Introduction
Moving can be very stressful, and the last thing you want is to lose your bond due to dirty windows. Clean windows are among the important things that will help you pass your final inspection. They not only make the place look presentable but also a sign of how well you took care of the property during your stay in it.
Why Cleaning Carpets and Windows is Important at the End of the Lease. Occupants often forget to clean the windows when moving out. Of course, untidiness outside the window panes may make it look like you have neglected the place; hence, this might be subtracted from your bond. Dirty windows are a concern beyond aesthetics. They may not pass inspection. Most agents and landlords include window cleaning in the bond back checklist. If you fail to clean windows as instructed, you will experience a problem when recovering your bond.
It’s easy to picture this: you finish packing and are ready to go. Then, a portion of your bond is deducted for some dirty windows. Of course, even when everything else is spotless, dirty windows can make the property appear neglected.
Streaky panes, spider webs, fingerprints, or dust accumulation may just be the cause that would make you fail the final check. Some agents might require the inside and outside of the windows to be clean. Poor performance could lead to big deductions from your deposit.
Proper Cleaning of Windows to Avoid Bond Deductions
1. Review the Condition Report
First, take out your condition report for end-of-lease cleaning. It may say whether to clean the inside or outside of the windows, or else both. Guidance on these ensures assurance of cleaning what is needed and not overdoing it.
2. Get the Right Equipment
- Window Squeegee: Needed for a perfect streak-less shine.
- Towel/Microfiber: Use either of these to remove excess moisture that might be left behind after using the squeegee.
- Window Cleaner: Apply the good cleaning solution or make one by adding hot water to dishwashing liquid. If tough grime persists, dip a sponge in the mixture and scrub the spots until they vanish.
- Extension Pole or Ladder: This is to be used for safely reaching difficult-to-reach or high windows.
3. Cleaning Process
- Clean up the Area: The window frame and ledges should be cleaned through mopping or dusting to remove the spider webs and dust.
- Clean the Windows: Dip, preferably a sponge, in some soapy water to scrub all the dirt particles from oily or heavily soiled windows. Squeegee across the window, overlapping, and finish with a dry towel for clarity.
- Edges and Corners: Most of them fills up with dust and dirt, so clean them well.
External Cleaning For window cleaning at higher floors, use a long-handled squeegee. Better yet, hire professionals for safety and effectiveness.
4. When to Bring in the Experts
Various cleaning tasks at the end of the lease, window cleaning stands tall. Here is why:
Clean windows brighten a space. They give a property a facelift. This gives it an edge over others at the final inspection.
- Bond Back Guarantee: Most landlords and agents require clean windows; failure to which may mean losing part of your deposit.
- First Impressions Matter: Filthy windows can give property managers a negative impression. They may feel you haven’t put much effort into cleaning the rest of the property.
Window cleaning is a reflection that you have well looked after the property. It may seem a minor thing to some, but it is a crucial determinant in securing your bond refund. Find a combination of that with clean windows, a spotless kitchen, bathroom, and carpets to ensure the high possibility of full bond return. Poor window cleaning is often the cause of delays and disputes with agents or landlords.
Can you tell if cleaning needs to be done to both sides of windows?
First of all, you should refer to the move-out condition report about cleaning of your windows. It should be specified whether you need to clean internal and external sides or an internal side only.
- Internal Cleaning usually involves wiping down the interior of the window, window tracks, and frames.
- External Cleaning: This may be tougher than the internal one and is often required less frequently. It may need pros, especially for high-rises or hard-to-reach windows.
Cleaning Windows – List of Items You Will Need
Cleaning the property to a high standard to meet the bond back inspection:
- Window Squeegee: To remove water and cleaners and give a streak-free finish. Microfiber cloth or dry towel: Useful for drying windows after the squeegee has been used to prevent water spots.
- Window Cleaner: A sponge dipped in warm water with some soap in it picks up dirt off dirty windows quite well.
- Extension pole or ladder: This is necessary to be able to attempt cleaning high windows safely from the outside when needed.
Steps for Window Cleaning at Move-Out
Preparation
Clean Window Frames and Sills: These areas collect dirt more than any others. Dust, spider webs, and other substances are to blame.
1. Pre-Clean Very Dirty Windows: Apply mild soapy water made from dish soap and warm water to the window surfaces, using a sponge. Scrub very lightly so that all parts are cleaned.
2. Squeegee Your Way to the End: Once the scrubbing action of a sponge has taken place, take the squeegee to the window. Draw from the top down, moving in straight lines, and clean off the squeegee blade after every stroke to avoid streaks.
3. Wipe Dry: Use a microfiber cloth or a dry towel to wipe the edges where water might collect for clarity and shine.
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Conclusionf
Part of the cleaning when one is moving out and getting the bond full is the cleaning of the windows. However, no matter how well the property is cleaned, if the windows are not cleaned, one risks facing a partial bond deduction. Use the condition report to guide special cleaning needs. Use professional equipment or a cleaning service to meet landlords’ or their agents’ expectations. You will be guaranteed a much quicker and smoother recovery of your bond. For more ways to get your bond back, check the end-of-lease clean guide. Or, hire a professional cleaning service for the best results.
