Moving from a rental isn’t just a matter of boxing up your belongings and arranging transport. How long does bond cleaning take before final inspection is one of the biggest question for tenants. It depends the size of the house and how dirty the place is. Allowing time for that deep clean will help to take some of the stress out of the move and ultimately increase your chances of getting your full bond back.
In this blog post we will tell you how long bond cleaning takes what influences on the cleaning time and helpful tips on how to get your rental property ready for the final inspection.
Table of Contents
Factors Affect Cleaning Time
There are a number of things that affect how long bond cleaning before a final inspection takes. Property size is one of the biggest factors as larger houses take longer to clean. The condition of the property also makes a difference. Houses that are greasy, coated in grime, covered in pet hair, stained or mouldy require extra work. When there are furniture in the properties, usually it will take more time as every item should be cleaned. Additional services like carpet steam cleaning, wall washing, pressure cleaning, pest control and window cleaning can also add to the time total. Planning in advance will save you some trouble when you move.
Average Cleaning Time
The average response to how long does bond cleaning take is primarily based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. A small apartment can take just a handful of hours while a larger family home may take the whole day. Professional cleaning teams tend to work much faster as multiple cleaners work on different tasks at the same time. But DIY cleaning can really take a lot more time since you have to rely on one or two people to do all the work.
If you also happen to live in a property that comes with open spaces like lawns, garages, terraces or have very busy kitchens and bathrooms at home, then you’re going to have a lot more work on your hands as all these spaces need to be given a very thorough and deep cleaning.
| Property Size | Estimated Cleaning Time |
| Studio Apartment | 3–5 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | 4–6 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | 5–8 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | 6–10 hours |
| 4 Bedroom House | 8–12 hours |
Room-By-Room Time Guide
The level of cleaning needed in each room will depend on its condition. Most of the time you clean will happen during the kitchen as all the ovens, range hood filters, cupboards , splashbacks and benchtops will need a detailed cleaning. Bathrooms are also quite time-consuming as they need to be scrubbed of soap scum,and mineral stains. The Bedrooms normally take up the least time as you do mainly dusting, vacuuming and wiping down the surfaces. Having the estimate of time each room takes helps you to plan a realistic schedule of activities before your final walkthrough.
| Area | Estimated Time |
| Kitchen | 2–3 hours |
| Bathroom | 1–2 hours |
| Bedroom | 30–60 minutes |
| Living Area | 1–2 hours |
| Laundry | 30–45 minutes |
Professional Or DIY Cleaning
Does the time to finish bond cleaning get affected if you hire a firm of professionals? Professional bond cleaners can generally get the job done quicker as they have access to specialised equipment, commercial cleaning products and experienced teams. Adding a complete floor refresh service can also improve the overall appearance of carpets and flooring before the final inspection. Cleaning yourself might seem cheaper at first but it usually takes much longer especially when deep cleaning is involved. Professional cleaners know what Australian property managers are looking for in end of lease inspections. Their expertise leads to fewer missed spots and a better chance of passing the inspection with no further cleaning requests.
Plan Before Inspection
Schedule your bond cleaning one to two days prior to the final inspection to allow for any unforeseen issues. Last minute cleaning can cause enough stress as it is and then you are risking missing areas that should never be missed. We recommend you switch off and separate all appliances first, pull out all cabinets and remove anything personal from them. Check if carpet steam cleaning or pest control is one of your responsibilities per your lease agreement and book these services after the furniture has been moved out. A clean and well-organized space greatly facilitates the whole cleaning process and prevents your final inspection from being delayed.
Avoid Last-Minute Delays
If there are unexpected delays you will likely see an increase in the total time it will take for the question of how long will it take bond cleaning to be answered. The main problems that lead to longer work hours when it comes to bond cleaning include not only dirty kitchen appliances but also lack of attention to bathrooms, damaged walls, hard stains in the carpets and neglected gardening work.
Have cleaning supplies at hand including the trash bags and new bulbs to keep the lights on, in case you need to replace them. In any case, add a few hours more to the moving schedule to catch a breath while running to the end of the inspection with the property manager.
Final Inspection Preparation
Before you hand in your keys, do one more check with your move in condition report. Inspect cupboards drawers, windows mirrors, skirting boards, light switches and door handles for any presence of dust or fingerprints. Do final vacuuming of the floor and get rid of the contents of all the bins. Photograph every room you clean as proof of the condition of the property. Ensure all appliances are clean and in good working order. Understanding bond clean guarantee legal loopholes consumers should know can also help you avoid unexpected disputes and prepare more confidently for the final inspection. A little extra time spent double-checking everything can make a big difference in the full inspection and help you get your full bond refund.
Conclusion
Knowing how long bond cleaning takes allows tenants to be suitably prepared for their move out and final inspection. The duration required for bond cleaning is dependent mostly on the size and condition of your property as well as the choice between taking up professional services and doing the job yourself. No matter if you opt for professional cleans or are determined to do everything alone, the right preparation will be the key to making your stress levels manageable and also to securing the whole amount of your bond back. Both the tenants and property manager happy a professionally clean bond clean is guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does bond cleaning usually take?
Most properties take between 4 and 12 hours depending on size and condition.
2. Does professional bond cleaning save time?
Yes, Professional teams usually complete the work faster and more thoroughly.
3. When should bond cleaning be booked?
Ideally, one or two days before your final inspection.
4. What takes the longest during bond cleaning?
The kitchen, bathrooms and carpet cleaning usually require the most time.