The Ultimate Kitchen Cleaning Checklist Before You Move Out

From grease coated stovetop to overflowing sinks and splattered countertops, a dirty and messy kitchen is undeniably a breeding ground for lethal germs and bacteria. Even multiple studies reveal that the kitchen often surpasses the bathroom when it comes to germ infestation. This makes deep cleaning an essential task, especially as the end of your lease approaches.

In NSW, landlords and property managers conduct a strict rental inspection, covering every nook and cranny of the kitchen, before relieving your hard earned bond money. A clean, sanitised and well maintained cooking area can help you pass the final rental inspection. But, leaving stains, grime, or bad odours behind could lead to unnecessary disputes and deductions.

Worry not! Here is an ultimate kitchen cleaning checklist to achieve spotless results before the final move out. You can either do it yourself or hire professionals for a budget end of lease cleaning Sydney. This checklist will make your life easier every time you deep clean the kitchen.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

Save cleaning time by stocking up on necessary supplies in advance. All you need is:

• Microfibre cloths, dusters and rags
• Sponges
• Scrub brushes or an old toothbrush
• Broom and mop
• Vacuum cleaner
• Magic eraser
• DIY Cleaning Products: white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon, soda crystals, salt, warm water, etc
• Liquid dish soap
• Spray bottle
• Bucket

Tip: Make smart choices by opting for natural cleaning products over store bought household cleaners, especially if you have pre existing allergies or asthma symptoms.

2. Clear the Clutter: Start With Your Pantry and Fridge

Streamline the cleaning process by getting rid of unwanted clutter from your kitchen pantry and refrigerator. Remove all contents from your cabinets, cupboards, drawers and other storage units. Separate items into different categories, such as keep, donate or toss.

Toss expired food, empty containers, jars and stale food into the trash. Dispose of jars and plastic items responsibly. Do the same with your refrigerator and get rid of leftovers. You can also plan meals to minimise food wastage.

3. Dust Top to Bottom: Ceilings, Light Fixtures and Fittings

Eliminate loose dirt, dust bunnies, and cobwebs from your ceiling, walls, fans, light fixtures, fittings, and the tops of shelves. Use a microfibre cloth with an extendable handle to  clean hard to reach areas and crannies. You can also use a damp cloth to clean light fixtures. For that, you may need a step stool or a sturdy ladder.

4. Remove Grease From Wooden Cabinets and Cupboards

Do not overlook wooden cabinets when preparing for a final rental inspection. These tend to attract grease and splatters due to daily cooking activities, making them look dull and dingy.

Instead of using store bought harsh cleaners, use baking soda and warm water paste. Apply it over your cabinet surface and scrub gently with a sponge or a Magic Eraser. Do it in a circular motion until the grease disappears. Next, wipe down with a damp cloth. Clean inside the cabinets, door handles, nooks and crannies. Ensure you dry the surface with a lint free cloth to prevent streaks.

5. Clean Rangehood and Filters

Turn off the power and carefully remove the filters. Next, soak them in hot water and a vinegar solution for 20 minutes. This will make scrubbing effortless. Use a non abrasive brush to get rid of grease and grime. Ensure you rinse and allow them to dry completely.

For hood, wipe down with a damp cloth or castile soap. Lastly, reinstall the filters. If you don’t know how to get it right, book professionals for a budget end of lease cleaning Sydney and achieve spotless results.

6. Restore the Shine of an Oven and Stovetop

Most tenants in Sydney lose their bond money because of a greasy oven or stovetop. Do not overlook these appliances if you want to pass your rental inspection. Here is a step by step cleaning guide:

• Remove and soak greasy racks and shelves in hot soapy water and a vinegar solution
• Remove loose particles and burnt food from the oven using a brush
• Apply a coat of baking soda and water, except for heating elements. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, scrub the racks with soda crystals.
• Wipe down interiors with a damp sponge and spray vinegar solution to break down gunk.
• Scrub it with an old toothbrush.
• Wipe down the exteriors, such as panels, doors, handles and other areas
• Apply baking soda to scrub the stovetop. Ensure you remove and soak the burners in hot, soapy water
• Scrub gently and wipe down with a damp cloth. Dry them completely.

7. Clean and Disinfect Your Microwave

The process is quite simple. Add one cup of water, half a cup of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Microwave it for 2 minutes and let the door closed for another 10 minutes. This will break down grime and grease. Next, wipe down with a damp cloth. Ensure you clean exteriors using vinegar spray.

8. Clean and Deodorise your Refrigerator

Remove racks, drawers and other removable parts and soak them in hot water. When cleaning interiors, use mild cleaning agents like vinegar, castile soap, etc. Spray and scrub gently with a sponge or brush. Clean nooks and crannies, as well as door gaskets. Ensure you clean behind and underneath your heavy appliance or hire experts for a thorough end of lease cleaning Sydney.

Tip: Place a cup of baking soda or coffee beans inside your fridge to neutralise bad smells.

9. Wipe Down Countertops and Backsplash

Wipe down countertops. backsplash and other germiest spots in your kitchen using baking soda. Do not use vinegar or any other acidic agent. It can cause damage to the delicate natural stone surface. Also, avoid using abrasive tools to dislodge grime. Instead, use sponges and microfibre cloths.

10. Clean Sink and Disinfect Faucets

These two can be breeding grounds for lethal germs and bacteria, which may cause foodborne illnesses. You can remove stains and limescale using baking soda. Scrub it thoroughly, including the area around the faucet. Do the same when cleaning the sink. Rubbing alcohol spray can do wonders in disinfecting germ prone areas like faucets.

11. Clear the Blocked Drain

Use baking soda and vinegar to clear a clogged drain in your kitchen. This will prevent unpleasant smells and structural damage when moving out of your rental property. You can pour a cup of baking soda, followed by vinegar to break down gunk and grease. Next, pour a cup of hot water down the drain.

12. Sweep and Mop Floors

Remove loose debris, food crumbs and other gunk from floors, including nooks and crannies. Next, mop the floors using the pH neutral cleaner to eliminate stains, grime and grease efficiently.

Rental Guide: A checklist to Deep Clean Kitchen

Wrapping Up

Deep cleaning a kitchen can help you win half of the battle when preparing for a final move out. This ultimate checklist will help you clean every inch of your cooking area without feeling overwhelmed or stressed. With a clean, spotless and hygienic kitchen, you can secure your full bond money at the end of your tenancy.