Common Mistakes to Avoid During Bond Cleaning

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Common Mistakes to Avoid During Bond Cleaning

By : Kate Windle
Moving out of a rented property in NSW is a tedious task. Being a responsible tenant, completing all your duties, doing necessary repairs (except fair wear and tear), and returning the premises to its original state is imperative. As per the residential tenancy laws in NSW, every tenant/renter has to perform a thorough bond cleaning before the final inspection. Leaving dirt, stains, and grime behind can encourage landlords or property managers to deduct money from a security deposit. That’s one of the main reasons people prefer hiring expert end of lease cleaning Sydney. It is because they follow the pre-approved checklist and can help you get the full bond back without any dispute. However, if you are under a financial crunch and planning to do it yourself, avoid these common mistakes during cleaning. Keeping an eye open will help you pass the rental inspection. Let’s Get Started!

1. Cleaning Without Reviewing the Entry Condition Report

Tenants always rush to get the cleaning done to keep the process as hassle-free as possible. In the middle of this, they forget to review the Property Condition Report they checked and filled in at the start of the tenancy. This outlines the existing damages and dirty areas that are not your responsibility to fix or clean. So, check the report thoroughly, inspect your premises and save your precious hours.

2. Not Following the Standard Checklist

Bond cleaning is beyond regular housekeeping chores. It is more intense, professional and requires a lot of precision. It’s because landlords want the property in its original state to attract new tenants quickly and easily. Many tenants end up making a silly mistake by sprucing up a property without using a proper checklist. This means you are likely to leave certain spots untouched during the process. And missing important areas can lead to bond money deduction. The best thing you can do is to follow a proven pre-approved cleaning checklist. This includes all rooms, nooks and crannies, exterior areas and hidden spots that landlords and property managers inspect. Follow this checklist and tackle all types of stains and grime like a pro.

3. Not Using the Right Cleaning Supplies

Many people use store-bought cleaning products because of their effectiveness and quick results. Unfortunately, these products can cause damage to the surface or lead to discolouration. If you want to hand over the rented apartment in Sydney in a well-maintained condition, use products and tools that are safe and non-abrasive. Also, read the labels carefully and avoid using strong chemicals on natural stone surfaces, carpets and rugs. It is good to use cleaning products that can help you tackle tough stains with ease. Make a list of all the necessary cleaning products and tools before getting into the process.

4. Leaving Windows Dirty

Are you neglecting windows when performing bond cleaning? Dirt and streaks on windows can ruin the overall look and feel of the property. So, pay attention to the windows and clean the sills, frames, panes and glasses inside and out (if accessible). You can use white vinegar and a warm water solution to tackle stains and grime. Use a rubber squeegee to achieve streak-free windows. Here is a step-by-step guide to wash your windows like a pro.

5. Forgetting About Hard-to-Reach Areas

Are you neglecting difficult-to-reach areas when performing an expert end of lease cleaning Sydney? This can negatively impact your landlord, and may hold back a part of your bond money. So, follow the checklist and clean all the hard-to-reach areas, such as behind large appliances, under furniture, door tracks, and baseboards, under the sink, garbage disposal, vents and much more. You can use smart cleaning tools to reach these areas without getting into any trouble. This can make a huge difference in boosting the overall appearance of your abode.

6. Not Cleaning Kitchen Appliances

Built-up grease, caked on-grime and stubborn stains on your oven, microwave or refrigerator can encourage the landlord to deduct your bond money. So, it is good to pay attention to your much-loved kitchen appliances using safe and sound products, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon and warm water. Do not forget to disinfect kitchen hot spots to keep germs and bacteria at bay.

7. Rubbing Carpet Stains Abrasively

Many people rub or scrub the carpet stains too hard and cause damage to the fibres. This can ruin the overall look and feel of your plush carpets and rugs. When cleaning your delicate floor coverings, vacuum the surface to remove accumulated dust, pet hair, and other allergens. To tackle stubborn stains, spray vinegar and a warm soapy water solution. Blot the surface instead of rubbing or scrubbing, and leave it for 10-12 minutes. Blotting will help you transfer stains from the carpet onto the wiping cloth. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and leave it overnight until you vacuum-clean it. This will banish bad smells, kills germs and freshen up your carpet before the final rental inspection.

8. Neglecting Outdoor Areas

Most tenants thoroughly clean the interiors of a rented property in the hope of getting their full bond back but end up losing a part of it due to dirty outdoor areas. According to the rental tenancy laws in Sydney, a landlord inspects the exterior area of the property for mould, damage and dirty surfaces, except normal wear and tear. Make sure you clean the patio area, driveway, fence and decks, mudroom, etc. You can quote separately for pressure washing service because most companies don’t include it in a complete bond cleaning package. It is also good to resolve rental problems before the final move out and make the process as seamless as possible.

Wrapping Up

Tenants tend to make mistakes at the end of tenancy due to stress and other potential complications. If you are concerned about your hard-earned bond money, avoid these common mistakes mentioned above in the article and perform end of lease cleaning Sydney like a pro.