TIPS TO GET YOUR BOND BACK
Here is some information which may be helpful for any tenant during their tenancy in relation to cleaning to help
reduce the costs when time to leave.
From our experience, some tenants do not maintain cleaning through the duration of their lease and subsequently an
exit clean can become a very time consuming exercise which can then become more expensive when deciding to use
the professionals.
CLEANING TIPS
Bathroom shower recess: Spray white king bleach on tiles once a week- leave on for a few hours. Then using rubber
gloves scrub area with a wet yellow and green scotch bright scourer and rinse with warm water. Be sure to dry off with
lint free cloth or paper towels. White vinegar can work well on shower screens too. Always good to keep the scourer in
the shower and wipe over tiles, frames and shower screen just before getting out of the shower. The more you dry the
shower screen after showering the less cleaning required.
Toilet: Raise the lid & seat of toilet, spray inside toilet with White King Bleach & leave for approx one hour then a good
scrub with toilet brush and flush. Next use your spray cleaner to thoroughly spray the outside of toilet. Start at the
bottom and spray around the base; then spray around the outside of the bowl, the edge of the bowl, and the underside
of the seat. Then lower the seat and spray it as well. Next spray the underside of the lid and then lower the lid and spray
the top. Lastly, spray around the hinges, the sides of the tank, around the flush handle, and the top of the tank. Wipe
seats and lid immediately after spraying with paper towels then gradually wipe down the toilet starting at the top.
Oven: Use 'Easy Off' oven cleaner (in a red can) with rubber gloves and a mask. Spray racks, griller and trays and interior
of cold oven, leave for one hour, then using a steel mesh pad- scrub each item and rinse in warm water. This can be
done every 3 months or depends on how often oven is used.
Stove top: After each use- spray a multiple purpose cleaner over the cook top and wipe off.
Range-hood Filter: Take out filters, brush down & wash in hot soapy water once a month or put through dishwasher.
Dishwasher: Wipe out stainless steel interior with gumption on a wet cloth, empty & clean filters once a month.
Stainless steel appliances: Mild detergent and warm water with a cloth is a good routine way of keeping these
appliances clean. Make sure you dry off with a paper towel to prevent water spots and wipe in the direction of the
polish lines. Glass cleaner is good against fingerprints. For more harsh stains & scratching, ‘Kleen’ stainless steel polisher
is recommended. Read the directions on the stainless steel cleaner and test in an inconspicuous spot. Be sure to rinse
thoroughly and towel dry. Take a close look at the grain of the stainless steel. Do not rub against it as this will cause it to
become permanently scratched.
Walls: As marks appear, use a damp micro fibre cloth and a tub of 'gumption' and wipe over marks then wipe over with
a dry clean lint free cloth, this can be used for door frames, doors, light switches, power points and skirting boards.
Air conditioners and fans: Lift open face of unit, take out filters and brush down with a banister brush, wipe over unit
and blades with a damp cloth.
Light fittings: Take down once a month and remove any bugs, wash in warm soapy water then dry and replace.
Remember to replace any bulbs that are not working before you leave.
Windows: Dust down with a banister brush. Don’t use any chemicals just warm soapy (mild detergent) water. Wet the
cleaning sponge or cloth in the cleaning solution, carefully squeezing any excess from the sponge or cloth. Wash the
window with circular movements. Wash from the corners and outer perimeter of the window towards the interior or
centre of the window. Dry the window using a squeegee, paper towels, lint free cloth, or newspapers. Start in one of the
upper corners of the window. All of the strokes that you make should go in the same directions. Once dried off, buff
with a micro fibre cleaning cloth.
Tracks and screens: Brush down with a banister brush every month, use a vacuum to clear out any debris in tracks and
wipe out tracks with a wet rag. A toothbrush is also good to get out stubborn grease.
Floors: Weekly-sweep or vacuum, mop with hot water and a quarter of a cup of methylated spirits or vinegar.
PLEASE NOTE- all chemicals should be used with a mask and gloves. Bleach is an excellent cleaner and disinfectant but
must be used with care. Always spot try chemicals in an inconspicuous area before using. Most chemicals and cloths can
be purchased at your local supermarket or Bunnings Warehouse.
Shopping List:
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White king bleach
Gumption
Multiple Purpose Spray and Wipe
Easy Off Oven Cleaner (red can)
Morning Fresh Dishwashing Detergent
White Vinegar
Scotch Bright abrasive cleaner (yellow and green pad)
Steel Abrasive pads
Micro Fibre Cloths
'Kleen' stainless steel polish
Other general tips:
Add a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar along with your dishwashing detergent to help cut through grease
and leave dishes sparkling.
Run your sponges through your dishwasher every few days and dispose of them every few weeks. They breed
bacteria because they do not get the opportunity to dry out in between uses. To disinfect smelly sponges, wash
sponge thoroughly, then microwave it while it is wet, for a short period. When you see steam from the sponge, the
bacteria in the sponge will be dead. Remove carefully, it will be hot! Wash the sponge thoroughly before use.
**Make sure the sponge has no metal components.
By using all or some of these simple tips you should go a long way in reducing the amount of time and money it will
take to get a perfect vacate clean.
Happy Cleaning from the RDS Property Care Team
www.rdspropertycare.com.au