoid using excessive or strong cleaners on painted walls as the cleaners can break down the paint
8. Cupboards and Wardrobes
Inspect and clean any cupboards and wardrobes
Be on the lookout for build-up of dirt and debris
If you have time, you can also do the following:
Pay special attention to the areas listed above. The kitchen and bathrooms in particular can benefit from additional cleaning and can really improve your landlords first impression during a final inspection.
End of Tenancy Professional Cleaning Service
While Some tenants opt to do the end of tenancy cleaning themselves, while others choose to hire a professional cleaning service.
In addition, Professional cleaning services generally use special equipment and cleaning products and follow a particular cleanliness protocol. Some services offer add-ons to clean different areas of a property. These areas may include bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
There are many reasons that may lead a tenant to hire a professional cleaning service. For example, These may include:
Time Constraints
Inadequate Time to Conduct an Extensive Clean of the Property
Stain Removal
Property was Previously Occupied for an Extended Time Period
Personal Situational Stress and the Need for Professional Assistance
Last Clean of the Property
Tenants are permitted to request an itemized list of services provided and supplied by the cleaning service. It is good practice for a tenant to verify what services and cleanliness level is guaranteed by the cleaning service prior to retaining such service.
How Much is Bond Clean in Melbourne?
Generally, Prices for bond cleaning in Melbourne vary and are property specific.
Several factors that may affect the price of cleaning a property may include, but are not limited to:
- Size of the property
- Condition of the property
- Level of Dirt and Grime in the Property
- Number of Bathrooms and Bedrooms in the Property
- Number of Windows in the Property
- Carpets in the Property
- Outside Areas of the Property
- Cleaning Time Required
To get an approximate idea of cost, it may be helpful to request a quote.
What is a Bond Clean?
A bond clean is the final clean of a rental property that is performed by the outgoing tenant. The purpose of the clean is to bring the property to a condition that meets the requirements of the real estate agent or landlord. The level of cleanliness may vary based on the contractual agreement between the tenant and the landlord.
However, Bond cleans may be stressful and time constraining. There are a number of resources that may help you with the process.
To make the process easier , facilitate your end of lease cleaning, you should do the following for your end of lease cleaning:
Clear the Premises
Empty the property of your personal belongings, clothing and furnishings. This includes rubbish.
Therefore, It’s much easier to clean a house when the rooms are empty.
Check All Storage Areas
First, empty the contents of all cupboards, drawers, and storage areas to ensure nothing has been overlooked.
Check the Appliances
Next, If the appliances are part of the rental property, check if they require cleaning before they can be handed over.
Identify Issues
Additionally, Locate any issues such as stains, marks, mould, grease and general build up of dust and determine if there are any defects in the property.
Check Your Tenancy Agreement
Finally, Read the agreement to find out what the landlord and tenant obligations are regarding the property condition and cleaning.
Common Mistakes
There are mistakes that are often made when a tenant cleans a property.
Cleaning only that which is Visible
However, Cleaning only that which is visible, often results in the neglection of harder to reach areas such as corners and the tops of skirtings.
Cleaning Priorities
For example, the kitchen and bathroom are often the hardest areas of a house to clean as there are often build up of residues and grease.
The bathroom can also have water marks and build up of soap scum.
Using the Wrong Products
Therefore, Not all cleaners are appropriate for all surfaces. It is important to check before using a cleaner.
Carpets
Often dirt and dust are trapped in carpet fibres. Vacuuming isn’t always enough to remove all build up.
Leaving Behind Rubbish
You are required to remove all your personal property from the rental when you leave. This includes all rubbish.
BOND AND CARPET CLEANING
There are circumstances where the condition of carpets would impact the handover of a rental property.
Generally, the removal of dust from a carpet is usually achieved through vacuuming, however, it may not remove deep-seated dust and other things. Stains and odors may require more thorough cleaning. Soil, particularly in high traffic areas, may require more intensive cleaning.
As part of your moving preparation, you may have questions about the cleaning of carpets. You may find answers to your questions about the end of a tenancy, End of Tenancy Cleaning Services and other associated services on our website.
Prior to organizing carpet cleaning, you may wish to check with the agents managing your property to determine the carpet cleaning requirements.
HOW TO CHOOSE A LEASE CLEANING COMPANY
Many people will select the cheapest carpet cleaning service, but this should not be your only consideration.
Things you may wish to consider include:
do they use any special chemical or processes, do they guarantee their work, is the equipment modern and effective, do they charge extra for travel and are their charges reasonable?
is their service availability convenient to you?
Most importantly, a company should be clear and upfront about all charges, and you should receive a written quote prior to the service.
PROFESSIONAL BOND CLEANING
Whether it’s worth it to you, personally, to engage a professional bond cleaning service, depends on several factors. For example, the size of your property, how busy you are, how experienced you are at cleaning and how dirty your property is.
The main reason to use a professional bond cleaning service is to save yourself the time and energy at a particularly stressful time, the move.
Make Your Move-Out Cleaning Easier
Here are some tips to help you clean your rental when you move out.
clean early
It will be easier to clean your rental if you start early and work in sections.
use a checklist
A list will help you make sure you don’t miss anything.
clean from top to bottom
Dust and dirt will fall to lower surfaces, so it is best to clean the top of surfaces first.
remove belongings
Be sure to take your things out of the areas you are cleaning.
kitchen
The kitchen probably has the most surfaces to clean, so it will likely take the most time.
bathrooms
Don’t forget to clean the toilets.
floors
Don’t miss baseboards and other tricky to reach areas.
windows
Give the windows a quick spray.
If you know the general requirements of your rental cleaning, you can plan ahead and clean at your own convenience instead of all at once at the last minute.
What to do after Bond Cleaning
After you have cleaned your rental, check to make sure everything is cleaned thoroughly, especially:
Outdoor areas
To document your efforts, consider taking a final set of photos.
Bond Cleaning and End of Tenancy Cleaning
People use these terms interchangeably to mean the same thing, which is the cleaning of a rental property by the tenant at move out.
Other terms include:
- Move out cleaning
- Vacate cleaning
- Lease cleaning
- Rental cleaning
- End of lease cleaning
- Bond clean
You should research the exact services different companies offer before making your decision.
For research on different services offered and tips to help you clean a rental property at move out, you can use our Lease Cleaning Service article.
Final thoughts
I would like to thank you for taking time out to read my blog. As the moving out date from a rental property approaches, there are many things to consider including arranging a bond cleaning in Melbourne. One of the ways to make a rental property stand out to a prospective tenant is to ensure that it is clean and organised.
If you are doing the end of lease cleaning yourself, it is essential that you clean the things that are usually neglected, for example, the insides of cupboard, the bathroom exhaust fan, and the range hood filter, and skirting boards.
If you prefer to hire an end of lease cleaning service, ensure that you check the company out by comparing their checklists, and rates.
It is always a good idea to start your move out cleaning as early as possible. Following this tip, and using the information contained in this blog will help you to leave your rental property clean for the new tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by bond cleaning in Melbourne?
Bond cleaning is a type of residential end of clean service. In this service, the clients require the cleaners to clean different areas of the house including rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, doors, floors and cupboards. The scope of services offered by cleaners may vary.
Is bond cleaning same as end of lease cleaning?
Yes, both of them denote the same clean up service. End of lease cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning or vacate cleaning mean the same service provided by cleaners to landlords or tenants to clean the rental property.
How long does it take to do a bond cleaning?
It may take a few hours to a full day, based on the size of the house, the condition of the house and how dirty the house is. Usually, a small apartment may take less time to clean as compared to a big house.
Is it necessary to hire professional cleaners to do end of tenancy cleaning?
Not always. A tenant can do the cleaning if he or she has sufficient time and the necessary cleaning equipment. Hiring cleaners is a good option if a tenant wants to thoroughly clean the house and if the tenant is not getting enough time to do the cleaning.
Does bond cleaning include carpet cleaning?
It depends. Some services do carpet cleaning. Other services may provide this as an additional service.
How much does it cost to do a bond cleaning in Melbourne?
The cost depends on a number of factors like the size of the property, the number of rooms, the condition of the house and equipment like windows that may need cleaning. The best way to find the cost is to take a quote from a cleaning service.
When should I schedule lease cleaning?
The recommendation is to schedule this service just before your final inspection. If the property requires additional cleaning before you hand it over, you may have time to schedule additional services if you request the lease cleaning early.
What should I clean when I move out?
You will want to clean all vertical and horizontal surfaces in the home. Surfaces that are noted in the lease or that your landlord points out should also be cleaned.
Can lease cleaning services remove all stains?
No, some stains are permanent. Some old stains may be impossible to completely remove. The best that cleaning services may be able to do is to lessen the visibility of stains.
How can I ease the process for lease cleaning?
The landlord should be notified in advance to arrange for the cleaning. Belongings should be removed to allow for easy cleaning. A checklist should be created to ensure nothing is missed. Cleaning services may be guided by a prioritization system to determine which areas should be cleaned first.