What is bond cleaning and Do bond cleaners clean walls?

Moving out of a rental property can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to ensuring the property is clean enough to get your bond deposit back. This is where bond cleaning, also known as end of lease cleaning or exit cleaning, comes into play. In this blog, we will explore what bond cleaning entails, its importance, and whether bond cleaners clean walls as part of their service.

What is Bond Cleaning?

Bond cleaning is a thorough and meticulous cleaning process required by most landlords and property managers when a tenant vacates a rental property. The goal is to return the property to the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, accounting for normal wear and tear. This type of cleaning is crucial for tenants who want to secure the return of their bond deposit, which is typically a significant amount of money held by the landlord or property manager as a security deposit.

Key Elements of Bond Cleaning

Bond cleaning covers a wide range of tasks, ensuring that every nook and cranny of the property is spotless. Here are some of the key elements included in a typical bond cleaning checklist:

• Kitchen Cleaning: This includes cleaning the oven, stovetop, range hood, and all kitchen appliances. Cabinets, countertops, and sinks are also thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• Bathroom Cleaning: Bathrooms require deep cleaning of showers, bathtubs, toilets, sinks, mirrors, and tiles. Grout cleaning is often part of the process to remove mold and mildew.
• Living Areas and Bedrooms: Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors are standard. Additionally, bond cleaners clean windows, mirrors, light fixtures, and switches.
• Carpet Cleaning: If the property has carpets, they are usually steam cleaned to remove stains, dirt, and allergens.
• General Cleaning: This includes dusting and wiping down surfaces, skirting boards, doors, and frames.

The Importance of Bond Cleaning

Bond cleaning is essential for several reasons:

1. Securing Your Bond Deposit

The primary reason tenants opt for bond cleaning is to ensure they get their bond deposit back. Landlords and property managers are meticulous during their final inspection, looking for any signs of dirt, damage, or neglect. A thorough bond cleaning helps meet their standards and secure the full return of your deposit.

2. Meeting Lease Agreement Requirements

Most lease agreements include a clause that requires tenants to leave the property in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy. Failing to meet these requirements can result in deductions from the bond deposit or even additional cleaning charges.

3. Leaving a Good Impression

Leaving a rental property in pristine condition demonstrates respect for the property and can lead to positive references from landlords or property managers. This can be beneficial when applying for future rental properties.

Do Bond Cleaners Clean Walls?

One common question tenants have is whether bond cleaners clean walls as part of their service. The short answer is yes, bond cleaners typically clean walls, but the extent of the cleaning can vary.

What Wall Cleaning Entails

Wall cleaning during a bond clean generally involves:

• Removing Marks and Stains: Bond cleaners will often use special cleaning solutions to remove scuff marks, fingerprints, and other stains from the walls. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms.
• Dusting: Walls can accumulate dust over time, especially near vents and ceilings. Bond cleaners will dust the walls to ensure they are free from cobwebs and dust particles.
• Spot Cleaning: For particularly stubborn stains, bond cleaners might employ spot cleaning techniques. This can involve more intensive cleaning solutions and methods to ensure the walls look as good as new.

Limitations of Wall Cleaning

While bond cleaners do clean walls, there are some limitations:

• Paint Damage: If the walls have significant paint damage or large holes, bond cleaners might not be able to restore them fully. These issues often require painting or repairs beyond the scope of cleaning.
• Wallpaper: Cleaning wallpaper can be tricky, and bond cleaners might not be able to address all issues without risking damage to the wallpaper. In such cases, it’s best to consult with the property manager or landlord for specific instructions.

Tips for Effective Wall Cleaning

If you are considering doing some of the bond cleaning yourself or want to ensure the walls are in top condition, here are a few tips:

1. Use the Right Cleaning Products

Different wall surfaces require different cleaning products. For painted walls, a mild detergent mixed with water usually works well. For tougher stains, a specialized wall cleaner might be necessary. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaner doesn’t damage the paint.

2. Address Stains Immediately

The longer a stain sits on a wall, the harder it becomes to remove. Address any marks or spills as soon as they occur to prevent them from becoming permanent.

3. Regular Dusting

Regularly dusting your walls can prevent the buildup of grime and make the final bond clean much easier. Use a microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from walls.

4. Professional Help

While DIY cleaning can save money, hiring professional bond cleaners ensures that every aspect of the property is thoroughly cleaned to meet the standards of landlords and property managers. Professionals have the experience, tools, and cleaning products to handle even the toughest cleaning jobs.

Conclusion

Bond cleaning is an essential task for tenants who want to ensure the return of their bond deposit when moving out of a rental property. This comprehensive cleaning process covers every part of the property, including kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms. Importantly, bond cleaners do clean walls as part of their service, removing marks, stains, and dust to leave the property in pristine condition.

By understanding the importance of bond cleaning and knowing what it entails, tenants can ensure a smooth transition out of their rental property, secure their bond deposit, and leave a positive impression on their landlords or property managers. Whether you choose to tackle the cleaning yourself or hire professional bond cleaners, paying attention to details like wall cleaning can make all the difference in meeting the required standards.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Bond Cleaning Service in Melbourne