Cleaning Check List
Room-by-room end of tenancy cleaning checklist
This checklist is designed to help you clean your property thoroughly before checkout and avoid unnecessary deposit deductions.
Please go through every room carefully. Many cleaning charges happen because tenants accidentally miss hidden or less obvious areas.
Download and print the check lists here:
Cleaning Checklist - Whole House Cleaning Checklist - One Room---
Whole property checklist
Complete these checks throughout the entire property before moving room-by-room.
General
- Remove all personal belongings
- Remove all rubbish
- Empty all cupboards, drawers and shelves
- Remove all food from the property
- Vacuum all carpets thoroughly
- Mop all hard floors
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
- Dust all skirting boards
- Wipe all doors, handles and frames
- Wipe all light switches and plug sockets
- Clean all windows internally
- Clean windows externally where safely possible
- Clean all window frames and window sills
- Remove marks from walls where possible
- Remove Blu Tack and adhesive residue carefully
- Dust all radiators including behind radiators where possible
- Dust all light fittings and lampshades
- Remove dust from extractor fan covers
- Replace failed light bulbs where required
- Clean behind movable furniture
- Clean underneath all furniture
- Empty and clean bins
Kitchen cleaning checklist
Oven and hob
- Clean inside oven completely
- Remove burnt food and grease
- Clean oven shelves and trays
- Clean oven door glass inside and outside
- Clean hob rings and burners
- Clean around hob controls
- Remove grease from splashback areas
Extractor fan
- Clean extractor hood exterior
- Remove grease from extractor filters where possible
- Clean underneath extractor hood
Fridge and freezer
- Empty fridge completely
- Empty freezer completely
- Defrost freezer fully
- Remove ice build-up
- Clean inside fridge shelves and drawers
- Clean inside freezer drawers
- Clean fridge seals
- Clean underneath fridge drawers where crumbs collect
- Wipe exterior doors and handles
- Leave fridge and freezer switched off and doors open if instructed
Washing machine
- Clean inside washing machine drum
- Clean rubber door seal thoroughly
- Remove dirt from inside the plastic lip around the door
- Clean inside detergent drawer
- Remove detergent residue and mould
- Wipe washing machine door inside and outside
- Clean underneath and around washing machine where accessible
Dishwasher
- Empty dishwasher completely
- Clean filter
- Remove food debris
- Wipe seals and door edges
- Clean detergent compartment
Microwave
- Clean inside microwave
- Remove food splashes
- Clean microwave plate
- Wipe microwave exterior
Cupboards and drawers
- Empty all cupboards and drawers
- Wipe inside cupboards
- Wipe inside drawers
- Remove crumbs and food debris
- Clean cupboard doors and handles
- Clean cupboard tops where accessible
Sink and worktops
- Clean sink thoroughly
- Remove limescale
- Polish taps
- Clean drainer grooves
- Clean worktops
- Clean underneath sink cupboard
- Empty food waste and bins
Floors and hidden areas
- Mop kitchen floor thoroughly
- Clean corners and edges
- Clean underneath bins
- Clean underneath movable appliances where possible
Bathroom cleaning checklist
Toilet
- Clean toilet bowl
- Clean toilet seat top and underside
- Clean around hinges
- Clean toilet base and floor around toilet
- Remove limescale
Shower and bath
- Remove soap scum
- Remove mould where possible
- Clean shower screens
- Clean shower tray edges
- Clean taps and fittings
- Clean tiles and grout
- Clear plugholes and drains
Sink and vanity units
- Clean sink basin
- Polish taps
- Clean mirrors
- Wipe shelves and cabinets
- Clean inside bathroom cupboards and drawers
Ventilation and fittings
- Dust extractor fans
- Dust light fittings
- Clean skirting boards
- Remove cobwebs
- Wipe door handles and switches
Floors
- Mop floors thoroughly
- Clean behind toilet
- Clean corners and edges
Bedroom cleaning checklist
Bed and mattress
- Remove all bedding
- Vacuum mattress where possible
- Remove belongings from under bed
- Clean bed frame
- Dust headboard
Furniture
- Empty wardrobes completely
- Wipe wardrobe shelves
- Clean inside drawers
- Clean desks and tables
- Dust shelving
- Clean mirrors
- Wipe handles and surfaces
Floors and hidden areas
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly
- Vacuum under beds
- Vacuum behind furniture
- Mop hard floors if applicable
Fixtures and fittings
- Dust skirting boards
- Dust radiators
- Dust light fittings
- Remove cobwebs
- Wipe windowsills
- Clean internal windows
- Wipe switches and sockets
Living room cleaning checklist
Sofas and seating
- Vacuum sofas
- Lift and vacuum under sofa cushions
- Remove crumbs and debris
- Vacuum behind sofas
- Vacuum underneath sofas
- Wipe armrests and surfaces
Furniture and surfaces
- Dust shelves and tables
- Clean TV stands
- Wipe coffee tables
- Clean inside drawers and cupboards
- Remove personal belongings
Floors and hidden areas
- Vacuum thoroughly
- Mop hard floors
- Clean edges and corners
- Clean under furniture where possible
Fixtures and fittings
- Dust skirting boards
- Dust light fittings
- Dust radiators
- Clean windows internally
- Clean windowsills
- Remove cobwebs
- Wipe switches and sockets
Hallways and stairs
- Vacuum stairs thoroughly
- Vacuum edges of stairs
- Wipe bannisters and rails
- Dust skirting boards
- Remove cobwebs
- Clean entrance doors
- Wipe handles and switches
- Mop hard floors
Outdoor areas
Garden and yard
- Remove rubbish
- Remove belongings
- Sweep patios and paths
- Remove weeds where appropriate
- Empty cigarette ends and bottles
Bin areas
- Empty bins where possible
- Remove rubbish around bins
- Do not leave bin bags outside property
- Arrange bulky waste collection for furniture if required
Leaving rubbish behind may lead to removal charges or council fines.
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Final checkout checklist
Before your checkout appointment, make sure:
- The property is fully empty
- Cleaning is fully completed
- All rubbish has been removed
- Fridge and freezer are emptied and cleaned
- Utility meter readings have been taken
- Windows are closed and secured
- All keys are ready to return
Important
Cleaning issues are one of the most common reasons for deposit deductions.
Taking extra time to clean hidden areas like skirting boards, behind furniture, under beds, inside drawers and inside appliance seals can make a big difference during checkout inspections.