Blog / Bond Cleaning
End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
Complete guide to end of lease cleaning to ensure you get your full bond back. Professional bond cleaning checklist for Australian rental properties.
Published: September 15, 2025•20 min read
Getting your full bond back when moving out of a rental property requires thorough cleaning that meets professional standards. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through every area that needs attention to ensure your property is returned in pristine condition.
Bond cleaning is more intensive than regular cleaning and requires attention to detail that many tenants overlook. Follow this checklist to avoid common mistakes and ensure you receive your full bond refund.
Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Before You Start:
- • Read your lease agreement - Check for specific cleaning requirements
- • Take photos - Document the condition before cleaning
- • Gather supplies - Professional-grade cleaning products and tools
- • Plan your time - Bond cleaning typically takes 4-8 hours
- • Remove all belongings - Ensure nothing personal is left behind
- • Check with your agent - Confirm any specific requirements
Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen
High Priority- ☐Clean inside and outside of all appliances (oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge)
- ☐Remove all food and clean shelves, drawers, and cupboards
- ☐Clean stovetop, range hood, and exhaust fan
- ☐Scrub sink, taps, and drain
- ☐Clean backsplash and tiles
- ☐Wipe down all surfaces and countertops
- ☐Clean light fixtures and switches
- ☐Mop floors and clean baseboards
Bathroom
High Priority- ☐Clean toilet inside and out, including behind and around base
- ☐Scrub shower, bathtub, and all tiles
- ☐Clean grout lines thoroughly
- ☐Wipe down vanity, mirror, and all fixtures
- ☐Clean exhaust fan and light fixtures
- ☐Remove soap scum and hard water stains
- ☐Clean medicine cabinet and storage areas
- ☐Mop floors and clean baseboards
Living Areas
High Priority- ☐Vacuum all carpets and rugs thoroughly
- ☐Clean upholstery and furniture
- ☐Dust all surfaces, light fixtures, and ceiling fans
- ☐Clean windows, window sills, and tracks
- ☐Wipe down walls and remove any marks
- ☐Clean light switches and power points
- ☐Mop hard floors and clean baseboards
- ☐Remove all personal items and furniture
Bedrooms
High Priority- ☐Vacuum carpets and clean under beds
- ☐Dust all furniture and surfaces
- ☐Clean windows and window sills
- ☐Wipe down walls and remove marks
- ☐Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
- ☐Clean built-in wardrobes and shelves
- ☐Mop hard floors and clean baseboards
- ☐Remove all personal belongings
Laundry
Medium Priority- ☐Clean inside and outside of washing machine
- ☐Clean dryer and exhaust vent
- ☐Wipe down laundry tub and taps
- ☐Clean shelves and storage areas
- ☐Remove lint and clean filters
- ☐Mop floors and clean baseboards
- ☐Clean light fixtures and switches
Garage/Storage
Medium Priority- ☐Remove all personal items and belongings
- ☐Sweep and clean floors
- ☐Wipe down walls and remove marks
- ☐Clean light fixtures and switches
- ☐Remove any oil stains or marks
- ☐Clean any built-in storage areas
Common Bond Cleaning Mistakes
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
- ❌Not cleaning inside appliances (oven, microwave, dishwasher)
- ❌Forgetting to clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
- ❌Not removing soap scum and hard water stains
- ❌Leaving personal items behind
- ❌Not cleaning grout lines thoroughly
- ❌Forgetting to clean behind and around toilet
- ❌Not cleaning exhaust fans and vents
- ❌Leaving marks on walls and surfaces
Professional Bond Cleaning Tips
Cleaning Techniques
- • Use professional-grade cleaning products
- • Work from top to bottom in each room
- • Pay special attention to high-touch areas
- • Use microfiber cloths for streak-free results
- • Allow cleaning products time to work
Time-Saving Tips
- • Clean one room completely before moving to the next
- • Use a cleaning caddy to carry supplies
- • Start with the most difficult areas first
- • Clean appliances while they're empty
- • Work systematically to avoid missing areas
Additional Tips for Success
- 💡Take photos before and after cleaning for your records
- 💡Check your lease agreement for specific cleaning requirements
- 💡Allow plenty of time - bond cleaning typically takes 4-8 hours
- 💡Use professional-grade cleaning products for best results
- 💡Pay special attention to areas that are often overlooked
- 💡Consider hiring professional bond cleaners for guaranteed results
Final Inspection Checklist
Before Your Final Inspection:
- • Walk through each room with fresh eyes
- • Check for any missed spots or areas
- • Ensure all personal items are removed
- • Test all appliances to ensure they're working
- • Check that all keys are returned
- • Take final photos for your records
- • Ensure all utilities are disconnected
- • Complete any required paperwork
Need Professional Bond Cleaning?
Bond cleaning is complex and time-consuming. Our professional bond cleaners ensure your property meets all requirements for a full bond refund. We guarantee our work and provide bond back insurance.