Getting your full deposit back when you move out of a rental property depends heavily on the cleanliness of the property at the end of your tenancy. Landlords and letting agents expect the property to be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, minus fair wear and tear.
Kitchen: Clean inside all cupboards and drawers, wipe down all worktops, clean the hob, oven, grill pan and racks (inside and outside), clean the extractor fan and filter, descale the kettle, clean the fridge and freezer (defrost if needed), clean the microwave inside and out, mop the floor, and wipe all skirting boards.
Bathroom: Remove all limescale from taps, shower head, tiles, and glass screens. Clean the toilet inside and out including behind the seat. Scrub grout lines. Clean inside the medicine cabinet. Polish mirrors. Mop the floor. Replace any sealant that has gone mouldy.
Bedrooms and living areas: Vacuum all carpets and mop hard floors. Dust all surfaces, shelves, and windowsills. Clean inside all wardrobes and drawers. Wipe light switches, door handles, and skirting boards. Clean windows inside.
General: Remove all personal belongings and rubbish. Replace any blown light bulbs. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Fill small nail holes with filler and touch up with matching paint if needed. Clean all internal doors.
Professional end of tenancy cleaning costs £120 to £350 depending on property size. While it is an extra cost, it virtually guarantees you get your deposit back and saves you a full day or more of cleaning time.