Step By Step Kitchen Bond Cleaning Guide

Are all the cupboards scrubbed? Yes. The oven degreased? Yes. Sink is shining? Yes.

Bond cleaning is all about ticking the right boxes. And since the kitchen is the epicentre of all these checks during a move out inspection, a detailed stepwise approach to this task will help you manage both stress and money. Missing even just one thing, like the rangehood filters or behind the fridge, can be enough to put your bond deposit at risk of incurring deductions. So, making a plan of action to deal with this area of the home is crucial.

This guide will walk you through exactly what needs attention in your kitchen, so that nothing is missed during the cleaning. It will break the task in manageable chunks, so that you know what to handle and the order in which to handle them. Everything will be clearly laid out. And for tenants that are searching for reliable tips on expert bond cleaning Darwin, you’ll find that the information shared here is more than enough for you to get started on the task at hand.

1. Start With Decluttering And Emptying Cupboards

Before any sort of bond cleaning can start, it’s important that you clear the playing field of its contents. Empty out every cupboard, drawer and shelf. Be sure to clear out leftover food, crumbs and even sticky spills that tend to accumulate in storage areas. Once cleared, use a damp cloth with mild detergent to wipe all surfaces. Pay extra attention to the corners and edges as grime often builds up here. Don’t forget to clean the cupboard doors, handles and the tops of tall cupboards as dust can settle down in these generally overlooked areas. Cupboards are one of the most common problem areas during budget bond cleaning Darwin inspections; hence, you need to be sure that you’ve cleaned these thoroughly.

2. Focus on Cleaning Oven and Stovetops

The oven and stovetops are generally the biggest challenges in a kitchen to clean. They can contain residues of burnt food, baked on grease, food splatters, etc., which tend to require strong degreasers or natural cleaners like baking soda, to get rid of them. To thoroughly clean them, remove the oven racks and soak them in hot soapy water to release the grime before scrubbing. Then, gently wipe the oven walls, glass door, and heating elements to ensure that no grime remains.

The stovetop should also be carefully cleaned, including its burners and drip trays if applicable. Since, this is one of the first places that the property managers check, a spotless oven can make a strong impression on them during the inspection.

3. Clean the Rangehood and the Exhaust Fans

Another usual problem area during inspections is the rangehood, which collects a lot of oil and grease from all of the cooking that happens every day. Begin by removing and soaking, the filters in hot, soapy water or a degreaser solution. Wipe off the exterior, paying special attention to stainless steel surfaces that can easily exhibit streaks. If your kitchen has an exhaust fan, thoroughly clean the blades and surrounding regions, as dust and oil can mix to create a sticky residue, that is sometimes neglected.

4. Shine the Sink and Tapware

A sparkling sink can make the whole kitchen feel cleaner. Begin by scrubbing away stains, food particles or rust marks with a non abrasive cleaner. Don’t forget to clean around the drain, plug and under the sink rim, where mould or grime can develop. Polish the tapware until it sparkles, making sure you are removing water marks and fingerprints. Finally, buffing with a dry cloth can help restore the shine to stainless steel sinks. Sinks and taps are thoroughly checked during comprehensive bond cleaning Darwin inspections, so this step is critical to receiving your entire bond back.

5. Wipe Down Benchtops, Tiles and Splashbacks

Kitchen surfaces, especially benchtops and splashbacks, should be free of stains, grease and fingerprints. To avoid damage, use an appropriate cleaning solution for the material; for example, natural stone should not be cleaned with acidic cleaners. Don’t ignore grout lines on tiled splashbacks, as grime and grease can lodge there. To remove stubborn filth between tiles, use a toothbrush or a small scrubber. Once completed dry the surfaces with a clean cloth, to provide a streak free finish.

6. Clean Inside and Behind the Appliances

Appliances such as the refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher, must also be left immaculate prior to inspection. Remove the fridge’s shelves and drawers, wash them in warm soap mixed water and thoroughly clean the interior. The microwave should be steam cleaned to remove food splatters, and the dishwasher’s filter and seals require care. Just as critical, if possible, relocate these appliances and clean the floor and walls behind them. Dust, crumbs and spills, can quickly accumulate in these hidden locations, which are frequently examined during thorough bond cleaning Darwin inspections.

7. Mop Floors and Give Final Touches

After all of the deep cleaning is done, it’s time to finish with the flooring. Sweep and vacuum to remove dust, crumbs, and debris, then mop with a floor cleaner appropriate for the surface type. Pay special care to corners, beneath cupboards and skirting boards. Finally, examine the kitchen once more with fresh eyes. Open cupboards, shine a torch inside the oven and run your touch over the counters, to verify nothing has been overlooked. Small spots may only be apparent when viewed from different angles or in high light.

8. The Benefits of a Step by Step Approach

By dividing down the kitchen cleaning process into steps, you can make what seems like an overwhelming task more doable. Instead of skipping essential areas or rushing at the last minute, you will go through each component of the kitchen in a logical manner. This not only improves your chances of passing the inspection but it also relieves stress and saves time. An organised approach, makes it easy to allocate jobs while others are present, ensuring that every area of the kitchen receives the attention it requires.

Infographic: Kitchen Bond Cleaning Guide

Wrapping Up

Kitchen bond cleaning can seem like a difficult undertaking, but with a simple, sequenced approach it becomes a lot more manageable. From cabinets to appliances to sinks and floors, each area demands meticulous attention to detail. By following this approach, you will WOW the inspector and get your bond refunded in full. So, go try it out. Good luck and Happy Cleaning!