GUIDELINES FOR CLEANING YOUR PROPERTY

Below are some guidelines for cleaning your student property as you move out over the summer period. We have done our best to list the things you will need to do, but do not assume this is exhaustive. In addition, we have tried to highlight a few areas that often catch people out to help you have a smooth transition this summer.

You will probably need to set aside a full day to ensure the house is cleaned to a professional standard (this is after you have completely moved out). It is almost impossible to fully clean a house with your belongings still in place. We often find that it is easy to underestimate how long it takes to move out and then fully clean a house. As such, we would advise you start the process early!

The Kitchen

Cookers/Ovens

There is only one standard to aim for: The cooker must be completely clean.

  • The top, sides, storage drawer, interior and all accessories must be completely clean and free of grease, burnt on food and fats.
  • The oven door must be cleaned both inside and out (if you remove the door glass, please take care) including in the heat seal and hinges.
  • The grill pan should be entirely free of crumbs and fat and the cooker hood will almost certainly have collected grease: make sure you clean this areathoroughly as well and replace any expired light bulbs.

Check out this excellent video to help get this done! (Note: you need to use Bicarbonate of Soda, not baking soda!)

You might want to try another cleaning product we can recommend:

A professional oven clean will cost up to £100 depending on the condition, so make sure this area is give some attention. If your oven is dirty, this could easily take an entire day to clean. Don’t leave it until the last minute!

Fridges and Freezers

  • Both the fridge and the freezer will need to be completely emptied, switched off and defrosted
  • The exterior and interior doors seals, shelves, and internal trays will all need to be cleaned thoroughly before switching off the power. This process can take 24hrs, so don’t start this on the day you plan to move out!
  • The door should be left propped open and make sure you put some towels around the bottom to catch any water from melting ice. This is important as leaking water can damage the floor which you may be charged for. Make sure any water/towels are cleaned up and cleared before you leave the house.

Kitchen Cupboards and Drawers

  • These should be emptied, wiped, and completely free of dust and food debris
  • The cupboard door fronts should be wiped down and all handles scrubbed clean
  • Please ensure that all items on top of the cupboards are removed and the surfaces such as kickboards (underneath the cupboards) are completely clean

Washing Machines, Tumble dryers and Dishwashers and Appliances

  • These very often get missed.
  • Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth
  • Make sure dispensers and filters are thoroughly cleaned
  • Dishwashers can be run once empty with a tablet/powder to clean the inside
  • Clean the inside of the microwave as well as the outside
  • Wipe down all surfaces and splash backs
  • Sweep and mop the floor (particularly the cooking and bin areas)
  • Remove ALL items of crockery, cutlery, utensils, cooking equipment and food

Bathrooms, Shower rooms and En-suites

Shower Cubicles and Bathroom tiles

  • Thoroughly remove any mould that may have grown on the grout in-between tiles and along seals. (The easiest was to do this is to cover it with bleach or mould / mildew remover and leave to soak, then wash away the residue or scrub lightly with an old toothbrush.)
  • Shower curtains should be cleaned and free from mildew, or replaced if they are beyond repair.
  • Glass shower cubicles should be wiped down and cleaned both inside and out to remove water marks and any build-up of soap residue.

Sanitary Ware

  • There should be no evidence of lime scale staining on the toilet pan, bath, taps, and shower attachments
  • Please use the correct cleaning materials and not scouring pads
  • Drain holes should be clean and clear of hair and debris
  • Wipe down all surfaces, mirrors, soap trays
  • Sweep and mop the floor
  • Ensure ALL personal belongings are removed

Bedrooms

Furnishings

  • Please return all furniture to its original position
  • Make sure all drawers are empty, and clear of debris and hair
  • Desks, window sills and all other hard surfaces should be wiped clean
  • Curtains and lampshades should be dust and cobweb free. Ensure curtains are hung correctly (re-hang curtains originally provided if you have used your own)
  • Mirrors should be polished - remember the ones inside the wardrobes
  • Don’t forget to vacuum the mattress on both sides and any debris in-between the slats

Flooring, Woodwork and Skirtings

  • Carpets and wooden floorings should be vacuumed and furniture moved where possible to clean underneath
  • Dust all surfaces including the skirtings, which often get missed

Personal Items

  • Do not leave any personal items in the rooms; make sure all items are removed from on top of the wardrobes, under the bed and from all drawers
  • Any additional furniture brought into the property must be removed, we will charge for removing any such items at the end of the tenancy

Communal areas, Hallways, and Landings

Stairs and Flooring

  • Sweep and mop all wooden flooring and vacuum carpets throughout; use stain removal products if necessary
  • Make sure furniture is moved to access all areas

Sofas and chairs

  • Make sure you lift the sofa cushions to vacuum away all crumbs and check for personal items
  • Loose chair covers should be washed or cleaned, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and replaced correctly

Windows and Light fittings/sockets

  • All windows should be cleaned on the inside (and outside on the lower levels)
  • Windowsills and ledges should be wiped down and left clean
  • All lampshades should be free of dust and cobwebs
  • Switches, cables, and plastic covers should be free from grease
  • Any expired bulbs need to be replaced

Walls

  • All posters and Blu-Tack type products need to be carefully removed
  • You can clean scuff marks from walls by gently wiping them with a cloth or by using products such as sugar soap

General & Rubbish removal

  • Remove ALL your items from the property, this includes the cellar
  • Please do not leave any kitchen equipment for the next group of tenants (other than that provided as part of the house). You may be charged for removal.
  • Leave the outside areas swept and clear
  • Wipe down doors and radiators with soapy water
  • Bag up all rubbish from inside and outside and dispose of appropriately. You cannot leave rubbish in any of the outside bins as these will not be emptied in your absence. Rather, make sure everything is taken to the household recycling centre. Details can be found here: each bag of rubbish that we remove on your behalf will be charged for.
  • Clear out the garden and external areas; do not leave rubbish in the garden
  • Mow the lawn (if applicable)
  • Empty to the vacuum cleaner and insert a new bag.

Bulky Waste

You can arrange for the Council to remove any of your large items from your house FREE OF CHARGE. They simply require you to schedule an appointment and leave the item(s) out on the street on the day of collection.

You can read more about how the bulky waste collection service works by clicking the link:

It helps to answer the following questions:

  • The Items We Will Collect
  • The Items We Won't Collect
  • Alternative Options
  • Important Information
  • Cancelling a Collection

This service should be used for your OWN larger items that may not fit (or be allowed) in the bin and where you are unable to remove them yourselves. This can include things like furniture, TVs, other appliances, mirrors, or additional bin bags.

If you would like to arrange for your house to be cleaned professionally, then please contact us and we can help you to arrange this. By doing this you can guarantee that there will be no deductions from your deposit for extra cleaning.

If you want any help or advice about any of your cleaning responsibilities, please feel free to call or give us an email.

Kind regards

Comfort Lettings