Top 7 Cleaning Tasks Tenants Often Miss Before Moving Out

Before you move out, giving your place a good clean can really help you get back your full security deposit. If you skip some spots, you might end up with deductions you didn’t expect. Let’s look at seven cleaning tasks people often miss. 

Take care of these areas to leave the place spotless. Not only will your landlord be happy, but you’ll also avoid losing any money. Ready to jump in? Here are the key tasks to help you move out smoothly and keep your deposit safe.

1. Focus on High-Traffic Areas
   

Busy spots like hallways and entryways get dirty fast. Start with a good vacuum to pick up the dirt, then use a steam cleaner for tough stains and a deep clean. 

Don’t forget to scrub the baseboards and corners to get rid of any marks. This extra effort helps keep your deposit safe and leaves the place looking spotless. 

Take photos of your work because landlords often check these areas during inspections. Keeping it clean can help you avoid any surprise charges.

2. Clean Behind Appliances
   

Before you move out, don’t forget the hidden spots that are easy to miss but super important for keeping things clean. Check behind your big kitchen appliances, like the fridge and oven. These spots can get pretty grimy with grease, dust, and bits of food.

Sure, pulling out the fridge and oven might feel like a hassle, but it really helps. Grease and dust can make your landlord frown during inspections, and if left alone, might cause bad smells or even pests. 

Grab a long-handled brush to reach those tricky areas and get rid of all the muck. For a deep clean that’s kind to the environment, use a mix of vinegar and baking soda. It works great on tough grime and bad smells.

Don’t skip the floor under these appliances either; it often gets dirty with spills. A good mop and some elbow grease will tackle those tough stains. 

And if there’s any liquid left, old towels can soak it up nicely. Take some before-and-after photos to show your landlord how thorough you’ve been. 

Keeping an eye on these spots shows you’re detail-oriented and can help make sure you get your deposit back. Making it a habit to clean behind appliances now and then, like during spring cleaning or before moving out, can save you a lot of trouble later on.

3. Focus on Windows and Blinds
   

Getting ready to move? Giving your windows and blinds a good clean makes your place look great. Grab a good window cleaner and some microfiber cloths to make the glass sparkle without any streaks, inside and out. 

Don’t forget about the blinds! Just a damp cloth with a bit of soap will easily wipe off dust and dirt. Also, make sure to clean the window sills and tracks since they get dirty too. 

Snapping a few pics of your clean windows can show your landlord how hard you’ve worked. Doing this early means everything has time to dry, leaving your place fresh and welcoming!

4. Deep Clean Carpets and Floors
   

Carpets and floors really take a beating, so giving them a good clean before you move out is a smart move. 

Got some tough stains on the carpet? You might want to hire a post-tenancy cleaning service to get them out properly. Feel like tackling it yourself? Renting a steam cleaner can work wonders, making your carpets look fresh. Don’t forget to hit the corners and edges where dirt likes to hide.

For hard floors, just pick a cleaner that suits your floor type and mop away to keep them streak-free. You definitely don’t want any weird smells hanging around. 

Crack open the windows for fresh air and maybe use a deodorising spray to nix any bad odours. Make sure your carpets are dry so you don’t run into any mould problems later.

Taking some before-and-after pics of your cleaning job is a smart idea—it shows you’ve looked after the place. 

This little bit of detail can really impress your landlord and help you get your full deposit back. So, don’t skip on cleaning those floors—a bit of effort now can save you a lot later when you hand back the keys.

5. Sanitise Bathrooms Thoroughly
   

Making sure your bathroom is super clean can really help when it comes time for the landlord to check things out. They often look closely, so keeping it tidy can stop them from deducting anything.

Grout and Tiles

Mould and grime love to settle in those grout lines and on tiles, so it’s important to clean them well. Grab a strong cleaner and give it a good scrub. A toothbrush works great for those tricky spots around taps, making them look nice and shiny.

Descale Showerheads and Taps

Hard water stains can make your taps and showerheads look dull. Use a descaler to bring back their shine and make your bathroom look better overall.

Spotless Toilets

Your toilet needs to be spotless, especially in those sneaky places like under the rim. A good disinfectant or bleach will keep it super clean.

Taking photos of your sparkling bathroom can be a good idea since it shows the effort you put in. Using a checklist can help you remember everything, so nothing gets missed. When your bathroom is clean and tidy, it’ll definitely impress your landlord!

6. Wipe Down All Surfaces
   

When you’re getting ready to move out, making sure everything’s clean is super important. Check all the spots, like inside and outside of cabinets, and don’t miss any dusty corners.

A good multi-surface cleaner can help with tough stains. Pay special attention to light switches and door handles since they’re fingerprint magnets. High shelves can get dusty, so grab a step ladder to reach them.

Dust and smudges can make the place look messy, so use a lint-free cloth for a nice finish. You might want to take before-and-after photos to wow your landlord. 

Keeping everything spotless shows you cared for the place and ups your chances of getting your deposit back. It shows you respected the property during your stay.

7. Clean Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
   

When you’re moving out, it’s a good idea to dust those light fixtures and ceiling fans. Grab a ladder to reach up high and use a damp cloth to wipe off the grime. 

A microfiber cloth works wonders for catching dust without making a mess. Make sure to replace any burnt-out bulbs to keep the place bright and welcoming. 

Snapping some before-and-after pics can be handy since landlords love seeing that you’ve paid attention to the details. Tackling these little chores early can save you from a last-minute rush and leave a great impression on your landlord.

Conclusion

When you’re moving out, ticking off these seven tasks can really help. Pay attention to busy spots, clean behind your appliances, and make sure your windows and blinds look shiny. Don’t forget about the carpets, floors, bathrooms, surfaces, and lights. 

Giving everything a good clean helps you get your full deposit back and keeps your landlord happy. 

Take some before-and-after pics as proof of your hard work. By sorting out these often-missed places, you show you’ve looked after the place, leaving it looking its best.