Cleaning a Furnished Rental? Avoid These Mistakes To Get Your Bond Back

Nothing is more exhausting than preparing for the final rental inspection. A rental property is thoroughly inspected, covering every nook and cranny to ensure it is in pristine condition. Landlords and property managers in NSW typically follow strict guidelines to ensure compliance and high cleanliness standards. This means leaving any sign of dust, dirt, and grime behind could lead to bond deductions. From ceiling fans and crown mouldings to kitchen cabinets and door tracks, everything needs to be spruced up for a stress free move out experience.

However, the stress level increases when it comes to cleaning a fully furnished property with all furniture and appliances in place. The cleaning becomes more strenuous and challenging for first time renters. With zero experience and a lack of tenant responsibilities, they end up making silly mistakes. Unfortunately, unintended mistakes often turn into bond deductions and disputes.

But there’s nothing to worry about! Here is a comprehensive guide to help you avoid common mistakes when cleaning a furnished rental. Highly trained end of lease cleaning Sydney Professionals also pay special attention when dealing with items like wooden furniture pieces, heavy mattresses, curtains, appliances and furniture pieces.

1. Common Challenges of Cleaning a Furnished Property

Although it is always recommended to empty the entire space before starting the intense end of lease cleaning process, there are some exceptional cases. The process is more laborious and time consuming due to the presence of furniture, delicate items and valuable décor. Here are common challenges to look for:

• Expensive Furniture:Upholstered furniture, leather sofas and wooden tables are expensive and vulnerable to harsh chemicals and abrasive tools. Cleaning these items requires precision to avoid damage.
• Difficult to Access Nooks and Crannies:Cleaning underneath heavy items becomes challenging without proper tools, making the process difficult.
• Cleaning Appliances:Furnished properties are equipped with modern and energy efficient appliances. These require deep cleaning using tried and tested methods to dislodge caked on grime and grease.
• Extra Time and Elbow Grease:Cleaning an entire furnished property from top to bottom requires more than 8 hours, depending on the size and condition. This also requires more energy to clean everything before the final inspection.

2. Mistake 1: Neglected Areas Under and Behind Furniture

Tenants often forget under and behind large and heavy furniture pieces. Unfortunately, these spots collect dust bunnies, pet hair and food particles that may build up over time. Property managers thoroughly inspect these areas and may withhold your bond.

To avoid this blunder, ensure you move the furniture with the help of your friends and family to access the area. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a long brush attachment to reach behind the furniture. Gently sweep and mop the surface. If you can’t move furniture, a vacuum cleaner will do its job with perfection.

3. Mistake 2: Using Abrasive Cleaners on Delicate Surfaces

There is no denying that faux leather couch, wooden furniture pieces, antiques, glass tables, mirrors, and leather couches are delicate. Most people make a serious blunder by using harsh and abrasive products without checking the care labels. It can lead to permanent damage or costly repairs. Many tenants even lose their full bond money, which is equivalent to four weeks’ rent.

To prevent scratches, discolouration or warping, always use surface specific products. You should always read the labels of store bought cleaners, as these contain ammonia and bleach that can discolour the surface. It is better to use eco friendly cleaning products that are gentle and safe for the environment. Mild dishwashing liquids, white vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, soda crystals, and warm water can do wonders in maintaining your furnished property.

Tip: Always do a spot test, even if using homemade cleaning products. Try it on an inconspicuous area to prevent damage.

4. Mistake 3: Overlooking Mattress & Bed Frames

These are some of the most overlooked things when cleaning a furnished rental. However, it is imperative to clean it thoroughly to secure the bond. Mattresses tend to accumulate dust particles, dust mites, and dead skin cells, which may linger with unpleasant odours. Similarly, bed frames are difficult to clean. However, with the right technique, you can achieve spotless results.

Professional end of lease cleaning Sydney experts recommend a vacuum clean for mattresses. Use an upholstery attachment to clean corners and seams. Sprinkling a cup of baking soda can also do wonders. Ensure you vacuum it up after an hour. This can banish bad odours. For stains, spot clean the area with castile soap and warm water.

You can use the same solution to clean the bed frame and impress your fussy landlord.

5. Mistake 4: Not Cleaning Window Blinds and Curtains

The majority of tenants are focused on washing dirty windows and overlooking blinds and treatments. These also need proper attention to eliminate accumulated dust, dirt and pollen. Leaving window treatments dirty can negatively impact your rental inspection, leading to bond deductions.

Whether it’s Roman blinds or venetian blinds, vacuuming can make a world of difference. It can help tackle embedded dust easily. Next, spray a white vinegar solution and wipe down each slat to remove stains and grime.

For aluminium and vinyl blinds, remove and fully submerge them in soapy water. Wooden blinds should be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use excess water to prevent warping. When it comes to curtains, toss them in a washing machine and select a delicate cycle with lukewarm water and mild detergent.

6. Mistake 5: Skipping Kitchen Appliances

Another blunder tenants make is not deep cleaning essential kitchen appliances. This includes an oven, microwave, BBQ, range hood, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other small appliances (such as a coffee maker). Cleaning them from outside won’t help you pass the inspection. Make sure you deep clean inside and outside using the right cleaning products and methods.

White vinegar, baking soda, lemon and warm water can help remove caked on grime, burnt food particles, spills, splatters, buildup grease and bad odours effectively. If you are finding it difficult, book experts for detailed end of lease cleaning Sydney services and stay relaxed throughout the process.

7. Mistake 6: Procrastinating The Clean Up Session

Most renters commit this mistake and end up losing their hard earned bond money. Last minute cleaning can turn into a nightmare, especially if it is a fully furnished property. It is a time consuming task and procrastinating can lead to a subpar cleaning job. Rushing the process often results in missed spots while increasing the risk of injuries.

To avoid bond cleaning disputes , start the end of lease cleaning process as early as possible. First, read your rental agreement to check cleaning obligations, refer to the property condition report and create a proper checklist covering all rooms and hard to reach areas of your furnished rental.

Avoid Mistakes When Cleaning a Furnished Rental

Wrapping Up

Deep cleaning a furnished rental property requires more time, attention and precision. This increases the chance of silly blunders. Hopefully, this article has helped guide you through your end of lease cleaning job while avoiding common blunders. With the right techniques and an optimistic approach, you can easily get your bond back without any dispute.