Bond cleaning or end-of-lease cleaning is one of the important responsibilities of the tenant while vacating their rental home. The main idea behind it is keeping the cleanliness of the place in good condition so that the landlord/manager is satisfied with the results, and you get the entire bond back.
It is quite common for people to ask about the possibility of using personal cleaning items during the bond cleaning procedure or to stick with the professional cleaning equipment. While many tenants choose the option of hiring professional services, there are still some who like to do all the work on their own with regular cleaning products. Not sure if DIY is right for you? Read about the top 10 benefits of hiring bond cleaning services before making your decision.
In the guide, we are going to see if there is any possibility of using our personal products in bond cleaning and then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using personal products for bond cleaning.
Requirements for Bond Cleaning
The point to be remembered about bond cleaning is that it does not require regular cleaning but requires complete cleaning.
What services are provided in bond cleaning?
The typical services provided include;
- Thorough cleaning of kitchen (for example the oven, stove, fan hood, kitchen cabinets)
- Sanitizing of bathrooms (for example toilets, showers, tiles, grouting, mirrors)
- Floors cleaning by mopping and vacuuming
- Steam cleaning of carpets and removing any stain
- Cleaning of windows and blinds
- Dusting of skirting boards, lighting, and fans
High inspection standards
Inspections are carried out using detailed bond cleaning checklists either by real estate agents or by landlords. The slightest thing like grease spots, dusty corners, and stained windows can result in deductions in the bond.
Why quality is more important than method?
High cleaning standards take priority over how the cleaning is done. Whether you hire professionals or use domestic cleaning agents, it must be up to inspection standards.
Do You Have Permission to Use Your Own Cleaning Products?
Briefly stated, yes, it is possible for you to use your own cleaning products when conducting bond cleaning according to most rental agreements. There are no legal restrictions regarding the usage of cleaning products by tenants.
The tenant should make sure that their bond cleaning satisfies professional standards since failing an inspection can lead to further cleaning or deduction of the bond amount.
It is common practice among tenants to conduct bond cleaning on their own to cut down bond cleaning costs in Brisbane, albeit time-consuming.
Pros of Using Your Own Cleaning Supplies
- Cost Saving
It is quite obvious that one of the biggest benefits will be a significant cost-saving factor. Hiring professionals always involves spending money on hiring specialists and purchasing additional supplies. In addition, cleaning large buildings requires additional financial investments. Therefore, using one’s products will eliminate all these costs.
- Awareness about Products Used
Since the products are already familiar to you, there is less chance of improper application of the product and damaging anything. It is much easier for individuals to work with products they are already aware of rather than with unfamiliar ones.
- Flexibility and Ease
When one works with his/her own products, it means that he/she does not have to make certain arrangements and wait for someone else’s convenience. Instead, the person can do everything in his/her own way and pace, cleaning room by room.
- Ecological Factors
There is a tendency among many residents to choose eco-friendly detergents. Using one’s products enables one to purchase more ecological products.
- Use for Light Cleaning
If the apartment is kept well-maintained, regular cleaning supplies are sufficient for the cleaning process.
Cons of Using Your Own Cleaning Agents
- Ineffective Cleaning
Cleaning products used at home can never match the powerful nature of industrial-strength products used in professional cleaning. Stains caused by grease may be difficult to clean.
- Laborious Cleaning Process
Professional cleaning is laborious. Without professional cleaning agents, it will take much time and energy.
- Loss of Bond
If professional cleaning standards are violated, you will incur bond deductions or costs incurred in hiring professionals for the cleaning services.
- Absence of Specialized Tools
There is a range of specialized tools available for cleaning services, including steam cleaning, pressure washing, and professional carpet cleaning. Domestic equipment can rarely be used in lieu of specialized cleaning tools.
- Possible Surface Damage
Wrong selection of cleaning products can cause damage to wooden surfaces, tiles, and others.
Comparison between Do It Yourself and Professional Cleaning Equipment
| DIY Cleaning | DIY Cleaning | Professional Cleaning Services |
| Effectiveness | Suitable for routine cleaning activities but may fail to clean tough stains and dirt | Ensures effective cleaning |
| Time | May consume much time and require much physical effort | Increases efficiency due to advanced technology and professional skills |
| Cost | Cost-effective because it only involves the use of everyday substances | May prove to be expensive but includes all costs, including labor costs |
| Quality Control | May vary depending on personal input, and some spots may be overlooked | Extremely dependable |
| Risks | At high risk of wasting money and repeating the cleaning task | The risks involved are relatively small |
When to Use Personal Cleaning Agents?
Personal cleaning agents can be used when:
- There is limited space or fewer occupants
- The property remains clean after use
- Lack of money
- Tenants who are experienced cleaners
In situations where partial cleaning is done by experts and personal cleaning agents are used
When DIY Cleaning Agents Should Not Be Used?
When to Avoid DIY Cleaning Agents:
- When the property is very dirty
- Carpets require steam cleaning
- Regular monitoring by the landlord
- No knowledge about proper cleaning methods
- A high bond charge
Still unsure? Check out these signs you need professional cleaning instead of DIY before vacating.
Tips for Better Results with Your Own Supplies
In situations where you will be using your cleaning products, you should have in mind:
- Employ microfiber cloth for easy dusting
- The focus should be on kitchen areas and bathrooms because they tend to get many checks
- Develop a routine while cleaning
- Perform a test on the cleaning products on small areas before use
- Proper usage of vinegar, baking soda, and disinfectants in order to eliminate stains and odors
- Windows and corners should not be ignored
Also avoid these common mistakes people make during bond cleaning that could cost you your deposit.
Conclusion
Employing your cleaning solutions to get your bond cleaned is feasible because many people choose this way. However, the only thing about it is that although it sounds rather cost-effective, there are certain risks involved since not all cleaning solutions available at home ensure effective cleaning.
The best alternative in this case is to either rent an adequately serviced apartment or use the professional help in the cleaning like Best Bond Cleaning. However, if you really want to make everything as convenient as possible and maximize your chances to reclaim the entire bond, then getting your cleaners would be the best option.
Nevertheless, this question can be settled by taking into account certain personal factors. To maximize your chances, find out how clean your house needs to be to get the full bond back.
FAQs about Using Your Own Cleaning Supplies for Bond Cleaning
Would DIY bond cleaning be cheaper than professional cleaners?
DIY cleaning would be relatively cheaper because all you will use is normal household items. Nevertheless, the whole process will be slower and may also lack inspection pass.
What problems could arise from the use of DIY cleaning materials?
Problems that could come include inefficiency in cleaning, lack of cleanliness in some places, and failure in passing the inspection. This means that you lose part of your bond.
Which service do most landlords prefer, DIY bond cleaning or professional bond cleaning?
Most landlords would prefer professional bond cleaning since it offers high efficiency and quality cleanliness. However, they still allow DIY if the house is clean enough.
Is DIY bond cleaning comparable to professional bond cleaning?
In some cases, it may be, but the professional one will produce much better results, because they have better equipment, strong cleaning solutions, and experience in tackling tough cleaning jobs.
What materials are used in DIY bond cleaning?
Microfiber cloths, disinfectants, white vinegar, baking soda, and all-purpose cleaners are among the best DIY bond cleaning materials.
In what situations shouldn’t DIY bond cleaning be done?
DIY bond cleaning should not be conducted if the property is highly contaminated, needs deep carpet cleaning by steam cleaning, and needs to fulfill specific inspection requirements.
