Before move-in cleaning checklist

Keep all your cleaning supplies close by; pop them all in a portable holder, or even a bucket, to speed up the cleaning process
For best results, we recommend cleaning from left to right, back to front, and top to bottom
Begin with dry cleaning tasks (such as dusting, vacuuming and sweeping) before wiping surfaces down with a damp cloth or mopping
Don’t forget about mess created by your pets. Give kennels, tanks and cages a good clean. Fumigate the property if required
Arrange to dispose of any hazardous or prohibited moving items that your removalist can’t carry.

End of Lease Cleaning Checklist: Exterior Cleaning Tips

Remember to clean the veranda or patio, including the BBQ and all outdoor furniture
Remove dust or cobwebs from walls, window sills and eaves
Cut the lawn, trim the edges, weed gardens and sweep paths
Remove any mess created by pets and repair any damage caused by pets
Remove leaf debris from pool and clean the filter
Clear out the letter box and compost bin
Ensure outdoor lighting is working and cleaned
Sweep garage, driveway and remove any dirt or oil marks
Remove all rubbish, empty and wash out household bins
Hose down garage door and ensure working opener is left behind.

Clean and empty wardrobes, cupboards, shelving and drawers
Check all globes are working – clean light fittings and switches
Wipe clean all window ledges, architraves, skirting boards, picture rails and doors
Clean windows, sliding doors and fly screens inside and out
Wipe down air conditioner, cleaning vents, wash and dry filter
Remove dust and cobwebs throughout
Clean ceiling fan blades and light
Clear door and window tracks
Clean venetian and vertical blinds
Wash or dry-clean curtains and re-hang
Wipe over all switches, door hardware and surrounds
Remove traces of cigarette odour and nicotine stains
Clean any furniture provided and place in original position.

Clean oven walls, racks, grill and leave cleaned trays inside. To clean your oven without all the harsh chemicals, mix half a cup of baking soda with three tablespoons of water (adjust ratios as required until you have a smooth paste). Spread the paste on your oven walls, avoiding the heating elements in an electric oven. Let the paste sit overnight before removing, then spray with vinegar. A foam should form; simply wipe this away
Remove stovetop stains and clean thoroughly
Wash filters and clean range hood, ensuring the overhead light is working
Clean dishwasher, including rubbers, door and filter. For a sparkling dishwasher, our cleaning tip is to shake baking soda onto a damp sponge, and wipe around door seels and to remove food and stains. Adding a small cup of bleach to a cycle will also kill any bacteria, and leave the machine fresh and clean
Clear food and debris from sink holes, plugs and taps
If your kitchen sink is stainless steel, make it sparkle by wiping it down with a couple of drops of mineral oil and a soft sponge
Clean garbage disposals by dropping in slices of lemon, a spoonful of salt and a couple of ice cubes; the lemon deodorises while the salt and ice remove built-up residues
Wash all countertops, benches and surface areas
Wipe the inside and outside of all cupboards
Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer, removing all food
Clean behind the refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave
Clean the extractor fan—a quick vacuum will usually do the trick.

Clean and disinfect baths, showers, screens, basins and toilets
Our moving house cleaning tip for cleaning showerheads, is to fill a plastic bag with enough vinegar to submerge the nozzle, and tie the bag in place. Leave the nozzle to soak overnight to remove all residue build-up
When it comes to glass shower walls and doors, create a paste of baking soda and vinegar, apply liberally and leave to soak for an hour. Remove with a damp cloth for sparkling clean glass
Ensure facilities and fixtures are free of soap residue and mildew
Wash all surfaces, including tiled areas and bench tops
Remove mould from tiles, grout, ceiling and walls. For tough mould in tile grout, dip an old toothbrush into bleach and scrub
Dust and polish towel rails and toilet roll holders
Clean sinks, drain holes, plugs and taps
Clean mirrors and ceiling fans.

Spot clean any scuff marks on walls
Use sugar soap mixed with warm water applied with a soft cloth on walls with extensive scuff marks
Vacuum and steam clean all carpets
Vacuum and clean all sliding door and window tracks
Sweep and mop tiled floors and floorboards
Clean wall and floor areas behind appliances, such as the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, washing macine and dryer.