End of tenancy cleans – Everything you need to know

End of tenancy cleans can become costly and time consuming for Landlords and property management agents. Although tenants are required to clean a property when vacating, all too often necessary cleaning standards are not met. As experts in property maintenance and cleaning services we’ve put together our ultimate guide to end of tenancy cleans…

End of tenancy cleans require thoroughness
Sometimes tenants simply run out of time, or just don’t have the necessary cleaning skills and equipment needed. This can result in Landlords and property management agents needing to appoint a professional cleaning company to ensure property standards are maintained, and the property is made suitable for new tenants.

Property cleaning essentials
As part of GMC’s property cleaning services our professional cleaners are required to adhere to a stringent list of all end of tenancy cleaning tasks. Whether being carried out by professionals or tenants the following elements are essential for maintaining high property cleanliness standards:

Kitchen Cleaning

• Washing and polishing of all kitchen surfaces including the degreasing, cleaning and polishing of wall and floor tiles, and the removal of any mould growth
• Emptying and cleaning of all cupboards and drawers (including removal of foodstuffs, carrier bags etc.) and on top of all the cupboards
• Cleaning of the kitchen sink, taps, draining board removing lime scale and polishing surfaces where required 
• Oven cleaning, both internally to remove built up grease, as well as cleaning the exterior, polishing any external chrome and removing grime from the extractor
• Cleaning the refrigerator, removing any food deposits or mildew
• Cleaning of additional appliances, including exterior of kettles and toasters, the inside and outside of Microwaves, washing machine (including rubber seals, soap drawers and filters), tumble dryers (including filter) and dish washers
• Cleaning of bins (inside and out)

Bathroom cleaning

• Wall and floor tiles to be cleaned, sanitised, and polished, removing any mould or mildew from between grout. If the floor is carpeted this must be vacuumed
• De-scaling, cleaning and polishing (when applicable) of baths, basins, taps, toilets, showers and fittings
• Cleaning and polishing of mirrors and shower screens

General property cleaning (including furnished properties)

• Dusting of all surfaces within the property, including light fittings, switches, skirting and railings, fire surrounds, radiators and any decorative mirrors or pictures
• Vacuuming throughout the property including areas underneath and behind furniture, lifting and vacuuming under mattresses
• Floors to be cleaned using the correct cleaning materials/products
• Cleaning of doors and windows including wiping down window sills and the top of doors and polishing handles
• Cleaning of glass surfaces (furniture tops, mirrors, picture frames) with window cleaner
• All wooden furniture (tables, shelves, drawers) to be cleared of rubbish and carefully wiped clear of dust,  upholstered furniture to be vacuumed (lifting and cleaning underneath cushions)

Maintaining a consistent standard of cleanliness
If you’re a landlord or property agent managing multiple properties this cleaning list may be useful to pass on to tenants. However, the consistency of end of tenancy cleans will vary greatly from tenant to tenant. It can be beneficial to employ professional cleaners who have all the necessary machines, chemicals, tools and expertise to keep your property portfolio at its best.

Cleaning services from GMC… How can we help you?
Our end of tenancy cleaning services are thorough, and ensure that all requirements of the contract between the landlord and the tenant are met. We require our cleaners to advise us of any potential problems, whether these relate to cleanliness or maintenance. This not only ensures that any issues which may affect deposits are flagged up, but allows landlords and property managers to take a proactive approach when dealing with any additional property maintenance issues.

Want to make an enquiry regarding our end of tenancy cleaning services, or discuss how GMC’s property maintenance services can help you? Give us a call or send us an email.