CleanIt4u is a cleaning company working across Norfolk, and end of tenancy cleaning Norfolk is one of the jobs we're asked about most. If you're moving out of a rented home, you probably want to know what the clean actually involves before you book it. Here's a plain walkthrough.
Why an end of tenancy clean is different
A normal clean keeps a home ticking over. An end of tenancy clean gets a property back to the standard it was in when the tenancy started, so it can be handed over to the landlord or letting agent.
That means the work goes further than a weekly tidy. Inside the oven, behind the toilet, along the skirting boards, on top of door frames, inside kitchen cupboards. The places you don't think about day to day are exactly the places an inspection looks at.
It also happens on an empty property, or as close to empty as possible. Without furniture in the way, everything can be reached and cleaned properly.
Before the clean starts
We ask for a few things first, and they all help the day run smoothly.
- Clear the property. Furniture, boxes, bin bags and anything left in lofts or sheds. The fewer items in the way, the better the finish.
- Keep the power and water on. We need hot water, and we need sockets for vacuums and steam equipment.
- Tell us about problem areas. A heavily used oven, mould in a bathroom, carpet stains. Knowing in advance means we bring the right kit and allow the right amount of time.
- Check your inventory. If you have the check-in report from the start of your tenancy, it tells you the standard you're being measured against.
What happens during an end of tenancy clean, room by room
The kitchen
The kitchen usually takes the longest. The oven is cleaned inside, including racks, trays and the inside of the glass door. The hob, extractor and splashback are degreased.
Cupboards and drawers are emptied, wiped inside and out, and the handles cleaned. Worktops are cleaned and the sink and taps descaled. The fridge and freezer are cleaned inside if they're defrosted and switched off, and the washing machine drawer, seal and filter get attention too.
Finally, skirting boards, the floor, light switches and any tiling are done.
Bathrooms
Limescale is the main job here. The shower screen, tiles, taps, shower head and toilet are descaled and cleaned. Grout is scrubbed where it needs it.
The bath, basin, toilet (including the base and behind it), mirrors, extractor vents and towel rails are all cleaned, then the floor is washed.
Bedrooms and living areas
These rooms are quicker but still detailed. Skirting boards, window sills, door frames, doors, light switches and sockets are wiped. Interior windows and glass are cleaned. Wardrobes and built-in storage are cleaned inside.
Carpets are vacuumed thoroughly, including edges and under where furniture stood. Hard floors are vacuumed and mopped. Cobwebs come down from ceiling corners.
Hallways, stairs and everything else
Stairs and landings get the same treatment as other rooms. Bannisters are wiped, carpets vacuumed. Radiators, the front and back of internal doors, and the inside of the front door are cleaned.
How long it takes
It depends on the size of the property and the state it's in. A one-bedroom flat is a much shorter job than a four-bedroom house that's been lived in for years.
We'd rather give you an honest estimate once we know the details than quote a blanket figure. Tell us the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether there's an oven that needs serious work, and when you need it done by.
Booking it at the right time
Book the clean for after your furniture has gone and before your check-out inspection. That's usually the last day or two of the tenancy.
Moving dates slip, so give yourself a small buffer if you can. And let us know early if you're moving in a busy period, because end of month is when most tenancies end.
What an end of tenancy clean doesn't cover
It's a clean, not a repair job. Chipped paint, broken fittings, holes from picture hooks and damaged carpets are maintenance issues, not cleaning ones. If something is damaged, tell your landlord rather than hoping a clean will hide it.
Outside areas like gardens, patios and bin stores are usually separate too, so ask if you need them included.
If you're not moving out but want the property brought up to a similar standard, our deep cleaning service covers much of the same ground.
Where we work
We cover Norfolk and the surrounding area, including Norwich, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth.
If you've got a moving date and want to know what the clean would involve for your property, get in touch with CleanIt4u and we'll talk it through.