BlogWhat is bond cleaning?
Bond cleaning—also called end-of-lease, vacate, or exit cleaning—is a detailed, top-to-bottom clean carried out when you move out. The aim is to present the property in the best reasonable condition so you can maximise your chance of a full bond refund. (This is general info, not legal advice—always check your lease and entry/exit reports.)
What’s included in a professional bond clean
A reputable bond clean typically includes:
Kitchen
- Degrease cooktop, rangehood (incl. filters), splashbacks and oven (racks, trays, door glass)
- Inside/outside cupboards and drawers, handles and kickboards
- Sink, tapware, and bench joins detailed
Bathrooms & laundry
- Shower screens, tiles and grout descaled; mirrors streak-free
- Toilets sanitised (base, hinges, cistern)
- Vanities, basins, cupboards, exhaust fans and vents cleaned
Bedrooms & living areas
- Skirting boards, doors, light switches, power points, architraves
- Internal windows, tracks and sills; wardrobes in/out
- Cobwebs removed; ceiling fans and accessible light fittings wiped
Floors
- Detailed vacuum (edges and corners) and mop of hard floors
Outdoor (where applicable)
- Balcony or patio swept and surfaces wiped; garage swept
Common add-ons (quoted separately): carpet steam cleaning, flea treatment (pets), external windows, heavy mould treatment, grout restoration, balcony full wash, pressure washing, garden tidy.
Bond cleaning checklist (download-ready)
- Entry & exit reports reviewed
- Utilities connected on clean day
- Oven + rangehood filters
- Shower glass descaled
- Window tracks and door frames
- Blinds and fans dusted
- Skirting boards and switches
- Wardrobes and cupboards in/out
- Edges vacuumed; floors mopped
- Balcony/garage swept
- Rubbish removed; fridge/freezer emptied and defrosted
Pro tip: Share your agent’s checklist and any special requests with your cleaner before the day.
Common mistakes that cost tenants their bond
- Skipping the oven and filters (grease stands out).
- Window tracks and sliding door frames missed.
- Hard water marks and soap scum left on shower glass.
- Dusty blinds and ceiling fans.
- No power or water available for the clean.
- Leaving deep build-up (grout, mould, heavy grease) to the last minute.
DIY vs professional bond cleaning
DIY can suit smaller, well-kept homes if you have the time and kit (microfibre, degreasers, descalers, track brushes, scraper for oven glass used carefully).
Hire professionals when:
- There’s heavy build-up, larger homes, or tight deadlines
- You need carpet steam or grout work
- You want a formal invoice and a touch-up/revisit window if the agent flags anything
How pricing usually works in Australia
Prices vary by:
- Size and layout: bed/bath count, stairs, balconies
- Condition: standard wear vs heavy build-up or mould
- Scope: oven, blinds, grout work, external glass, carpets
- Access/parking & timing: lifts, loading, weekends/public holidays
Ask for an itemised quote so you can compare inclusions like-for-like.
How to prep your place for inspection
- Keep power and water connected until after cleaning
- Empty cupboards, remove all rubbish, and defrost the freezer 12–24 hrs prior
- Book lift times (apartments) and secure parking
- Schedule carpet steam after the bond clean, not before
- Provide your condition report and any agent notes up front
Eco-friendly products and methods
Request low-odour, biodegradable options where suitable. Microfibre and correct dwell time on descalers reduce chemical use while still lifting soap scum and limescale effectively.
FAQs
Do I need carpet steam cleaning?
If your lease or agent requires it—or there are stains/odours—yes. It’s commonly expected in pet tenancies.
Can a bond clean guarantee my entire bond back?
No. Cleaning is one factor; damage, rent, and wear-and-tear disputes are separate. A thorough clean reduces the risk of cleaning-related deductions.
How long does a bond clean take?
Studios may take a few hours; larger homes can take most of a day with a team. Heavy build-up, blinds and grout add time.
Do you service my city?
We cover Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra, with teams operating within ~60–70 km of each city.
Get an itemised quote
Want a fast, transparent price for your end-of-lease clean—with optional carpet steam and blinds/grout add-ons? Our Serene Facility Group team coordinates local professionals nationwide for consistent results and quick turnarounds.
Ready to book? Share your suburb, bedrooms/bathrooms, move-out date, and any extras. We’ll send a clear, fixed-scope quote.
