Oct 04, 2024

Top 10 Mistakes Tenants Make When Cleaning Before Moving Out And How to Avoid Them

Are you preparing to move out of a Preston rental property? Cleaning is one of the most critical steps to ensure you get your security deposit back. Unfortunately, many tenants make common mistakes that result in deductions from their deposit. In this article, we’ll cover the top mistakes tenants in Preston make when cleaning before moving out and offer practical tips to help you avoid them.

1. Neglecting Hidden or Hard-to-Reach Areas

A major mistake tenants make is failing to clean areas that aren’t easily visible. Landlords and letting agents often inspect behind and underneath furniture, appliances, and in closets.

Move furniture: Dust behind large items like couches and wardrobes.
Under appliances: Clean under the oven, fridge, and washing machine.
Inside cabinets: Make sure cupboards and drawers are thoroughly wiped down.

2. Not Deep-Cleaning Carpets

Carpets are prone to accumulating dirt, stains, and odors, which can easily be overlooked if you only vacuum.

Treat stains: Use specialized carpet cleaners or hire professionals for tough stains.
Eliminate odors: Baking soda can help neutralize smells before you vacuum.

3. Overlooking Windows

Dirty windows are a red flag during the final inspection. Landlords often expect both the interior and, if possible, the exterior windows to be spotless.

Clean inside windows: Wipe down window sills and frames in addition to the glass.
Exterior cleaning: For high windows, consider hiring a professional cleaner.

Sparkling clean windows can significantly improve the appearance of your rental property Preston.

4. Failing to Clean Kitchen Appliances

Ovens, fridges, and other kitchen appliances are easy to forget but often harbor grease, food residue, and grime.

Oven: Use a heavy-duty cleaner or a baking soda and vinegar solution to scrub off grease.
Fridge: Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer before wiping them down.
Washing machine: Clean the detergent drawer and run an empty cycle with vinegar.

A deep clean of appliances will help avoid disputes over cleanliness when moving out.

5. Skipping a Thorough Bathroom Clean

Bathrooms need extra attention during end of tenancy cleaning. Scrubbing just the surface won’t cut it.

Grout and tiles: Use a grout cleaner to remove mildew and soap scum.
Toilet: Clean around the base of the toilet and behind it, not just inside the bowl.
Shower and bathtub: Use a descaling product to tackle hard water stains.

A sparkling clean bathroom is crucial for passing landlord inspections.

6. Forgetting to Clean Walls and Light Switches

Walls and light switches often accumulate dirt and fingerprints, especially in high-traffic areas.

Walls: Wipe down walls with a gentle cleaner to remove marks and scuffs.
Light switches: Use a damp cloth to clean switches, which can harbor grime and bacteria.

Keep an eye on walls and switches, as these areas are frequently inspected by landlords in preston.

7. Ignoring Outdoor Spaces

If your rental property includes a garden, patio, or driveway, these areas should also be cleaned and tidied.

Garden: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and clear away debris.
Patio: Sweep or power-wash patios to remove dirt and moss.
Driveway: Clean up oil stains and remove any litter.

Outdoor spaces should not be overlooked if you want to secure your full deposit.

8. Rushing the Final Cleaning

Leaving cleaning until the last minute is a common mistake that can lead to missed spots and poor results.

Plan ahead: Start cleaning a few days before your move-out date to avoid rushing.
Use a checklist: Create a detailed cleaning checklist to ensure you don’t overlook any areas.

A thorough, well-planned cleaning process improves your chances of passing the final inspection.

9. Not Reviewing the Inventory Checklist

Many tenants don’t compare the condition of the property to the original inventory report. This document is crucial for ensuring you return the property in the same condition.

Check for damages: Fix minor issues or clean areas that may have deteriorated during your tenancy.
Take photos: Document the cleaned property to provide proof in case of disputes.

Use the inventory checklist to guide your cleaning efforts and reduce the risk of losing your deposit. Read More

10. Skipping Professional Cleaning Services Preston

While DIY cleaning can save money, some properties require a professional touch to meet the high standards expected by landlords.

Hire professionals: Consider hiring an end of tenancy cleaning service if you’re unsure about tackling the job yourself.
Get a receipt: Keep a copy of the cleaning receipt as proof in case the landlord disputes the cleanliness.

Hiring professionals in preston today Book Now can give you peace of mind and help ensure you get your full deposit back.

Conclusion: Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes for a Full Deposit Return in Preston

To increase the likelihood of getting your full rental deposit back, it’s essential to avoid these common cleaning mistakes. Whether it’s deep-cleaning carpets, scrubbing appliances, or checking hidden areas, thorough cleaning is key to leaving your rental property in top condition.

By planning ahead, reviewing your inventory checklist, and considering professional help, you can pass your landlord’s inspection with flying colors.

For more tips on moving out or to hire professional end of tenancy cleaners

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