Moving out is stressful enough without worrying about whether your bond will come back in full. The final inspection is where many renters lose money—not because they trashed the place, but because they missed the spots property managers always check. A professional cleaner working across Melbourne has revealed that agents consistently inspect oven trays, skirting boards, and window tracks, and missing these can result in a call-back or a cleaning fee deducted from your bond. This checklist breaks down what needs attention, room by room, so you can hand back the keys with confidence.
Before You Start: Know What You’re Liable For
Your lease and entry condition report are your starting point. Check whether professional carpet cleaning is required—many Melbourne leases mandate it if you kept pets or if there are stains . “Fair wear and tear” is acceptable, but built-up grime is not. Photograph everything before you clean, especially pre-existing damage, so you have evidence if disputes arise.
Kitchen: Where Most Bonds Are Lost
The kitchen is the single most inspected room, and the oven is the most scrutinised item. Property managers open the oven door first because baked-on grease cannot be hidden. Remove racks and trays, soak them in hot dishwashing liquid, and use a proper degreaser on the door glass, seals, and interior surfaces. Allow the product time to work rather than scrubbing aggressively.
Rangehood filters trap oil over months and need a hot soak with dish soap and bicarbonate soda. Wipe the exterior and underside of the hood where grease collects. Empty every cupboard and drawer, then wipe inside and out—including the tops of overhead cabinets, which are almost always sticky with airborne grease. Clean the sink, taps, splashback, and the gap between the stovetop and bench. Finish with the floor, including kickboards and corners.
Bathroom and Laundry: Detail Over Surface
Soap scum and hard-water film on shower screens need a vinegar treatment with real dwell time, not a quick wipe. Scrub grout lines with a brush rather than just wiping them. Remove the exhaust fan cover, wash it, and dust the fan itself—another near-universal miss. Clean the toilet thoroughly, including under the rim, the seat hinges, the cistern, and the floor behind the base. Descale and dry all chrome fixtures; water marks show the moment they dry.
In the laundry, clean the lint filter, detergent drawer, door seal, and drum if appliances stay. Wipe inside cupboards and around the tub.
Bedrooms and Living Areas: The Missed Details
Dust skirting boards along their full length, not just the visible runs. Wipe both faces of doors and the top edge, which every inspector runs a finger along. Clean light switches and power points—they carry more finger grime than almost anything else. Window tracks need vacuuming first, then a damp cloth or toothbrush along the groove. Wipe blinds slat by slat, and clean inside wardrobes, including the shelf above and the runners below. Vacuum carpets thoroughly, paying attention to edges and corners.
Final Touches That Matter
Remove all hooks, screws, and adhesive strips. Spot-clean marks on walls, but test any abrasive product first—it can burnish paint into a shiny patch more obvious than the original mark. Sweep balconies and remove cobwebs. Clear the garage of rubbish and treat any oil stains.
A Final Word on Timing
Professional cleaners warn that even regularly cleaned homes are surprisingly dirty once furniture is removed. Block out at least a full day, and keep the day after your inspection free in case you are asked to fix something. If DIY cleaning feels overwhelming, a professional bond clean in Melbourne typically starts around $423 for a one-bedroom home, with carpet steam cleaning as a common add-on. Whether you clean it yourself or hire help, working through this checklist systematically gives you the best shot at getting your full bond back.
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