The Ultimate End of Tenancy Deep Clean: What Professional Services Include
Tenants in the UK lose around £313 from their deposit on average—a significant sum considering the expenses involved in relocation. The unfortunate reality is that in most cases (over 50%), deductions occur due to improper cleaning, as many renters underestimate the time, skill, and precision required for a thorough, deep clean. The good news is that these deductions can be avoided by hiring professional cleaners who understand precisely what's needed for an effective deep clean. But how do professionals achieve the cleaning results that landlords expect? With room-by-room breakdowns, insider tips and video demonstrations, we'll show you why their work satisfies even the most particular landlords. After all, you wouldn't want to lose money at the final hurdle, would you?
Key takeaways
- Professional cleaners utilise specialised equipment, such as commercial vacuums and steam cleaners, which outperform off-the-shelf models and yield superior cleaning results.
- Kitchen provocations include oven grime and hob buildup, which professionals address with commercial-grade degreasers and specialised equipment.
- Bathroom cleaning focuses on removing black mould, dissolving limescale, and restoring cloudy shower screens using professional-grade products.
- Professionals inspect areas that are often overlooked, such as light fixtures, window tracks, skirting boards, and behind appliances—typically areas that are not typically assessed by landlords.
- Professional cleaners typically require 10+ hours to clean a 2-bedroom flat, completing the task in 4-6 hours, whereas DIY takes 13-18 hours.
- Eco-friendly and allergy-safe cleaning options are available, and they are efficient without the use of harsh chemicals. They are options for sensitive households.
- Professional cleaning services offer guarantees, re-clean policies, and follow landlord-accepted checklists, thereby enhancing the chances of receiving a full deposit refund.
A peek at the professional cleaning process
Paying attention to the most minute detail is fundamental for excellent cleaning results. Here’s how the pros do it:
Pre-cleaning prep and planning
No deep cleaning will begin until the professionals will conduct a detailed, pre-clean inspection. This step helps the team examine the property’s condition, identify problematic areas, and devise a customised cleaning plan that meets most landlords’ standards and inventory checks.
Instead of a rushed, one-size-fits-all clean, professionals take a meticulous, room-by-room approach, ensuring they don’t miss anything. Using adequate equipment and products for each area, they will pay to the most minute detail when cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
If you leave your belongings behind, professionals will handle them with care. Many professionals will safely bag and label tenants’ belongings or inform the landlord to avoid accidental disposal.
The room-by-room deep clean
A professional end-of-tenancy cleaning is so much more than just a basic cleaning. The cleaners view every room as a unique cleaning project and employ specialist methods to make spotless hidden areas—where most landlords often look first.
Kitchens
By far the most examined rooms during final inspections, kitchens benefit from a complete top-to-bottom approach:
- All appliances will be thoroughly cleaned, both inside and out, including the refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and more.
- Cleaners will remove grease and disinfect cupboards, including handles and shelves
- Professionals perform entire oven deep clean, including racks, trays, and oven doors to leave everything spotless
- To remove grease buildup, a thorough cleaning of extractor fans and filters will be performed.
- Professionals will descale and sanitise the sink, taps, and drains for a spotless finish
- Countertops, backsplashes, and all kitchen surfaces will become immaculate after cleaners remove all food stains and grime.
📹 Oven Cleaning Transformation
See years of burnt-on grease vanish in our side-by-side oven reveal.
Bathrooms
- The cleaners handle limescale removal and remove build-up from showerheads, taps, and glass shower screens
- Toilet deep sanitisation takes place, and the pros clean and disinfect the toilet, including under the rim
- The pros handle grout and tile scrubbing to remove dirt, stains, and mould, leaving surfaces fresh and polished
- Sink and countertop deep cleaning is performed, and cleaners remove soap scum and watermarks
- The professional cleaners will polish mirrors and all glass surfaces, leaving them streak-free
📹 Shower Descaling in Action
living spaces &bedrooms
- Skirting boards, vents, curtain rods, light fixtures, and any other often-missed surfaces will be dusted
- Professionals customise the cleaning to the floor type, e.g., vacuuming carpets, mopping hard floors, and polishing wood.
- Furniture is moved around to access and remove unseen grime, dust, and debris behind or underneath
- The cleaners vacuum and spot-clean upholstered furniture, leaving it crisp- and fresh-smelling
- The pros perform window cleaning, removing dust and grime from windows, frames, and sills.
📹 Behind-the-Furniture Deep Clean
The key finishing touches
- Professionals will conduct a thorough review to make sure all areas are cleaned to landlords’ standards
- A cleaning certificate is issued by the professional cleaning company for documentation
- Overlooked spots or last-minute problems will be handled
- The professionals will conduct a cross-check using a cleaning checklist to ensure that all tasks have been covered.
📹 Before/After Comparison
What’s in a professional cleaner’s toolkit?
Another reason professional cleaners meet high standards of cleanliness is access to the industry’s best equipment and products.
Professional equipment—the trick up cleaners’ sleeves
When it comes to end-of-tenancy cleaning, expertise, dedication, and attention can only take you this far. For fast, thorough, and inspection-standard results, professionals turn to top-notch tools.
Commercial vacuum and not high-street models
Professional cleaners use commercial-grade vacuums for several reasons:
- They have stronger suction to lift deeply set dirt, dust, and allergens from deep within carpets
- They feature HEPA filters, trapping the tiniest particles and highly efficient for allergy-sensitive tenants
- They feature large cleaning heads and a solid design to ensure fast and efficient coverage, reducing cleaning time.
- They are designed for heavy-duty use and can handle large areas and difficult messes without compromising suction power.
🔍 Visual: Suction & Filtration Face-Off
Steamers, extractors & specialist Attachments
Steam cleaners
The high-powered steam wands sanitise grout, tiles, and shower screens without harsh chemicals. They eliminate dirt and bacteria without damaging the surface.
Carpet extractors
These are heavy-duty machines that use hot water extraction to remove deep stains, dirt, and odours from carpets, refreshing their colours and scent.
crevice tools and brush attachments
Professionals utilise these tools to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as blinds, skirting boards, and radiator gaps. Their small, accurate design ensures the deep cleaning of narrow spaces that many people often overlook.
Upholstery nozzles
These are made to clean sofas, chairs, and cushions. Cleaners use them to remove dirt and allergens without damaging fragile upholstery.
- Modern cleaning machines can reduce cleaning time by up to 30% so that professionals can handle other tasks
- EcoFlex™ technology in specific machines saves up to 40% of water, 20% of energy, and up to 60% of detergent without compromising cleaning efficiency.
Industry-grade cleaning products
Professional cleaners don’t use off-the-shelf cleaning products but rather industry-grade formulas designed to eliminate all the grime that store-bought products won’t touch.
Kitchen degreasers & bathroom descalers
To eliminate difficult oven grease and limescale-encrusted taps, professionals turn to high-performance cleaners made for the most challenging jobs:
Commercial degreasers
These heavy-duty cleaners are made to break down and dissolve built-up oils and grease. They can remove difficult grease from ovens, extractor fans, and hobs, leaving surfaces impeccably clean.
Professional descalers
The specialised cleaners address limescale and mineral deposits caused by hard water. They will remove stains from showers, sinks, and tiles without causing damage. The surfaces will remain sparkling, spotless, and intact.
Targeted formulas
Professional-grade degreasers and descalers are specifically designed for specific tasks and are more effective than off-the-shelf options. They penetrate deeply and offer quick results with high efficiency, leaving no residue behind.
🔍 Retail vs Pro: Effectiveness Test
Side-by-side comparisons reveal how quickly professional products cut through grime compared to standard supermarket options.
Carpet & Upholstery Shampoos
Professional carpet and upholstery shampoos present several benefits:
- Have deep-penetrating formulas
Professional-grade shampoos are designed to remove difficult stains and lingering odours that DIY sprays may not address. The formulas penetrate deeply into the fabric fibres, breaking down dirt and grime that have become deeply ingrained.
- Pet-safe and quick-drying
Many professional cleaning products are pet-safe and a good choice for households with pets. They dry quickly and have minimal downtime, allowing you to enjoy freshly cleaned carpets and upholstery promptly.
- Long-lasting for high-traffic areas
The shampoos are designed to manage heavy wear and tear in high-traffic areas. They are formulated to pick up long-set stains, including deep-set marks and ensure a thorough, durable clean that brings fabrics to their original appearance.
Watch a coffee-stained carpet restored to its original beauty—live.
Eco & Allergy-Safe Options—as often as possible
Professional cleaning doesn’t always mean using harsh chemicals. Today, the most dependable cleaning companies offer eco-conscious and allergy-safe alternatives—ideal for families with children, pets, and individuals with allergies.
Green alternatives benefits
They are biodegradable and plant-based
Green alternatives are made from natural ingredients, ensuring they safely break down in the environment. Unlike most traditional chemicals, they represent a sustainable cleaning alternative and don’t leave harmful residues.
They are effective for removing grease and grime.
Even though they are plant-based, the green alternatives are powerful enough to cut through grease, grime, and dirt. They manage complex cleaning tasks using chemical products, but these products don’t contain harsh chemicals or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can cause indoor air pollution.
They are child and pet-safe.
The eco-friendly cleaners are non-toxic and safe for children, pets, and sensitive surfaces. Their gentle yet efficient formula ensures peace of mind, especially in homes with young children or animals.
They ensure eco-conscious cleaning.
Using green alternatives lowers the environmental footprint, as they include fewer harmful ingredients that pollute water and air. They ensure a cleaner, greener way to keep the home spotless without reducing the quality of cleaning results.
low-residue, scent-free cleaners’ advantages
let’s take a closer look at the benefits of low-residue, scent-free cleaners:
- They have minimal chemical residue
scent-free cleaners are formulated to leave very little to no residue and have a low risk of lingering chemical traces on surfaces. They are ideal for households requiring deep cleaning without any chemical buildup left behind.
- They don’t have artificial fragrances
Unlike standard cleaning products, which often contain synthetic fragrances that can trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals, scent-free cleaners don’t contain such artificial fragrances. They ensure a fresh, neutral finish that doesn’t irritate the skin. Individuals prone to sensitivities or those who prefer fragrance-free environments benefit the most from scent-free alternatives.
- They are ideal for allergy-prone households
Scent-free, low-residue cleaners are perfect for renters with allergies or respiratory conditions. Since they minimise allergens and chemical irritants, the cleaners ensure a safe and healthy living space, maintaining a comfortable environment for everyone, especially those with sensitivities.
- They are perfect for sensitive tenants
Whether you relocate or not, using scent-free, low-residue products demonstrates your care for future renters’ health and well-being. Using such products leaves the space clean, fresh, and free from possible irritants that may affect the renter’s health or comfort.
Tackling the most challenging areas
Professional cleaners are familiar with landlords’ standards and know which areas they will scrutinise during the final inspection by heart. Typically, landlords thoroughly examine the areas covered in difficult dirt, dust, and grime—the areas that most non-professionals will miss during end-of-tenancy cleaning. Here are the most difficult areas to clean to meet landlords’ high standards:
Kitchen areas
The kitchen is often the ultimate test of a thorough cleaning job. Greasy ovens, sticky hobs, and smelly fridges can be challenging to clean, especially when you lack the skills, tools, and expertise that professionals possess.
Oven grime
Difficult grease, burnt-on food, and carbon deposits over time in the ovens. Professional cleaners employ commercial-grade, specialised degreasers and scraping tools to bring ovens to pristine condition. Paying attention to the most minute details, professional cleaners will leave ovens looking like new, with no traces of grime.
Hob buildup
Hobs, both gas and electric, collect grease, food spills, and stains, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The professional cleaners will use strong degreasers and scrubbers to remove the grime and restore the hob to a pristine, functional, and shiny condition.
Fridge/freezer sanitisation
Fridges and freezers are places that store difficult food stains, bacteria, and lingering odours. Using safe, powerful cleaners, professional cleaners will thoroughly sanitise the interior and exterior of the appliances, remove all food residue, and deodorise.
In the end, the kitchen and everything inside will be spotless and ready to welcome the new renters.
- A survey by the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) revealed that 68% of manufacturers have reported a significant shift towards sustainable and green cleaning products.
- Eco-friendly cleaners often contain plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, which lower exposure to toxic substances and reduce indoor air pollution. This leads to healthier living and working environments.
Bathroom challenges
Bathrooms are known for collecting difficult stains and buildup, as black mould, limescale, and cloudy shower screens can make even the most meticulous cleaner abandon the cleaning. However, professional cleaners manage to leave bathrooms cleaner than ever. Here’s how they handle bathroom challenges:
Black mould
Damp, warm environments, such as bathrooms, are ideal for black mould to thrive. Here, it spreads quickly and stains tiles, grout, and ceilings. Professional cleaners rely on specialised mould removers and deep-cleaning techniques to break down and safely remove mould, leaving surfaces immaculate for an extended period.
Limescale
If not adequately addressed, hard water stains and limescale will accumulate on taps, showerheads, and tiles. The mineral deposits are difficult to remove with off-the-shelf cleaners. Professionals employ commercial-grade descalers that dissolve limescale without damaging delicate bathroom surfaces. They will be left shiny and intact.
Cloudy shower screens
Water spots and soap scum make shower glass look foggy and unappealing. Using non-abrasive cleaners and specialist tools, professional cleaners will scrub away build-up, leaving glass surfaces immaculate, clear, and streak-free.
Professional cleaners can leave the bathroom looking fresh and new, with no trace of grime—results that are tricky to achieve with DIY cleaning.
the zones that most people overlook
when it comes to end-of-tenancy cleaning, the unseen, hidden areas can make or break the final inspection’s results. Not only do professional cleaners know where grime hides, but they also thoroughly address these overlooked areas that are easy to miss during DIY efforts.
Light fixtures and ceiling corners
Light fixtures, especially those in kitchens and bathrooms, can accumulate a significant amount of dust, grease, and spider webs. Using non-abrasive cleaning cloths and specialised tools, professionals will carefully clean light fixtures, leaving them to shine bright without damaging the sockets or bulbs.
Window tracks and blinds
Blinds and window tracks attract dust like magnets, especially slats that trap grease, dirt, and allergens. Professional cleaners will gently wipe down every slat or use specialised vacuum attachments to bring the blinds to their original appearance.
Skirting Boards and door frames
Although often overlooked, skirting boards and door frames are among the first areas that landlords and agents examine during inspections. Professionals use anti-static cloths and crevice tools to thoroughly clean skirting boards, scrubbing scuff marks and restoring brightness with surface-safe cleaners. They vacuum the edges and wipe down the upper ledges, which collect cobwebs and grime. The cleaners disinfect high-touch points, such as handles and latches, and pay particular attention to corners, where paint chips or dirt tend to accumulate.
Behind radiators and appliances
Dust, dirt, and debris will accumulate behind and beneath radiators and large appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. Most people don’t clean such areas, whereas professionals will remove heavy items, vacuum, or mop the floors. They will scrub away any grime and leave all areas spotless and germ-free.
When you aim for a perfect, deposit-securing move-out clean, even the most minor details make a difference in the final inspection. Professionals handle the hidden grime and leave all crevices and corners immaculate.
Floor & carpet rescue—how the pros bring them back to life
When it comes to the floors, an essential vacuum or mopping won’t be enough to secure your deposit. Thorough cleaning, though, is the one that professionals will conduct, leaving carpets, hardwood floors, or tiles looking like new. Professional cleaners will employ tailored techniques and products to restore floors to their former glory. Thorough cleaning can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of your property. Whether it's carpets, hardwood floors, or tiles, professionals know exactly how to restore each surface to its former glory.
Carpet stain removal techniques
Over time, carpets lose their aspect as stains, frequent use, and trapped dirt affect their appearance. Professionals utilise robust vacuum systems and hot water extraction methods to remove deeply embedded dirt, grime, and allergens effectively. The process cleans carpets on a deep level, reviving the carpet fibres and colours and leaving them looking fresh and like new.
Hardwood floor rejuvenation
Hardwood floors lose their lustre in time and present scuff marks and dull patches. Using specialised hardwood cleaners, professional cleaners clean hardwood floors and restore their shine by polishing them. This way, they enhance the floors’ appearance and protect them from future wear and tear.
Tile and grout deep cleaning
Grime, limescale, and soap scum will deposit on tile and grout, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Professionals utilise scrubbers, steam cleaners, and efficient tile cleaners to eliminate difficult stains. They will bring grout and tiles to their immaculate condition.
Why choose the professional cleaning route?
There are several reasons why professional cleaning is almost always the better option for move-out cleaning.
Professional cleaning saves you time.
One of the most significant advantages of hiring professional cleaners is the time you save. DIY cleaning can take hours or even days, while professionals can complete the task in a fraction of the time. Typically, professional cleaners cut the time by 50-70%, depending on the property’s size and condition. For instance, you might need a whole day to clean a large property. Professionals, on the other hand, will finish the cleaning in a few hours.
Here's a time comparison for a 2-bedroom flat:
| Task | DIY Cleaning 🧼 | Professional Clean 🧽 |
| Pre-clean Planning | 1–2 hours | 15–30 minutes |
| Kitchen (inc. oven/fridge) | 3–4 hours | 1.5–2 hours |
| Bathrooms (x2) | 2–3 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| Bedrooms (x2) | 2 hours | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| Living/Dining Area | 2 hours | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| Carpet/Floor Cleaning | 2–3 hours | 30–45 minutes |
| Final Touches & Inspection | 1–2 hours | 30 minutes |
| Total Time Estimate | 13–18 hours | 4–6 hours |
Hiring the pros will save you 10+ hours, reduce physical effort, and guarantee a deposit-securing finish, streamlining your handover and final inspection.
Professionals offer guaranteed results.
Apart from speed—which is highly important—professional cleaning offers guaranteed results, giving you peace of mind before the final inspection.
- Satisfaction guarantees
Many reputable cleaning companies, such as Buzz Cleaners, offer money-back guarantees if their results don’t meet your landlord’s standards.
- Re-clean policies
If your landlord is not satisfied with the results in some areas, professional cleaners will return at no additional cost for free fixes. They ensure that their work meets the landlord’s standards.
- Landlord-accepted checklist
Professional cleaners follow industry-standard checklists, ensuring that no area is skipped and all tasks are completed according to the landlord’s expectations.
- A 2023 study revealed that over 20% of homes in the UK experience problems with mould, dampness, or condensation.
- Research has revealed that bedrooms have the dirtiest carpets, harbouring bacteria such as Staphylococcus, which can cause infections. Bacteria and mould species are often present in hall and stair carpets.
Cost vs. value
Even though you may pay a significant sum for cleaning services, hiring professionals ensures significant value for money in the long run. Here’s why:
- Higher deposit return rate—tenants who hire professional cleaners have an 80% chance of receiving their full deposits back, compared to those who opt for DIY cleaning.
- DIY costs vs. professional investment—DIY cleaning has many hidden costs, such as the expense of cleaning supplies or renting professional equipment. Hiring professionals is often a more affordable and less stressful choice.
- Benefits for property upkeep—regular professional cleanings can extend the lifespan of carpets, upholstery, and appliances, leaving the property in top condition. Both tenants and landlords benefit from this.
Hiring professionals means investing in time-saving comfort and assurance that your rental will impress even the most discerning landlord.
Leave no dust; gain your deposit.
Do you think cleaning is just a final task? You might want to consider twice. If you want your deposit back in full and avoid all the stress at the handover, don’t hesitate to hire professionals for end-of-tenancy cleaning. Pros won’t just stick to mopping and scrubbing—they will make your ovens cleaner than ever, banish limescale, and deep-clean every nook and cranny of your rental. Even landlords will be amazed at the level of cleanliness. Want a smooth handover, a satisfied landlord, and a hassle-free relocation? Then, steer away from the DIY route and book professionals today. Why risk losing your deposit when you can vacate with your wallet full?
Bonus: Free Tenant Resources
- ✅ Downloadable Checklist: Room-by-room guide to pass your checkout
- 🗓️ Cleaning Timeline Planner: Organise tasks ahead of moving day
| Day | Tasks |
| 7 Days Before | Book cleaners or prep supplies Notify landlord/agent Start packing non-essentials Declutter cupboards & donate |
| 5 Days Before | Deep clean fridge/freezer (defrost if needed) Remove hooks, fill small holes Clean windows in unused rooms |
| 3 Days Before | Deep clean oven, hob & extractor fan Scrub bathroom: limescale, grout, tiles Clean blinds, skirting boards, doors |
| 1 Day Before | Hoover carpets & mop floors Wipe down kitchen surfaces Final polish on mirrors & taps |
| Moving Day | - Last-minute touch-ups - Empty bins - Take final photos - Hand over keys with confidence |
RESOURCES
- https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/article/2023/08/end-of-tenancy-cleaning-the-unsung-hero-of-londons-rental-market/
- https://nolettinggo.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-end-of-tenancy-cleaning/
- https://cleanercleaner.co.uk/blog/budgeting-for-your-move-in-2025-end-of-tenancy-cleaning-prices-in-london/
- https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/end-of-tenancy-cleaning-prices/
- https://myconstructor.co.uk/services/end-of-tenancy
- https://ecocleanenvironmental.co.uk/end-of-tenancy/
- https://www.ecomena.org/reasons-to-hire-eco-friendly-cleaners-for-your-end-of-tenancy-cleaning/