Lease Cleaning Tips: What to Do Before You Hand Over the Keys
Moving out is stressful enough without worrying about the state of the flat. Follow these easy steps and you’ll walk away with a clean space and a full deposit.
1. Make a Quick Walk‑Through Checklist
Grab a pen and write down every room, plus any extra areas like the balcony or garage. Look for obvious stuff – crumbs on the kitchen floor, coffee stains on the sofa, dust on the windowsill. Checking each area once helps you see what needs attention before you get into the deep clean.
Tip: Take a photo of each room before you start. It’s a handy proof of how the place looked when you moved in and can settle any disputes with the landlord.
2. Focus on High‑Impact Areas First
Landlords love a clean kitchen and bathroom. Scrub the stovetop, wipe down the oven, and run a kettle to clear any limescale from the tap. In the bathroom, tackle the shower screen, spray the tiles with a bathroom cleaner, and give the toilet a good brush.
Don’t forget the mirrors – a little vinegar and newspaper work great for a streak‑free shine. For the floors, sweep or vacuum first, then mop with a mild cleaner. It’s faster than trying to mop a dirty floor.
In the living room, pull the couch cushions, vacuum under them, and spot‑clean any stains. A quick vacuum of the carpet or floor will make the room look tidy without a full‑scale carpet shampoo.
Finally, open the windows for a few minutes. Fresh air helps any lingering smells disappear and gives the place a cleaner feel.
These steps take about an hour for a one‑bed flat and about two hours for a larger property. By focusing on the spots that matter most, you’ll avoid costly extra cleaning fees.
Stick to this simple plan, and you’ll hand over the keys with confidence. Your landlord will see a well‑maintained home, and you’ll keep that hard‑earned deposit.
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An end of tenancy is often accompanied by a whirlwind of cleaning tasks. This article dives into whether tenants are truly required to opt for professional cleaning services upon moving out, based on discussions from Reddit. It offers practical tips and interesting insights on tenant obligations and how to ensure you leave your rented home in top-notch condition without unnecessary expenses.
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