Maintaining a clean rental property is crucial for the hassle-free retrieval of bond money. In Queensland, tenants/renters are obliged to return the rental property in a reasonable condition before vacating.
Unfortunately, most tenants don't know how to clean the rental property. They often leave important areas dirty and lose their hard-earned bond money.
According to their tenancy laws in QLD, landlords can withhold a part of or full deposited security to reimburse for cleaning and repair costs. So, here is a complete bond cleaning checklist for every tenant in Brisbane who is preparing for the end of a tenancy. This will give peace of mind and the desired cleaning results.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Gather Essential Cleaning Supplies
You can't win cleaning battles without proper tools and products. Dirt and grime accumulation, stains, grease, soap scum, germs, etc need the following supplies so that you can impress your landlord during the inspection:
- • Microfiber cloths, dusters and a mop
• A vacuum machine with a suitable brush attachment
• Broom and a dustpan
• Scrubbers and sponges
• Brushes
• A long-extendable handle
• A rubber squeegee
• Rubber gloves
• All-purpose cleaner
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Warm water
• Dishwashing Liquid soap
• Magic Erasers
• Paper towels, etc
Tip: Avoid using expensive store-bought cleaners because they are laden with harsh chemicals and toxic fumes. Prepare homemade cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, lemon, etc, to keep the indoor environment healthy.
2. General Cleaning Checklist: A Living Room & Bedrooms
Follow top to bottom cleaning approach to cover every nook and cranny of the premises. It is always good to start with your living room because it is one of the initial rooms inspected by a landlord or property manager. Use the same checklist to clean your bedrooms as well:
- • Use a long-handled microfiber duster to remove cobwebs and inspect marks from ceiling walls
• Clean your ceiling fans
• Vacuum air filters and HVAC system
• Remove accumulated dust from light fittings and switches using a damp microfiber cloth.
• Spot clean power points and light switches
• Wipe down shelves, cabinets inside and out, lampshades, and picture frames
• Wash windows inside and out
• Vacuum Blinds and wash curtains
• Clean skirting and doors
• Wash bed linens
• Vacuum upholstery, mattress and carpets
• Sweep and mop floors
Tip: Microfiber cloths are perfect for collecting tiny dust particles, pollen and allergens from hard surfaces. For stains, use a white-vinegar solution and soapy, warm water.
3. A Cleaning Checklist for Your Kitchen
There is no denying that the kitchen is a magnet for lethal germs, bacteria and viruses. When preparing your rental property in Brisbane for the final inspection, pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas of your kitchen. Here is a pre-approved checklist to help secure your bond money:
- • Remove loose debris, grime and dirt from the top, inside and outside of cabinets, drawers and cupboards
• Tackle burnt food particles, splatters and grime from your oven, range hood and grill using baking soda
• Clean inside and outside your dishwasher
• Clean the interiors of your microwave with vinegar and lemon
• Empty and clean the refrigerator- racks, shelves, doors and the top
• Wipe down countertops and stove tops, ring elements and knobs
• Clean and disinfect skin and faucets
• Unclog garbage disposal
• Wipe down skirting boards
• Mop the floor
Tip: Clean and disinfect every nook and cranny of your kitchen surfaces to prevent germs infestation.
4. Cleaning Checklist for Your Bathrooms
Many tenants lose their bond money due to filthy bathroom surfaces, such as brown stains in the toilet, soap scum on bathtubs, mouldy shower curtains, etc. So, follow this checklist and deep clean your bathroom.
- • Dislodge dirt and debris from an exhaust fan
• Wipe down cupboards, drawers and cabinets inside and outside
• Remove soap scum and calcium deposits from showerhead, walls, glass doors and tiles
• Clean grout lines
• Remove stains and grime from bathtubs
• Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, behind the "S" bend and behind the seat with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar
• Clean and polish sink, faucets and mirrors
• Mop the floor
It is difficult to remove stubborn stains, rust, mineral deposits and soap residue from surfaces. Thus, you can call experts for professional bond cleaning in Brisbane and get your bond money back. They follow a pre-approved cleaning checklist to help tenants pass their inspection without disagreement.
5. Laundry Cleaning Checklist
Do not forget your laundry room when sprucing up before the end of your tenancy. Here is a checklist for a stress-free cleaning:
- • Wipe down cupboards and drawers inside and outside
• Remove dirt, grime and debris inside and behind your dryer
• Scrub the laundry tub
• Polish tap ware
• Clean inside your washing machine and the filters
• Remove soap scum from walls
6. Cover Other Important Areas
Make sure you clean the following spots to leave a great impression on your landlord during the inspection:
- • Clean the entryway or hallway
• Remove cobwebs, dirt and grime from Garage walls and floors
• Sweep and mop patio area
• Clean the driveway
Endnote
Cleaning a rental property at the end of a lease is always challenging for tenants. Leaving dirt and grime behind may lead to the bond money deduction. However, you can follow this proven cleaning checklist and carry out bond cleaning like a pro. This will help you smoothly pass the rental inspection.
