5 Common End of Tenancy Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Moving out of a rented property can be stressful and hectic. You have to pack your belongings, arrange your transportation, and deal with the paperwork. But there is one more thing that you should not forget: end of tenancy cleaning.

These mistakes can cost you time, money, and hassle, and may even result in disputes with your landlord.

So what are these mistakes and how can you avoid them? In this post, we will go over five common end of tenancy cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them. By following these tips, you will be able to clean your property to a high standard and move out with peace of mind.

It is tempting to postpone cleaning until the last minute, especially when you have other things to do. However, this can backfire and make your cleaning more difficult and time-consuming. For example, if you leave stains, spills, or dirt for too long, they can become harder to remove and may cause permanent damage to the surfaces. Moreover, if you neglect cleaning for a long time, you may also attract pests and mould, which can pose serious health risks and require professional treatment.

To avoid this mistake, you should clean regularly throughout your tenancy and deal with any issues as soon as they arise. This way, you will have less work to do at the end of your tenancy and prevent any problems from escalating.

Another common mistake is using the wrong cleaning products for the job. For example, using abrasive cleaners or scourers on delicate surfaces such as glass or stainless steel can scratch them and ruin their appearance. Similarly, using bleach or ammonia on coloured fabrics or carpets can cause discolouration or fading. Furthermore, using spray cleaners on electronic devices such as TVs or microwaves can damage them and create fire hazards.

To avoid this mistake, you should always read the labels of the cleaning products and follow the instructions carefully. You should also test them on a small inconspicuous area before applying them to the whole surface. Additionally, you should use soft cloths or microfiber towels to wipe down surfaces and avoid scratching them.

Carpets are one of the most challenging areas to clean in a rental property. They tend to accumulate dust, dirt, hair, and stains over time and require special attention. However, many tenants make the mistake of scrubbing the stains out of the carpet with too much force or using harsh chemicals. This can damage the carpet fibres and make the stains worse by spreading them deeper into the carpet.

To avoid this mistake, you should blot the stains gently with a clean cloth or paper towel and use a mild detergent or a carpet cleaner designed for your type of carpet. You should also vacuum the carpet regularly and steam clean it at least once a year or before moving out.

Vacuuming is an essential part of end of tenancy cleaning, as it removes dust, dirt, crumbs, and allergens from the floors and furniture. However, many tenants make the mistake of vacuuming in the wrong direction, which can reduce the effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner and leave traces of dirt behind.

To avoid this mistake, you should vacuum in both directions: horizontally and vertically. This way, you will ensure that you cover all areas of the floor and lift up any embedded dirt from the carpet or floorboards.

The cooker hood filter is one of the most overlooked areas in end of tenancy cleaning. Many tenants avoid cleaning it because they think it is too difficult or unnecessary. However, this can be a big mistake, as the cooker hood filter can accumulate grease, smoke, and odours over time and affect the performance of the cooker hood and the air quality in the kitchen.

To avoid this mistake, you should clean the cooker hood filter regularly and replace it if it is damaged or worn out. You can either wash it with hot water and dish soap or soak it in a solution of baking soda and vinegar for an hour. Then rinse it well and let it dry before putting it back.

By avoiding these five common end of tenancy cleaning mistakes, you will increase your chances of passing the final inspection and getting your deposit back. However, if you want to save yourself some time and hassle, you can always hire a professional end of tenancy cleaning service in London that will take care of everything for you.