According to recent statistics, a concerning 45% of Australian tenants only receive a partial bond refund, with one in ten not getting any money back at all. The main culprit? Inadequate cleaning.
Moving house is stressful enough without the added pressure of end-of-lease cleaning. If you’re preparing to hand back the keys, you might be asking: Can I do end-of-lease cleaning myself, or should I hire the pros?
While tackling the end of lease clean yourself might seem like a cost-effective solution, it’s not always as straightforward as it appears. This guide explores whether DIY end of lease cleaning is right for you, weighing up the pros and cons and providing expert advice to help you make an informed decision.
What Is End-of-Lease Cleaning?
End of lease cleaning, sometimes called bond cleaning or exit cleaning, is a deep, top-to-bottom clean required when you move out of a rental property.
Key Areas to Clean:
- Kitchens (including ovens, range hoods, and cupboards)
- Bathrooms (toilets, showers, tiles, sinks)
- Living areas (floors, walls, windows)
- Bedrooms
- Outdoor areas (balconies, driveways, garages)
Under Australian tenancy laws, you’re required to return the property in a “reasonably clean” condition, comparable to how it was at the beginning of your tenancy, minus fair wear and tear. And if the property isn’t cleaned to a satisfactory standard, landlords or property managers can claim part or all of your bond to cover professional cleaning costs.
Most states have similar requirements, though specific regulations may vary.
In Victoria, for example, the Consumer Affairs Victoria Director’s Guidelines state that professional cleaning can only be required if the property was professionally cleaned immediately before your tenancy began.
If you are moving out of a rental property and want to ensure you get your bond back, 365 Cleaners offers high-quality bond cleaning services. Our experienced team is here to make your move-out process stress-free and to help you meet all the required cleaning standards. Give us a call today and request a free quote!
Pros of Doing End of Lease Cleaning by Yourself
Cost Savings
One of the most compelling reasons to tackle end of lease cleaning yourself is the potential to save money. Professional services for a standard three-bedroom home typically cost between $350-$650, depending on your location and the property’s condition. By doing it yourself, your only expenses are cleaning supplies and equipment, which might cost between $50-$150 if you don’t already have them.
Flexibility and Control
DIY cleaning gives you complete control over the schedule and process. You can:
- Work at your own pace
- Clean in stages over several days if needed
- Focus extra attention on areas you know might be problematic
- Choose your preferred cleaning products (including eco-friendly options)
Familiarity with the Property
Having lived in the property, you’re familiar with its trouble spots and peculiarities. You know which areas might need extra attention, like that stubborn stain in the carpet or the build-up behind the oven that happened during your tenancy.
Cons of Doing End-of-Lease Cleaning by Yourself
Time and Effort
A comprehensive end-of-lease clean is significantly more intensive than regular cleaning. According to industry estimates, a standard clean can take:
- 5-6 hours for a one-bedroom property
- 8-12 hours for a two-bedroom property
- 10-15+ hours for a three-bedroom property
This is time that could be spent on other moving tasks or settling into your new home.
Lack of Specialised Equipment
Professional cleaners have access to industrial-grade equipment that delivers superior results:
- High-powered steam cleaners for carpets and upholstery
- Specialised oven and range hood cleaning tools
- Professional-grade products for bathroom sanitisation
- Equipment to reach high ceilings and difficult corners
Without these tools, achieving the same level of cleanliness can be challenging.
No Bond Back Guarantee
Perhaps the most significant downside is the lack of guarantee. Some professional cleaning services often offer a “bond back guarantee,” meaning they’ll return to re-clean if the property manager identifies any issues. With DIY cleaning, if your property fails inspection, you’ll either need to return to clean again or potentially lose part of your bond.
Also Read: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back
Risk of Missing Critical Areas
According to cleaning experts, the most common areas tenants miss when DIY cleaning include:
- Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- Inside kitchen appliances (particularly ovens)
- Window tracks and door frames
- Behind and under large appliances
- Skirting boards and cornices
- Shower screens and grout
Professional Cleaning: When It Makes Sense
There are several scenarios where hiring professionals makes more sense than attempting the end-of-lease clean yourself. Consider professional cleaning if your lease explicitly requires it, as some agreements specifically mandate professional services, especially for carpets in homes where pets have lived.
Time constraints are another significant factor. If you’re already juggling work responsibilities, family commitments, and the countless logistics involved in moving, professional cleaners can save you valuable time and reduce stress during an already hectic period.
The size and condition of your property should also influence your decision. Larger properties or those requiring intensive cleaning due to accumulated grime or long-term residency might simply be too overwhelming to tackle alone. Similarly, if you don’t have access to the necessary equipment, professional services become more attractive. Properties with carpets, high ceilings, or extensive glass surfaces often require specialised equipment that most tenants don’t own.
Perhaps most importantly, professional cleaning offers peace of mind. With the average bond in Australia equivalent to 4-6 weeks’ rent—often amounting to thousands of dollars—a professional service with a bond back guarantee can be worth the investment simply for the assurance it provides.
RELATED: Questions to Ask Before Hiring Professional Cleaners
Require move out cleaning? Rely on 365 Cleaners’ police-vetted specialists, who bring their expertise and eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning solutions to create spotless, safe, and sustainable spaces.
DIY Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Guide
Proper preparation is essential for a successful DIY end-of-lease clean.
Begin by thoroughly checking your lease agreement to understand any specific cleaning requirements your landlord or property manager expects. Next, carefully review your entry condition report, as this important document records the property’s condition when you moved in and serves as the standard you’ll need to meet upon departure.
Creating a comprehensive checklist is another crucial step in your preparation. Develop a room-by-room cleaning plan to ensure you don’t overlook any areas, particularly those easily forgotten spots that often lead to bond deductions. Before you start the actual cleaning, gather all necessary supplies and equipment. Stock up on appropriate cleaning products, microfibre cloths, scrubbing brushes, vacuum bags, and any other materials you’ll need to complete the job effectively.
Finally, be realistic about timing. Allow yourself sufficient time—plan for at least 1-2 full days of cleaning, depending on your property’s size. Many tenants underestimate how long a thorough end of lease clean takes, so it’s better to allocate more time than you think you’ll need rather than rushing through important tasks.
General Cleaning Tips
- Work top to bottom: Start with ceilings and walls, then move to furniture and surfaces, finishing with floors.
- Work room by room: Complete one area before moving to the next to avoid spreading dirt around.
- Focus on high-touch areas: Door handles, light switches, and cabinet pulls require special attention.
- Don’t forget the exterior: Balconies, patios, and garages are often overlooked but are part of the property.
Common Problem Areas and Solutions
Kitchens:
- Degrease range hoods thoroughly
- Clean inside and behind the refrigerator
- Descale taps and sinks
- Remove all food residue from drawers and cabinets
- Don’t forget to clean inside the dishwasher, including filters
Bathrooms:
- Target mould in shower areas and grout
- Clean exhaust fans (a leading cause of bond deductions)
- Remove soap scum from glass screens
- Disinfect all surfaces, including behind toilets
Living Areas and Bedrooms:
- Remove any marks from walls (magic erasers work well for this)
- Clean inside wardrobes and drawers
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Vacuum beneath furniture and in corners
Windows and Glass:
- Clean both inside and outside surfaces
- Don’t forget tracks and frames
- Use a squeegee for streak-free results
You Might Also Like: Top Mistakes to Avoid During Your End-of-Lease Cleaning
Searching for end-of-lease cleaning in Brisbane or Perth? At 365 Cleaners, we know exactly what landlords and property managers expect when you move out. Our team is trained to meet these high standards, making sure every part of your rental is properly cleaned.
Making the Decision: DIY or Professional?
When deciding whether to tackle your end-of-lease cleaning yourself or hire professionals, several important factors should guide your decision.
The size and condition of your property should be your first consideration. Larger homes or properties in particularly dirty condition generally benefit from professional services, as they require more time, effort, and specialised equipment to clean properly.
Your available time is another crucial factor. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to a thorough clean, considering your other moving responsibilities and commitments. Similarly, weigh the financial aspects carefully by comparing the cost of professional cleaning services against the potential bond amount at risk. Sometimes investing in professional cleaning is the more economical choice when considering the full value of your bond.
Your physical ability should not be overlooked when making this decision. End of lease cleaning involves considerable physical effort, including climbing to reach high areas, bending to clean under furniture, and vigorous scrubbing of stubborn stains. If you have any physical limitations, professional services might be the safer option.
Equipment access is equally important. Assess whether you have or can obtain all necessary cleaning equipment, from carpet cleaners to high-pressure hoses and specialised degreasers. The cost of renting or purchasing this equipment can sometimes approach the cost of hiring professionals who bring their own industrial-grade tools. (Did you know that our move-out cleaning services include comprehensive cleaning tasks like oven cleaning, range hood degreasing, and end-of-lease carpet cleaning?)
Consider your landlord’s expectations as well. Some property managers have higher cleanliness standards than others; your relationship with yours and their known tendencies should factor into your decision. Finally, be honest about your own confidence level and cleaning abilities. If you’ve never tackled a deep clean before, an end-of-lease clean might not be the best place to start your cleaning journey.
Document Your Efforts
Regardless of whether you choose DIY or professional cleaning, thorough documentation is crucial:
- Take before and after photos: Visual evidence of your cleaning efforts can be invaluable if disputes arise.
- Keep receipts: If you hire professionals for specific tasks, keep all receipts as proof.
- Complete an exit condition report: Use the form provided by your state’s tenancy authority to document the property’s condition when you leave.
- Conduct a final walkthrough with your property manager if possible: This allows immediate identification of any issues.
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
End-of-lease cleaning is a significant undertaking that directly impacts whether you’ll receive your full bond refund. While DIY cleaning can save money, it requires substantial time, effort, and attention to detail to meet the standards expected by property managers and landlords.
For many tenants, the peace of mind that comes with professional cleaning services outweighs the additional cost. However, with careful planning, thorough execution, and attention to commonly overlooked areas, DIY cleaning can be successful. The right choice depends on your specific circumstances.
At 365 Cleaners, we understand the stress of moving and the importance of getting your bond back. Our professional end-of-lease cleaning services are designed to meet and exceed property managers’ expectations.
Our experienced team brings industrial-grade equipment and eco-friendly products to ensure your rental property is left spotless. Whether you need a full end-of-lease clean or assistance with specific challenging areas, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let us take the stress out of your move-out cleaning. Your bond refund is too important to leave to chance—trust the experts to get the job done right the first time.
