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Moving Out? Here's Your Ultimate End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Checklist

Moving out of a rented property can be stressful. You’ve packed, organised, and now you face the final hurdle: end-of-tenancy cleaning. Doing a deep clean is about more than cleanliness. It’s often the key to getting your full deposit back.


A spotless rental helps with deposit return, avoids disputes, and leaves a good impression on landlords and estate agents.


This checklist guides you room by room, based on top London cleaning blogs and landlord expectations.



Before You Start: Planning & Timing

Be ready before cleaning day. Remove all furniture and personal items. This gives clear access to walls, floors, and fixtures. Competitor guides stress this as the first step .


Pick a day after most belongings are gone but before you hand the keys back. Booking professional cleaners? Read the terms, many promise same-day or weekend slots .


Gather the right supplies. Use suitable cleaners for different surfaces—wood, tile, glass, oven interiors.


Have a camera ready. Take photos once you finish. They’re your proof in case of deposit disputes.


Kitchen

The kitchen is where landlords often check first. Follow London guides carefully

  • Oven & Hob: Remove racks. Apply degreaser and let it sit. Deep clean both inside and outside until free of burnt-on food.

  • Fridge & Freezer: Empty, defrost, and wipe all surfaces. Remove old food and stains.

  • Cupboards & Drawers: Wipe inside and out. Don’t forget handles, frames, and hinges.

  • Worktops & Splashbacks: Use disinfectant to clean every surface. Remove stains and grease.

  • Sink & Taps: Remove limescale. Sanitize and polish the stainless steel.

  • Floor & Skirting: Sweep, mop, and clean edges. Clean behind fridge if possible.


Professional cleaners often guarantee to pass kitchen checks by estate agents.


Bathroom

Bathrooms hide stains and mould. Don’t miss these key tasks:

  • Tiles & Grout: Scrub to remove mould and soap scum.

  • Toilet: Clean and san itise inside and out, including pipe areas.

  • Bath/Shower: Remove limescale. Wipe screens and polish taps.

  • Sink & Mirror: Clean basin and polish taps. Wipe down mirror until shiny.

  • Floor & Radiators: Sweep, mop, dry, and clean radiators behind and around them.


Living Areas & Bedrooms

Living rooms and bedrooms must be dust-free and tidy.

  • Walls & Ceilings: Dust corners and top edges where cobwebs form.

  • Skirting Boards & Door Frames: Wipe thoroughly.

  • Windows & Ledges: Clean frames, glass, and sills.

  • Light Fixtures & Switches: Dust and wipe carefully.

  • Radiators & Furniture: Clean backs, tops, and undersides.

  • Carpets & Hard Floors: Vacuum carpets twice, sanitise mats. Mop hard floors. Steam clean carpets if rental agreement requires.


Appliances & Fixtures

Small areas can cause form rejections:

  • Appliances: Clean inside fridges, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers—don’t forget seals and drawers .

  • Window Interiors: Some guides include window cleaning to landlord standards 

  • Extractors & Vents: Remove grease from extractor fan hoods.


Deep Clean Extras

To stand out in Deep Cleaning, especially in London, include these:

  • Oven Racks: Clean separately and rebuild oven.

  • Behind Appliances: Move fridge/hob and clean wall/floor scuffs 

  • Carpets & Upholstery: Steam clean if needed—or as requested .

  • Bespoke Requests: Some services include garage, shed, patio, or window exterior cleaning 


Final Inspection

After cleaning, check each room against this list. Note missed areas and re-clean as needed. Competitors offer re-clean guarantees, Femme Propre can adopt this too .

Take “after” photos. Present them to landlords if needed.


Why This Checklist Works

  • Landlord Standards: London moving checklists emphasise every corner—kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, hard floors.

  • Room-by-Room Focus: Helps avoid overwhelm and ensures consistency 

  • Professional Expectation: Many tenants hire pros who provide guaranteed, full-clean checklists.

  • Eco-Friendly & Safe: Use eco cleaners where possible—some guides mention it .


Sample Cleaning Timeline

Time

Task

Morning

Declutter & prep rooms

Midday

Kitchen & appliances

Afternoon

Bathrooms & bedrooms

Late afternoon

Living areas & upholstery

Evening

Vacuum, mop, inspect

Breaking it down avoids rushing and missed spots.


When to Hire Femme Propre

Consider a professional clean if:

  • Your tenancy agreement demands it.

  • You want to ensure full deposit return.

  • You’re short on time or overwhelmed.

  • You need a satisfaction or re-clean guarantee.

Femme Propre offers flexible booking, eco-friendly products, and an inspection-ready clean every time.


Conclusion

A full end-of-tenancy clean covers every room, every surface, and every fixture. London landlords expect deep cleaning—from kitchens and bathroom cleaning to carpets and appliances.


A room-by-room checklist matched to landlord standards helps you reclaim your deposit with confidence.


Use photos, proper tools, eco-safe cleaners, and allow time. If you hire Femme Propre, we deliver a polished, guaranteed clean that aligns with letting agent checklists. It’s the best move-out investment you can make.


For tailored end-of-tenancy services in West London, contact Femme Propre today. Leave your rental spotless, secure your deposit, and move out on a high note.


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