How To Clean Garage & Storage Area Before Inspection

An organised garage and storage area is a sign that you kept the property and outdoor area tidy during your lease. Unfortunately, a garage is one of the most overlooked areas, but it plays a pivotal role in boosting the property’s functionality, security, and curb appeal if maintained well.

In Sydney, homes with a spacious storage area or well maintained garage often sell quickly. In fact, finding a potential tenant also becomes easy. However, tenants are responsible for maintaining well kept outdoor areas when moving out.

Since this extra space is a place where you store everything from vehicles like cars and bikes to toolkits and seasonal belongings, you need extra time to clean and organise it before the final rental inspection. Worry not! We bring you practical tips to transform your dirt laden garage and storage area into a spotless space for hassle free bond retrieval. Ensure you declutter the area and remove everything before the arrival of end of lease cleaning Sydney experts to enjoy an efficient result.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What is the Importance of a Clean Garage & Storage Area during the Final Rental Inspection?

Under the NSW Tenancy laws, tenants are obligated to return the property to its original state, beyond reasonable wear and tear. This includes all rooms as well as the garage and storage area. Landlords expect these areas to be restored in a reasonably clean and organised condition, similar to the rest of the property.

Accumulated dust, cobwebs, messy shelves, stained walls, oil splatters, etc, could become the reason for bond deductions and penalties. So, it is better to create a proper bond cleaning checklist for the thorough cleaning of the property inside and outside when moving out to avoid last minute chaos.

2. Planning and Preparation Matter the Most

First things first! Refer to your entry condition report to compare the current condition. It will help you identify the areas that need special attention. Remember that you are not liable to fix pre existing damage. So, it is good to inform your landlord before the final rental inspection to prevent bond deductions.

Next, stock up on all the necessary cleaning supplies, such as a vacuum cleaner, microfibre cloths, brushes, scrubbing pads, sponges, white vinegar, baking soda, mops, magic erasers, a rubber squeegee, and other essential items to tackle stubborn stains and grime with perfection.

Tip: Arrange a step stool or ladder to access ceilings and other hard to reach areas.

3. Sort and Declutter Items

This is one of the most crucial steps to help you maintain an organised storage area before the final rental inspection. So, it is better to thoroughly inspect and sort through items into four categories, i.e, Keep, Donate, Sell, and Toss.

The garage and storage area are home to cars, bicycles, tools, cleaning equipment, gardening tools, sports gear, old batteries, seasonal items, holiday decorations, spare furniture, and much more. These tend to collect or trap dust particles, pollen, cobwebs, and allergens, making it look filthy.

So, it is good to get rid of items (personal only) you no longer need. Carefully dispose of waste according to the local waste management guidelines. You can also donate pre loved items to support the underprivileged community around you.

Tip: Be cautious when disposing of paint, batteries, and batteries.

4. Cleaning From Top to Bottom: Tackling Cobwebs and Dust

When your storage area and garage are empty, grab your dusting tools and start from your ceilings and walls. With the help of a step stool, you can easily remove cobwebs, insect marks, and accumulated dust from top surfaces like walls, mouldings, and light fixtures. Use a damp microfibre cloth, as it can fetch tiny dust particles without spreading them into the air.

Professionals also prefer using telescopic dusters during a budget end of lease cleaning Sydney to save time and energy. Start from the ceilings, light fixtures, and move down towards the highest shelves, cabinet tops, and garage door. This will help you cover every nook and cranny with perfection. This top to bottom approach can do wonders when cleaning your spacious furnished rooms as well.

5. Clean Walls and Work Surfaces to Remove Stains and Grime

Oil splatters, grime, and gunk on walls and shelves may ruin the overall look and feel of your garage and storage units. Instead of using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, prepare a DIY solution of warm water and a few drops of liquid dishwashing liquid in a bucket.

Gently wash walls, shelves, and other areas. For spot cleaning, ensure you apply a white vinegar and warm water solution. Then, gently scrub with a sponge. Make sure you do it in a circular motion to prevent damage. Also, work in small areas and rinse with plain water to remove soapy residue.

Tip: Use an old toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies for spotless results.

6. Restore the Windows Shine

Do not forget to clean windows inside and outside of your garage when preparing for the final rental inspection. Ensure you understand landlord’s expectations to prevent disputes.  . All you need to do:

• Mix one cup of warm water with one cup of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
• Add one cup of white vinegar and mix it well. You can also add a few drops of dishwashing liquid for easy scrubbing.
• Spray inside the windows, frames, sills, and tracks. Leave it for a few minutes to break down gunk.
• Use a soft bristle brush to scrub sills and tracks. Do it gently.
• Wipe down the frames and panes, using a microfibre cloth or a damp sponge. Work from top to bottom direction.
• Run a rubber squeegee to remove soapy residue and water.
• This will help you achieve streak free windows.

7. Deep Clean Garage Door and Tracks

As a responsible tenant, it is important to pay attention to detailing when sprucing up your rental home and the garage area. If you don’t want to lose your hard earned bond, ensure you clean garage doors inside and outside with a brush and a sponge.

Firstly, inspect the door to address persisting problems, such as rust, rot, or cracks. Inform your landlord, or fix it upon approval, if anything is damaged beyond fair wear and tear. You can use baking soda and warm water to dislodge grease and other stubborn stains.

Tip: Click before and after photos as evidence to prevent disputes or unfair deductions.

8. Make the Floors Sparkle

This is one of the most important areas that can make or break the look of your garage and storage area. If you have an epoxy floor, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to prevent damage.

For an untreated concrete floor, use warm water and a dishwashing liquid to mop the floor. But before that, sweep or vacuum every nook and cranny to remove loose debris, dirt, and grime. Next, mop the floors using a microfibre mop. Below are some of the most common stain types to tackle when cleaning garage floors:

• Tough Oil Stains: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the affected area and leave it overnight. Next, scrub the area with a magic eraser and wipe it away. After that, spray a vinegar solution to remove oil residue. Repeat the process if required.
• Rust Stains: Spray a rubbing alcohol and vinegar solution, then leave it for 2 to 3 hours to remove rust naturally. Next, scrub with a soft bristled brush before rinsing. Do not use chlorine bleach on rust, as it can set the stain permanently.
• Mould and Mildew Stains: Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Spray it on the affected area and leave it for half an hour. Scrub it with a brush or sponge in a circular motion, rinse it thoroughly, or mop your floors. Ensure you dry your floors completely to prevent regrowth.

You can also hire experts for a guaranteed end of lease cleaning Sydney to secure your bond. They will tackle stubborn stains without giving you a hint of stress.

9. Reorganise Your Garage and Storage Area

Once you’ve packed up your personal items, restore it to its original state as it was at the start of the tenancy. Group similar items into categories and reorganise shelves and storage areas. You store items in labeled boxes and bins to make the entire space look clutter free and clean. Believe it or not! Leaving the garage orderly can leave a great impression on your landlord, ensuring the safe retrieval of the bond.

Infographic On Bond Cleaning Tips for Garage & Storage Area

Wrapping Up

These are some of the best hacks to help you declutter, deep clean, and organise a garage and storage area before the final rental inspection. Consider your property condition report, seek professional assistance, and hand over the property to your landlord in a reasonably clean and maintained condition for your bond money.