Guide to Oven and Kitchen Cleaning for End of Lease Tenants

Nothing is more stressful than preparing for the final move-out. Tenants in Victoria must adhere to their cleaning responsibilities throughout their lease and even when approaching the end of their tenancy. Proper planning and preparations allow you to pass your rental inspection and secure full bond money.

However, the most challenging part is to spruce up the grease-laden kitchen, particularly your much-loved oven. Leaving these areas dirty can lead to bond deductions and unwanted rental disputes because landlords closely inspect the property before passing the final inspection. The accumulated dirt, oil splatters, grime, sauce spills, and stubborn stains can make it difficult to achieve spotless results. But following a professional oven and kitchen cleaning guide at the end of your tenancy can make a huge difference.

As a responsible renter, ensure you refer to the property condition report and make necessary repairs (except for normal wear and tear) before getting into the cleaning process.

Let’s Get Started with a Step-by-Step Guide!

Step 1: Gather Necessary Cleaning Supplies

Tackling build-up grease, caked-on gunk, oil splatters, and gunk requires necessary tools and products. Here is a list of supplies you'll need to ensure sparkling results:

• Microfiber cloths, towels and sponges
• Rubber gloves
• Brushes for scrubbing
• Mop and bucket
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• White vinegar
• Lemon
• Baking soda
• Garbage bags, etc.

If you have been facing time constraints due to tight schedule and moving chaos, then you should consider booking experts for a budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne. They'll leave no stone unturned to give you the desired results without any downtime.

Step 2: Degrease Your Oven Like a Pro

There is no denying that the oven is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, especially for someone who loves baking cakes and cookies. Thus, landlords in Melbourne pay special attention when inspecting dirt-laden ovens. The in-built grease and stuck food residue can harbour foodborne illnesses while leaving bad odours behind. So, here is a quick guide to help you deep clean each component with perfection:

Remove  and Submerge Oven Racks:

Remove oven racks from the appliance and soak them in hot, soapy water. Fill a sink with hot water and mild dishwashing soap and submerge the grease racks. Adding a teaspoon of baking soda can increase the cleaning efficiency.

Prepare a DIY Oven Cleaner:

Before degreasing interiors, prepare an all-natural cleaning agent for effective results. Mix baking soda and water in a bowl to prepare a thick paste.

Apply the Paste Inside the Appliance:

Gently apply this paste inside your oven, except for the heating elements. Baking soda works wonders in dislodging grime and grease.

Let the Solution Work:

Leave the paste for 15 minutes to an hour. This can break down stubborn gunk without extensive scrubbing.

Wipe down with a Damp Cloth:

Grab a damp cloth and wipe down the appliance to remove stains and baking soda residue. You can use a toothbrush, one of the best tools to clean hard-to-reach spots in a home.

Spray with White Vinegar:

Next, spray white vinegar and warm water solution to remove the remaining gunk, bad odours and stains. Wipe again with a damp cloth

Scrub the Racks:

Remove the submerged racks from the solution and gently scrub with a sponge and brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry them before reattaching them to the appliance.

This is how you prepare your oven for the final rental inspection!

Step 3: Remove Grime and Gunk From the Stovetop

Don't overlook for stovetop when sprucing up your kitchen. After revamping your oven, try your hands on a grease-laden stovetop. Start the process by removing burner grates and knobs and soaking them in hot soapy water.

Next spray white vinegar solution to remove grease and oil splatters from the surface. Gently scrub with a brush to achieve spotless results. For burnt-on residue, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and scrub with a brush.

The final step is all about wiping the stovetop with a clean cloth to maintain a polished shine.

Step 4: Pay Attention to Your Microwave, Fridge and Dishwasher

These appliances are as important as an oven. The best part is that they are easy to clean using natural products. For a microwave, pour water, vinegar, and lemon juice into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 2-3 minutes. The steam will break down all the gunk, grime, and oil without causing any damage. Wipe down with a damp cloth for sparkling results.

For a fridge, switch off your appliance to ensure electrical safety and remove all shelves and soak them in soapy water. Meanwhile, clean the walls, door gaskets, and other interior components with a white vinegar solution. Do not forget door handles, crannies, and the top of the fridge.

When cleaning your dishwasher, place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. For an extra shine, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and again run a hot cycle for a shorter period.

Tip: Choose professional end of lease cleaners Melbourne over a DIY project to secure your hard-earned bond money at the end of your tenancy.

Step 5: Pay Attention to Wooden Cabinets and Countertops

Over time, kitchen cabinets collect a lot of grime, gunk, and grease, making them look dull and dingy. Similarly, countertops are laden with oil splatters, food particles, and grime. So, clean them one by one using the best methods.

First things first! Remove all food items from cabinets and drawers and dust the interior areas with a damp cloth.

Take baking soda paste to remove grease from the wooden cabinets. Do not apply force, as it can leave scratches behind. Clean and disinfect handles and knobs

For a natural stone countertop, use borax powder and baking soda paste. Gently scrub with a sponge, then wipe with a damp cloth for sparkling results.

Step 6: Clean and Disinfect Sink and Faucets

Landlords leave no area untouched and pay special attention to the kitchen sink and faucets. If you want to pass your inspection, scrub the stainless steel sink to bring back its original shine.

Instead of using abrasive cleaners, use baking soda paste and gently scrub the nooks and crannies of the sink. Scrub mineral deposits harder. For taps or faucets, spray the white vinegar solution on a cloth and wipe down the surface. This will effectively remove grime, limescale, and germs.

Also, naturally unclog drains using baking soda and white vinegar.

Step 7: Clean the Rangehood and Filters

To clean your rangehood, wipe down the exterior part with vinegar. Next, remove the filters and soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to dislodge the gunk. Take a scrub brush, remove the remaining grease and rinse them well.

Step 8: Walls, Tiles and Floors

Make sure you wipe down your walls using a cloth dampened in a DIY solution. This will remove accumulated oil spots, grease and food stains effectively. Add baking soda and scrub with an old toothbrush to clean tile grout lines.

Finally, sweep and mop the floors and impress your fussy landlord. You can also hire experts for a quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne for difficult-to-clean areas and save your hard-earned bond money.

Tenant’s Guide: How to Clean Oven and Kitchen Surfaces?

Wrapping Up

Tenants don't have to be arduous about cleaning an oven and other kitchen areas. With this simple guide, you can create a spotless and well-organised kitchen environment using natural cleaning products. Clean your oven, microwave, and other areas with precision and pass your rental inspection in Victoria.