DIY checklist for End of Lease Cleaning in 2024

DIY CHECKLIST FOR END OF LEASE CLEANING IN 2024

Are you gearing up to move out and need a comprehensive DIY checklist for end of lease cleaning in 2024? Look no further! At Best Local Cleaners, we provide detailed guides and resources to help you navigate the end of lease cleaning process with ease.

Our expert team has meticulously curated a checklist that encompasses everything from kitchen and bathroom cleaning to carpet maintenance and exterior upkeep. With our step-by-step instructions and practical tips, you can ensure your rental property is left in immaculate condition, pleasing your landlord and guaranteeing the return of your bond.

Whether you’re a tenant preparing to vacate or a landlord seeking to maintain your property’s standards, our website offers all the necessary resources for a stress-free end of lease cleaning experience in 2024.

Our DIY checklist for Lease End Cleaning – 40 Tasks 

 General Cleaning: 

1. 1. Clean all doors and door handles, light switches, skirting boards, window sills, and ledges: Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner to remove any dust or dirt buildup. 

2. 2. Clean all windows, window tracks, screens, and blinds: Use a glass cleaner to clean the windows and a vacuum or microfiber cloth to clean the tracks, screens, and blinds. 

3. 3. Dust and clean all light fixtures, fans, and air conditioning units: Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust from light fixtures, fans, and air conditioning units, and then wipe them down with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

4. 4. Remove all cobwebs: Use a broom or duster to remove any cobwebs from ceilings, corners, and other areas. 

5. 5. Sweep or vacuum all floors, and mop hard floors: Sweep or vacuum all floors to remove dirt and debris, and then mop hard floors with a cleaning solution and water. 

Kitchen:  

6. 6. Clean inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers, including handles and shelves: Wipe down the inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner, and clean the handles and shelves 

7. 7. Clean oven, stove top, grill, and rangehood thoroughly: Use an oven cleaner and scraper to clean the oven, and wipe down the stove top, grill, and rangehood with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

8. 8. Clean sink, taps, and drain: Use a scrub brush and cleaning solution to clean the sink, taps, and drain. 

9. 9. Clean refrigerator and freezer thoroughly, including defrosting if necessary: Remove all items from the refrigerator and freezer, and wipe down the inside and outside with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. Defrost the freezer if necessary. 

10. 10. Clean dishwasher thoroughly (if applicable): Remove any debris from the dishwasher and wipe down the inside and outside with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

11. 11. Clean oven racks: Soak the oven racks in hot water and dishwashing liquid, and scrub with a scrub brush or sponge. 

12. 12. Polish stainless steel surfaces: Use a stainless steel cleaner or vinegar and water solution to polish stainless steel surfaces. 

13. 13. Clean the rangehood filter: Remove the filter and soak it in hot water and dishwashing liquid, and then rinse and dry. 

14. 14. Clean the microwave inside and out: Wipe down the inside and outside of the microwave with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

15. 15. Clean the toaster and other small appliances: Use a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner to wipe down small appliances. 

Bathroom and Laundry: 

16. 16. Clean shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet thoroughly, including tiles and grout: Use a scrub brush and cleaning solution to clean the shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet, and use a grout cleaner to clean the tiles and grout. 

17. 17. Clean all cabinets and drawers, including handles and shelves: Wipe down the inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner, and clean the handles and shelves. 

18. 18. Clean exhaust fans and vents: Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust from exhaust fans and vents, and then wipe them down with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

19. 19. Clean washing machine and dryer (if applicable), including lint filter and soap dispenser: Wipe down the inside and outside of the washing machine and dryer with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner, and clean the lint filter and soap dispenser. 

20. 20. Wash all linens and towels: Wash all linens and towels in the washing machine and dry them according to their care instructions. 

Bedrooms and Living Areas: 

21. 21. Clean all mirrors and windows: Use a glass cleaner to clean mirrors and windows. 

22. 22. Clean all wardrobes, shelves, and drawers, including handles: Wipe down the inside and outside of all wardrobes, shelves, and drawers with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner, and clean the handles. 

23. 23. Dust all surfaces, including skirting boards, picture frames, and shelves: Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust from all surfaces. 

24. 24. Vacuum or sweep all carpets and rugs, and mop hard floors: Vacuum or sweep all carpets and rugs to remove dirt and debris, and then mop hard floors with a cleaning solution and water. 

25. 25. Clean all ceiling fans, air conditioning units, and light fixtures: Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust from ceiling fans, air conditioning units, and light fixtures, and then wipe them down with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

26. 26. Clean all upholstery: Vacuum all upholstery to remove dirt and debris, and use a fabric cleaner or steam cleaner to clean any stains. 

Outdoor Areas: 

27. 27. Mow lawns and trim edges: Use a lawn mower to mow lawns, and use an edger or trimmer to trim the edges. 

28. 28. Remove all weeds and sweep pathways: Use a weeding tool to remove all weeds, and use a broom or blower to sweep pathways. 

29. 29. Sweep outdoor areas and decks, and clean any outdoor furniture: Use a broom or blower to sweep outdoor areas and decks, and use a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner to clean any outdoor furniture. 

30. 30. Clean BBQ thoroughly (if applicable): Use a BBQ cleaner and scraper to clean the BBQ, and wipe down the outside with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

Other: 

31. 31. Remove any marks, stains, or scuff marks from walls and doors: Use a magic eraser or all-purpose cleaner and a cloth to remove any marks, stains, or scuff marks from walls and doors. 

32. 32. Clean all air conditioning filters and replace if necessary: Remove the air conditioning filter and rinse it with water. If it is damaged or dirty, replace it with a new one. 

33. 33. Clean all exhaust fans and replace any broken covers: Remove the exhaust fan cover and soak it in hot water and dishwashing liquid. If it is broken, replace it with a new one. 

34. 34. Check and clean all smoke alarms: Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary. Use a vacuum or compressed air to clean any dust or debris from the smoke alarms. 

35. 35. Check and replace any light bulbs that are not working: Check all light bulbs and replace any that are not working with new ones. 

36. 36. Clean all baseboards: Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust from baseboards, and then wipe them down with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

37. 37. Clean blinds and curtains: Use a vacuum or microfiber cloth to remove dust from blinds and curtains, and then spot clean any stains with a fabric cleaner. 

38. 38. Clean any electronics: Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from electronics, and then wipe them down with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. 

39. 39. Clean any pet areas: Use a vacuum or lint roller to remove pet hair and debris from any pet areas, and then use a pet cleaner to clean any stains or odors. 

40. 40. Dispose of any unwanted items: Remove any unwanted items and dispose of them properly, either by donating them or throwing them away. 

We hope our expert tips and tricks will help you to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks with ease. Plus, we’ve included some valuable advice for ensuring that you follow any specific requirements outlined in your lease agreement. So, whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned pro, our end of lease cleaning checklist will help you to leave your rental property in pristine condition. Let’s get started and make sure that you get your bond back in full! 

Remember to check with your landlord or property manager for any specific cleaning requirements or requests they may have. If you’re not confident in your cleaning abilities or don’t have the time to complete the checklist, consider hiring a professional cleaner to ensure you get your bond back. 

Additional Tips for 2024

• Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Utilize sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Smart Cleaning Tools: Incorporate the latest cleaning technologies, such as robotic vacuum cleaners or advanced steam mops, to enhance efficiency.
• Allergy-Friendly Practices: Use hypoallergenic cleaning products to ensure a safe environment, especially if previous tenants had allergies.
• Documentation: Take before and after photos to document the cleaning process, providing evidence in case of disputes over the bond return.

Where to Buy Cleaning Supplies at the Best Price in Australia

Ensuring you have the right tools and products is crucial for effective end of lease cleaning. Here are some trusted retailers in Australia where you can purchase cleaning supplies at competitive prices:

1. Bunnings Warehouse

   • URL: Bunnings Australia
   • Benefits: Wide range of cleaning products, competitive pricing, and frequent sales.

2. Coles and Woolworths

   • URLs: Coles, Woolworths
   • Benefits: Convenient locations, online shopping options, and loyalty programs for discounts.

3. Kmart and Target

   • URLs: Kmart Australia, Target Australia
   • Benefits: Affordable cleaning essentials and occasional promotions.

4. Amazon Australia

   • URL: Amazon Australia
   • Benefits: Extensive selection, customer reviews, and fast shipping options.

5. Specialty Stores

   • Examples: EcoStore Australia for eco-friendly products, The Good Guys for advanced cleaning technologies.

Just in case you are wondering, what is End of Lease? Here is a quick definition:  

What is End of Lease or Vacate Cleaning? 

End of lease cleaning typically involves a comprehensive cleaning of the entire property, including all rooms, fixtures, and appliances. This may include tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, and cleaning windows. In addition to standard cleaning tasks, end of lease cleaning may also include specific requirements such as carpet cleaning, oven cleaning, and pest control. 

The goal of end of lease or vacate cleaning is to ensure that the property is returned to the landlord or property manager in a clean and well-maintained condition. This helps to ensure that the tenant receives their full bond refund and avoids any disputes or issues with the landlord or property manager.  

As a tenant, it’s important to leave your rental property in the same condition as when you moved in to get your bond back in full. End of lease cleaning can be a daunting task, but with our comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that you don’t miss anything important. 

Our end of lease cleaning checklist and tips will help you ensure your rental property is left in the best possible condition, helping you to get your bond back. Our professional cleaning tips cover everything from general cleaning to specific areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. 

Now, here are our Top 7 Tips to help you in DIY End of lease cleaning. 

Top 7 – Tips for DIY End Of Lease Cleaning  

1. 1. Plan ahead: Start planning your cleaning process well before your lease ends. Make a checklist of all the cleaning tasks you need to complete and ensure you have enough time to complete everything to a high standard. 

2. 2. Use quality cleaning products: Invest in high-quality cleaning products, as this will make the cleaning process much easier and more effective. Good quality products will help you achieve the desired results faster and more efficiently. 

3. 3. Pay attention to detail: Focus on the small details, as they can make a big difference. Make sure you clean every nook and cranny, including light fixtures, skirting boards, and hard-to-reach areas. 

4. 4. Don’t rush: Take your time with each task, as rushing can lead to mistakes and missed areas. Work systematically through your checklist, and ensure you’ve covered everything before moving on to the next task. 

5. 5. Hire a professional cleaner: If you’re not confident in your cleaning abilities, or simply don’t have the time to complete the cleaning to a high standard, consider hiring a professional cleaner. A professional cleaner will have the expertise and equipment needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently, ensuring you get your bond back. 

6. 6. Be prepared for the final inspection: Make sure you’re available for the final inspection, and have everything ready for the inspection. If there are any issues, such as damage or missed cleaning areas, be prepared to rectify them before you leave. 

7. 7. Communicate with your landlord or property manager: Keep your landlord or property manager informed of your cleaning progress, and ensure you’re meeting their expectations. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or guidance. 

By following these professional tips, you can ensure your end of lease cleaning is completed to a high standard, helping you to get your bond back and leave your rental property in the best possible condition. Please note if there is a dispute with the cleaning and bond then the issue might end up with fair trading agencies in your state like NSW.