When it’s time to move out of a rental property in Melbourne, ensuring your home is cleaned to a professional standard is crucial for getting your bond back. Property managers and landlords often inspect every corner of the house, looking for anything that doesn’t meet their expectations.
That’s where a room-by-room end of lease cleaning guide becomes your best ally. Whether you’re planning to clean the space yourself or hire a professional cleaning service, knowing exactly what needs to be done in each room can help you avoid costly deductions.
Why Room-by-Room Cleaning Matters
Every rental agreement in Melbourne includes a clause about returning the property in a clean and tidy condition. Real estate agents and landlords follow detailed checklists, and any missed spot could result in part of your bond being withheld.
By breaking your cleaning down room by room, you ensure nothing gets overlooked — from greasy oven trays to dusty skirting boards.
Entryway & Hallways
While these areas may seem minimal, they set the first impression.
What to clean:
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Vacuum and mop all flooring
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Dust light fixtures and corners for cobwebs
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Wipe down doors, handles, and skirting boards
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Clean light switches and power points
Don’t forget to check the top of doors and doorframes — a common area for dust buildup.
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most heavily inspected areas. Due to its exposure to grease, spills, and food residue, it requires meticulous attention.
What to clean:
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Oven (inside and out), including racks and trays
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Stove tops, rangehood, and exhaust fan filters
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Kitchen cupboards (inside, outside, and handles)
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Dishwasher filters and rubber seals
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Sink, tapware, and splashbacks
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Benchtops and tiles
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Refrigerator and freezer (if included)
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Microwave (if included)
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Floors (vacuum and mop thoroughly)
Use a degreaser to tackle stubborn kitchen grime and always double-check the oven — it’s one of the most commonly flagged items in Melbourne rental inspections.
Bathroom
Bathrooms need to look and feel sanitised. Even a clean bathroom can lose bond money if mould or soap scum is present.
What to clean:
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Shower screen, tiles, and grout
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Bathtub and taps
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Toilet (inside and out)
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Basin and vanity drawers
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Mirrors and shelves
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Exhaust fan or air vent
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Floors – scrub and mop thoroughly
For a sparkling finish, use anti-mould spray and descalers on tapware. Also, pay close attention to the shower glass — streaks and watermarks are a red flag.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms may seem straightforward, but thoroughness is still key.
What to clean:
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Vacuum carpet edges and under wardrobes
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Clean wardrobes inside and out
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Remove marks from walls (test a small spot before scrubbing)
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Dust skirting boards and window sills
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Clean light switches, ceiling fans, and fixtures
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Wipe mirrors if part of built-in wardrobes
If the carpet was steam-cleaned before your tenancy began, you may be expected to do the same upon exit. Check your lease agreement.
Living and Dining Rooms
These communal areas must be left in pristine condition, especially if they include windows or sliding doors.
What to clean:
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Clean windows and glass doors (inside, and outside if accessible)
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Dust blinds, tracks, and curtains
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Clean air conditioning vents or split systems
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Wipe down all skirting boards
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Clean light fittings and remove cobwebs
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Vacuum and mop floors
Pro tip: Remove dust from curtain rods and pelmets — often missed, but clearly visible during daylight inspections.
Laundry
Laundries can accumulate hidden messes behind appliances and in corners.
What to clean:
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Laundry tub and tapware
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Wipe inside and outside of cupboards
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Clear lint from the washing machine or dryer
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Mop and disinfect floors
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Clean dryer filter (if applicable)
If the property came with a washing machine or dryer, ensure both are empty, clean, and free of detergent or fabric softener residue.
Outdoor Areas (If Applicable)
Outdoor areas are commonly overlooked but often included in Melbourne property inspection reports.
What to clean:
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Sweep patios, balconies, and driveways
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Clean windows, fly screens, and sliding door tracks
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Remove cobwebs from eaves and fences
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Clear out garden beds, mow the lawn, and trim hedges
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Empty outdoor bins and wipe bin lids
A well-kept exterior shows you respected the property, which can reflect positively during handover.
Garage & Storage
Garages and sheds must be swept and cleared of any belongings.
What to clean:
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Sweep floors and corners
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Remove oil stains (use degreaser if necessary)
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Wipe shelving or storage units
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Dispose of any leftover rubbish or personal items
Leave no trace — even a few leftover nails or boxes can cause issues.
Final Checks Before Inspection
Before handing the keys back, take time to do a final walkthrough:
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Check that all lightbulbs are working
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Ensure no rubbish is left behind
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Close all windows and lock doors
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Match the cleaned condition to the original condition report
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Take dated photos as proof of cleaning
Should You Hire a Professional?
If you’re short on time, not confident in your cleaning skills, or simply want guaranteed results, hiring a professional end of lease cleaning service in Melbourne is a smart choice. Most professional cleaners offer bond-back guarantees and include extras like carpet steam cleaning, window washing, and pest control.
Look for a reputable provider like KK Cleaners, known for their real estate-approved checklists and reliable, eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Final Thoughts
End of lease cleaning doesn’t have to be stressful — but it does have to be thorough. A room-by-room approach ensures no corner is overlooked and helps you meet the expectations of even the strictest property manager. Whether you clean it yourself or bring in the professionals, the goal is the same: get your bond back and leave on good terms.
For reliable and stress-free end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, trust the team at KK Cleaners to handle the hard work while you focus on your next move.
- Room-by-Room Breakdown of End of Lease Cleaning in Melbourne Homes
- That’s where a room-by-room end of lease cleaning guide becomes your best ally. Whether you're planning to clean the space yourself or hire a professional cleaning service, knowing exactly what needs to be done in each room can help you avoid costly deductions.
- End of Lease Cleaning
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