Any relocation process out of a rental house can be rather stressful, particularly because of the concern of receiving the bond money back. Among the most important steps in this process is understanding what bond cleaning is and why it matters. For tenants moving out of rental properties, professional Cleaning Services in Broadmeadows, Melbourne can make the bond cleaning process far less stressful while helping ensure the property meets inspection standards. This handy to-do list will guide you through all the necessary details to leave your rented property in the best possible condition and maximise your chances of receiving a full bond refund.
Understanding Bond Cleaning
Bond cleaning, end of lease cleaning or exit cleaning is a professional standard cleaning (see figure) of a rental security deposit that is carried out when you are leaving. Its primary aim is to restore the property to the same level that it was found in when you first entered the property, to get your full bond refund upon leaving the property as required by your landlord or property manager.
You should not equate bond cleaning to the normal house cleaning. It reaches all corners and crannies of the house, and even those corners that may not be covered by normal cleaning. Property managers do a thorough inspection of your property once you have already left, and any cleaning problems may cost you a deduction of your bond money.
Why Bond Cleaning Matters
Bond deposit usually constitutes a four week rent and it is quite a substantial amount of money. The conditions in which you are expected to leave the property are very strict by property managers and landlords. Unless they are satisfied with the cleaning, they can legally employ professional bond cleaning services, and subtract the charge to your bond.
Cleaning-related problems have been identified as one of the leading causes of the tenants losing their bond money, according to rental authority statistics in the whole of Australia. Knowing what is bond cleaning and doing it correctly will save you your hard-earned money and ensure that you have a good rental record to use in the future.
What Does Bond Cleaning Include?
Bond cleaning involves cleaning the property in totality. The following has the specifics of what is usually needed:
Kitchen Areas
The kitchen must be carefully taken care of when bond cleaning. You will have to clean the inside and outside of all cupboards, drawers, and pantry by greasing them. The oven, cooktop, rangehood and all the filters should be well de-greased and sanitized. Don’t leave it behind and under appliances, wipe down all bench tops including splashback and make sure sink and taps are clean and free of limescale.
Bathrooms and Toilets
Special care should be given to bathrooms to eliminate soap scum, mould and mildew. Wipe and clean up toilets, back and around the toilet base. Wipe away dirt on shower screens, tiles and grouts until glossy. Take the calcium deposits off the tap and showerheads and clean the mirrors without any streaks. The exhaust fans are to be dusted and cleaned.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Walls should be clean to spot clean them of any marks, scuffs and fingerprints. Power points, door handles and light switches should be wiped and sanitised. Sills of windows and skirting boards, and tracks have to be cleaned and dusted. The windows should be cleaned or washed both the inside and outside until they are crystal clear.
Flooring Throughout
The various types of flooring have their own cleaning techniques. The carpets should be professionally cleaned on steam and the stains prevented and eliminated. Hard floors should be cleaned by mopping, polishing and protecting. Tiles are to be washed with the help of the corresponding products and scrub the grout lines.
Bond Cleaning Checklist: Room by Room
To ensure you don’t miss anything, here’s a practical bond cleaning checklist organized by area:
| Area | Cleaning Tasks |
| Kitchen | Clean oven interior and exterior, degrease cooktop and rangehood, wipe cupboards inside/out, clean fridge, scrub sink and taps, mop floors, clean splashback tiles |
| Bathroom | Scrub toilet bowl and exterior, clean shower/bath and remove soap scum, wipe mirrors and vanity, clean exhaust fan, sanitise tiles and grout, polish chrome fixtures |
| Bedrooms | Vacuum carpets thoroughly, clean windows and tracks, wipe down wardrobes inside/out, dust light fixtures, clean skirting boards, remove wall marks |
| Living Areas | Vacuum/mop all floors, clean windows inside and out, dust ceiling fans and light fixtures, wipe switches and doors, clean air conditioning vents, vacuum under furniture |
| Laundry | Clean washing machine and dryer, wipe down cupboards and benchtops, scrub sink and taps, clean behind appliances, mop floors thoroughly |
| Outdoor Areas | Sweep patios and balconies, remove cobwebs, clean outdoor light fixtures, tidy garden beds if required, ensure bins are emptied and cleaned |
DIY vs Professional Bond Cleaning Services
The main issue that many tenants are grappling with is the decision of cleaning a bond on their hand or contract a professional. Though you save money in the short term by cleaning yourself, DIY cleaning is time and energy consuming and also presupposes professional cleaning equipment.
Outsourcing of bond cleaning services by professionals has a number of benefits. They understand what the property managers are seeking, they possess commercial grade equipments and cleaning supplies and they usually give guarantees that they will repeat in case any problems are discovered by the property manager. Above all, they will save you loads of time in an already stressful process of moving.
The cost of professional services offered is usually between 250 to 700 dollars based on the size and state of the property. Professional cleaning is a rather affordable insurance policy when you think about the possible loss of your bond (average of 2,000-3,000 and above in major Australian cities).
Common Bond Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Despite the good intentions, tenants can do a lot of wrongs that can lead to the loss of their relationship. The most frequent mistake is the rush through the cleaning process. Bond cleaning cannot be done in a sudden look but in a step-by-step manner.
The next common error is related to forsaken locations. Property managers examine inside cupboards, behind appliances and in more secret locations. Ignoring such places is an indication of incomplete cleaning. Misuse of cleaning products may also create some dramas, strong chemicals may destroy surfaces and the weaker ones would not help in getting tough stains off.
Most tenants do not calculate the time. The typical bond clean of an average 3-bedroom house requires 8-12 hours. May be it happened to start too late or may be it was not given much time normally leads to incomplete cleaning.
Timing Your Bond Cleaning
Bond cleaning can be made more efficient by strategic timing. Preferably, do the cleaning when you have entirely transported all the furniture and other items. This will provide entry to all the areas without hindrance. Arrange to clean up 1-2 days before your final inspection to have time to clean up spots that you may have missed.
Should you pay professional bond cleaning services, you need to book them early, most especially in the high season of moving (usually end of month and end of lease). There are lots of good businesses that are booked weeks before.
Tips for Maximising Your Bond Return
Other than cleaning up, there are a number of measures that can be taken to guarantee that you are refunded your entire bond. Record all the photos to document everything before and after cleaning. These give signatures of the state of the property in case of disputes.
Fix any minor damages such as nail holes, change of burnt light globes, and dripping taps. Such minor concerns may result in bond deductions when they are not taken care of. Read whatever you have written in the condition entry condition report so that you know what exactly the property should be handed over in.
You can have a pre-inspection with your property manager, should you have a chance. This will enable them to inform you on any areas that require further attention prior to the official inspection and you have time to rectify the problems and save on bond deductions.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the importance of bond cleaning is essential for any tenant nearing the end of their lease. It is an extensive, highly detailed cleaning exercise far beyond ordinary housekeeping, often requiring deep cleaning in Melbourne to reach every corner and ensure the property is returned to its original condition.
Through proper bond cleaning checklist, preventing typical errors, and sufficient time to complete the process, you are greatly at ease of passing the inspection and returning the entire bond. It is worth bearing in mind that your bond money is a huge amount to protect, and bond cleaning is the best defence against unreasonable deductions.
Professional cleaning requires a very low input of time, effort, or money compared to that which you may end up losing as a result of not doing it. Take bond cleaning as seriously as you should and you will leave your rental property with your entire bond and rental history intact.
FAQs
1. How much does bond cleaning cost in Australia?
Professional bond cleaning typically costs between $250 and $700 depending on the size and condition of your property. A standard three-bedroom house usually ranges from $350 to $500, while larger properties or those requiring extensive cleaning may cost more. This investment is worthwhile when you consider most bonds are worth $2,000 to $3,000 or more.
2. How long does a bond clean take?
A thorough bond clean of an average three-bedroom house typically takes between 8 to 12 hours when done properly. If you’re hiring professional bond cleaning services, they usually complete the job in 4 to 6 hours with a team of cleaners. The time required varies based on property size, condition, and how well it’s been maintained during the tenancy.
3. Can I do bond cleaning myself or should I hire professionals?
You can absolutely do bond cleaning yourself if you have the time, equipment, and knowledge of what’s required. However, professional bond cleaning services offer guarantees, use commercial-grade equipment, and know exactly what property managers expect. If you’re short on time or unsure about meeting the required standards, hiring professionals is usually the safer option.
4. What’s the difference between bond cleaning and regular cleaning?
Bond cleaning is far more thorough and detailed than regular cleaning, covering every nook and cranny of the property. It includes deep cleaning areas rarely touched during routine cleaning, like inside cupboards, behind appliances, oven interiors, and window tracks. Property managers expect the property to be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, which requires this level of detail.
5. Do I need to steam clean carpets for bond cleaning?
Yes, steam cleaning carpets is almost always a requirement for bond cleaning in rental properties with carpeted areas. Most lease agreements and property managers expect professional carpet steam cleaning, and you’ll typically need to provide a receipt as proof. DIY carpet cleaning machines usually don’t meet the professional standard required for bond return.
6. When should I schedule my bond clean?
The best time to schedule your bond clean is after you’ve completely moved out all furniture and belongings, ideally 1 to 2 days before your final inspection. This gives you access to all areas and time to address any missed spots before the property manager’s inspection. Book professional cleaners well in advance, especially during peak moving periods at month’s end.
7. What happens if the property manager fails my bond clean?
If your property manager finds the cleaning unsatisfactory, they’ll typically provide a list of areas that need attention and give you an opportunity to rectify them. You can reclean these areas yourself or hire professional bond cleaning services that offer re-clean guarantees. If issues aren’t resolved, the property manager may deduct cleaning costs from your bond.
8. Are oven and rangehood cleaning included in bond cleaning?
Yes, thorough oven and rangehood cleaning is absolutely essential for bond cleaning and always included in professional services. The oven must be cleaned inside and out, including racks, trays, glass door, and seals, with all grease and grime removed. The rangehood, filters, and surrounding areas must also be completely degreased and spotless.
9. Do I need to clean outdoor areas for my bond?
Yes, outdoor areas including patios, balconies, courtyards, and any garden areas assigned to your property must be cleaned for bond return. This includes sweeping, removing cobwebs, cleaning outdoor light fixtures, and tidying any garden beds or lawn areas. Rubbish bins should also be emptied and cleaned, and any outdoor furniture or items you’re leaving behind must be wiped down.
10. How can I make sure I get my full bond back?
Document the property’s condition with detailed photos before and after cleaning, follow a comprehensive bond cleaning checklist, and address all minor repairs before inspection. Consider requesting a pre-inspection with your property manager to identify any issues early, and keep all receipts for professional cleaning services like carpet steam cleaning. Being thorough and proactive significantly increases your chances of receiving your full bond refund.