Make sure you read the lease before you leave your rental property. Many landlords have a clause in which you won’t receive your security deposit back unless the property is cleaned thoroughly. Cleaning after a tenancy ends is not just about cleaning up cat hairs and wiping down countertops. It involves going through every room and cleaning up all traces of dirt and grime. It can be done by you or hired professionals end of tenancy cleaning services in Bristol.

Deep cleaning can take a long time and may be difficult if you are trying to move into a new home while you are moving out of an old one. While some renters hire cleaning services to clean their checkouts, it’s also possible to do the job yourself.

Tips for Post-Tenancy Cleaning

If tenants wish to clean their entire home on their own, here are some post-tenancy cleaning tips:

Declutter

You might be tempted to throw away all your unneeded belongings, like a broken lamp or obsolete electronics. You’ll need to get rid all clutter as part of your deep cleaning. You don’t want your landlord to inherit your junk, so getting rid of it can help you clean up the place better. Consider selling any unwanted items that are in good condition to a thrift shop. You can either throw the items out or take them to a dump if they are damaged.

Make a Checklist

After you have cleared out all clutter, make a list of everything that must be cleaned. A deep clean is more than just routine cleaning. Add tasks like cleaning windows and dusting baseboards to your checklist. You can find an existing checklist online to help you create one.

You can go room by room

It can be daunting to do a deep clean. It can be overwhelming to clean your entire house at once. Instead of going room by room, it is easier to manage. This allows you to concentrate on the tasks in a small area. While there might be some overlap between rooms (e.g., you may need to vacuum both the living and bedroom areas), it is important that you only concentrate on one area at a time. Close the door to your room and move on to the next.

Start at the Ceiling

Keep the floors clean. All that dust from cleaning fans, baseboards and window sills will fall to the ground. Grab a ladder if necessary to clean out corners and wash down light fixtures. To make sure that the doors are clean, you may also want to inspect the tops of the doors. Slowly move your way down. Vacuuming and mopping the floors is the last thing you want to do.

Clean under the Furniture

You will need to clean under furniture that was part of your house. People often forget to clean under their couches and under their refrigerators, which can lead to dust and debris accumulation underneath. You can move furniture or get a small attachment that fits under furniture if you have difficulty getting under it with your vacuum.

Windows is not to be forgotten

In order to clean windows and other glass surfaces, a deep clean is necessary. Many landlords want to clean both the exterior and interior. To clean outside windows, you can use a hose to wash them. A squeegee may be necessary. To clean interior windows, use a cloth to wipe off any visible dust. Next, spray the mixture of vinegar with water. Finally, wipe the windows with a soft cloth.

Wash the Appliances

Remember that the oven is your responsibility! You should not open the oven if it is clogged with dirt or grime. Hair and lint should not be a problem in the washer or dryer. If there is a toaster there should be no crumbs. There are some appliances that are more difficult to clean than others. You will need to disassemble kitchen appliances in order to clean the parts.

It is possible to do the entire end of tenancy cleaning yourself. Although it may seem daunting, it is very achievable. If you find the task overwhelming, hire a professional cleaner instead. You won’t be able to return your deposit if you leave your house unattended.