When the time to move outcomes, there are undoubtedly many things to do. But if you live on rent, it’s for sure that the end of tenancy cleaning is the first agenda task you might want to enter into your to-do list.
Probably, you have already read dozens of step-by-step guides with practical move-out cleaning tips. In this material, though, we’ll approach you differently. Instead of telling you what to do, we’ll warn you what not to do for anything in life.
Trust us, sometimes just one avoided catastrophic mistake costs more than thousands of decently performed cleaning chores.
Trying to do everything yourself
To all the diligent housekeepers, we know that you’ve been prudent in your domestic cleaning routine. And we know you are full of magic tricks for any type of stain, whether on the sofa or the hardwood floor. Please, don’t do this alone this time.
The end of tenancy cleaning requires more, lasts more, and it’s more important than your daily quick disinfecting procedure in the living space. This is a detailed, deep, and thorough cleaning. Besides, here’s one quick, friendly reminder: your tenancy deposit depends on how well you will do all those scrubbing tasks.
Besides, sometimes there are problems to fix which are outside your scope of expertise and require a professional, like a licensed plumber or a handyman.
Save for being too proud to rely on someone else, better ask for help from:
- Your family members, because, after all, for most of the stains, they are the ones to blame;
- Your neighbours, because you might not realise it, but they are already missing you and want to help;
- Your best friends or relatives, because they are your closest people ever;
- Your local end of tenancy cleaning company because maybe, it’s time for someone else to do the dirty job while you are pleasantly relaxing on the couch.
Starting your end of tenancy cleaning from the bottom to the top
You might be very sturdy in removing stains, getting rid of dust and eliminating all signs of bacteria and grim, but if you do these all in the wrong direction, you do nothing.
Logically, when you wipe the upper cabinets of the wardrobe, the entire dirt falls to the next line of cabinets, right? Then, why do you start from bottom to top?
Remember this for life–deep house cleaning is not only about the thorough but also the smart cleaning approach. And it starts in the right direction–from top to bottom.
Using the same dirty cleaning tools everywhere
They say we can clean everything with white vinegar. Indeed, this over-the-counter household solution handles any stubborn stain or old burnt spot well.
To some point, this is true. For instance, you can get rid of a nasty spot on the hardwood floor with vinegar. Yet, once the stain is gone, you will see that the floor is gone, too.
Here’s the deal: some cleansing solutions, including the DIY homemade green recipes, have contraindications.
We’ve got even more examples: bleach is not ok for hardwood floors or any granite and metal surfaces. And baking soda can destroy the marble items in the kitchen or the bathroom.
Not cleaning appliances from the inside before moving out
During the inventory check, your landlord will handle an inspection that can be nominated for the following Line of Duty crime TV series episode. Prepare yourself to be busted at all those zones you thought he wouldn’t look.
Actually, to get your tenancy deposit, a mean landlord will only be in these zones. You should know that the check is supposed to be thorough, just like your end of lease cleaning procedure.
And by comprehensive, we mean not only from top to bottom but also from all sides – from the inside and the outside. You’ve got to clean the fridge, oven, and even the cabinets from the inside.
Overlooking most of the places in your home
There are many other zones in the rented property that the tenants forget.
Whether because they are tired, stressed, or pissed off doing things for a home they don’t own, they just skip areas such as:
- The lighting switches;
- Behind the big appliances like the dishwasher and the fridge;
- Under the beds and all the upholstery;
- The carpets and handmade rugs;
- The blinds and the curtains;
- The windows – from the outside;
- The outer zone, including the deck, the patio, the garden, and you name it.
Not taking special care of stains from your pet or child before ending the tenancy
The stains are your worst enemies during the inventory check. You should make several inspections of the property before the official landlord’s inspection.
Make up your mind and try to think of your accidents with your pet or kids. You have plenty of scary, funny, and shocking moments with them that end up with spots. Get a brush, sponge, and a universal stain remover and deal with them all.
Things that might threaten your deposit if you forget about them
Last but not least, there are even more milestones to think about before the final landlord’s check.
Some of them don’t require any cleaning but should be done. Here are the agenda chores we talk about:
- Don’t forget to de-frost the fridge;
- On mandatory, get all of your belongings out of the furniture;
- If there’s a stain on the wall, you better not try to remove it. Instead of that – fix it with a quick re-painting;
- If there are any damages, you are the one to repair them;
- The toilet, the pipes, and the sinks must be drained;
- For maximum results and applauses (as well as your tenancy deposit back in your pocket), end the cleaning procedure by airing the rooms. If necessary, add a smart, eco-friendly deodorising freshening finish.
Conclusion
Try not to repeat this ordinary tenant’s mistakes. If you have a fellow who has recently moved out, don’t hesitate to contact him and ask for milestones to be warned about.
Good preparation for a process is always half of the job that should be done.
Good luck!
