What Is the End of Tenancy Cleaning? Steps and Time
What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Entail?
End of tenancy cleaning, also referred to as checkout cleaning or return of deposit cleaning, is the most rigorous and meticulous process when a tenant moves out of a property. It is far more detailed than the standard weekly clean. The aim is to get the property back to its original state at the start of tenancy, to UK landlord standards.
For the tenant, this is important in order to have an easy inventory check and to get back their deposit. For the landlord and the agent, it provides a clean and fresh home for the new tenant.
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Landlord and Agent Expectations
Letting agents and landlords typically expect a professional standard clean. They are looking for attention in areas typically overlooked under normal cleaning: behind appliances, inside cupboards, deep steam carpet clean, and proper bathroom limescale eradication.
Each property is inspected against an inventory report, and deductions are made from the deposit if the property is substandard. Complying with these is the success of a stress-free move.
Prep Checklist Before You Start
Schedule and Access
Plan ahead by booking a full day or more to clean, depending upon how large your home is. Make sure you are able to access all parts, including loft spaces, garages, and the garden storage if they are part of the tenancy.
Supplies and Products
Stock up on effective cleaning materials: heavy-duty oven cleaners, descalers, microfibre cloths, a vacuum cleaner with attachments, and window frame cleaners. For carpets, professional carpet steam cleaning machines are usually the best option.
Safety Notes
When dealing with heavy-duty cleaning agents, always wear gloves and ventilate rooms thoroughly. Take care when relocating heavy appliances to clean behind them.
Room by Room Steps (Kitchen, Bathroom, Living, Bedrooms)
Kitchen: Surfaces, Appliances, Cupboards
The kitchen will be the longest. Clean all of the worktops, scrub the cupboards from the inside, and pay attention to the splashbacks. Cleaning of the appliances is required, including extractor fan and hob. Remember to defrost and clean the fridge and freezer as part of your move out cleaning checklist.
Bathroom: Limescale, Grout, Glass
Bathrooms need to sparkle. Focus on heavy limescale removal around taps, showerheads, and tiles. Clean grout lines, polish mirrors, and make glass shower screens streak-free.
Tough Spots and Appliances
Oven and Hob
Oven cleaning is a major aspect of end of tenancy cleaning. Landlords usually check this in detail. Professional products or professional cleaning services should be used to remove built-up grease and burnt food.
Fridge and Freezer
De-grease, defrost, and thoroughly clean both the fridge and freezer. Clean seals, shelves, and drawers and leave them switched off with doors slightly ajar to avoid odours.
Windows and Frames
Clean all glass both externally and internally where necessary. The cleaning of window frames, sills, and tracks tends to be overlooked but is responsible for all the difference when taking stock.
Floors and Soft Furnishings
Vacuum and mop all hard surfaces, including corners and edges. Steam cleaning carpets is recommended, especially for staining or where pets have occupied the property. Do not forget to inspect curtains, blinds, and furniture for stains or dust.
Odours and Stains: What Works
Pungent smells create bad impressions with a checkout clean. Allow the property to air properly, use odour eliminators where appropriate, and remove any stains on carpets or upholstery using appropriate cleaners.
How Long Does It Take?
1-Bed Flat
A professional end of tenancy cleaning crew will generally take four to six hours. If you do it yourself, expect to take a whole day.
2-Bed and Larger Homes
Professional teams may take an entire day for bigger properties. DIY tenants may need to utilize two days for the move out cleaning checklist in order to touch upon every area.
Employ With Confidence On Homerun
Carrying out the end of tenancy cleaning up to landlord standards in the UK can be a nightmare, especially when having to deal with the pressure of the move. Hiring a professional from Homerun ensures the task shall be done effectively, right from steam carpet cleaning and oven cleaning to limescale clearing and window frames cleaning. With the experts' help, you can move to your next property feeling assured that your home will sail through the inventory check and your deposit is safe.
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