Moving out of a rental property can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to ensuring that it’s left in a clean and hygienic condition.
The kitchen is one of the most critical areas of the property that requires extra attention. If that part of the property is sparkling clean, it can help you regain your full security deposit and leave a good impression on the landlord and the next tenants.
Read on to discover the five steps to a perfect post-tenancy kitchen cleaning.
Step 1: Remove all the belongings
Start the cleaning by removing all your belongings from the kitchen.
This includes all the dishes, cutlery, small kitchen appliances, and food items. Ensure that you have emptied the fridge and freezer, and dispose of any perishable items past their expiration date.
This makes it easier to clean the kitchen and prevents the growth of bacteria and unpleasant odours.
Step 2: Clean the cabinets and surfaces
Once you have removed all your belongings from the kitchen, it’s time to focus on the cabinets and surfaces.
- Cabinets can become incredibly dirty if they’re not cleaned regularly. If you haven’t been caring for them, you’ll find you’ve got quite a job ahead of you. Dip a cloth in a combination of warm water and soap or furniture cleaner. Carefully test a small section to ensure it does not affect the surface. Use the cloth to remove all the dirt and dry with a towel.
- Next, clean the countertops and the stove. To begin, wipe down the countertops with a clean cloth and a multipurpose cleaner. Remove any crumbs, spills, or stains from the surface. Use a water and white vinegar mixture to remove stubborn stains or grease from the surfaces. Wipe down the stove with a clean cloth and a multipurpose cleaner.
- Wipe off the range hood. This is an often overlooked area that can accumulate a lot of grease and grime over time. Use a degreaser to clean the hood surfaces, filters, and the surrounding area. This will improve the kitchen’s appearance, ensure the appliance is functioning correctly, and prevent potential fire hazards.
- Pay special attention to the sink. Use a soapy cloth and warm water and wipe down every inch. Afterwards, you should consider using an industry-standard drain unblocker. This will eliminate any foul odours and ensure that nothing is inhibiting the efficiency of the drain. If you don’t have an unblocker, a good alternative is to combine baking soda and lemon juice.
- Don’t miss high-traffic areas, such as the handles, knobs, and switches, as they can accumulate dirt and grime quickly. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe to clean these areas thoroughly.
Step 3: Clean the fridge and freezer
Start by removing all the fridges’ shelves and drawers. Put them to one side, so you clean them individually later.
Next, get a sponge or dishcloth and manually scrub the inside of the appliance. Don’t forget to look for any food deposits, they can be easy to miss!
Once you’re done wiping all the surfaces, give them a dry. With that done, you can turn back to your shelves. Use a cloth and soap and keep scrubbing until they shine. Afterwards, put them back into their original positions.
Now you can move on to the freezer. This is essentially a repeat of the process you used for the fridge. However, there is one major addition. You’ll need to ensure that the level of frost at the bottom of the freezer is low.
Step 4: Deep clean the oven and microwave
For an effective kitchen end of lease cleaning, it’s crucial to give your oven a thorough deep clean. And certain precautions need to be taken before you begin.
Open the surrounding windows, and make sure your pets and children aren’t nearby. You don’t want them inhaling the fumes from detergents.
Now, you’re ready to start!
How to deep clean the oven
If the oven has a self-cleaning feature, activate it following the manufacturer’s instructions. This function loosens food residue and grease, which can be easily wiped away.
Then, start with removing the racks. These should be placed in your sink. Make sure that there’s warm water and dishwashing liquid in there.
Next, move on to the door. It’s likely the surface will be heavily stained. Consequently, scrubbing it clean will require a lot of elbow grease. If this doesn’t work, consider using a vinegar and water solution.
After you’ve done this, return to the racks in your sink. Rinse and dry them thoroughly, and then put them to one side. You’re now free to scrub every inch of the interior of your oven. Upon completion of this process, return the racks to their original positions.
How to deep clean the microwave
Use a combination of cleaning solution and water in a plate or bowl for the microwave.
Place the bowl in the appliance and set the timer to one minute. Close the door and wait until you see steam.
Once that’s done, you can take the bowl out. You’ll find that all the dried-on grime has become loosened and can now be easily cleaned.
Wash a dishcloth with warm water and scrub the interior of the microwave. Polish with a dry cloth at the end.
Step 5: Clean the floors
Now that you have cleaned all the surfaces and appliances, it’s time to tackle the floors.
The kitchen floors tend to accumulate a lot of dirt, debris, and food particles, making them one of the dirtiest areas in the kitchen.
Start by removing any loose dirt from the floors by either sweeping or vacuuming. Next, mop the floors with a floor cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar.
Pay special attention to the areas around the stove and the sink, as these areas accumulate more dirt and grime.
Takeaways
A post-tenancy kitchen cleaning is an essential task that should not be overlooked.
However, following these five steps will ensure that your kitchen is clean and hygienic and that you get your full security deposit back.
If you find the task daunting, consider hiring a professional end of lease cleaning service to do the job for you. The pros have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to perform a perfect post-tenancy kitchen clean.
With these tips in mind, you can make the end of your tenancy a stress-free experience.
