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It’s the end of an era, you’re moving home, and the time has come to clean the kitchen. So, what sets a final move out cleaning apart from your usual tidy up? Well, the devil’s in the details. Here are 10 tips for vanquishing the ghosts of dinners past when moving house– and securing your bond.

Plan Ahead

You don’t want to spend all weekend cleaning only to create crumbs just before you hand in your keys. Clean the kitchen last, and make friends with the local pizza place.

If you have already packed up your possessions into moving boxes, ensure you have labelled the box with cleaning products in it so it’s easy to find.

Give the Oven Some Lovin’

The oven rarely gets a second look during tenancy, but, over time, it gets super greasy. Remove racks and soak overnight, while letting an oven-cleaner work its magic for at least 24 hours.

Step Lightly

Remove light fittings, wash and dry them thoroughly and (carefully) pop them back.

Not only will the house seem cleaner, the lights will be much clearer.

Sweeten Up

Sugar Soap is your best friend in greasy rooms. Use it to clean walls and ceilings – especially any ‘bug spots!’

Get Steamy

A steam mop can really help lift grease from floors without much muscle – or chemicals. That’s why many green cleaners are insisting on using steam to clean most surfaces.

Even though it requires some specialized equipment, it is not too expensive to purchase a simple steam cleaner.

Alternatively, you can hire a professional cleaning service to help you with this part of the cleanup.

Get High

You’d be amazed what gets shoved on top of tall cabinets – any time you don’t need an item, you probably left it there without thinking much.

Not to mention that it’s all been collecting dust and grime. Well, now that it’s time to leave, head up a ladder with a damp cloth.

Wash Windows

And don’t forget the runners and any window dressings! If you can’t access the windows outside you might need to hire a professional to assist.

There are many different cleaning tips for washing windows, but there is no way around putting in the work. You can simplify your task by using a squeegee or a similar tool and be done much sooner.

Leave No Trace

Pull drawers out and check behind them – you might be surprised how many takeout menus have been living there!

It is generally considered rude to leave your junk in the house, so be careful to go through all of the rooms and storage places to be sure that you’ve got everything you want to keep and that you have thrown out everything you don’t need. The new residents of your home probably don’t want the trash you leave behind.

Don’t Be a Pest

If you’ve laid any pest traps, now’s the time to remove them from their hidey-holes.

This can be particularly important if the new residents have children or pets who might be inclined to touch those traps.

So, now you have a plan, pop on some tunes, snap on the rubber gloves, and move house with ease!