Melbourne Bond Cleaning: A Room-by-Room Guide

A bond clean in Melbourne is judged against the exit checklist your property manager uses and the condition report you signed at the start of the tenancy. It's a deeper job than a normal clean, and it's assessed room by room. Here's what a proper bond clean covers throughout a Melbourne rental.

Kitchen

This is where inspections are usually won or lost. The oven is cleaned inside and out, including racks and the door glass; the cooktop, knobs and rangehood are degreased; and every cupboard and drawer is wiped inside and out. Benchtops, splashback and the sink are scrubbed and polished, and the exhaust filters cleaned.

Bathrooms and laundry

Shower screens are brought back to clear, grout is scrubbed, and the toilet is sanitised inside, outside and around the base. Mould is treated, exhaust fans dusted, and mirrors and taps polished. The laundry tub, taps and any tiling get the same attention.

Living areas and bedrooms

• Skirting boards, door frames, doors and light switches wiped
• Cobwebs cleared from ceilings and corners
• Built-in wardrobes cleaned inside and out
• Interior windows, tracks and sills cleaned
• Marks removed from walls where possible
• Floors vacuumed and mopped; carpets steam cleaned if the lease requires it

The easily-missed items

Air-conditioner filters, ceiling fans, light fittings, the inside of the dishwasher, and the balcony, garage or courtyard all form part of a full bond clean. In Melbourne, many leases specifically require professional carpet steam cleaning — and agents often ask for the receipt — so confirm what your agreement says before you finish.

Why it's worth getting right the first time

If a bond clean falls short, your refund is delayed and the rental provider may arrange cleaning themselves at a premium, deducting it from your bond. That's why reputable operators clean to the checklist and back it with a guarantee. A professional end of lease cleaning service works through every one of these items and returns free if anything is flagged.

If you'd like the full exit-standard breakdown before you book, our guide to end of lease cleaning in Melbourne walks through what agents expect at the final inspection.