Cleaning

You must leave property clean and undamaged in the state you found it when you moved in. If the property is not adequately cleaned, you will be charged for:

1. Professional cleaning services.
2. Disposal of rubbish.
3. Replacement of missing or broken items.

Cleaning services #

You can to book a professional cleaning company, but do this several months in advance: they are busy when the university year ends. Contact us to arrange or suggest cleaning services when necessary.

Note:

• Some cleaning companies require payment in advance so we recommend you use a credit card for additional consumer protection.
• Once finished, please ask us to inspect the property and check it is completed to the required standard before you confirm you are happy with the service.

Cleaning checklist #

Please pass this list to those cleaning your property.

General #

• Use gloves and follow cleaning product safety guidance.

• Do NOT use cleaning wipes which leave grime marks.

• “Dettol Mould and Mildew remover” (green bottle) is best for kitchens, bathrooms, and mould around window frames.

• Wipe down furniture and architraves with hot water and washing up liquid. Change the water and cloths regularly and use a drying cloth immediately.

• Use window cleaning products on mirrors.

• Fully vacuum, then steam clean and/or mop or wash using a professional flooring cleaning machine on all floor surfaces including wood, laminate, rugs, carpets, and tiles according to professional recommendations. Pay special attention to areas under chairs, tables, sofas, cushions, beds, desks, cookers, other appliances.

• Lino can become dirty or sticky and may require further cleaning.

• Wipe-clean all washable walls. Pay attention to the rear of free-standing furniture such as beds, sofas, desks, chaires, bins etc. and remove stains as necessary.

• Clean the inside and outside of all cupboards, drawers, desks, wardrobes, and other furniture.

• Dust and check lighting and lampshades. Replace bulbs if necessary.

• Clean wall light switches, sockets, flat surfaces, ledges, window sills, and woodwork including internal, external, and patio doors.

• Clean picture rails, skirting boards, kick boards, and curtain/blind tracks.

• Empty, wash, and wipe the internal and external surfaces of all bins.

• Clean all inside windows including mould from frames.

• Remove cobwebs.

• Use a professional window cleaning company when outside windows are dirty.

• Professionally clean dirty curtains. Do not attempt this yourself: they will shrink and you will be charged for replacements.

Communal areas #

• Wash down and dry external front and back doors.

• Clean banisters. Pay attention to staircase stringers and spindles which can be cleaned with warm soapy water and dried with a towel.

• Clean and vacuum any under-stairs cupboards.

• Replace door bell batteries if necessary.

Sitting rooms #

• Remove loose-fitted covers on sofas, cushions, throws etc. and clean according to manufacturer instructions. Please seek advice if unsure.

• Steam clean sofas to remove stains.

• Clean all furniture and shelves. Pay attention to wooden sofa arms and tabletops.

• Clean around, and under furniture.

• Dust and clean televisions and stands.

Kitchens #

• Kitchen floors

  Use a good floor cleaner.

• Ovens

  Clean ovens and microwaves externally and internally including the shelves, glass door, grill pan, trays, extractor hoods (replace filters). Ensure all are free from grease, oil, fat, food stains, discolouring etc. Once cleaned, leave doors open so air can circulate.

• Sink areas

  Wipe clean tiles/splash back, sink, taps, draining areas, and surround. Remove all food debris, grease, oil, fat, food stains, discolouring, and lime scale.

• Refrigerator/freezer

  Switch off the appliance, remove contents, and fully defrost. Clean all external and internal surfaces including the top, door, shelves, drawers, trays, and rubber seals. Once cleaned, leave doors open so air can circulate.

• Dishwashers

  Please read instructions or ask for advice. Wipe clean externally and internally and remove debris. Wash all internal fittings: draining hole fixtures, basket, shelves, soap dispenser, and door rubber seals. Once cleaned, leave the door open so air can circulate.

• Washing machines

  Please read instructions or ask for advice. Wipe clean externally and internally, including the drum, door, and water filter. Remove and wash the soap dispenser. Once cleaned, leave the door open so air can circulate.

• Tumble dryers

  Wipe clean externally and internally, including the drum and door. Remove any fluff from the filter. Where there is a condensing drawer, please empty it and leave in the drum or on a work surface.

• Vacuum cleaners

  Wipe clean and empty dust bag or replace with a new one.

• Wash and store mops, buckets, dustpans, brushes, brooms, chopping boards etc.

Bathrooms #

• Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors. Check behind wash basins and WCs.

• Remove dust and marks from walls and pipe work, especially around the WC U-bend.

• Clean the bath, shower, shower screen, WC, taps, basins, tiled walls, etc.

• Clear plug holes of debris such as hair.

• Remove dust, grease, and lime scale deposits.

• Polish glass including mirrors, shower screens, and tiles.

Bedrooms #

• Vacuum the bed mattress, frame, and headboards. (Headboards often attract hair.)

• Wash and dry mattress protectors using a stain remover where necessary. Do NOT put mattress protectors in the tumble dryer as they may shrink. Replace stained protectors if necessary.

Outside areas #

• Ensure drains are clear of dirt, weeds, rubbish, and fat.

• Remove weeds from paving areas.

• Cut grass if applicable.

• Brush down all outside areas to remove dirt and dead leaves.