Moving out of a rental property can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to cleaning.
One of the most critical areas to focus on during your end of lease cleaning is the bathroom.
Landlords will pay particular attention to that part of the property, so if it’s sparkling clean, it will help ensure you get your security deposit back (not to mention that it shows respect for the next tenant who will be moving in).
In this article, we’ll outline six steps to a perfect post-tenancy bathroom cleaning.
Step 1: Remove all personal belongings
The first step to cleaning your bathroom is to remove all personal belongings. This includes everything from towels and toiletries to shower curtains and bath mats.
Double-check storage areas such as medicine cabinets and drawers to guarantee nothing is left behind.
If you’re not taking your shower curtain with you, remove any mildew or mould and leave it clean and dry.
Step 2: Clean the toilet
Ready some disinfectant wipes and industry-standard toilet cleaner.
Before you get into cleaning, put on some rubber gloves to protect your hands from harsh cleaning chemicals, germs, and bacteria.
Start by pouring toilet cleaner into the bowl and letting it sit for a few minutes. If you are unsure how to do that, check the instructions on the back of the container.
While the cleaner works, get a sponge and dip it in hot water. Use the sponge and scrub the exterior of the toilet – the base and tank. This will remove any dust.
Afterwards, you should also use disinfectant wipes on these areas. You can then move onto the seat. Get a fresh wipe and go around the seat clockwise. Following this, get another wipe and go around anticlockwise.
Next, use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl and then flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaner.
Step 3: Scrub the shower and tub
Next, it’s time to tackle the shower and tub.
If you have a glass shower door, spray it with a glass cleaner and wipe it down with a squeegee or microfiber cloth. If it’s necessary, leave the cleaner to work for a while before wiping it. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes for a plastic shower curtain to remove any mildew or mould.
If you’re making little progress and are worried about your landlord’s reaction to the curtain, you can always buy a new one. Just make sure you identify the correct material and colour. Although it’s unlikely that your landlord will remember exactly how it looked.
In addition, they’ll not need to charge you if you’ve already replaced it as part of your end of lease cleaning.
Continue applying an industry-standard bath cleaner to the entire surface of the bathtub. Leave this for a couple of minutes. And then wipe off with a clean cloth.
Next, you need to remove any hair from the drain. You can use a sink unblocker. If you don’t have something like this, use a cocktail stick to remove trapped hairs.
After that, polish the taps and other chrome elements. Subsequently, wipe down any surrounding tiles, and if possible, use a grout whitener to refresh the sealant.
It’s almost inevitable that part of the shower will have begun to rust or discolour. So you need to apply a liberal amount of high-strength cleaner to every inch of the surface. Leave it for a few minutes and use a cloth to remove the applied cleaner, which should have loosened any dirt.
Make sure to pay special attention to the drain. You can again use a cocktail stick to remove the hair. After you’ve done this, pour an industry-standard unblocker down it.
Finish by taking care of the shower sealant. This can become incredibly dirty. And it’s something landlords always check.
Don’t forget to clean and polish the showerhead and any other fixtures.
Step 4: Cabinets and mirrors
Now it’s time for the cabinets, shelves and mirrors.
Wipe down the shelves and the interior surfaces of the cabinets.
You should then clean the mirror with a gentle cloth and some water. Afterwards, dry the glass carefully while ensuring it isn’t left streaky.
Next, apply a specialised cleaner, making sure it’s appropriate for bathroom cabinets before you do so. Any warnings will be displayed on the back of the container.
Step 5: Wipe down the sink
Over time, old toothpaste and other undesirable elements can accumulate in a bathroom sink. That’s why you’ll need to wipe it down thoroughly with either disinfectant wipes or a soapy sponge.
Remember not to use any cleaning materials that you’ve previously utilised to wash your toilet, bathtub, or shower. Otherwise, you’ll spread potentially harmful bacteria around the room.
Also, remember that your landlord will look everywhere in the bathroom. That means you’ve got to clean even the most rarely thought-of areas. This should include the base of your sink and behind it.
Use your vacuum cleaner if you can’t reach areas with your hand. It’ll be easier if you remove the default attachment and fix a smaller size accessory. A lot of dust will be there, and you need to remove it.
Don’t forget to clean the drain and any other fixtures as well.
Step 6: Finish with the floor
Last but not least, it’s time to clean the bathroom floor.
Start by sweeping or vacuuming up any debris or hair. Next, use a mop or cleaning solution to clean the floor. Also, pay particular attention to grout or tile lines. Be sure to clean around the toilet’s base and any other fixtures.
Once the floor is clean and dry, you can put back any items belonging to the property that was removed during the cleaning process.
Conclusion
By following the six steps above, you can make the process of post-tenancy bathroom cleaning much easier and ensure that you leave the unit in a spotless condition.
Not only will this help you to get your security deposit back, but it also demonstrates respect for the landlord and the next tenants. Taking the time to do a thorough job now will save you time and effort in the future.
Furthermore, it’s also a good way to get good reviews from the landlords, which can help you find a new rental place much easier.
