So, you’re probably about to relocate and you’re doing research on what end of tenancy cleaning entails. You’ve read a few pieces, you’ve watched a few videos–and you seem to have found some contradictory information.
What’s true and what’s not, what’s fact, what’s debatable?
We’ll walk you through it in this guide by debunking 5 of the biggest end of tenancy cleaning myths, which could cost you your deposit. Use this knowledge to do your reponsibilies diligently and walk away with a good relations with your landlord, and of course–with your money back.
Let’s begin!
Myth #1 – Bleach Cleans Everything
Sure, this chemical is great, but like everything else, it has its downsides. It might be great for whitening materials and killing off germs, but if you trust it blindly, it will lead you astray faster than certain US president’s comments about it during the pandemic.
So, be very carefully if you use bleach on wood or natural stone, as it can leave ugly stains or even damage them. And who do you think your landlord will hold accountable then?
That’s precisely why many rental agreements suggest not using it. Landlords usually want a certain level of cleanliness that bleach alone can’t do. So, to get your tenancy deposit back, it’s smart to try other cleaning agents as well.
It’d be nicer for the planet if you’d opt for cleaners such as vinegar or baking soda, which work great on tough stains, for example, without the risk that bleach carries.
Myth #2 – Professional Cleaning is Always Required
You don’t always need to hire professional cleaners when moving out. Unless, of course, your landlord requires it in the lease agreement you signed.
However, often, you can clean up the place just as well yourself and save some cash while you’re at it. Of course, you’d have to research some clever cleaning hacks, like mixing white vinegar and water so you make your windows and mirrors shiny and streak-free.
You’d also need to tackle the oven (yes, that dreaded chore at the bottom of everyone’s cleaning list). To do it, try creating baking soda and water paste. You spread it on the appliance’s surface, let it sit overnight, and scrubbing miraculously becomes easier.
To freshen carpets, sprinkle on some baking soda, leave it for a bit, then vacuum it up.
Don’t neglect the required tools of the trade–a microfiber cloth is great for dusting without scratching. With eco-friendly cleaners and a bit of smart effort, you can clean up without spending too much and increase your chances of getting your deposit back.
Myth #3 – Vacuuming Is Enough for Carpets
It’s mandatory at the end of tenancy, yes, but on its own, it doesn’t quite get everything. Sure, it’s great for getting rid of dirt and dust on the surface, but deep-down stains and smells can stick around, and your landlord will not hesitate to point it out (with a deduction).
That’s where steam cleaning can help. The hot water vapour is the best solution here as it will go into the carpet and pull out all the dirt and allergens. Plus, it’s pretty affordable since you can rent machines from local shops for a reasonable price.
Carpet powders are another neat alternative. You just sprinkle it over the carpet, let it sit to soak up any lingering smells, and then..you just vacuum it up.
It not only gets rid of odours but also leaves a nice scent behind, perfect if you’ve scheduled end of tenancy inspection and you want to dazzle them with how much of a good job you did.
Myth #4 – All Cleaning Products Are Equal
Believing that could be a costly mistake. Each cleaning job is like its own a puzzle and you need to figure out which are the right pieces to solve it.
You wouldn’t use a glass cleaner on wood—it’d be like washing your car with sandpaper. It can ruin the finish and leave you with a dull, scratched surface.
And if you used the wrong cleaner on marble it can leave it looking like a toddler’s colouring book gone wrong.
So, always do your research and make sure to pick the right cleaner.
Myth #5 – You Can Ignore Grout and the Windows
At your own peril, of course, and at the cost of your deposit. Those two are definitely on your landlord’s checklist (you can add each items in the bathroom and kitchen to it, as well).
Grout can get pretty dirty if not tackled regularly, and even worse–it can get mouldy, and that’s not just ugly—it might also be bad for your health. Do you want to know how much it costs to hire mould removal services?
Dirty windows can make your whole cleaning job appear superficial to your landlord and is definitely grounds for keeping your money for it. Luckily, cleaning them is actually pretty simple and cheap.
For tackling the grout, you can mix some baking soda with water to make a paste. Grab an old toothbrush and scrub it into the grout lines, then rinse with warm water.
For windows, mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz the glass, and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a shiny finish.
Doing this is not rocket science, but it can be easy to overlook or neglect, which will cost your money.
Conclusion
As you can see, these myths have been debunked–and in less time it takes you to finish an episode of the MythBusters. And you get to leave more than mildly entertained–but with your security deposit in tact.
Pretty neat, right? Of course, if you’re not up to dealing with the challenge of pleasing your landlord, you can always pay a professional cleaning company which specialises in end of tenancy cleanings to do it all for you.
Sure, you might not walk away with your money, but you spare yourself the hassle of doing it all yourself. Just don’t make the mistake of not doing the work at all.
Good luck and here’s to a brand new chapter!