The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the toughest rooms to clean, especially when preparing for an end of lease inspection. Grease, grime, and food residue build up over time, and these are exactly the types of things that property managers and landlords will inspect closely. A thoroughly cleaned kitchen can make or break your bond return, so it’s essential to get it right. Here’s how you can deep clean your kitchen to ensure end of lease success.
Why the Kitchen Needs Special Attention
Over time, kitchens accumulate layers of grease, food stains, and dust, particularly in hard-to-reach places. From the oven to the sink, every surface needs attention. A clean kitchen not only demonstrates that you’ve taken care of the property but also prevents you from being penalized for missed spots during the final inspection.
For tenants in Sydney, this process can be time-consuming and challenging, which is why professional cleaning services like Cleaning Near Me offer specialized end of lease kitchen cleaning as part of their comprehensive packages. But if you’re up for the task, here’s a step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your kitchen like a pro.
Cleaning the Oven and Stovetop
The oven and stovetop are often the dirtiest parts of the kitchen. Food spills, grease splatters, and burnt-on residue can build up quickly, and these are areas landlords will check thoroughly. A quick wipe-down won’t cut it—deep cleaning is essential.
- Oven: Start by removing the oven racks and soaking them in hot, soapy water. Use a heavy-duty oven cleaner to tackle the grease and burnt food inside the oven. Scrub the walls, floor, and door of the oven, making sure to remove all residue.
- Stovetop: If your stove has removable burners, take them off and clean them separately. Use a degreaser or baking soda and vinegar paste to remove stubborn grime from the stovetop surface. Don’t forget to clean around the knobs and under any removable parts.
Pro Tip: Line the bottom of your oven with foil or an oven liner during your tenancy to catch spills and make cleaning easier at the end of your lease.
If the thought of scrubbing away at baked-on grease seems daunting, let the professionals handle it. At Cleaning Near Me, we provide detailed oven and stovetop cleaning as part of our kitchen deep cleaning service, ensuring no spot is missed.
Rangehood and Filters
The rangehood is another area that tends to gather grease and dust, especially in the filters. A dirty rangehood can affect the ventilation in the kitchen, and landlords will expect it to be spotless.
- Clean the exterior: Use a degreaser to wipe down the rangehood’s exterior and remove any visible grease or dust buildup.
- Remove and clean filters: If your rangehood has removable filters, take them out and soak them in hot, soapy water. For heavy grease buildup, use a degreaser or vinegar solution. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry before replacing.
Pro Tip: Make a habit of cleaning your rangehood filters every few months to avoid heavy grease buildup.
Cabinets, Drawers, and Countertops
Every surface in your kitchen, including cabinets, drawers, and countertops, must be cleaned inside and out. These areas can accumulate food crumbs, dust, and grease, especially near cooking areas.
- Cabinets and drawers: Empty all cabinets and drawers, wipe down the interiors with a damp cloth, and remove any food residue or spills. Clean the exterior surfaces as well, focusing on the areas around the handles where grime can accumulate.
- Countertops: Scrub countertops with a suitable cleaner for the material (e.g., granite, laminate, or stainless steel). Pay extra attention to stains, spills, and watermarks.
Pro Tip: Check for small details like fingerprints on cabinet handles and food debris inside drawers to ensure everything is spotless.
Cleaning Appliances: Fridge, Dishwasher, and Microwave
Don’t forget to clean kitchen appliances. Your lease may specify that the fridge, dishwasher, and microwave be left in pristine condition. Even if they’re your own appliances, a clean kitchen isn’t complete without addressing these.
- Fridge: Empty the fridge and freezer, then wipe down all surfaces, shelves, and drawers. Defrost the freezer if necessary. Remove any lingering odors by wiping the inside with a solution of water and baking soda.
- Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaning product to remove any residue and odors. Clean the filter and wipe down the door and seals.
- Microwave: Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside and run the microwave for a few minutes. The steam will loosen stuck-on food, making it easy to wipe down. Clean the exterior as well, especially the control panel and handle.
Pro Tip: Leave the fridge and dishwasher doors open slightly after cleaning to allow airflow and prevent odors from building up.
If time is running short and you need help cleaning these essential appliances, Cleaning Near Me offers professional kitchen cleaning services in Sydney, including deep cleaning of all kitchen appliances to meet inspection standards.
Sink, Taps, and Splashback
The sink, taps, and splashback are focal points of cleanliness in any kitchen. These areas are often exposed to food, grease, and water, leaving stains and watermarks if not properly cleaned.
- Sink and taps: Use a mild abrasive cleaner or baking soda paste to scrub the sink, especially around the drain and faucet where grime accumulates. Polish the taps with a glass cleaner or stainless steel polish to remove water spots and leave them shining.
- Splashback: Whether your splashback is made of tiles, glass, or stainless steel, it’s essential to clean away any food splatters and grease marks. Use a suitable cleaner based on the material and wipe thoroughly.
Pro Tip: To prevent limescale buildup, regularly clean and polish taps and stainless steel surfaces during your tenancy.
Final Touches
Once you’ve deep-cleaned your kitchen, give everything a final wipe-down to ensure no spots are missed. Make sure to check behind appliances, inside cupboards, and under the sink for any overlooked areas.
Pro Tip: Finish with a fresh scent by placing a bowl of baking soda or a lemon-scented air freshener in the kitchen to eliminate any lingering odors before inspection.
If you’re not sure where to start, or if you simply want peace of mind knowing the job is done right, Cleaning Near Me can handle all your kitchen cleaning needs. We service Sydney and surrounding suburbs including:
- Inner West Suburbs: Abbotsford, Ashbury, Ashfield, Balmain, Burwood, Concord, Dulwich Hill, Five Dock, Glebe, Homebush, Hurlstone Park, Leichhardt, Lilyfield, Marrickville, Newtown, Rozelle, Strathfield, Petersham, Concord and Summer Hill
- Eastern Suburbs: Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra
- Inner South West Suburbs: Castle Hill, West Pennant Hills, Glenhaven, Kenthurst, Annangrove, Dural, Beaumont Hills Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill and Box Hill
- North Suburbs: Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Frenchs Forest, Terrey Hills, Belrose, Neutral Bay, Northbridge, Lane Cove, Chatswood, Lindfield, St Ives and Pymble, Thornleigh, Westleigh, Normanhurst, Wahroonga, Turramurra and Gordon.
- Southern Suburbs: Redfern, Eveleigh, Waterloo, Zetland, Alexandria, Beaconsfield, Rosebery, Eastlakes and Mascot.
Contact us today for a free quote and ensure your end of lease cleaning is seamless.
