Getting ready to move out of your property? Don’t know where to start with your move-out clean? This blog will give you all the scoop you need to get your end-of-tenancy clean right. Among other things, this blog will discuss the benefits of hiring a cleaning company for your end-of-tenancy clean and what to look for when choosing one
What Is an End-of-Tenancy Clean?
An end-of-tenancy clean is a thorough, deep clean completed at the end of a tenancy. The aim of an end-of-tenancy clean is to give a property a final and thorough deep clean, leaving it in a presentable condition before the keys are handed back to its owner.
There are different types of end-of-tenancy cleans. These include:
- Residential end-of-tenancy cleaning
- Commercial end-of-tenancy cleaning
- Student accommodation turnaround cleaning
- Specialist and industrial end-of-tenancy cleaning
What Is Included in an End-of-Tenancy Clean?
An end-of-tenancy clean may include the following tasks:
- Deep cleaning floors
- Cleaning windows
- Cleaning extractors
- Deep cleaning white goods
- Cleaning inside drawers and cupboards
- Cleaning on top of and behind fixtures, white goods and cupboards
- Cleaning walls and tiles
When Should an End-of-Tenancy Clean Be Completed?
An end-of-tenancy clean occurs at the end of your tenancy. After a property has been lived in or worked from for years, its condition will understandably have deteriorated-from grimy tiles to dusty extractors-so the property will need rejuvenating. An end-of-tenancy clean facilitates the tenancy process by allowing the new tenant(s) to move into a clean and presentable property. For a smoother end-of-tenancy clean, the property should be vacated and all furniture should be removed. This is particularly helpful if you’ve hired a professional cleaning company to complete the cleaning.
What is the Difference Between an End-of-Tenancy Clean and a Deep Clean?
An end-of-tenancy clean focuses on cleaning areas and items that may not be considered during a deep clean. While a typical deep clean might focus on tasks such as cleaning behind furniture and wiping down doors, an end-of-tenancy clean focuses on heavier tasks. These can include cleaning inside cupboards and drawers, removing marks from walls, and descaling taps. An end-of-tenancy clean can take longer than a standard deep clean because it focuses on areas that may not have been cleaned regularly during the tenancy. In addition, a deep clean can be carried out periodically during the tenancy to maintain the property, while the aim of an end-of-tenancy clean is to return a property to its owner in a clean and satisfactory condition.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Professional End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Service?
Anyone who has moved out of a property knows that it is a time-consuming process. Packing away and organising belongings can take more time than anticipated. The reality of leaving behind years or even decades of a familiar and safe environment can also add additional stress and fear to the moving process. The thought of deep cleaning every inch of the property you’re leaving behind can be daunting. An option would be to hire a professional cleaning service that can take care of the cleaning while you focus on moving and settling into your new property. Opting for a cleaning company will give you peace of mind and, more importantly, more time to spend on what really matters to you. Handing your end-of-tenancy clean over to a professional cleaning company will not only save you time but also reduce the risk of cleaning-related deductions being made from your deposit where applicable. In addition, a professional cleaning company has the appropriate equipment and the manpower to complete an end-of-tenancy clean. Professional cleaners also have the experience and knowledge to understand what areas require the most attention, and are able to provide a more thorough and efficient clean.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Professional End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Service?
If you have decided to hand over your end-of-tenancy cleaning to the professionals, there are several things to keep in mind. With endless options, choosing the right cleaning company to complete your end-of-tenancy clean can be a daunting task. The first thing to look for before choosing a cleaning company to complete your end-of-tenancy clean is good, clear communication throughout the process. Are they reliable and realistic with how they can help you? Or are they inconsistent and unreliable? Spending a few minutes looking through customer reviews online can save you valuable time and energy. You should always expect a clear quote that sets out clear cleaning specifications outlining what is included in the end-of-tenancy clean. Always ensure that you are hiring a cleaning company that is insured to cover the property and your items. It’s also wise to look for a cleaning company that can tell you what is and isn’t included in the clean. They should state whether any tasks outside of the cleaning specifications are available and at what price. Are they providing a service based on an hourly rate, or are they charging a fixed price? If they’re charging based on an hourly rate, it’s wise to ask approximately how many hours the clean might take, so that you have an idea of what it might cost you. If you prefer speciality cleaning products, such as eco-friendly products, find out if they can offer this. It’s also useful to ask if they remove and dispose of rubbish and unwanted items after the clean has been completed. If they do, is this included in the price?
How Should You Prepare for an End-of-Tenancy Clean?
So, after some research, you’re confident you’ve found a suitable cleaning company to complete your end-of-tenancy clean. What should you do to prepare for your end-of-tenancy clean? Firstly, make sure that cupboards and drawers are empty of any items, such as cutlery, dishes or miscellaneous items. If you have rubbish or items for recycling lying around, ensure that these are out of the way. If you still have furniture in the property, it should not obstruct skirting boards, doors or windows. This is because cleaners might refuse to move your furniture, and if they do move it, you might be charged an additional fee. Sinks, fridges, ovens and washing machines should also be emptied of any items. Although it’s good practice to organise your end-of-tenancy cleaning service early, it’s wise to have it completed when you have removed all your belongings from the property.
There you have it! Hopefully, this blog has given you a clearer understanding of what an end-of-tenancy clean entails and how to prepare. And if you choose to go for a cleaning company, you now know what to look for.