Moving out of a rental property is never an easy task, especially when the goal is to get your full bond back. In New South Wales, tenants are expected to leave the property in the same condition as when they moved in, minus normal wear and tear. This means the cleaning process before you hand over the keys is critical.
For tenants in Parramatta, the cleaning process can be a bit more complex due to the unique mix of older buildings, high-rise apartments, and suburban homes. These properties often present specific cleaning challenges that can lead to costly bond deductions if not appropriately addressed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through common cleaning mistakes to avoid, focusing on areas that are frequently overlooked but can make a big difference during your final inspection. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to securing your full bond refund.
Avoid These Mistakes
1. Ignoring the Oven
One of the most common issues landlords raise during an inspection is a greasy or dirty oven. Over time, built-up grease, food spills, and residue can cause significant damage and result in bond deductions. Unfortunately, many tenants think a quick wipe down of the exterior is enough, but that’s rarely the case.
Mistake: Wiping only the outside of the oven or neglecting the racks and trays.
Solution: Ensure you clean the entire oven, including the interior, racks, and trays. Use an oven-specific cleaner to remove grease and grime. Don’t forget to clean the oven door and the spaces around the heating elements.
2. Skipping Carpet Stain Removal
Carpet stains, especially those from food, drinks, or pets, are often among the first things landlords look for. Even if your carpets look mostly clean, lingering stains or odours can lead to deductions. Pet owners, in particular, may face challenges with fur or urine smells.
Mistake: Only vacuuming the carpets and ignoring stains.
Solution: Use a stain remover or consider steam cleaning to ensure carpets are thoroughly cleaned. If there are strong pet smells, consider using deodorising products or, if needed, hire a professional cleaning service to provide a deeper clean.
3. Forgetting to Treat Mould and Soap Scum in Bathrooms
Bathrooms are an area of frequent concern during inspections, especially when it comes to mould and soap scum. The damp environment of bathrooms makes them more susceptible to these issues, and they can accumulate in places like grout lines, shower screens, and tiles.
Mistake: Using a quick spray that only masks the mould or soap scum without entirely removing it.
Solution: Scrub grout lines, clean exhaust fans, and ensure all tiles and glass surfaces are free from soap scum and mould. Don’t forget to clean around taps, where these issues often occur.
4. Overlooking Hard Water Stains in Older Parramatta Buildings
Parramatta is home to many older properties, and one of the biggest challenges tenants face in these homes is hard water stains. These stains, which appear as cloudy spots or white residue, can accumulate on taps, shower screens, and toilet bowls.
Mistake: Assuming that these stains are just a natural result of age and not addressing them appropriately.
Solution: Use vinegar or commercial descalers to dissolve the mineral deposits. After cleaning, dry the surfaces thoroughly to prevent the stains from returning.
5. Neglecting Balcony and Outdoor Areas
If you’re renting in a high-rise building, your balcony has accumulated grime over time. Dust, city soot, and bird droppings are common issues. For tenants in suburban homes, balconies and courtyards may be filled with dirt and overgrown plants.
Mistake: Not cleaning the balcony or outdoor spaces at all, or just leaving behind dirt and debris.
Solution: Sweep and mop the balcony floors, wipe down the railings, clean the sliding door tracks, and remove cobwebs. If you have a garden, trim overgrown plants, sweep the path, and ensure the outdoor area is neat.
6. Not Addressing Pet Mess
If you’ve had pets during your tenancy, you’ll know that their mess can linger. Pet hair, stains, and odours can quickly pile up in carpets, on furniture, and even on walls. Failing to address these issues can lead to deductions.
Mistake: Leaving pet hair on the carpets and furniture, or neglecting to neutralise pet odours.
Solution: Vacuum thoroughly to remove pet hair, wash any pet bedding, and use an odour-neutralising spray for carpets. If the stains are severe, consider using professional cleaning services for deeper treatment.
7. Missing High-Traffic Areas Like Kitchens and Bathrooms
The kitchen and bathroom are two of the most heavily used areas of any rental property. These high-traffic zones not only accumulate dirt and grime quickly but are also the areas that landlords scrutinise most during inspections.
Mistake: Focusing on easy-to-clean areas and forgetting about high-use zones like the kitchen and bathroom.
Solution: Clean behind appliances, scrub all tiles, and shine taps. Don’t forget to clean out the cupboard spaces, wipe down sinks, and ensure that all surfaces are sparkling.
8. Ignoring Small Details
It’s easy to focus on the more significant tasks and overlook the smaller areas that still matter during a final inspection. Light switches, skirting boards, window tracks, and ceiling fans can all accumulate dust and grime. Landlords notice these things!
Mistake: Skipping small but significant areas like light switches or window tracks.
Solution: Take the time to clean these smaller areas. Use a damp cloth to wipe light switches, clean window tracks with a vacuum attachment, and dust off ceiling fans.
9. Rushing the Final Clean
One of the biggest mistakes tenants make is rushing their cleaning efforts just before moving out. This leads to sloppy work and missed spots. Whether you’re cleaning in a hurry or leaving it until the last minute, it’s always a recipe for trouble.
Mistake: Rushing the cleaning and leaving it to the day before the inspection.
Solution: Start the cleaning process a few days before your final inspection. If time is tight or you’re unsure about your efforts, consider opting for end of lease cleaning parramatta service to make sure everything is perfect.
Conclusion
Ensuring your rental is spotless at the end of your tenancy is crucial for getting your full bond back. By avoiding these common cleaning mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to leaving your property in excellent condition. Remember, every little detail counts, from the oven to the balcony, and even the smallest areas that tend to get overlooked.
For tenants in Parramatta, the variety of property types means different challenges, but a little extra effort in tackling hard water stains, balcony grime, and pet mess can go a long way in securing your bond refund. If you’re unsure about handling these tasks on your own or just want to ensure the job is done to the highest standard, don’t hesitate to contact End of Lease Cleaning Experts Sydney. Our professional cleaning services can take the stress out of your move and help you get your bond back.
