7 Steps to a Pain-Free Exit Clean

Are you about to move out of a rental house and have the daunting task of the “exit clean” looming?

Here at Footprint Cleaning we get loads of requests to help and even though we’d love to, we’re not always able to spare adequate resources.
We don’t want to leave you in the lurch, and therefore decided we could at least assist with some information.
So pour yourself a cuppa, take a couple of minutes to read what we’ve learnt, and save yourself some heartache!

Step 1 – Put aside time to complete the house inspection checklists when you move in.
That’s right, an efficient and effective exit clean starts way back when you first move in. Not only does this protect you from being accountable for damage caused by previous tenants, it allows you to thoroughly understand how detailed the real estate representative will be during your exit clean inspection. It’ll also help if you maintain good reporting of wear and tear during the tenancy and build positive rapport with the Real Estate Agent.

If you’re reading this at the time of your exit-clean, don’t worry, the following tips can help you now.

Step 2 – Allow plenty of time to do the exit clean.
A rushed job will cost more time and money in the long run. On average plan to allow 15 hours for a 2 bedroom house and 30 hours for a 4 bedroom house.

Step 3 – Have a copy of your house inspection checklist handy.
Either you kept it nearby from Step 1 (and perhaps made additional notes during tenancy period) or you can request it from the real estate agent who keep it on file during the term of tenancy. This will provide guidance on the nitty gritty required to pass the exit-clean inspection.

Step 4 – Gather equipment and supplies
Most of the things you need you’ll already have, for example:

• Garden hose
• Spray bottles with window cleaner, surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner
• Micro fibre cloths
• Mop and bucket
• Scrubbers (eg. Scrubbing sponge and stainless steel scrubber)
• Squeegee

If you don’t have any of these, they’re worth the investment to get the job done well, plus you can use them to maintain your next home.

Step 5 – Work methodically.
Start outside with the external windows and entrances first. Then work from top to bottom (ceiling to floor) inside the house. If you’d like more detail, we recommend the following checklist to be comprehensive:

https://www.kentremovalsstorage.com.au/moving-house-checklists/end-of-lease-cleaning-checklist/

Step 6 – Review work completed against your inspection checklist.
Be forthcoming with reporting damage and discuss difficult areas with the Real Estate Agent. Don’t delay in considering consulting an expert where / when required.

Step 7 – Advise Real Estate Agent of completion.
They will conduct their inspection against the checklist. There’ll be no surprises here if you utilized the checklist and maintained open communication throughout the process. Take any feedback you receive and turn it into action ASAP.

You’ll feel great once it’s all finished and the house keys are handed in – congratulations!

Enjoy your next home and remember Step 1 starts now, when you move in.