It sounds easy enough to move out, pack your things into boxes, then return keys to the landlord. But then comes the bond cleaning. It is not just any cleaning, but one where your efforts are reviewed and your bond is returned or not. The kitchen is where things tend to go wrong. Specifically, it’s the appliances in the kitchen. They look easy enough to clean- Wipe, spray, next. But that’s where most people tend to go wrong with appliance cleaning. This guide will help you to understand the mistakes that tenants make while cleaning kitchen appliances before moving out. So, that you take informed decisions.
Top Mistakes that Tenants Make While Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
The Thinking of “It Looks Clean”
At some point, you step back, look at your kitchen, and say to yourself, that “Yeah, that’ll do.” But it usually won’t. A stovetop might look clean under the light, but run your fingers along the edges and they’re greasy. Open up the oven and they’re burnt. Check behind the fridge, this is where most people don’t even check. You can get the best tips on how to choose best bond cleaners and why it is important to hire professional cleaners.
The point is, cleaning for yourself and cleaning for inspection are completely different.
Ignoring the Inside of Appliances
Okay! Let’s face it, nobody wants to clean inside an oven. This is because it’s a mess, it’s smelly, and it takes up a lot of time.
People avoid it, or they give it a quick once-over and hope nobody notices. This same applies to microwaves with splatters on the ceiling, or refrigerators with sticky shelves. The problem with this is, inspectors look at these first. And if while doing inspection, there’s even a hint of grime- then it instantly raises the red flag of ‘not properly cleaned.’
Underestimating Grease (Big Mistake)
We all know that grease is sly. It gradually accumulates layer upon layer until one day, when you try to clean it. And guess what? It doesn’t clean. The problem is you cannot wipe away months (or even years) of cooking residue.
Especially around the stove, range hood, and oven door. Some tenants wipe it clean with a light touch- get bored, and move on. Even if they did, the truth is: if it feels sticky, it is not clean.
Forgetting the Weird Little Parts
This is very crucial in order to get a full bond back. You know, those things you don’t think about?
- The rubber seal on the fridge door
- The filter in the range hood
- The knobs on the stove
- The filter in the dishwasher
Now we think that you get the idea. Yet, they’re little but they gather an insane amount of grime. And since they’re often near eye level, they’re hard to overlook.
Not paying attention to these is like detailing your whole car, but forgetting to clean the door handles.
Cleaning Only Halfway
This one is a bit tricky. For example:
- You clean the oven tray, but not the sides
- You clean the microwave plate, but not the edges of the door
- You clean the fridge shelves, but not the drawers underneath
Remember each of these is not a major problem in isolation. But remember collectively they show a pattern that catches the inspectors’ eyes fast. It suggests that the job wasn’t done properly.
Ignoring What’s Around the Appliances
Appliances are not alone in the kitchen, but they are treated like they are. The oven may be sparkling clean, but the cabinet next to it has oil stains on it. The fridge may be clean on the inside, but there are crumbs in the drawer next to it.
It just does not look right. An appliance may be clean, but if the area next to it is dirty, then it just does not look clean.
Leaving Everything for the Last Day
We believe this is the most common mistake, and it’s probably the one that can be avoided most easily. You think to yourself, “I’ll do it all on moving day”. And when moving day comes, you’re tired. However, there’s still packing to be done- perhaps a few unexpected problems have cropped up. Cleaning becomes rushed, stressful, and incomplete.
And especially with the cleaning of the appliances. Grease doesn’t magically disappear. Some cleaning agents have to be left to soak. Some have to be left to sit. It’s just not possible to do it all in a short span of time.
Underestimating the Level of Clean Required
Here’s where many tenants get lazy. What may be clean to you may not be clean enough for the final inspection. Landlords and Property Managers aren’t looking for ‘tidy’, they’re looking for ‘as good as when you moved in.’ That’s a higher standard than most people would assume.
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Forgetting Final Walkthrough
After all the hard work, most people just want to go home. However, skipping this final step is not recommended. There is always something left behind:
- A greasy spot
- A fingerprint on a handle
- A tray in the oven
It is usually something minor, but these minor details add up. So, a final walkthrough with new eyes- can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your kitchen appliances are clean before moving out is what will make or break your bond return. So, it important to:
- Avoid any shortcuts
- Check all hidden places
- Clean any stubborn grease
Your attention to detail will surely pay off. However, if you are overwhelmed, contact professional bond cleaning services like Best Bond Cleaning will guarantee that your kitchen is clean, stress-free, and ready for inspection.
FAQs Mistakes Tenants Make While Cleaning Kitchen Appliances Before Moving Out
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Do I have to clean the inside of all the kitchen appliances?
Yes, landlords want the interior of all the kitchen appliances to be cleaned. This includes:
- Oven
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
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What kind of cleaner should I use on stainless steel appliances?
You should not use any strong cleaners on stainless steel. This is because they might end up damaging the appliance.
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Do I have to disassemble parts of the appliance to clean it?
Yes, all parts should be cleaned. This includes the trays, racks, and knobs.
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How early should I start cleaning in advance to move out?
You should start cleaning at least a few days in advance. This is because cleaning the apartment might take longer than expected.
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Do I need to clean behind and under appliances?
Yes, hidden dust, crumbs, and greases are frequently inspected and may impact your bond return.
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Is wiping my appliances sufficient to pass an inspection?
No, wiping your appliances will not be sufficient to pass an inspection. Detailed cleaning of your appliances will be necessary.
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Can professional cleaning services help with appliance cleaning to pass the bond?
Yes, professional bond cleaning services will help save time while ensuring that your appliances are properly cleaned.
