Let’s Clear Up What “Clean” Actually Means
First up, breathe. You don’t need to transform your rental into a showroom. Here in New Zealand, the rules are pretty straightforward – you just need to return the place in the same condition you found it. That means clean, but not necessarily perfect. However, it may also depend on what your agent may request, so do keep that in mind.
The Mistakes That’ll Cost You (And How to Avoid Them)
Here’s something most people don’t realize – timing is everything. One of the biggest mistakes we see? Tenants waiting too long between cleaning and inspection. Trust me, even a couple of weeks is enough time for dust to settle back in, and suddenly your sparkling clean apartment doesn’t look so sparkling anymore. Always push for an inspection as close to your cleaning date as possible. Photos – Photos – Photos, any significant damage when you first move in, take photos or note it to your landlord, last thing you want is to have something you haven’t done holding your bond.
The Trouble Spots That’ll Get You Every Time
Those shower glass doors? They’re notorious. Same goes for kitchen surfaces – they might look clean at first glance, but run your finger along that windowsill or check behind the fridge, and you’ll see what we mean.
Getting Ready: The Tools That Actually Matter
Before you dive in, here’s what you really need (and no, you don’t need every cleaning product under the sun):
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Some good eco-friendly cleaners (harsh chemicals when used incorrectly can do a lot harm and damage)
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Soft brushes (your surfaces will thank you)
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Non-abrasive sponges
- Decent gloves (protect those hands!)
- The usual suspects: vacuum, mop, dusters
Critical Areas Checklist
Kitchen
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Clean all surfaces
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Clean inside and outside of appliances
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Detail clean sink and taps
- Wipe down all cupboards (inside and out)
- Don’t forget your splashbacks!
Bathroom
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Clean and sanitize toilet
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Deep clean shower
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Scrub sink and wipe down all surfaces
General Areas
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Dust and clean all windows
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Wipe down skirting boards
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Clean light switches and door handles
- Vacuum and mop all floors
When to Call in the Pros
Look, we get it – nobody wants to spend money on cleaning when moving is already expensive. But sometimes it’s worth considering, especially if:
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You’re running out of time (we’ve all been there)
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You’ve got tricky spots like those dreaded shower doors
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You just want the peace of mind
The bottom line?Whether you’re doing it yourself or calling in help, the key is getting that inspection done right after the clean. Everything else is just details.