The Complete End of Lease Cleaning Checklist (DIY)

Before you move into your exciting new home, you must first complete one last task: the end-of-lease cleaning. It's terrifying, and you'll be horrified at how filthy all your home's hidden nooks and crannies have become, but we're here to help. Follow our end-of-lease cleaning checklist to ensure a thorough clean and a full bond refund.

4 tips before you begin

1. Be prepared

'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!', plan for the next few days and stick to it. Print out our end-of-lease cleaning checklist and cross off each item as you go. This way, you'll always know which parts of the house have or haven't been cleaned, as well as how far you must go. Allow enough time for each area and don't rush. A large house, for example, will usually take two professional cleaners an entire day to clean, so plan accordingly!

2. ‘Fair wear and tear’

As with anything else, the older your home becomes, the more it deteriorates. It's critical to understand that this is completely normal and will not be expected to fix or pay for when you leave. Worn benchtops and flaking paint are two examples. If you're unsure, check your tenancy agreement, the RTA website, or speak with your landlord or agent.

3. For best results, remove your furniture

After you've removed all your furniture, you'll be able to reach the dust bunnies hiding under your fridge and clean up any marks your furniture may have left on the walls.

4. Dry to wet and top to bottom

Start with dry tasks like dusting and vacuuming before moving on to mopping and wiping down surfaces with a wet cloth. And always clean from top to bottom to avoid sweeping dust and grime off shelves and countertops and onto freshly cleaned floors.

What you'll require

This is a basic list; each clean will be slightly different, so go through the house a few days before you begin cleaning and add any additional items to the list that you may require (screwdriver, ladder, steam cleaner for carpets, etc.).

• Vacuum
• Dustpan and brush
• Mop and bucket
• Duster
• Gloves
• Broom
• Spray cleaner (disinfectant)
• Rubbish bags
• Windex
• Toilet cleaner and brush
• Bleach
• Sugar soap
• Oven degreaser and scraper
• Paper towels and cloth wipes
• Microfibre cloths
• Newspapers (for protecting carpet)
• Scrubbing brush
• Anything you need for garden work if required (lawn mower, weed spray, garden gloves, etc.)

Checklist for end-of-lease cleaning

To get down and dirty, print this list and cross each task off as you go. Clean each item thoroughly. During the inspection, your landlord or agent will most likely go over everything with a fine-toothed comb, so don't leave anything to chance.

Kitchen

• Because this is where all the mess happens, it will most likely be the most difficult and time-consuming area to clean. Oil and food stains can get almost anywhere, so be as thorough as possible.
• Clean the insides and outsides of cabinets and drawers
• Clean and degrease the range hood (and, if necessary, the filter/extractor fan)
• Clean the oven from the inside out (allow around an hour to complete)
• Clean backsplash and walls
• Clean all bench surfaces
• Clean sink, taps, spout
• Clean any remaining appliances (fridge, microwave, dishwasher, etc.)
• Vacuum and mop floor
• Clean the inside and outside of cabinets and drawers
• Dust all surfaces (light fittings, shelves, blinds, ceiling fans, windowsills, skirting boards, etc.)
• Dust for cobwebs
• Wash curtains if necessary
• Clean any remaining household furniture
• Clean light switches/power outlets
• Wash walls
• Vacuum carpets and mop floorboards

Bathrooms and laundry

• Wipe the inside and outside of cabinets and drawers
• Clean mirrors and glass shower screens
• Clean and disinfect the inside and outside of the toilet
• Remove any mould or build-up from the shower head
• Towel rails, soap dispensers, and toilet paper holders should all be cleaned
• Clean basin, shower, bathtub, taps, spouts, and bench tops
• Clear any hair from the drains
• Clean the walls and tile grout (do not scrub the grout)
• Clean any remaining appliances (washing machine, lint from dryer, etc.)
• Vacuum and mop floors

Walls, floor, and windows

• Ensure that all walls are washed with sugar soap, paying special attention to stains/marks
• Clean mirrors and glass shower screens
• Dust for cobwebs
• Wash all windows inside and out (where possible)
• Clean all skirting boards
• Clean and/or dust all curtains, blinds, and rails
• Vacuum and mop all carpets and floorboards
• If necessary/required, steam clean carpets (this is best done by a professional)

Balcony/garage

• Clean walls where necessary
• Get rid of all cobwebs
• Dust tops of air conditioning units and filters/vents where possible
• Clean the inside and outside of cabinets, shelves, and drawers
• Clean windows, sills, doors, and tracks
• Clean all balcony railings
• Sweep all floors
• Mop floors where necessary

Outside

• Clean all windows and sills
• Mow lawns and whipper snipper edges where possible
• Clean pool/spa and filters
• Clean up any messes and repair any damage caused by pets
• Clean garbage cans both inside and out
• Clean any remaining appliances or furniture (BBQ, lawn mower, etc.)
• Clean any air conditioning units and filters/vents where possible
• Empty letterbox
• Clean garage door and any stains on the exterior house walls
• Clean and hose all patio areas
• Sweep or hose down paths and driveways (wash if oil marks present)

The verdict…

Keep in mind that even with your best efforts, you may miss something that your landlord will notice during the inspection - it happens. Typically, your landlord will notify you so that you can return to clean up the remainder. Just in case, make sure you have enough free time after the initial clean and inspection to complete the re-clean if necessary and avoid forfeiting any of your bond.

If you don't have time, you can always hire a professional end-of-lease cleaner in your area. You can use our contact form to request a free, no-obligation quote.

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