Complete DIY End of Tenancy Cleaning Guide: Room by Room Walkthrough

Don't let cleaning costs empty your pockets! With 56-63% of UK tenants losing money over cleaning disputes, it's crucial to leave your rental property spotlessly clean. While there is no law requiring you to hire professionals, most landlords expect the property to be in the same condition as when it was moved in. Passing the final inspection with flying colours is easy when you follow our ultimate end-of-tenancy checklist. Moving out will be straightforward, and you can also download a printable version—ready to begin?

Have You Prepared the Essentials Before You Start?

Get your cleaning supplies.

These essential tools and products will help you run a professional-grade clean:

Essential tools:

• Vacuum cleaner with attachments for furniture and corners
• Microfiber cloths (multiple colours)
• Scrubbing brushes, mop, bucket, extendable duster, and squeegee
• Old toothbrushes for tight spaces, rubber gloves, step ladder
• Sponges, lint roller, grout brush, window cleaning tools
• Steam cleaner (optional)

Kitchen products:

• Oven cleaner, degreaser, stainless steel cleaner, limescale remover
• Drain unblocker, dishwasher cleaner, refrigerator cleaner

Bathroom products:

• Toilet cleaner, mould remover, shower cleaner, grout cleaner
• Glass cleaner

General cleaning products:

• All-purpose cleaner, floor cleaner, carpet cleaner, furniture polish
• Disinfectant, air freshener, white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice

Supplies:

• Garbage bags, paper towels, dusting cloths, cotton swabs
• Magic erasers, protective floor coverings

Optional items:

• Carpet shampooer, pressure washer, industrial-strength cleaners

Safety equipment:

• Face mask, safety goggles, ventilation fans, first aid kit

How about some time-saving strategies?

Going strategic can make all the difference when undertaking a complex task like end-of-tenancy cleaning. Typically, this is how much time you will spend on each room:

• Kitchen: 2-3 hours (Greasy oven, limescale, fridge defrosting)
• Bathroom: 1.5-2 hours (Limescale, mould, grout)
• Living Room: 1-1.5 hours (Carpet stains, upholstery, wall marks)
• Bedroom: 1-1.5 hours (Storage, carpet cleaning, curtains)
• Hallway/Stairs: 1 hour (High traffic areas, bannisters, multiple levels)
• Windows (interior): 30 minutes (Number and accessibility of windows)
• Outside Areas: 1 hour (Garden, patio, bin storage)

Recommended Cleaning Timeline

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Clean areas that won’t get dirty again, like inside cupboards, behind appliances, and light fixtures.

1 Week Before

Pack non-essential items, clean the windows and oven, and defrost the freezer.

3 Days Before

Clean textiles, shampoo carpets, and mop hard floors.

1 Day Before

Clean bathrooms, wipe kitchen surfaces, and vacuum.

Moving Day

Wipe surfaces, vacuum, perform spot checks, and take "after" photos for your records.

Time-Saving Tips

• Work top to bottom, left to right in each room to avoid repeating areas
• Use the right tools for the job — specialised tools can do wonders!
• Start with the worst, like oven cleaning—it will boost your energy!
• Apply products and let them work so you can address something else in the meanwhile
• If possible, get help from family members or friends
• Minimize distractions – make yourself unavailable 😊
• Use cleaning caddies for each room so you don’t lose time looking around the house for supplies

What are pre-cleaning tasks?

Proper preparation will ease out the cleaning, and you should:

• Review your tenancy agreement-- see if there are any specific obligations and checkthe final inspection deadlines.
• Declutter the property — Remove all personal belongings from all areas and dispose of unwanted items and trash correctly.
• Examine the cleaning needs—detect the problematic areas (stains, mould, appliance grease, limescale deposits, etc.) and don’t forget about the high-traffic areas.
• Collect documentation — take "before cleaning" photos, examine the check-in inventory, and collect invoices for any professional services used during your tenancy.
• Practical preparation — defrost the freezer 24 hours before cleaning, move furniture away from walls, and remove light bulbs.
• Final steps before cleaning--ensure proper ventilation and wear protective gear. Turn off electronics and place protective coverings over carpeted areas when cleaning.

Mastering the art of end-of-tenancy cleaning

Want your rental to look its best? Follow these strategies:

• Top-to-Bottom principle

Start with the ceilings, then move on to mid-level surfaces like walls and furniture, and finally, finish with the floors. This way, you won’t revisit the same areas twice.

• Left-to-Right method

Use a clockwise motion to clean each room, moving to the next area after thoroughly cleaning it.

• Room-by-Room strategy

Clean one room at a time, starting with the kitchen and bathroom—it’s when you’re most energetic and motivated 😊. Don’t move to the next room until you've finished the current one.

• Cleaning zones

Divide each room into functional zones (e.g., upper cabinets, appliances, countertops in kitchens, ceiling, toilet, and sink in bathrooms) so your cleaning is efficiently targeted.

• Wet-to-Dry principle

Apply cleaning solutions to ovens and other areas that require dwell time, allowing you to proceed with tasks such as dusting or vacuuming. You will return to the wet areas later after the dwell time has passed.

• Detailed-to-general approach

It’s best to begin with detail-oriented tasks, such as oven cleaning, and then proceed to problem areas. Finally, conclude with general cleaning tasks, like dusting and mopping.

• Final Inspection

Use a flashlight to run a meticulous inspection. Imagine that you’re the landlord—be as discerning as they are! It’s not a bad idea to take some photos for proof.

Ready to Tackle Every Room? Here's Your Ultimate Cleaning Guide!

Kitchen

There's a reason why professionals recommend starting your cleaning with the kitchen—it's typically the most frequently used room and the most challenging to make pristine. Our guide will help you make it spotless.

Appliance Cleaning:

• Oven & Hob: Clean racks, trays, and oven shelves separately. Apply oven cleaner, clean knobs, scrub the interior and give the chrome parts a good polish.
• Refrigerator/Freezer: Defrost the freezer 24 hours before cleaning. Remove the food, clean the shelves, and wash door seals.
• Microwave: Use lemon water to clean the interior and turntable, and wipe the exterior.
• Dishwasher: Clean filters and spray arms and use vinegar to run an empty cycle.

Cabinet Cleaning

• Exterior: Based on the material of the cabinets, use an adequate cleaning solution to clean handles, edges, and surfaces.
• Interior: Vacuum crumbs, wipe surfaces, and dry thoroughly.  

Surface Cleaning:

• Countertops & Backsplash: Using suitable products, remove all stains and polish as needed.
• Sink & Taps: Remove limescale, polish fixtures, and clean drains.

Floor Cleaning:

You have to adjust the cleaning methods to the material of the floors, respectively:

• Tile Floors: Sweep, mop, and clean grout lines.
• Vinyl/Laminate: Sweep, carefully mop, and address the sticky spots.
• Wooden Floors: Sweep, clean with wood cleaner, and buff dry.

Inspection Hotspots:

• Extractor Fan: Clean the filters and exterior, and remove any grease.
• Hidden Grease Areas: Clean the tops of cabinets, behind appliances, and kickboards.
• Limescale: Descale taps and shower heads, and check the washing machine soap drawer.

End by wiping down light switches, emptying bins, and checking one last time to ensure all surfaces are streak-free.

Bathroom

Limescale, mould, and hygiene issues are paramount for landlords and final inspections. Here’s how to clean the bathroom:

Bath & Shower:

• Use the adequate products to clean bathtub surfaces and remove soap scum.
• Remove limescale and mould from seals and clean shower doors and tracks.
• Scrub the showerhead, caddy, and drain cover.

Tile & Grout:

• Use a specialised cleaner or a baking soda paste to wipe down wall tiles and clean the grout.
• Insist on difficult stains and scrub the lines with a grout brush. If necessary, use bleach.

Mould removal:

• Put on gloves and apply a mould cleaner. Make sure you open windows for adequate ventilation.
• Let the cleaner work for 10-15 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Toilet:

• Use a toiler cleaner to clean the bowl and scrub under the rim.
• Clean the exterior, including hinges—don’t forget to sanitise the flush handle.
• Use a pumice stone for difficult stains.

Sink & Vanity:

• Clean the sink basin, remove limescale, and clean overflow holes.
• Empty and clean vanity storage. If there is water damage or mould, ensure that you address it.

Mirrors & Glass:

• Use a glass cleaner or a vinegar solution to clean mirrors and glass surfaces.

Ventilation:

• Remove the covers and vacuum to clean the extractor fan and air vents.

Final Touches:

• Wipe light switches, clean windowsills, and mop the floor.
• Ensure the surfaces are dry and keep the windows (and door) open for ventilation.

Living Rooms

A neat, well-kept room makes a positive first impression and contributes to securing your deposit refund.

Dusting & Surface Cleaning:

• Remove cobwebs from ceiling corners and dust light fixtures, fans, and vents.
• Clean window frames, sills, and glass; dust the blinds; vacuum the curtains; and remove any condensation marks.
• Dust all furniture surfaces and clean behind and underneath. Don’t forget about the coffee tables and shelves.
• If there are marks on furniture, address them with appropriate cleaning products.

Skirting Boards & Woodwork:

• Dust skirting boards and use the correct cleaner to wipe them.
• Clean behind radiators and remove scuff marks or dirt buildup.

Doors & Door Frames:

• Clean both sides of doors, handles, and top edges.
• Wipe door frames and the threshold, and remove all marks.

Switches & Sockets:

• Turn off the power before wiping light switches and power outlets.
• Make sure all surfaces are dry before turning on the power.

Floor Cleaning:

• thoroughly vacuum the carpets. This is where commercial-grade vacuum cleaners show their superior performance. Don’t hesitate to call in the pros if you're unable to remove the stains or ingrained dirt.
• If you have hard floors, you will need a different approach to cleaning. You should sweep or vacuum the floors and then use an adequate product (specially formulated for laminate, hardwood, tile, or vinyl) to mop the floors.

Odor Management:

• Use cleaners and odour-eliminating products to eliminate smoke and pet odours. No success? Call the pros!

Final Touches:

• Check for any remaining marks on the walls, remove your belongings, and replace any broken bulbs.  A well-cleaned living room helps ensure a successful inspection and return of your deposit.

Bedrooms

Here’s how to make your bedroom clean as a whistle:

Mattress Care:

• Remove bedding and vacuum mattress surface.
• Use adequate cleaners to spot clean stains. To refresh the smell, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for 1-2 hours, and then vacuum it afterwards.
• Stand the mattress up to air it and use fabric fresheners to eliminate odours.

Bed Frame Cleaning:

• If need be, dismantle the bed frame before vacuuming and cleaning it.
• Use adequate products to clean wood or metal frames. Check for dust in joints and crevices.
• Remove dust and oils from fabric headboards.

Storage Area Cleaning:

• Empty wardrobes, closets, and drawers. Vacuum and wipe the interiors, polish the handles and clean the sliding door tracks.
• If there are stains or marks inside drawers, remove them. Ensure that the drawers slide smoothly before proceeding to the next area.

Surface and Fixture Cleaning:

• Use adequate cleaners to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Always wash them from top to bottom.
• Clean light fixtures, lamps, and window treatments, removing all dust and replacing any broken bulbs.
• Wipe down window frames and sills, and clean blinds or curtains.

Floor and Carpet Cleaning:

• Thoroughly vacuum carpets, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Always select the cleaning method based on the type of floor. For hard floors, for instance, sweep or vacuum them and then mop them with a safe and efficient cleaner.

Inspection Hotspots:

• Clean under the bed, in corners, and behind furniture. Always check the hidden, hard-to-reach areas where dust accumulates, as landlords typically do.
• Use fabric fresheners to eliminate odours.

Final Touches:

• Clear out your personal belongings, put the furniture back in place, and secure the windows.
• Take photos of the spotless bedroom and run a final inspection.

Additional Areas

Even though your landlord will spend most of their time checking out the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, they will also examine transitional areas, such as hallways, staircases, and utility rooms. Here’s how to tackle these areas:

• Hallways & Staircases

 Clean walls, skirting boards, light switches, and bannisters. Vacuum and mop floors, paying special attention to high-traffic areas and corners.

• Utility Rooms

Clean washing machines, dryers, sinks, and storage areas. Empty cupboards, clean shelves, and remove your belongings.

• Storage Areas

Clean and air cupboards, under-stairs spaces, and built-in wardrobes.

• Windows & Doors

Clean windowsills, glass, and doorframes, addressing scuff marks and fingerprints.

• Radiators & Fixtures

Dust radiators, clean light fixtures—make sure that all bulbs are functional.

• Other Areas

Tidy coat closets and entryways, check door functionality and ensure the property is secure.

Outdoor Spaces (if applicable)

Here’s how to make the outdoor space clean and presentable:

• Patios & Balconies

Sweep and scrub surfaces according to the material (concrete, decking, stone). Remove weeds, moss, and stains. Clean the glass panels and railings and inspect for any structural issues.

• Garden Maintenance

Mow grass and edge borders, remove weeds, and prune shrubs. Trim hedges, remove fallen leaves, and tend to the trees.

• Bin Areas

Thoroughly clean the bins and remove odours.

• External Storage

Empty sheds and bike stores, clean thoroughly and verify for leaks.

• Additional Elements

Sweep paths, clean fences, gates, lighting, and check gutters.

We have prepared a detailed end of tenancy cleaning checklist in printable format for you to check out.

Should You Go Pro or DIY on Your End-of-Tenancy Clean?

If you don’t know which one to go—DIY or hiring the pros—give a good thought to the following aspects:

Hire the pros if:

• It’s required by your tenancy agreement, especially for carpet or upholstery cleaning.
• You want to get your whole deposit back
• You cannot remove difficult stains, such as deep grease or limescale.
• You don’t have the time to complete the cleaning.
• You need a cleaning guarantee
• Your landlord or agent requires an invoice, and we all know that DIY cleaning doesn’t provide one.

Consider costs vs. possible deposit deductions:

Your DIY cleaning supplies and equipment will cost between £50 and £100+. You'll need to spend 6-12 hours cleaning your rental property. Professional cleaning services range from £100 for a studio to over £ 350 for a property with four or more bedrooms. Time spent booking? Just 2 minutes! Plus, you get guarantees for their work.

Regarding potential deposit deductions, DIY cleaning can lead to costly charges. Inadequate cleaning may result in deductions of £50-£150 for carpet cleaning, £40-£80 for oven cleaning, and £150-£400 for general deep cleaning. However, if you hire the right professionals, you can avoid deposit deductions entirely!

FAQs

Does the law require professional cleaning?
No, but it might be stated in your tenancy agreement. Many landlords expect professional-standard cleaning at the end of the lease, and failing to meet these standards can result in deposit deductions.

When should you start cleaning?

We recommend starting the cleaning 1–2 weeks before moving for a thorough, deep clean. However, you should clean the high-traffic areas 2-3 days before moving. Of course, you need to run one final wipe-down on the day of the move.

On what areas do landlords focus?
Landlords typically scrutinise the kitchen, bathroom, carpets, flooring, windows, and walls.

Will I get my deposit back if I clean myself?

As long as you are detail-oriented and your cleaning results meet your landlord’s standards.

What’s Buzz Maids’ satisfaction guarantee?

We offer a 7-day satisfaction guarantee. If our work isn’t up to your or your landlord’s standards, we will return for free repairs. We follow landlord-approved checklists, and to date, we have never had to return for re-cleans.

Feel free to contact us!

Contact the team at Buzz Maids. We are always accepting new cleaning job requests, and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions about our services and rates. The cherry on top? We will also give you a free, personalised quote 😊

RESOURCES

• https://homelet.co.uk/tenants/tips-for-tenants/end-of-tenancy-clean-what-you-need-to-know
  https://www.emop.co.uk/help/end-of-tenancy/
• https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/property-maintenance/how-to-do-an-end-of-tenancy-clean/
• https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2024/04/08/how-much-does-end-of-tenancy-cleaning-cost-in-the-uk/
• https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com/house-cleaning-services-vs-diy-which-one-saves-you-more-time-and-effort/