Cleaning Your Student House at the end of your Tenancy

At the end of your tenancy you need to hand over the property in a clean and fit state to re let. Follow this
guide to help you get your deposit back quickly and intact

General tips
Clean from top to bottom. That is start at the top of the room, clean, dust vacuum last. It is no good
cleaning the lower cupboards in your kitchen and then the upper ones spilling the contents on the ones
you’ve just cleaned.

You will find it much harder to clean a room if it is still full of your stuff. It is best the take your
possessions out and then clean the room.

CAUTION: mixing cleaning products and compounds is dangerous and can cause noxious fumes. Always
read the label and when using cleaning products open windows to ensure plenty of ventilation. Never mix
products – that includes using two products separately on the same item.

This guide has been set out in the order you should clean your flat. Start with your bedroom before
moving on to the communal areas finishing with the entrance hall, landing and stairs.

If you’re not keeping stuff that is still good to use (excluding food) consider donating it to a charity shop.

You should ensure your house is free from dust, greasy deposits, marks, stains and that areas like the
kitchen and bathrooms are hygienically clean

If you are disposing of large items or your wheelie bin is overflowing telephone the council on 0000 000
0000 and arrange a special removal of rubbish (this is usually free)

Check list of tools and equipment you will need

 Broom or vacuum with  All-purpose cleanser or mild  Small bucket with handle
attachment cleanser of choice  Grout brush and grout cleaner
 Mop or carpet machine  Oven Cleaner  Also need spare bags for
 Spot carpet cleaner  Laundry products for vacuum (if not using a bag less
 Cleaning cloths laundering bedding one)
 Dust mop (preferably with a  Mirror and window cleaner  Copious supply of bin bags
long or extendable handle)  Step-ladder  Spot remover for upholstery or
 Dust cloths  Sponges carpets

The day before

Here are a few things that take a little extra time and that you may consider to start the day before your
big clean.

The Day Before Office Use

Bathroom: lime scale in the toilet – use a specialist lime scale remover and soak
   
over night,
 Wash the bathroom slip mats (wash according to its instructions)   
Kettle: Check the inside if there is a lot of lime scale: Use a mixture of half water
 and half white (or brown) vinegar leave in the kettle overnight. To remove the   
odour afterwards, boil fresh water in the kettle a few times.
Kitchen: Turn off and start to defrost the freezer. When defrosting the freezer,
   
remember use a bowl and old towels to catch the drips
 Wash any curtains (in accordance with their instructions)   

By New Student —1— [Link]

Bedroom

General Office Use

 Dust down the ceiling, corners and dado rails   
 Wash any walls that need to be cleaned   
 Clean air vents  doorknobs and  switch plates.   
Dust and clean all wall art. Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs.
Lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass. Never spray cleaner or
   
water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the
pictures
Windows: Make sure you clean all the glass and frames, and as with the mirrors
   
make sure they aren’t streaky.
 Remember to dust (or use a damp cloth to wipe) the windowsills   
Remove the lampshade and dust it (you can use a vacuum nozzle or brush on low
   
suction). Once dusted, replace the lampshade
Mirror: Give the glass and frame a good clean, and be careful not to leave it
   
streaky

Bed
 Remove the mattress and dust/vacuum the bed   
Pull the bed out, remove and accumulated rubbish from under the bed and vacuum
   
underneath
 Put the bed back   
 Remove the mattress cover/protector; turn the mattress over before putting it back   
 Wash and dry the mattress cover and replace in on the mattress before you leave.   

Wardrobe
Wardrobe use a damp cloth to remove the accumulated dust on top of the
   
wardrobe
Empty out every drawer and shelf, and pull them out completely, vacuum the
   
drawers and shelves to remove any dust and debris
 Vacuum the inside of the wardrobe making sure to get right into the corners   
 Pull the wardrobe out to dust and vacuum behind   
 Put the Wardrobe back   
 Replace all the draws.   
 Wash/wipe down the outside of the wardrobe, doors, drawer fronts and sides   

Bedside Table
Empty out every drawer and shelf, and pull them out completely, vacuum the
   
drawers and shelves to remove any dust and debris
 Vacuum the inside of the drawers making sure to get right into the corners   
 Pull the table out to dust and vacuum behind   
 Put the table of draws back in its place   
 Replace all the draws.   
Wash/wipe down (with a damp cloth) the outside of the table, drawer fronts and
   
sides making sure you remove any marks

Chest of drawers
Empty out every drawer and shelf, and pull them out completely, vacuum the
   
drawers and shelves to remove any dust and debris
 Vacuum the inside of the drawers making sure to get right into the corners   
 Pull the Chest of drawers out to dust and vacuum behind   
By New Student —2— [Link]
 Check to make sure none of your possessions have fallen inside the Chest of
   
draws.
 Pull the chest of draws out to dust and vacuum behind.   
 Put the chest of draws back in its place   
 Replace all the draws.   
Wash/wipe down (with a damp cloth) the outside of the wardrobe, doors, drawer
   
fronts and sides making sure you remove any marks

Desk & Chair

 Empty out every drawer and where you can pull them out completely.   
Vacuum the drawers to remove any dust and debris making sure to get right into
   
the corners
 Dust or wipe the table legs   
 Clean the table top making sure to remove any tea or coffee rings   
 Dust or wipe the chair legs   
 Use spot remove to get rid of any marks or stains on the chair upholstery   

Venetian Blinds
After lowering the blinds and closing the slats wipe with a damp rag. Avoid
 applying too much pressure to the blinds when scrubbing, as most are prone to   
denting and bending
 Close the slats in the opposite direction and wipe the other side   

Curtains
Take down and remove all the hooks and store in a safe place before washing the
curtains in accordance with instructions

Floor & Rug

 Move all the furniture out and vacuum behind and underneath where they stand   
 Vacuum the rug and remove it to vacuum underneath   
 Use spot remover to get rid of any stains and or marks on the carpet   

By New Student —3— [Link]

Bathroom

General Office Use

Windows: Make sure you clean all the glass and frames, and as with the mirrors
   
make sure they aren’t streaky.
 Remember to dust (or use a damp cloth to wipe) the windowsills   

Shower & Bath

 Dust down the ceiling, corners and dado rails   
 Clean the tiles and glass doors, or the shower curtain if there is one   
 With a grout brush apply tile cleaner to grout and scrub thoroughly.   
 Clean right round the bath, inside and out   
Go right round the bath taps and into the overflow hole, and make sure you get
   
under the bath, too
 Clean the shower head   
 Put the slip mat in the washer and wash according to its instructions   

Sink
 Clean the basin and the plug   
 Clean the pedestal and outside of the bowl   
 Clean around the taps and the taps themselves   

Bidet
 Clean the basin and the plug   
 Clean the pedestal and outside of the bowl   
 Clean around the taps and the taps themselves   

Toilet
If there are deposits in the bowl you will need to clean these first. Consider getting
 a special lime scale cleaner. You may have to leave this in the bowl overnight to   
clear all the lime scale.
Flush the toilet and then squirt liquid cleaner under the rim. Brush the bowl then
   
close the lid and flush.
Clean the exterior of the toilet, start at the top, spray and wipe the tank and handle,
 then the outside of the lid, next, wipe down the outside bowl area, such as sides,   
front, and where the toilet meets the floor.
Clean the seat, rim, and inside lid. Pay special attention to the area behind the hinges
   
next to the tank.

Floor
 Move everything off the floor.   
Empty the bathroom bin, clean and disinfect it then dry it and place a new bin
   
liner in it.
Vacuum or sweep any loose bits up (do not vacuum the floor if it is wet) including
   
behind the fittings.
 Finally mop the floor using a detergent solution.   

Finally
Through away any cleaning cloths that you have used on the bathroom floor and
   
or toilet

By New Student —4— [Link]

Kitchen
General Office Use
 Remove all the items from the tops of cupboards   
Empty all the cupboards and drawers. Remove all the food and throw away or box
   
to take home.
 Remove all your (ones your brought or bought) kitchen utensils and appliances   
All surfaces should be free from greasy deposits this includes the walls, cupboards
   
(both inside and out including the tops) and appliances
Windows: Make sure you clean all the glass and frames, and as with the mirrors
   
make sure they aren’t streaky.
 Remember to dust (or use a damp cloth to wipe) the windowsills   

Walls
 Wash the walls to remove any greasy deposits   

Cupboards
 Clean all the shelves and doors, inside and out   
Pay special attention to the tops of upper cupboards (where the cupboards do not
   
run to the ceiling) clean the tops to remove and greasy build up.

Crockery, Cutlery, Pots and Pans

Any crockery, cutlery, pots and pans that belong to the house should be cleaned
 and dried and put back in their correct cupboard (after the cupboard has been   
cleaned).
Remove the cutlery tray from the drawer wash and dry it, before replacing it and
   
the clean and dry cutlery.

Work surfaces
 Remove all appliances then get rid of any loose food first and then wipe down.   

Sink
 Go right round the taps, the plughole and the overflow   
If the sink is brown or has brown stains fill with water and add bleach – leave for
   
15 minutes before draining

Microwave
Wipe clean inside and out – including the door (if the inside is coated with grime
 place a bowl of hot water in the microwave with a bit of lemon and allow the heat   
to loosen the grime)
 Wash the turntable separately, dry and replace   

Cooker
 Wash the hob thoroughly, remove all the rings and clean the pan supports   
 Remember to wipe the door glass   
Use an oven cleaner on the inside - to remove all the burn in dirt and greasy
   
deposits (always read the label and follow the instructions)
Move the cooker out and clean behind, down the sides and vacuum carefully
   
behind it

By New Student —5— [Link]

 Fridge/Freezer Office Use
Pull the fridge away from the wall; wipe down all sides and vacuum carefully
   
behind it
 Clean all shelves and drawers separately   
 Unplug and defrost the fridge-freezer and clean it out   
When defrosting the freezer, remember use a bowl and old towels to catch the
   
drips
 leave the doors open so that air can circulate   

Washing Machine & Tumble-Dryer

 Clean the detergent drawer   
 Clean the door seal   
 Wipe down the front, sides and top   

Bin
 Wash inside and out with hot water and disinfectant   
 Wash the lid inside and out with hot water and disinfectant   
 Once dried replace the lid with a new bin liner   

Kettle
Check the inside if there is a lot of lime scale: Use a mixture of half water and half
 white (or brown) vinegar leave in the kettle overnight. To remove the odour   
afterwards, boil fresh water in the kettle a few times.
 If there is no lime scale build up just give the kettle a good rinse out   

Toaster
Remove any crumbs that have accumulated in the bottom (there is usually a small
   
trap-door underneath), and wipe clean.

Dishwasher
 Clean the filter   
 Make sure there are no bits of food or greasy deposits inside   
 Wipe down the inside and wipe down the sides and door   

Floor
 Move everything off the floor.   
Vacuum or sweep any loose bits up including behind the fittings (do not vacuum
   
the floor if it is wet).
 Finally mop the floor using a detergent solution.   
 Make sure you wipe the skirting boards   

By New Student —6— [Link]

Living Room

Walls Office Use

 Dust down the ceiling, corners and dado rails   
 Wash any walls that need to be cleaned   
 Clean air vents  doorknobs and  switch plates.   
 Make sure you wipe the skirting boards   
Remove the lampshade and dust it (you can use a vacuum nozzle or brush on low
   
suction). Once dusted, replace the lampshade
Dust and clean all wall art. Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs.
Lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass. Never spray cleaner or
   
water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the
pictures
Windows: Make sure you clean all the glass and frames, and as with the mirrors
   
make sure they aren’t streaky.
 Remember to dust (or use a damp cloth to wipe) the windowsills   

Sofa & Armchairs

 Remove the all the cushions off and get the vacuum into all the corners and gaps.   
 Do the same for the arm chairs   
 Use a spot remover to remove and marks or stains   
 Make sure you wipe the skirting boards   

Television/DVD
Unplug the TV and DVD Clean the screen carefully and wipe down the top and
   
sides
 Make sure you get rid of the dust in the vents, and remember the remote controls.   
 Dust the TV & DVD cabinet   

Floor & Rug

 Move all the furniture out and vacuum behind and underneath where they stand   
 Vacuum the rug and remove it to vacuum underneath   
 Use spot remover to get rid of any stains and or marks on the carpet   

By New Student —7— [Link]

Entrance hall, landing & stairs

General Office Use

 Dust down the ceiling, corners and dado rails   
 Wash any walls and clean off any scuff marks or finger marks.   
 Clean air vents  doorknobs and  switch plates.   
Dust and clean all wall art. Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs.
Lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass. Never spray cleaner or
   
water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the
pictures
Windows: Make sure you clean all the glass and frames, and as with the mirrors
   
make sure they aren’t streaky.
 Remember to dust the windowsills   

Banisters
Make sure you give the banisters a good clean, and get into all the nooks and
   
crannies and clean off any scuff marks or finger marks.

Entryway
Make sure the welcome mat is clean, shake it outside or vacuum it to get rid of
   
any dust, dirt and grit.
 Give the door a good clean both inside and out   
 And remember front-door glass   

Carpet & Stairs

 Vacuum thoroughly   
vacuum the stairs from top to bottom and either use a brush or use the nozzle on
   
the vacuum to get into corners and risers

Finally
 Empty the vacuum and replace the bag   

Front and Back Garden or Yard

Front and Back Garden or Yard

Remove any rubbish from the front garden/yard, place this rubbish in black bin
   
bags and deposit these in your wheelie bin.
Remove any rubbish from the back garden/yard, place this rubbish in black bin
   
bags and deposit these in your wheelie bin.
 Place the Wheelie Bin out for collection   
Remove all stolen signs, traffic cones and other contraband contacting the relevant
   
owners so they can arrange collection.
Take out all the rubbish and place in the wheelie bin. If there is excessive rubbish
 and or you are throwing large furniture away you will need to contact the count to   
notify them so them can send a specialist team to collect it

By New Student —8— [Link]