- As the moment arrives to bid farewell to your rented space, a thorough cleaning of the entire property becomes crucial to ensure the prompt return of your security deposit and bedrooms and living spaces, in particular, take centre stage in this endeavour. The condition of these areas can significantly impact the final inspection and the overall impression you leave behind.
- In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you master the art of end of tenancy cleaning and focus on specific challenges posed by British rental properties. Additionally, we will place emphasis on techniques and shed light on the advantages of paying for a professional cleaning service.
- Preparing for the Cleaning Process
- It’s crucial to prepare adequately when you want to clean the property on your own, especially in the diverse range of cleaning solutions and equipment you can find. Declutter and organise your belongings as a first step. Then, take room size variations into account and carefully plan your cleaning strategy and next steps.
- Creating a customised cleaning checklist is essential, as room layouts and features can differ significantly in British rentals. Ensure your checklist covers every aspect of bedroom and living space cleaning, leaving no corner untouched.
- Gather the necessary cleaning supplies in advance, with an emphasis on eco-friendly products suitable for the UK’s often humid climate.
- Our Top Tips for End of Tenancy Cleaning of Your Accommodation
- Conduct your end of tenancy cleaning after moving out to avoid working around belongings.
- Opt for natural cleaning products like vinegar to avoid lingering chemical odours.
- Work from top to bottom, starting with de-cobwebbing the ceiling and upper corners in all rooms. Dust overhead fan blades.
- Conduct a final inspection. Engage your senses and carefully sniff the air for any unpleasant odours and inspect beneath and behind objects. Keep all room doors, cupboards, and closets open as you move through each space.
- Bedroom Cleaning Tasks to focus on
- Dust and Eliminate Cobwebs
- For optimal results, initiate your cleaning routine from the highest points and progress downward. Start by eliminating cobwebs and dusting ceiling fans, walls, switchboards, and light fixtures. Then, employ a microfiber cloth to dust windows, nightstands, dressers, and furniture and remember to wipe down both natural and artificial plants to complete the thorough cleaning process.
- Additionally, consider cleaning air conditioner filters using a vacuum cleaner.
- Spray and Clean Surfaces
- After dusting, use a damp microfiber cloth and your all-purpose cleaning spray to wipe down frequently used surfaces like nightstands, dressers, window sills, bookcases, or shelves. Address any spills, stains, or areas the duster may have missed, and use a blade to remove solidified candle wax.
- Make sure to use disinfectant spray on door handles and areas of doors that are touched often, as these spots accumulate dirt and oils over time, appearing dirty and carrying bacteria.
- Remember to give some attention to the baseboards using a microfiber cloth because they have a tendency to gather dirt, dust and dead skin cells.
- Sanitise Your Mattress
- Start by vacuuming the mattress, then evenly sprinkle baking soda across the entire surface and allow it time to absorb moisture and odours, then vacuum again. Following that, flip the mattress and repeat the process on the other side.
- Disinfect Windows and Mirrors
- Bid farewell to accumulated stains and smudges on windows, allowing sunlight to stream through unimpeded. Clean glass surfaces using a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks. A solution of 1:10 vinegar and water is an effective window-cleaning method, or you can use glass cleaner or soapy water. Apply generously if the surface is heavily soiled, wiping from side to side and top to bottom. Scrape any persistent stains and use a fresh microfiber cloth for drying and quick polishing.
- Apply the same procedure to mirrors, glass picture frames, and light fixtures.
- Vacuum or Sweep Floors
- Eliminate ceiling fan dust, table crumbs, and fallen bed linens from the floor. Vacuum not only the visible floor but also the dust and debris accumulated in bedroom crevices, including dresser interiors, bookshelves, window frames, and the space between the window and screen.
- Move furniture to access hidden spots, and pay attention to areas where dust bunnies may breed. Utilise a vacuum cleaner and an upholstery brush to clean curtains while attached.
- Deep Cleaning Storage Spaces
- Address closets and drawers by wiping down closet shelves and vacuuming inside drawers.
- Electronics and Cords
- Dust and clean electronic devices such as TVs and charging stations. Untangle and organise cords for an even more orderly appearance.
- Air Purification
- Open windows during cleaning and use purifiers after cleaning to improve indoor air quality. This aids in removing dust and allergens from the environment.
- Cleaning the Living Spaces
- Dust Off
- Commence your cleaning routine with dry dusting, using a soft cloth or feather duster for hard-to-reach spots like picture rails, curtain rods, and high shelves. Specialised dusters are available for cleaning around radiators. Dust your living room from top to bottom to prevent contaminating already-cleaned surfaces. Switch to a damp microfiber cloth for hard surfaces like baseboards, picture frames, doorframes, and coffee tables after dry dusting to enhance dust removal.
- When cleaning a television screen, employ a fresh microfiber cloth and wipe in an up-and-down motion—avoid circular motions. For stain removal, it’s preferable to use a slightly damp cloth, yet refrain from spraying water or cleaning solutions directly onto the screen.
- When dealing with wooden furniture, particularly antiques, the use of furniture polish or wax can effectively nurture the wood and provide protection against moisture.
- Clean Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
- Although often overlooked, light fixtures and ceiling fans can accumulate dust and cobwebs, so use a vacuum with a long, extending duster to address this.
- Treat Window Coverings
- Over time, curtains and blinds naturally accumulate dust, and to effortlessly clean them without the inconvenience of removal, employ a vacuum cleaner. For stains, consider a trip to the dry cleaners. Different blinds may require various cleaning methods. For horizontal blinds, close them in one direction, clean from left to right, then close them in the opposite direction and repeat. It may be necessary to clean the cloth multiple times along the way.
- Clean Windows and Mirrors
- Use a general glass cleaning spray or a vinegar solution (equal parts white vinegar and hot water with a bit of liquid soap). Spray lightly and wipe with old newspaper for streak-free surfaces. Clean glass vases, coasters, picture frames, and lampshades as well.
- Clean Furniture
- Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the dust of furniture or a vacuum cleaner with a dusting brush attachment. Two options for furniture polish include purchasing or making it. Ensure it suits your furniture’s material and finish, and conduct a patch test before application. For hardwood furniture, a mixture of olive oil and white vinegar can be used. Test it on a small area first, then spray and rub with a soft cloth for a shiny finish.
- Clean Rugs and Carpets
- For heavily soiled rugs and carpets, professional cleaning is recommended. Spot-treat with a rented carpet cleaning machine for less severe cleaning needs. Vacuum thoroughly before using the machine, dividing the carpet into sections and cleaning each area slowly and carefully. Stay in defined lines, similar to mowing the lawn, to avoid streaks on plush carpets. Move furniture to reach behind and underneath with vacuum attachments. Place towels in high-traffic areas after cleaning to aid drying.
- Wash the Floors
- Vacuum tile, linoleum, vinyl, or polished concrete floors before mopping with a wrung-out mop. Allow the floor to dry completely, and after that, return the rugs.
- Final Touches and Inspection Readiness
- As you approach the final stages of your end of tenancy cleaning, revisit your checklist. Ensure that you have addressed the unique cleaning challenges presented by British rental properties. Perform a meticulous inspection of the bedroom and living spaces, leaving no stone unturned.
- Maintain the cleanliness of these areas until the final inspection. The UK’s damp climate can pose challenges, so regularly check for any issues that may arise in the lead-up to the inspection. Keep in mind that attention to detail can make a significant difference.
- Embarking on Additional Cleaning Options
- While an exhaustive checklist for the culmination of tenancy cleaning attends to indispensable duties, pondering supplementary services can promise an immaculate outcome. Steam carpet cleaning unveils a meticulous purification, bidding adieu to dirt, allergens, and stains that may surpass the ordinary grasp of regular vacuuming. Engaging in both interior and exterior window cleaning amplifies the overall allure of your rental property, creating a luminous and beckoning ambience.
- Upholstery cleaning is another treasure trove of supplemental service, enveloping the realm of steam-cleaning mattresses, sofas, armchairs, curtains, and pillows. This process specifically takes aim at the elusive trio of dirt, allergens, and stains that standard cleaning methods may not effectively eliminate. The choice to partake in these extra services not only assures peace of mind but also enhances the probability of securing the full return of your deposit.
- Merits of Involving a Professional Cleaning Service
- Professional cleaners bring forth the knowledge, expertise, and specialised equipment necessary for a thorough and deep cleaning, endowing indoor living quality and creating a hygienic living environment.
- Apart from ensuring top-notch cleanliness, hiring professionals presents irreplaceable benefits, such as saving time and energy. Rather than dedicating extensive hours to scrubbing, vacuuming, and polishing, you can shift your focus towards other aspects of your move, such as the choreography of packing and organising your belongings. Entrusting the curtain fall of end of tenancy cleaning to experts not only reduces stress but also orchestrates a seamless and triumphant final step of your move-out experience.
- Conclusion
- Achieving proficiency in cleaning bedrooms and living spaces within your UK rental property is essential to ensure the prompt retrieval of your security deposit. These spaces wield significant sway over your parting impression. By adhering to our detailed guide, you can navigate the diverse challenges presented by British rental properties, integrate ecologically mindful practices, and weigh the advantages of professional cleaning services. Approach the finale of your end of tenancy cleaning with a strategic mindset, paving the way for a smooth transition from your rental property.
