The following guide may assist when completing any cleaning required at the end of a tenancy.
To assist when cleaning it may be helpful to refer to a general definition of ‘clean’. Any area or item that cannot be enhanced with a cleaning product.
General
Walls – clean any dirty marks, removable scuff marks, finger or food marks, etc
Ceilings – remove any cobwebs
Light Fittings – clean off dust and remove any dead insects inside
Ceiling Fans – wipe fan blades and tops of fittings to remove dust build-up
Air-Conditioners – front vents and filters cleaned of built-up dirt. Modern systems (Wall Type) – filters easily pull out and can be brushed down with a hand brush. If there is a ducted reverse cycle air-conditioner unit, the air intake filter should be cleaned. This is usually on the ceiling in the passage area.
Air-Conditioning Ceiling Vents – clean down if dusty or dirty.
Cupboards/Drawers – clean/wash inside and out. Also doors and door frames, front and back of doors need to be cleaned.
Curtains – wash any washable curtains and netting. If other curtains are visibly dusty or dirty, consider dry cleaning.
Blinds – if you have Venetian blinds, clean off the blind slats. Any other type of blinds should be able to be wiped down.
Floors – floors to be mopped/washed if needed – please ensure corners and hard-to-get areas are also cleaned.
Carpets – ensure the carpets are cleaned to Australian Standard AS/NZS 3733.
Skirting Boards – wipe down with a damp cloth
Doorways, doors – wipe off finger marks and any other removable marks
Windows – clean inside and out. Please note – nearly all modern sliding aluminium windows can be lifted and pulled out for easy cleaning. Also sills and runners (wipe out dust build-up and any dead insects). A vacuum cleaner and paintbrush can really help here.
Flyscreens – brushed and dusted down. Please be aware that most modern sliding aluminium windows allow for the flyscreens to be taken off from the inside only once the sliding part of the window has been moved first. Attempting to take them off from the outside may result in damage
Screen Doors – front and back including frames – wiped clean and screen wire brushed.
Kitchen
Stoves – clean stove top, control display, knobs, panels around knobs, any pull-out or in-built drip trays, griller racks, trays and any inserts, oven racks, trays and oven bottom, walls and oven roof. A good oven cleaner will clean most ovens; however, you must read the instructions on the product carefully. Some cleaners can actually hinder oven surfaces (like stainless steel), and also some products have dangerous caustic fumes. Therefore use with caution.
Kitchen Range Hood – clean pull-out filters and framework.
Bathroom
Bathroom – clean sink, mirror, cabinet, vanity unit and drawers, shower recess, glass screen and screen doors, bath and wall tiles. Ensure both the sink and bath has a plug available.
Toilet – clean cistern, seat, bowl inside and outside around the base. Don’t forget the skirting tiles around the toilet.
Tiling – All tiling and grouting to the kitchen, toilet, bathroom and laundry areas to be cleaned.
Exhaust – vents and fan covers are to be clean of any dust and dirt.
Laundry – clean both the inside and outside of the trough, and underneath. Please ensure a plug is present.
Outside The Property
Lawns – freshly mowed and edged.
Gardens – remove any weeds, any rubbish and built-up leaves etc.
Guttering – ensure that the gutters are freshly cleaned of any dirt/silt and leaves/twigs.
Rubbish – remove any rubbish that you have placed at the property. Be sure to check behind sheds, under shrubs and trees. This includes lawn clipping piles and any compost left.
Sweep – paths and paving areas need to be clear of debris.
Oil Spillage Removal – check and clean carport and garage floors, paths and driveway. If you have used a barbeque, check for any grease spots and spillages etc.
Cigarette Butts – if there are cigarette butts lying around – please pick up and remove.
Garages and Tool Sheds – remove any items from inside and behind garages and tool sheds that belong to you, including rubbish.
Pools – return the pool to the condition as at the start of the tenancy
If You Have A Pet
Pet Droppings – remove from gardens, lawns and any out-of-the-way areas.
Dog Urine – remove/clean where your pet may habitually urinate (Base of walls, verandah posts etc.)
Dog Stains – to outside walls. Check where your dog regularly lies down, there might be ‘telltale signs’ on walls etc.
Dog/Cat Claw Damage – check screen doors, flyscreens and curtains. Please replace the screen wire if required.
Dog Chew Damage – ensure watering systems are free of dog chew damage and are repaired accordingly.
Pet Hair – please ensure any visible pet hair inside is removed.
Fumigation – if your lease stipulates fumigation, please ensure this is arranged.