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Bond cleaning (end-of-lease) guide

Follow this practical step-by-step guide to clean a rental property to professional standards in Australia. Includes tools, supplies, timings, and a checklist you can hand to cleaners or a property manager.

Quick summary

  • Target standard: Professional end-of-lease (bond) cleaning used by property managers.
  • Plan: Work top to down, room to room, finish windows & floors last.
  • Key rooms: Kitchen, Bathroom(s), Living room, Bedrooms, Laundry, External areas.

Tools & supplies

Use a professional kit where possible. Below are affordable, widely available items that cover most jobs.

  • Microfiber cloths (various sizes) & disposable paper towels
  • All-purpose cleaner, degreaser for kitchen, descaler for bathrooms
  • Glass cleaner, stainless steel polish
  • Floor mop (flat) and small steam cleaner or carpet spotter
  • Toilet brush, grout brush, grout cleaner, old toothbrushes
  • Heavy-duty scrubbing pads and non-scratch sponges
  • Bucket, rubber gloves, ladder or step stool
  • Trash bags, extendable duster, vacuum with attachments

Plan the job (time estimates)

Use this planning guideline for an average 2-3 bedroom property (the times below assume two cleaners working together).

  • Preparation & declutter: 30-60 mins
  • Kitchen deep clean: 60-120 mins
  • Each bathroom: 45-75 mins
  • Bedrooms & living areas (vacuum, wipe, skirtings): 20-40 mins per room
  • Windows & doors: 45-90 mins total (internal + external if accessible)
  • Floors (mop + carpet clean/spot): 60-120 mins

Step-by-step (top to down)

Work each room from the top to the bottom and left to right. This prevents re-soiling.

1. Preparation

  • Open windows for ventilation and test all lights and appliances (note faulty items).
  • Remove loose rubbish and personal items - bag and sort as you go.
  • Set up tools in a central point so you move with minimal interruption.

2. Kitchen (critical)

  • Defrost & clean fridge: remove shelves, wash in warm soapy water, wipe seals and drain.
  • Oven & stove: use a quality oven cleaner (follow label), remove racks and soak. For heavy baked-on grease, allow soak time and use a plastic scraper - never metal.
  • Rangehood & filters: degrease, soak filters if removable.
  • Cabinet fronts, door handles & splashbacks: degrease and wipe. Pay attention to the top edges of cabinets (grease build-up).
  • Sinks & taps: descale, polish, clear plugs and traps if needed (only if you know how).
  • Benchtops: disinfect and ensure seals are intact (report splits/damage).
  • Floors: vacuum then mop. Move heavy appliances only if instructed by the tenant/owner.

3. Bathrooms

  • Toilets: descale under rim, brush bowl, wipe cistern and seat hinges.
  • Shower & bath: remove soap scum and mould from grout, use descaler on calcium build-up.
  • Tiles & grout: apply grout cleaner, brush along grout lines, rinse thoroughly.
  • Mirrors, taps & accessories: polish for a streak-free finish.

4. Bedrooms & living areas

  • Wipe wardrobes inside (shelves & rails) and dust light fittings and ceiling corners.
  • Vacuum/wash curtains if required or dust blinds and clean tracks.
  • Skirtings and door frames: wipe with detergent solution and touch up scuffs if minor.

5. Laundry & miscellaneous

  • Washing machine: wipe rubber seals, clean detergent drawer, run a maintenance cycle if available.
  • Dryer: clean lint trap and wipe external surfaces.
  • External areas: sweep balconies, patios and clean any external light fittings.

6. Windows & final touches

  • Clean internal windows, sills and tracks. Where safe and possible, clean exterior glass.
  • Polish stainless steel and glass, apply final vacuum and mop, and empty bins.
  • Walk through with checklist and take dated photos of key areas for proof of condition.

Professional standards checklist (what property managers expect)

  • All surfaces free of grime, grease, mould and visible stains.
  • Bathrooms and kitchens descaled and disinfected, with grout and silicone free of black mould where possible.
  • Floors vacuumed and mopped (no detergent residue), carpets spot cleaned.
  • Windows left streak-free and sills clean; wardrobes and cupboards empty and wiped out.
  • No rubbish left behind; bins empty and property presentation ready for inspection.

Printable checklist

Use this single-page checklist during the final inspection.

  • All lights, fans and appliances tested and working
  • Kitchen: oven, rangehood, sink, bench, cupboards clean
  • Bathrooms: descaled, mirrors clean, toilets cleaned
  • Floors: vacuumed and mopped/steam cleaned
  • Windows: clean internal glass & sills
  • Exterior: swept, balcony/patio clean

FAQ

Q: Should I move heavy appliances?
A: Only move heavy appliances if the tenant/owner asks. Moving fridges/washers may void warranties or cause damage if they are hard-plumbed.

Q: What about mould on silicone?
A: Surface mould can be removed with a bleach cleaner or mould remover. Where silicone is heavily degraded, replacement is usually required - report to the property manager.