Room By Room Cleaning Checklist For Melbourne Rentals

Between Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, busy workdays and the occasional coffee spill on your apartment’s floor, keeping your rental spotless can feel like an Olympic sport. From stubborn bathroom grout to kitchen benchtops that never seem to stay streak free, cleaning often slips down the “to do” list until inspection day arrives. And once it does, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the things that need attention in each room.

That is where this simple, room by room cleaning checklist for your Melbourne rental will come handy. Whether you’re preparing for a fresh start or gearing up for budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne, this guide will ensure no space (from the kitchen to the balcony) in your rental is overlooked. By the end you’ll have a clear and organised plan regarding what to do and how to do, so that your rental is sparkling by inspection day.

1. Start by Deep Cleaning the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the trickiest space to clean, owing to all the grease, food residue and odours that it’s prone to accumulating. Start with cleaning the appliances: oven, stovetop and rangehood are usually the key focus points during the inspection. Remove the oven racks and soak them in warm soapy water, then wipe the interior using a baking soda paste or an oven cleaner. Do clean the knobs, filters and splashback, too. Then focus on the cupboards and drawers. Empty them out, wipe the interiors and remove crumbs and grease spots. Check for fingerprints or grime around the handles and doors; they’re quite easy to miss.

Next, clean the cupboards, sinks and taps. Give them a good polish. Use a multi surface cleaner and finish off with a microfiber cloth to restore shine. Lastly, mop the floors with a mild disinfectant, making sure corners and skirting boards are spotless. A clean kitchen will not only improve the overall look of the rental, but it will also leave a good impression during the inspection. Services that specialise in expert end of lease cleaning Melbourne often suggest these same tips to inspection proof the kitchen.

2. Meticulously Clean the Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another key area that the landlords and agents will focus on during an inspection. Start by tackling the tiles and grout, mildew or soap scum can be immediate red flags. So, use a scrub brush along with a mixture of vinegar and bicarb soda for an effective, ecofriendly clean. Then move on to cleaning the shower, bath and basin. Remove any limescale build ups from taps and glass screens, and polish the metal fixtures until they shine. Check under the sink and around pipes for any hidden grime.

Don’t forget the toilet; clean both the inside and the outside thoroughly, including the base and behind it. Finish by mopping the floor and ensuring all mirrors and glass surfaces are streak free. If your bathroom has exhaust fans, give them a quick vacuum or wipe to remove the trapped dust. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference during an inspection.

3. Living Room Must be Pristine

The living rooms need to be dusted, from top to bottom, including all of its light fixtures, shelves and skirting boards. Wipe the walls to remove any scuff marks, especially near the doorways or furniture edges and vacuum all the carpets thoroughly. If possible, consider steam cleaning them to remove deep seated dirt. For hardwood or tiled floors, sweep and mop, ensuring no streaks or residue are left behind.

Windows are another key focus here. Clean them on both the inside as well as outside (wherever accessible) and wipe down the window sills. Dust the blinds or wash the curtains if necessary. Finally, give everything a quick once over, especially the vents, air conditioner and ceiling fans. Melbourne’s dusty weather can often leave behind a fine layer of dust that is easy to miss during the cleaning process, but can become very apparent during inspection day.

4. Freshen up the Bedrooms

For the bedrooms, you need to start by decluttering. Remove all personal items, dust all the surfaces and, clean inside and outside the wardrobe sand drawers as well. Wipe down all the light switches, door handles and skirting boards too. If there are any marks or smudges on the walls, a gentle sugar soap solution can help remove them without damaging the paint.

You will also have to vacuum under the bed and along the edges where the dust tends to gather. For carpeted bedrooms, a professional clean might be worth the investment. If you’re preparing for a final inspection, especially for quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne, meeting local cleaning standards is vital. Finally, finish off with cleaning windows, removing cobwebs and ensuring all corners are dust free. A clean, neutral smelling bedroom too creates a great impression and signals to the inspector that everything is well cared for.

5. Laundry and Utility Area Cleaning

It is very easy to forget about these spaces during general cleaning, but you can be sure your property managers will not. Clean the lint filter in the dryer, wipe down the washing machine interiors and check the detergent drawer for any buildup. Dust and mop the floors, paying special attention to the corners and behind the appliances where lint or dirt accumulates. If you have a laundry sink, scrub it well and ensure the tap fixtures are spotless.

Give the walls a gentle wipe, too. And if there are any detergent or water splash marks, do make sure you remove it. Clean the light fittings and ceiling fans as well. Lastly, a quick spray of gentle disinfectant to the air can give the space a fresh smelling finishing touch.

6. Clean the Balconies, Patios and Entryways

The outdoor areas may seem like they’re less important, but they actually contribute to the property’s overall appearance. So, sweep and mop your balcony or patio, removing leaves, cobwebs and any stains from the outdoor furniture. If you have sliding doors, clean the tracks and the glass thoroughly. These small details matter a lot to the property inspectors. Check the outdoor lighting and remove the dust or insects that are trapped in the light covers.

For entryways or hallways, ensure the floors are clean, all the walls are mark free and doormats are either washed or replaced. These areas create the very first impression for the home, and a clean, well presented entry signals to the visitor that it has been cared for properly.

7. Take a Final Walkthrough of the Property

Once you’ve cleaned every room on the property, it’s time to do a final walkthrough. Check all the windows, and keep them open for ventilation purposes. All rubbish from the home needs to be removed and the floors everywhere should be completely clean and dry. Inspect underneath the furniture, inside of cupboards and behind doors as well. It’s also wise to take time stamped photos of all the cleaning work you’ve done. This will act as a safeguard in case you encounter issues later.

Finally, on the last day return all the keys, remotes and access cards exactly as specified in the lease agreement. A well cleaned and well documented preparty will set the stage for a smooth handover process for you. Even reliable end of lease cleaning Melbourne will advise you the same.

Infographic For Room Wise Cleaning Checklist for Melbourne

Wrapping Up

Cleaning a rental property for an inspection might seem daunting, but with the right plan you can ensure everything goes smoothly. With the above guide, and ensuring you’re paying attention to all the details, you can leave your old property on good terms. And more importantly, with your bond deposit safely in your pocket.