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End of tenancy cleaning can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential for securing the deposit and leaving a good impression. Whether you’re tackling it yourself or hiring a professional service, avoiding common mistakes is key to a successful move-out.
Here are 10 mistakes tenants often encounter—and tips on how to sidestep them for a spotless finish.
Tips on How to Identify & Avoid the Mistakes
1. Ignoring the Checklist from the Landlord or Agent
Mistake: Not reading the cleaning checklist, if provided, of which areas are to be cleaned by the tenant.
How to Avoid: Review the checklist carefully and prioritize tasks in order. This ensures that nothing is missed and meets landlord expectations.
2. Underestimating How Long the Cleaning Will Take
Mistake: Assuming it’ll only take a couple of hours, then running out of time.
How to Avoid: Since it’s a thorough cleaning of your HDB or Condo at the end of tenancy period, so it can consume much time. Allot a whole day or more, or book professionals if time permits.
3. Not Deep Cleaning the Kitchen Appliances
Mistake: Not cleaning the inside of the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and other appliances.
How to Prevent: Pay attention to these frequently-used appliances, because they collect grease and grime. Clean inside and out, and be sure to defrost the freezer in advance.
4. Over the Little Things Like Light Fixtures and Fans
Issue: Dust on ceiling fans, light fixtures, and behind appliances can be missed.
How to Avoid: Take time to dust and wipe all fixtures, especially high-up areas. Use an extendable duster or cloth for ceiling fans and light fixtures.
You may also avail of Fixinguru’s apartment handover repair services which covers every aspect of the repairing works when added with end of tenancy cleaning, we take care of the complete process leaving you with peace of mind.
5. Not checking the Wall for Marks and Stains
Mistake: Ignoring small scuffs and marks on walls that can impact the final inspection.
How to Prevent: Go over the marks with a magic eraser or mild detergent, paying special attention to high-traffic areas. Small touch-ups can make a big difference.
6. Ignoring Windows and Window Tracks
Mistake: Only cleaning windows from the inside and leaving the window frames and tracks dirty.
How to Prevent: Clean both sides of windows (if feasible), and focus on the tracks and frames, which accumulate dust and dirt.
7. Deep Cleaning the bathroom
Mistake: Skipping areas like the grout, shower doors, and under the sink where grime and mold tend to accumulate.
How to Prevent: Scrub grout with a mild bleach solution, wipe down shower doors with vinegar to prevent streaks and thoroughly clean all bathroom fixtures.
8. Leaving Carpet and Upholstery Stains Untreated
Mistake: Leaving stains on carpets or upholstery, hoping no one will notice.
How to Prevent: Always clean carpet stains sooner rather than later using an appropriate cleaner. Stubborn stains may need a carpet cleaning service or upholstery cleaner for everything to look pristine and very clean.
9. Failure to Ventilate and Deodorize the area
Issue: Omission of odours lingering from cooking, pets or just general use.
How to Avoid: Open windows to air out the rooms and use odor-neutralizing sprays. Deep clean areas that smells tend to linger in, like carpets and curtains, to leave the space smelling fresh.
10. Not Tidying up Outdoor areas – Balcony or Patio
Mistake: Not cleaning the balconies or patios, if any, or even the outdoor spaces connected with the unit.
How to Avoid: Sweep, mop, and pick up any personal belongings from outdoor spaces. A fast clean-up will make it look tidy and fresh for the next tenant.
Last-Minute Tips for a Stress Free Cleaning
Plan Ahead: Start planning two or one week before the move out date. A cleaning schedule will aid in splitting tasks up to handle them.
Gather Equipment: Get cleaning gloves, scrubbing brushes, and cleaning agents. If they are going to hire a service, they should ensure that the service has its equipment.
If time or energy is a concern, consider a professional end of tenancy cleaning service in Singapore that ensures thorough results and peace of mind.
By avoiding these common cleaning mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to a successful apartment handover. A little extra attention to detail goes a long way in leaving a positive impression and securing that deposit.
You may check Fixinguru’s range of cleaning services which caters to different niche across the island.
