Moving out can be stressful, and cleaning the apartment before leaving can add to the hassle. However, ensuring that the place is clean, especially the bathroom, is crucial to get your deposit back.
In this article, we’ll provide some expert tips on cleaning the bathtub and shower when moving out and explain why doing all that is essential if you want the landlord to return your money.
We’ll cover the importance of considering the state of the bathroom, decluttering, starting with the shower, deep cleaning the toilet bowl, paying attention to tiles and grouts, wiping all surfaces, and leaving the floor for last.
Let’s dive in!
Take into consideration the state of the bathroom
The cleaning process difficulty depends entirely on the state of the bathroom and how well you have maintained it throughout your tenancy.
Even if you have remodelled your bathroom, you may have a bigger task if you have neglected cleaning it regularly. In this case, you may need more cleaning time and require specialised products to complete the job.
For instance, if there is mould or mildew in the bathroom, you’ll need to use a cleaning solution designed to remove them to keep the house safe and healthy and pass the rental inspection.
Additionally, if the tiles and grouts are particularly dirty or stained, you may need to add some extra elbow grease to restore them and make them look brand new-ish.
It’s that simple–if the bathroom is relatively clean and well-maintained, then you will have much less to worry about. And not only is the cleaning process going to be faster, but it may also even require fewer cleaning products.
Don’t forget to be thorough, for the landlord will look for any excuse to keep your money for himself.
Decluttering is your main friend during a move-out cleaning
Decluttering can help you identify any areas needing more attention during the cleaning process.
As you remove items from the bathroom, take note of any areas that may have accumulated dirt, grime, or soap scum. This will allow you to focus your cleaning efforts on those areas and ensure they receive their attention.
Decluttering is really useful as it can help you pack and organise your belongings as you prepare to move out of your home.
Removing unnecessary items from your bathroom also shows you clearly what you need to pack and what you can discard. This can save you much time and effort when packing and ensure a much smoother and cheaper removal process.
Start with the shower before proceeding further
You may be getting the spa experience at home if you’re using the suitable scrub recipes, but it’s all for nought if your shower is dirty. And it is usually the dirtiest part of the bathroom, so, therefore, it’s best to start with it before proceeding further.
First, wet the shower walls and floor, then apply a specialised cleaning product. Scrub the walls and floor using a scrub brush to remove any dirt or grime. After scrubbing, rinse the walls and floor with water to remove any cleaning product residue.
Move to the bathtub
After cleaning the shower, it’s time to move to the bathtub. Apply a specialised cleaning product on the bathtub’s surface and let it sit for a few minutes.
Use a scrub brush to scrub the bathtub’s surface to remove dirt or grime. Rinse the bathtub with water after scrubbing to remove any cleaning product residue.
Deep clean the toilet bowl before moving out
The toilet bowl is an essential part of the bathroom that needs deep cleaning.
Start by pouring a toilet bowl cleaner into the bowl, making sure to coat the sides of the bowl. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly, including under the rim.
After scrubbing, flush the toilet to remove any cleaning product residue.
Pay more attention to the tiles and grouts
Tiles and grouts tend to accumulate dirt and grime over time, which can be unsightly and unhygienic. To clean the tiles, use a tile cleaner and a scrub brush to remove any dirt and stains.
Pay special attention to the grout, which is the area between the tiles. Grout can easily become discoloured and stained, so using a grout cleaner and a small brush is important to remove any dirt or stains.
If the grout is particularly dirty or stained, you may need to use a steam cleaner to get it clean. A steam cleaner will help to loosen the dirt and stains, making it easier to remove them.
Once you have cleaned the tiles and grout, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean towel.
Wipe all surfaces
Once you have cleaned the shower, bathtub, and toilet, it is time to wipe down all the surfaces in the bathroom. This includes the sink, countertops, and any other surfaces that may have collected dust or dirt. Use a microfiber cloth and a multi-purpose cleaner to wipe down these surfaces.
Be sure to pay special attention to the fixtures, such as the faucet, towel racks, and light fixtures. These areas can easily collect dust and grime, so be sure to give them a good wipe-down as well.
Leave the floor for last, just before you move out
Finally, it is time to clean the bathroom floor:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt or debris;
- Then, mop the floor with a cleaning solution;
- Be sure to rinse the mop frequently to ensure you are not spreading dirt and grime around the floor.
It is best to leave the floor for last, as it is likely that you will be tracking dirt and dust in and out of the bathroom as you clean. By leaving the floor until the end, you can ensure it stays clean and sparkling until you move out.
Conclusion
Cleaning the bathtub and shower when moving out is an essential task that should not be overlooked.
Following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure you leave your bathroom in the best possible condition for the next occupant.
Remember to consider the state of your bathroom, declutter as much as possible, start with the shower, move on to the bathtub, deep clean the toilet bowl, pay attention to the tiles and grouts, wipe all surfaces, and leave the floor for last.
And if you need additional help with end of tenancy cleaning, don’t hesitate to contact a professional cleaning service.
