If you’re moving out, the cleaning isn’t a courtesy. It’s expected. Most tenancy agreements say the property must be returned in the same condition as when you moved in—sometimes better. If it’s not up to scratch, expect deductions from your deposit. That’s how it works.
And no, it’s not a quick once-over. This is a full top-to-bottom deep clean. Here’s what’s actually involved.
Kitchen – Deep Clean, Not Just a Wipe-Down
The kitchen takes the longest. It gets greasy, messy, and full of food residue, especially behind appliances and inside ovens.
A proper job includes:
Oven: racks removed, trays soaked, everything degreased
Hob and extractor: all surfaces cleaned and grease-free
Fridge & freezer: defrosted, cleaned inside and out
Cupboards: emptied and wiped inside and outside
Sink and taps: descaled, polished
Worktops, splashbacks, tiles: scrubbed, disinfected
All surfaces. All corners. Even the crumb tray in the toaster, if it’s there.
Bathroom – Limescale, Grime, and Detail
Bathrooms build up limescale and soap scum quickly. If they’re not cleaned thoroughly, landlords will notice.
What’s expected:
Toilet, bath, sink, taps, and tiles – all scrubbed and descaled
Shower screen and grout – mildew gone, joints cleaned
Mirrors – no streaks
Bins – emptied and wiped
Floor – hoovered and mopped
Taps should shine. Grout should be white again.
Carpet Cleaning – Not Just a Vacuum
Vacuuming alone isn’t enough. Carpets hold dust, dirt, and smells, especially if you’ve had pets.
Most tenancies require professional carpet cleaning, which means:
Hot water extraction (steam cleaning)
Stain treatment
Deodorising
It lifts dirt from deep in the fibres and removes allergens too. The difference is visible.
Living Areas – Walls, Floors, Fixtures
This is where people relax—and where dirt quietly builds up.
What gets cleaned:
Skirting boards, light switches, sockets, door handles – wiped and disinfected
Furniture (if it stays): hoovered, dusted
Windows (inside only unless agreed) – no streaks
Curtain rails, blinds, shelves, radiators – all dusted
Floors: hoovered and mopped
Walls: spot-cleaned for marks where possible
Miss any of this and it’ll show on the inventory report.
Final Areas – The Details That Often Get Missed
These are the ones people forget:
Behind the sofa
Under the bed
Inside and on top of wardrobes
Inside drawers
Behind appliances
Top of door frames
Window sills, vents, extractor fans
These are the areas that cost tenants their deposit if they’re missed. We see it all the time.
Final Walkthrough – Check Everything
Once the clean is done, walk the property slowly. Open every cupboard. Check behind and under things. Run your hand along skirtings. Look at switches, handles, and high-up corners.
That’s how you catch what got missed.
Why It Matters
If your clean doesn’t meet the landlord’s standard, they’ll book someone to do it—and take the cost out of your deposit.
Sometimes more than what you’d have paid in the first place.
A proper end of tenancy clean avoids:
Deposit deductions
Disputes or delays
Follow-up calls from agents
Last-minute stress
OneCall Cleaners Does It Properly
We handle end of tenancy cleaning in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and nearby.
We follow actual agent checklists
We bring all the tools and products
We offer free re-cleans if the property fails inspection
We’re insured and trained
And we don’t leave until it’s done right
📞 01202 144 144
🧾 Get a fixed quote today. No hidden charges. No guesswork.
Move out clean. Done right. Deposit protected.