Bond Cleaning Checklist

Moving out of a rental property can be stressful. Between packing boxes, organising movers and managing handover dates, the last thing you want to worry about is losing part of your bond. One of the most important steps in securing your full bond refund is completing a thorough bond clean that meets your landlord or property manager’s expectations.

At Scrub and Sort, we know how detailed end-of-lease cleaning needs to be. That’s why we’ve put together this complete bond cleaning checklist to help you stay organised, avoid missed areas, and increase your chances of getting your bond back in full.

What Is Bond Cleaning?

Bond cleaning, also known as end-of-lease cleaning or exit cleaning, is a deep clean of the entire rental property carried out when a tenant moves out. It is far more detailed than a regular house clean and is designed to return the property to a condition similar to when you first moved in.

A proper bond clean usually includes:

• Deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms
• Cleaning appliances inside and out
• Removing built-up grime, grease and soap scum
• Vacuuming and mopping all floors
• Cleaning windows, tracks and sills

Most real estate agents use a checklist during the final inspection, so missing even small details can delay or reduce your bond refund.

Why You Need a Bond Cleaning Checklist

Bond cleaning is detailed and time-consuming. A checklist helps you:

• Stay organised and work methodically
• Avoid missing areas that agents check closely
• Reduce stress during moving week
• Meet end-of-lease cleaning requirements
• Protect your bond refund

Even if you plan to hire professional cleaners, a checklist helps you prepare the property properly and understand what’s included in a full bond clean.

Complete Bond Cleaning Checklist

Use the checklist below to ensure every area of your rental is cleaned to inspection standard.

General Areas (All Rooms)

These tasks should be completed throughout the entire property.

Walls, Ceilings and Surfaces

• Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
• Spot-clean walls to remove marks and scuffs
• Dust ceiling fans, light fittings and air vents
• Wipe skirting boards, cornices and door frames
• Clean internal doors, including handles and edges

Windows and Glass

• Clean windows internally and externally where accessible
• Wipe window sills and tracks
• Clean flyscreens or remove and dust thoroughly
• Clean all mirrors until streak-free

Floors

• Vacuum carpets and hard floors
• Steam clean carpets if required by the lease
• Mop hard floors with appropriate cleaners
• Remove stains where possible

Fixtures and Fittings

• Clean light switches and power points
• Sanitize door handles
• Dust built-in shelving and storage areas

Living Areas and Bedrooms

These areas must look clean, dust-free and well-maintained during inspection.

• Dust skirting boards, shelving and cornices
• Clean inside wardrobes, including shelves and rails
• Vacuum inside wardrobes and storage areas
• Clean blinds or curtains (vacuum or wash if required)
• Remove nails, hooks or adhesive strips from walls
• Clean ceiling fans and air-conditioning vents
• Check under beds and furniture for dust build-up

Kitchen Bond Cleaning Checklist

The kitchen is one of the most closely inspected areas in a bond clean.

Cupboards and Surfaces

• Empty and wipe inside cupboards and drawers
• Clean cupboard doors and handles
• Wipe benches and splashbacks
• Remove grease and food residue

Sink and Taps

• Clean and sanitise sink
• Descale taps and remove water marks
• Clean drain and plughole

Oven and Cooktop

• Deep clean oven interior and racks
• Remove baked-on grease and food residue
• Clean oven door glass inside and out
• Wipe cooktop, knobs and controls

Rangehood

• Clean or degrease filters
• Wipe inside and outside surfaces

Dishwasher

• Clean filter and remove food debris
• Wipe inside door and seals
• Clean exterior and control panel

Fridge and Freezer (If Included)

• Empty and defrost freezer
• Clean shelves, drawers and seals
• Wipe exterior surfaces and handles

Bathroom Bond Cleaning Checklist

Bathrooms must be spotless, hygienic and free from mould or soap scum.

Toilet

• Clean and disinfect bowl, rim and base
• Wipe cistern and flush button
• Remove stains and buildup

Shower and Bath

• Clean tiles, grout and glass screens
• Remove soap scum and water stains
• Clean shower head and taps

Vanity and Basin

• Clean basin and taps
• Wipe vanity top, cupboards and drawers
• Polish mirrors

Floors and Walls

• Mop floors with disinfectant
• Spot-clean tiled walls

Accessories

• Clean towel rails, shelves and toilet roll holders

Laundry Cleaning Checklist

Laundry areas are often overlooked but still inspected.

• Clean laundry tub and taps
• Wipe walls, cupboards and shelving
• Clean washing machine exterior
• Remove lint from dryer filter and vents
• Sweep and mop floors

Outdoor Areas and Extras

If your rental includes outdoor spaces, they must also be cleaned.

• Sweep balconies, patios and decks
• Remove cobwebs from outdoor areas
• Clean outdoor light fittings
• Sweep driveways and pathways
• Remove leaves and garden debris

Helpful Bond Cleaning Tips

• Remove all furniture and personal items before cleaning
• Clean room by room to stay organised
• Use appropriate cleaning products for each surface
• Take photos once cleaning is complete
• Check your entry condition report for comparison

Why Hire Professional Bond Cleaners?

Bond cleaning requires time, effort and attention to detail. When you’re already managing a move, hiring professionals can make the process far less stressful.

At Scrub and Sort, we provide professional bond cleaning services designed to meet real estate inspection standards. Our experienced team uses high-quality equipment and proven cleaning methods to deliver reliable results.

Professional bond cleaning helps reduce the risk of re-cleans, delays and bond disputes.

Bond Cleaning Checklist Summary

• Walls, doors and skirting boards
• Windows, tracks and screens
• Floors and carpets
• Kitchen appliances and cupboards
• Bathrooms and laundry
• Outdoor areas
• Rubbish removal

Book Your Bond Clean with Confidence

A proper bond clean is one of the best ways to secure your bond refund and move out stress-free. Whether you use this checklist to clean yourself or prefer to leave it to the professionals, preparation is key.

If you’re looking for reliable bond cleaning services, Scrub and Sort is here to help. Our team understands exactly what property managers expect and cleans accordingly.