Due to daily use and food preparation, kitchens have become breeding grounds for lethal germs, bacteria, and bad odours from food spills, grease buildup, and stubborn stains. From greasy kitchen cabinets and clogged garbage disposal to filthy cooking appliances, all could become the reason for bond deduction when vacating a rental home in Sydney.
No wonder end of tenancy standards in NSW are strict, and kitchens are often the main culprit for inspection failures, especially in the capital city. If you really want to claim your full bond, pay special attention to every nook and cranny of your cooking area.
A well maintained, clean and fresh smelling kitchen helps prevent foodborne illnesses while attracting new occupants for a steady flow of rental income in the long run. Here is a comprehensive kitchen cleaning checklist for your bond refund. Make sure you refer to the initial condition report signed when you first moved in to address any damage caused by you during your lease.
Let’s Get Started!
- What Does NSW Lease Law Say about Kitchen Cleanliness?
- Begin with Preparations: Stock up on Necessary Cleaning Supplies
- Clear the Clutter: Get Rid of Unwanted Items and Waste
- Clear the Dust Bunnies
- Degrease Wooden Kitchen Cabinets
- Do Not Skip Range Hood and Filters
- Deep Clean Oven, Stovetop and Microwave
- Clean and Disinfect Your Refrigerator
- Wipe Down Countertops, Tiles and Backsplash Area
- Sink, Faucets and Garbage Disposal
- Sweep and Mop Floors
- Infographic: How to Deep Clean Kitchen to Secure Bond
- Wrapping Up
1. What Does NSW Lease Law Say about Kitchen Cleanliness?
Under the tenancy laws in Sydney, tenants/renters are obliged to maintain a clean property, including the kitchen. It must be in a reasonably clean condition, free of normal wear and tear. Since a clean kitchen reflects a healthy and hygienic rental property, landlords expect it to be in meticulous condition.
This includes cleaning exhaust fans, benchtops, cupboards, appliances, splashbacks, tiles, faucets, rangehood, filters and floors to prevent germ infestation. They don’t expect professional level cleaning unless specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. If left untreated, landlords have the right to deduct your bond to cover cleaning costs. So, prefer hiring experts for a top quality end of lease cleaning Sydney and secure your bond.
2. Begin with Preparations: Stock up on Necessary Cleaning Supplies
For a DIY Bond Cleaning, gather necessary cleaning supplies to streamline the process. It is good to choose eco friendly cleaning products over traditional, chemically laden ones to ensure a clean and healthy indoor air. Arrange microfibre cloths, sponges, brushes, brooms, a vacuum machine, magic erasers, DIY cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, lemon, castile soap, soda crystals, essential oils and warm water. These products are safer to use around the home, especially if you have pre existing asthma symptoms or respiratory disorders.
3. Clear the Clutter: Get Rid of Unwanted Items and Waste
Start the process by getting rid of unwanted kitchen items from cupboards and the refrigerator. This will help you deep clean inside and outside your kitchen storage units with perfection. Remove all items from your pantry, and toss any expired or empty jars and bottles.
Empty your refrigerator too by getting rid of leftover or stale food. Plan your meals as you approach the end of your tenancy to reduce food waste.
4. Clear the Dust Bunnies
Professionally trained end of lease cleaning Sydney experts prefer dusting from top to bottom. So, begin the process from ceiling walls, light fixtures, fittings, switchboards, exhaust fans, etc. You can use a damp microfibre cloth or a telescopic duster to fetch dust from hard to reach spots, including the top of cupboards and cabinets. This is one of the best ways to get rid of grime and loose dust before attacking on grease and grime.
5. Degrease Wooden Kitchen Cabinets
Greasy cabinets could become the reason for your bond deduction in Sydney. To avoid that, deep clean your wooden kitchen cabinets using a powerful yet eco friendly scrubber. Instead of using bleach or ammonia, mix baking soda and warm water to prepare a paste and apply it on the cabinet, inside, out, handles and top. Leave it for a few minutes. This will break down the cooking grease and gunk.
Next, take a damp sponge to remove the baking soda residue. Ensure you dry the cabinets with a lint free cloth to prevent nasty streaks.
6. Do Not Skip Range Hood and Filters
Believe it or not, Range hood cleaning is essential to prevent fire hazardous, health risks and indoor air pollution. First things first! Turn off your appliance and remove the filters. Soak them in hot, soapy water for 20 minutes. You can use white vinegar to remove grease and grime. Next, take a brush and scrub gently. Wipe down the hood also, and impress your landlord.
7. Deep Clean Oven, Stovetop and Microwave
Did you know that most renters lose their bond money due to overlooked oven, microwave and stovetop? Whether it’s furnished or unfurnished property, understand bond cleaning requirements and deep clean these appliances inside and outside, including crannies, to eliminate grime and gunk.
- Oven: Remove and soak racks and trays in a vinegar and warm water solution. Clean the inside of your oven with baking soda, except the heating elements. Scrub gently, then wipe down the surface. Spray vinegar to clean the stubborn cooking grease and carbon deposits. Wipe down the handles, control panels, etc.
- Stovetop: Apply the same baking soda and scrub gently to remove stubborn stains and grease. Clean the knobs, crannies and edges.
- Microwave: Place a microwave safe bowl with water, vinegar and lemon juice inside the microwave and heat it for 2 to 3 minutes. Leave the door closed. The steam will break down gunk, grime and mould. Next, scrub gently with a damp sponge.
8. Clean and Disinfect Your Refrigerator
Carefully remove the racks and drawers, then submerge them in hot water. Meanwhile, spray white vinegar solution inside your fridge, doors, walls, and corners to remove grime and grease. Scrub gently with a sponge or use a toothbrush to clean the areas between gaskets. Clean the inside and outside of your appliance to make a lasting impression on your landlord. Place a bowl of coffee beans to freshen up your fridge.
9. Wipe Down Countertops, Tiles and Backsplash Area
Use baking soda or soda crystals to achieve spotless results. For tiles, you can use castile soap or baking soda to dislodge stains and gently scrub with a magic eraser or soft bristled brush. Do the same with the backsplash area.
10. Sink, Faucets and Garbage Disposal
Clean, Disinfect and polish your sink and taps. These can be the hotspots for germs and bacteria, so disinfect them with rubbing alcohol. For limescale, use baking soda. Make sure you unclog the garbage disposal and drain using baking soda and vinegar.
11. Sweep and Mop Floors
Make sure you sweep and mop the floors to wrap up the kitchen cleaning. If you are under a time crunch, book professionals early for a guaranteed end of lease cleaning Sydney and secure your bond money. Make sure you refer to your condition report and lease agreement to prevent unfair deductions.
Infographic: How to Deep Clean Kitchen to Secure Bond
Wrapping Up
Cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen at the end of a tenancy isn’t rocket science. Consider this simple yet effective checklist to achieve spotless results and secure your bond money without feeling overwhelmed or stressed due to multiple cleaning chores.