Moving Out? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Bond Clean

Moving out can be stressful — and the bond clean is often the make-or-break moment that decides whether you get your full security deposit back. A bond clean (also called end-of-lease cleaning) is a thorough, landlord- or agent-approved deep clean that restores the property to the condition required by the lease. Here’s a practical, friendly guide to what it is, why it matters, and how to get it right.

What a bond clean covers

A proper bond clean goes far beyond a standard weekly tidy. Typical tasks include:

• Deep-cleaning kitchens: degrease oven, scrub stovetop, clean range hood, wipe out cupboards and splashbacks, sanitize benches and sinks.
  
  

• Bathroom restoration: descale showers, remove limescale from taps, clean grout, polish mirrors and chrome, sanitize toilets.
  
  

• Floor and carpet care: steam-clean carpets or professionally shampoo, mop and buff hard floors, remove scuffs from skirting boards.
  
  

• Windows and glass: clean inside (and often outside) windows, wipe window sills and tracks.
  
  

• General: dusting, wiping walls and light switches, removing cobwebs, spot-cleaning paintwork, and ensuring all rubbish is removed.
  
  

Why a professional bond clean often pays for itself

Agents and landlords expect a near-pristine property. If the property fails inspection, you may face re-cleaning charges that are often higher than the initial cost. Professionals understand agency checklists, use commercial-grade equipment (like high-pressure steamers and industrial vacuums), and can hit the specific standards agents expect — which often means higher chances of full bond clean.

DIY vs professional — how to decide

Choose DIY if:

• The property is small and well-maintained.
  
  

• You’re confident with heavy cleaning tasks and have the right equipment.
  
  

• Your lease doesn’t require a professional invoice.
  
  

Choose a professional if:

• You want a stress-free process and higher guarantee of passing inspection.
  
  

• There’s heavy staining, pet hair, or extensive mold/limescale.
  
  

• You need a company that offers a refund/re-clean guarantee.
  
  

Smart checklist for an agent-ready bond clean

1. Clear and remove all personal items and rubbish.
   
   

2. Steam-clean carpets and provide receipts if required.
   
   

3. Degrease oven inside and out; remove racks and clean separately.
   
   

4. Descale shower screens, grout and taps.
   
   

5. Wipe down cupboards inside and out.
   
   

6. Clean windows, tracks, skirting boards and doors.
   
   

7. Replace lightbulbs and check smoke alarms.
   
   

8. Photograph everything after cleaning (date-stamped photos are handy if disputes arise).
   
   

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Ignoring small marks on walls — agents notice scuffs. Use a gentle eraser or touch-up paint.
  
  

• Forgetting external areas — balconies, patios and letterboxes are often inspected.
  
  

• Not checking the lease’s cleaning clause — some landlords require professional carpet cleaning receipts.
  
  

Final tip: get documentation

Whether you DIY or hire a pro, keep invoices, receipts and before/after photos. These are your best defense if a dispute over the bond clean.