Moving out of a rental property can be a stressful experience. From packing up your belongings to organizing transport, there’s a lot to juggle. One of the most critical tasks that can make or break your move-out experience is exit cleaning (also known as bond cleaning in Melbourne). A thorough exit clean not only ensures you meet the landlord’s requirements but also helps you secure the return of your full bond. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about exit cleaning in Melbourne, how to prepare, and why hiring a professional service can make your move much smoother.
1. What is Exit Cleaning?
Exit cleaning is the process of cleaning a rental property thoroughly when you’re moving out. The goal is to leave the property in a condition that meets the expectations of your landlord or property manager, ensuring you get your full bond back. It’s a deep-cleaning service that goes beyond regular housekeeping, often covering areas that tenants might overlook during regular cleaning.
Commonly referred to as bond cleaning in Melbourne, exit cleaning involves detailed tasks such as scrubbing bathrooms, deep-cleaning carpets, and washing windows. It’s important to note that each landlord may have different requirements, but a professional cleaning service is equipped to meet most of these expectations.
2. Why is Exit Cleaning Important?
A. Ensures Full Bond Return
The most significant reason to invest in exit cleaning is to maximize the chances of getting your full bond back. When you leave a rental property, the landlord or property manager will inspect the premises. If the property isn’t cleaned to their standards, they may hire professional cleaners and deduct the cost from your bond. In some cases, they might even withhold part of the bond if areas of the property are excessively dirty or damaged.
By investing in professional bond cleaning in Melbourne, you ensure the property is cleaned to a high standard, reducing the likelihood of any deductions.
B. Saves Time and Stress
Cleaning a property thoroughly can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Between packing and managing your move, you likely don’t want to spend hours scrubbing floors and cleaning windows. Hiring a professional cleaning service allows you to focus on other aspects of the move while experts handle the cleaning. The time saved is invaluable, especially when you have a tight schedule.
C. Avoids Disputes with Landlords
Landlord-tenant relationships can sometimes become strained when expectations aren’t clear. If the property isn’t cleaned properly, it can lead to disagreements over the return of your bond. A professional exit clean ensures the property is cleaned to the standard expected, which can help avoid unnecessary disputes with your landlord or property manager.
3. Key Areas Covered in an Exit Clean
An exit clean typically covers the following areas, though the scope may vary depending on the condition of the property and your landlord’s expectations:
A. Kitchen Cleaning
- Appliances: Cleaning of the oven, stovetop, microwave, fridge, and range hood. This involves removing grease, stains, and food residue from every surface.
- Countertops & Cabinets: Wiping down countertops, cleaning the inside and outside of cabinets, and removing any dirt, stains, or crumbs.
- Sink & Faucets: Scrubbing the sink and taps, removing any built-up soap scum or grime.
B. Bathroom Cleaning
- Shower, Bathtub & Toilet: Deep cleaning of the shower, bathtub, and toilet, including scrubbing tiles, grout, and removing mold or soap scum.
- Mirrors & Fixtures: Cleaning mirrors, light fixtures, and all bathroom surfaces to remove dust, stains, and grime.
- Floors: Scrubbing the floor and ensuring that no soap residue is left behind.
C. Living Areas & Bedrooms
- Dusting & Vacuuming: Dusting all surfaces, including baseboards, shelves, and window sills. Vacuuming carpets and rugs to remove dirt and allergens.
- Windows: Cleaning windows, both inside and outside, ensuring there are no streaks or smudges.
- Walls & Ceilings: Wiping down walls and ceilings to remove marks, cobwebs, or dust.
D. Floors and Carpets
- Mopping: Mopping hard floors to remove dirt and grime.
- Carpet Cleaning: Professional bond cleaning in Melbourne often includes steam cleaning or deep carpet cleaning to remove stains and dirt. Some landlords specifically require this to ensure the property is in top condition.
E. Other Areas
- Vents & Air Conditioning Units: Cleaning air vents, ceiling fans, and air conditioning units to ensure a fresh and clean atmosphere.
- Light Fixtures & Switches: Wiping down light switches, light fixtures, and other hardware to remove dust and grime.
4. How to Prepare for Exit Cleaning
While professional cleaners will handle the heavy lifting, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your exit clean:
- Clear the Property: Make sure all personal belongings are removed from the property before the cleaners arrive.
- Inspect the Property: Walk through the property and take note of any specific areas that may need extra attention.
- Communicate with the Cleaning Team: Let the cleaners know if there are any areas of concern, such as particularly dirty spots or stains that require special treatment.
5. DIY Exit Cleaning vs. Professional Cleaning Services
You might be tempted to save money by handling the exit cleaning yourself, but there are several reasons why professional services are often the better option:
- Expertise: Professional cleaners know exactly what landlords expect and have the knowledge to meet those standards.
- Time-Saving: Professional cleaners work quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on other parts of your move.
- High-Quality Equipment: Professionals have access to industrial-grade cleaning tools and eco-friendly products that provide a deeper, more effective clean.
- Guarantee: Many professional bond cleaning services offer a satisfaction guarantee, meaning they’ll return to re-clean any areas that don’t meet the standards—giving you extra peace of mind.
6. When to Book an Exit Clean
It’s important to book your exit clean well in advance. Ideally, you should schedule the cleaning for the last day of your tenancy, once all your personal belongings have been removed. This ensures that cleaners can clean the entire property without any obstructions. Depending on the size of the property, an exit clean can take several hours, so allow enough time for the job to be completed thoroughly.
7. How Much Does Exit Cleaning in Melbourne Cost?
The cost of exit cleaning in Melbourne can vary depending on the size of the property, the services required, and the level of cleaning needed. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 for an exit clean, but this will depend on factors like the number of rooms and any additional services such as carpet cleaning or window washing.
While it might seem like a large upfront cost, investing in a professional bond cleaning in Melbourne service can help you avoid deductions from your bond and save you time and effort.
8. Conclusion: A Stress-Free Move with Exit Cleaning
Hiring a professional exit clean service in Melbourne is a smart investment for a hassle-free move. Not only does it help you get your bond back, but it also saves you time, reduces stress, and ensures that the property is cleaned to the highest standards. Whether you’re moving out of a small apartment or a larger house, a professional cleaning service can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your new home without worrying about the condition of your old one.
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