Moving out is stressful — packing boxes, organising transfers, and one last, important task: the bond clean. “bond cleaners” (also called end-of-lease or end-of-tenancy cleaners) do a deep, checklist-driven clean to give your rental the best chance of passing the final inspection and getting your bond refunded. Here’s everything tenants need to know, in plain English, with practical tips you can use today.
What exactly is a bond clean?
A bond clean is more thorough than your usual weekly tidy. It means returning the property in the same condition it was at the start of the tenancy, minus fair wear and tear. That usually includes deep-cleaning kitchens (ovens, splashbacks, cupboards), bathrooms (grout, showers, exhausts), carpets or floors, windows and tracks, skirting boards, light fittings — basically every area the entry report photographed when you moved in. Professional bond cleaners follow detailed checklists so nothing gets missed.
Why hire professional bond cleaners?
Time and stress savings are the top reasons. Pros bring experience, specialised equipment (like heavy-duty ovens, steamers and carpet cleaners), and an eye for agent-inspection standards. For many tenants, paying for a professional clean is cheaper than losing part of the bond or paying for repeat call-backs. That said, professional cleaning is not always legally required — but agents can expect a high standard.
The ultimate bond-clean checklist (short and practical)
Use this as your final walk-through or to make sure the cleaners don’t miss common trouble spots:
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Kitchen: degrease oven (including trays), clean rangehood/exhaust, wipe inside/outside of cupboards, clean sink and taps, scrub splashbacks and benchtops, remove limescale.
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Bathroom(s): descale showerheads and taps, clean grout and tiles, scrub and disinfect toilet, clean mirrors and cabinets, ventilations and exhaust fans.
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Floors & Carpets: vacuum and steam-clean carpets if required by lease, mop all hard floors, remove marks from skirtings and door frames.
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Windows & Blinds: clean internal windows, wipe tracks, dust and wipe blinds or launder curtains if necessary.
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All Rooms: dust cornices, remove cobwebs, wipe light switches and fittings, clean inside wardrobes/closets and shelving, ensure all rubbish is removed.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid costly call-backs)
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Missing the entry report — Use your original entry condition report (and photos) as the benchmark. If something was already marked, you don’t need to “fix” it.
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Tiny details matter — Agents sometimes flag small things (sticky film on appliances, dust in tracks) that tenants overlook. Do a slow, methodical inspection or hire a pro who knows what inspectors look for. Recent stories show even thorough cleans can prompt picky callbacks — so documentation (before/after photos and invoices) helps.
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Carpet cleaning clauses — Some leases demand professional carpet cleaning (or after-pet cleaning). Check your lease so you’re not surprised.
DIY vs. Professional: how to choose
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Do it yourself if: you have time, you’re confident following a detailed checklist, and the property is in good condition.
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Hire professionals if: you’re short on time, the property needs heavy-duty cleaning, or you want the peace of mind and documentation an invoice provides. Many companies also offer bond-clean guarantees — they’ll return if the agent is unhappy (check terms).
Final tips to maximise your bond return
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Book cleaning after you’ve removed all furniture and rubbish so cleaners can access everything.
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Take time-stamped before/after photos and keep the cleaning invoice — these are your proof if disputes arise.
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Walk through the property with the agent when possible, or request a copy of the exit checklist so you know what they marked.
If you’d like a stress-free option: professional bond cleaners services (like those listed on can take the task off your plate and provide the detailed invoice and guarantee that often smooths the final inspection process. Book early — moving day windows fill quickly.
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