End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Checklist for a Stress-Free Move

By Attique Ur Rehman October 29, 2025Blog

Moving is hectic enough without worrying about inspection standards. A clear, room-by-room end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist helps you pass agent checks, protect your bond, and hand over the property in top shape. Use this guide to plan your clean, avoid common misses, and know when to book a professional.

(Internal links to add as you publish: “End of Lease Cleaning” → /services/end-of-lease-cleaning, “Deep Cleaning” → /services/deep-cleaning, “Regular Cleaning” → /services/regular-cleaning.)

Before You Start: Plan Like a Pro

• Confirm your checklist & lease obligations with the agent/landlord.
  Internal link: “Cleaning Checklist” → /resources/checklists/standard-and-deep-cleaning

• Book trades early (carpet steam, pest if required).

• Set aside supplies: Microfibre cloths, HEPA-equipped vacuum, pH-neutral floor cleaner, glass cleaner, grout brush, oven degreaser, bin liners.

• Work empty: Pack first—clean second. It’s faster and more thorough.

Whole-Home Essentials (Do These First)

• High dust: ceilings, cornices, vents, fans, light fittings

• Walls & doors: spot clean marks where safe; wipe handles/switches

• Skirting & frames: detail wipe top edges and fronts

• Windows: inside glass, sills, and window tracks

• Floors: vacuum edges and under appliances; mop hard floors with pH-appropriate cleaner
  Internal link: “Deep Cleaning” → /services/deep-cleaning

Kitchen (Bond-Critical Zone)

• Oven: racks/trays soaked and scrubbed; door glass polished; seal wiped

• Rangehood: degrease baffles/filters; wipe cavity and fascia

• Cooktop & splashback: remove grease, polish stainless/glass

• Cabinets: empty; wipe inside + outside; handles and kickboards

• Sink & taps: descale and polish; drains cleared

• Appliances: exterior of fridge/dishwasher; inside microwave
  Internal links:

• “Add-On Services (Oven/Fridge/Inside Cabinets)” → /services/add-ons

• “End of Lease Cleaning” → /services/end-of-lease-cleaning

Bathrooms & Toilets

• Showers: descale screens & tapware; scrub grout/tiles; treat mould where safe

• Vanities & mirrors: remove toothpaste/mineral build-up; polish mirrors streak-free

• Toilets: bowl, hinges, base, and external surfaces thoroughly sanitised

• Exhaust fan/grille: dust and wipe

• Finishing: squeegee, run ventilation for quick dry
  Internal link: “Residential Cleaning” → /services/residential-cleaning

Bedrooms & Living Areas

• Wardrobes & drawers: empty; wipe shelves, rails, and tracks

• Blinds/curtains: dust blinds; vacuum curtains if fabric allows

• Windows & tracks: detail clean (easy to miss!)

• Powerpoints/switches/handles: disinfect and polish
  Internal link: “Regular Cleaning” → /services/regular-cleaning

Laundry

• Washer area: wipe machine exterior; clean filter if accessible

• Trough/taps: descale and polish

• Lint traps & dryer ducts: clear for safety and inspection ticks

Balcony, Garage & Outdoors

• Sweep & cobweb removal from ceilings, corners, and railings

• Glass balustrades wiped both sides where safe

• Garage: sweep; remove debris; wipe switchboard cover/exposed shelving
  Internal link: “Builders & Renovation Cleaning” → /services/builders-cleaning (useful if you’ve just completed repairs/painting)

Final Inspection Touches (Easy to Miss)

• Inside window tracks and sliding door runners

• Top of doors, wardrobes, and high shelves

• Kickboards and toe-kicks in kitchens/bathrooms

• Light switches and remote controls

• Bins: empty, sanitise, replace liners

• Patched walls: dust/spot clean surrounding marks

1-Day Move-Out Cleaning Plan (Printable)

Morning: Whole-home dust → bedrooms/wardrobes → windows & tracks
Midday: Kitchen deep clean → oven/rangehood → appliances & cabinets
Afternoon: Bathrooms & toilets → laundry → floors (vacuum edges, then mop)
Final 20 mins: Spot checks, bins, photos for records

What to Leave to the Pros (High-Impact, High-Scrutiny)

• Oven & rangehood restoration

• Grout/mould treatment and heavy scale removal

• Carpet steam/extraction if your lease requires it

• Full window/track/blinds detail (multi-storey or tricky access)
  Internal links:

• “End of Lease Cleaning” → /services/end-of-lease-cleaning

• “Deep Cleaning” → /services/deep-cleaning

• “Get a Quote” → /quote

Bond-Saver Tips

• Use pH-neutral cleaner on stone and timber to avoid damage fees.

• Photograph before/after in each room—great for records.

• Keep invoices (carpet/pest/cleaning) for agent handover.

• Request a re-clean policy window from your provider if the agent flags minor items.
  Internal link: “Our Quality Assurance” → /about/quality-assurance

FAQs

How long does an end-of-tenancy clean take?
A typical 2–3 bedroom home can take 6–10+ hours depending on condition and add-ons (oven, blinds, windows). A professional team will be faster and more consistent.
Internal link: “End of Lease Cleaning” → /services/end-of-lease-cleaning

Do I need to defrost the fridge/freezer?
Yes—if you’re cleaning interiors. Defrost the day before, place towels for meltwater, and wipe seals.

Are walls included?
Most checklists include spot cleaning only. Full wall washing is an add-on—confirm scope in writing.
Internal link: “Add-On Services” → /services/add-ons

Do you bring products and equipment?
Yes—commercial-grade supplies (HEPA vacuums, microfibre systems, pH-appropriate chemicals). Eco-only on request.