Please keep your property clean and tidy for your own safety.
End-of-tenancy clean
This section describes what should be cleaned before you move out.
Please use gloves and follow safety guidance on cleaning products.
Please do not use cleaning wipes: these do not work and leave grime marks. Dettol Mould and Mildew remover (green bottle) is best for kitchens, bathrooms, and mould around window frames.
Wipe down furniture and architraves with washing up liquid in hot water. Change the water and cloths as they get dirty and use a drying cloth immediately.
For mirrors, use a window cleaning product.
For kitchen floors, use a good floor cleaner.
Fully vacuum, then steam clean and/or mop or wash using a professional flooring cleaning machine on all floor surfaces including wood, laminate, rugs, carpets, and tiles according to professional recommendations. Pay special attention to areas under chairs, tables, sofas, cushions, beds, desks, cookers, other appliances.
Lino can become dirty or sticky and may require further cleaning.
Clean behind all free-standing furniture and equipment by pulling them out. This includes tables, chairs, beds, desks, sofas, sideboards, white goods etc.
Clean the inside and outside of all cupboards, drawers, desks, wardrobes, and other furniture.
Dust and check lighting. Replace bulbs if necessary.
Dust and clean lampshades.
Clean wall light switches (remove finger prints), sockets, flat surfaces, ledges, window sills, and woodwork including internal, external, and patio doors.
Clean picture rails, skirting boards, kick boards, and curtain/blind tracks.
Clean all inside windows including mould from frames.
If there is an excessive amount of dirt on the outside of windows, use a professional window cleaning company.
Have curtains professionally cleaned if dirty. Do not attempt this yourself: they will shrink and you will be charged the cost of replacement.
Wipe-clean all washable walls. Pay attention to the rear of free-standing furniture such as beds, sofas, seating, bins etc. and remove stains as necessary.
Kitchen cleaning
Ovens: clean all ovens and microwaves externally and internally including the shelves, glass door, grill pan, trays, extractor hoods (replace filters). Ensure all are free from grease, oil, fat, food stains, discolouring etc. Once cleaned, leave doors open so air can circulate.
Sink area: wipe clean tiles/splash back, sink, taps, draining areas, and surround. Remove all food debris, grease, oil, fat, food stains, discolouring, and lime scale.
Fridge/freezer: switch off appliance, remove contents, and fully defrost. Clean all external and internal surfaces including the top, door, shelves, drawers, trays, and rubber seals. Once cleaned, leave doors open so air can circulate.
Dishwasher: please read instructions or ask for advice. Wipe clean externally and internally and remove debris. Wash all internal fittings: draining hole fixtures, basket, shelves, soap dispenser, and door rubber seals. Once cleaned, leave the door open so air can circulate.
Washing machine: please read instructions or ask for advice. Wipe clean externally and internally, including the drum, door, and water filter. Remove and wash the soap dispenser. Once cleaned, leave the door open so air can circulate.
Tumble dryer: wipe clean externally and internally, including the drum and door. Remove any fluff from the filter. Where there is a condensing drawer, please empty it and leave in the drum or on a work surface.
Vacuum cleaner: wipe clean and empty dust bag or replace with a new one.
Mops, buckets, dustpans, brushes, brooms, chopping boards etc. to be washed and put away.
Bins in kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms: empty, wash, and wipe all internal and external surfaces.
Lounge/sitting room
Seating areas: remove loose-fitted covers (sofa, cushions, throws etc) and clean according to manufacturer instructions, if unsure please seek advice. Clean under furniture.
Clean all furniture and shelves paying particular attention to wooden sofa arms and tabletops. If sofas have been stained, please have them steam cleaned to remove the marks.
Dust and clean televisions and stands.
Bedrooms
Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and headboards to remove hair and other dirt. Wash, dry, and replace mattress protectors. Do not put mattress protectors in a tumble dryer as they may shrink. Replace soiled protectors if necessary.
Communal areas
Wash down and dry any external front and back doors.
Clean banisters. Pay particular attention to staircase stringers and spindles which can be cleaned with warm soapy water and dried with a towel. Remove any cobwebs.
Clean and vacuum any under-stairs cupboards.
Check that the battery to the front door is working, and replace batteries if necessary.
Bath, shower, and WC rooms
Floors: sweep, vacuum, and mop behind standing hand wash basins and WCs, to ensure dust and marks are removed from walls, pipe work, especially around the WC including the U-bend.
Clean the bath, shower, shower screen, WC, taps, wash basins, tiled walls etc:
- remove all lime scale deposits
- clear sink, shower and bath plug holes of debris, including hair
- polish glass including mirrors, shower screens, and tiles.
- clean extractors and remove any dust and grease.
Outside
Brush down all outside areas, front and back. Remove dead leaves and any items which were not there at the start of your tenancy.
Please ensure the drains are clear of weeds, rubbish, fat or other debris.
Remove weeds so paving areas and are in a neat and tidy condition.
Cut the grass if necessary.
Miscellaneous
Where it has been necessary to make good the tenant’s responsibilities, there will be a contractor’s charge per bag. For example, removing domestic waste to the tip including bedding, broken equipment, bottles, food, emptying bins, etc.
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS LEFT AT THE PROPERTY OVER THE SUMMER PERIOD WILL ALSO BE DISPOSED.
Tenants are advised to dispose of their rubbish on a gradual basis a few weeks in advance of check out using Exeter City Council collection service. Ensure all bins are out on the pavement and not left in the garden.