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Pros & Cons Of Doing End Of Tenancy Cleaning Yourself Vs Hiring Professionals
- Published: Jun 05/2023
- Last update: Jun 21/2024
- 10min read
- Views: 189
When it comes to the end of your tenancy and preparing to move out, one crucial task is to clean the property thoroughly. You may find yourself faced with a question: can I do end of tenancy cleaning myself, or should I hire professional cleaners instead? Both options have their own advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the pros and cons is essential in making an informed choice.
So, if you:
- Have an end of tenancy cleaning coming up;
- Still can’t make up your mind whether you should do it yourself or pay someone.
Then you’ve come to the right place, read along!
The pros and cons of DIY end of tenancy cleaning
Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of the DIY end of tenancy cleaning. Some of them you might have already thought of, while others might be new to you.
Pros:
- Cost-effectiveness – By taking on the task yourself, you can avoid paying technicians and only spend money on cleaning materials. You don’t need to rent out expensive cleaning machinery either unless you know how to use it properly.
- Flexibility in scheduling – When you clean by yourself, you can pick the most convenient time according to your schedule, without relying on someone else’s timetable. That also means you can postpone it until the last minute, but keep in mind this is never a good idea.
- Sense of accomplishment and control – Completing the end of tenancy cleaning yourself gives you a sense of accomplishment and control over the process. It allows you to personally ensure that everything is cleaned to your standards and preferences.
- Control over the cleaning process – By doing the cleaning yourself, you have complete control over the entire process and you can focus on specific areas that require extra attention.
- Trust and privacy intact – DIY end of tenancy cleaning means you don’t have to worry about strangers entering your property. While all professional technicians are background checked, this is still a concern for some renters.
Cons:
- Time-consuming and physically demanding – A thorough cleaning of the entire property, can be exhausting, especially if you have a busy schedule or limited physical abilities. If you are entirely on your own, with no partner to help you, the burden becomes twice as heavy.
- Lack of expertise with professional cleaning equipment and products – Professional cleaners are experienced in using modern equipment and high-quality cleaning products to achieve optimal results. If you choose to do the cleaning yourself, you may not have access to the same level of expertise and equipment, potentially leading to unsatisfactory cleaning results.
- Possibility to overlook areas and diminish cleaning results – Achieving a professional level of cleanliness may be challenging, especially when dealing with stubborn stains and other dirt. Without professional training and experience, there is a risk of overlooking certain areas or not achieving the required level of cleanliness as a professional cleaner would.
- Risk of deposit disputes – if the landlord reports that they’re dissatisfied with your cleaning, it can result in deductions from your deposit or the need for additional cleaning.
The pros and cons of hiring a professional end of tenancy cleaner
While some tenants may opt for do-it-yourself end of tenancy cleaning, hiring a cleaning expert can provide numerous advantages especially when you want your security deposit back.
Pros:
- Time-saving and convenient – The time you will save on cleaning you can use for packing and organising, managing logistics, finalisation of documents and other just as important relocation-related tasks.
- Expertise and professional equipment – They have the skills and know-how to clean every nook and cranny to a high standard, following checklists approved by landlords. What’s more, they bring along top-notch products and equipment that have the ability to tackle even the toughest stains and dirt more effectively.
- High-quality cleaning results – When you have reliable and experienced cleaners at your disposal, there’s no denying that the property will look splendid after the cleaning. This in turn increases the chance that you get your full security deposit back.
Cons:
- Cost can be high – Hiring a professional cleaner can be costly, especially if you’re on a tight budget. The price will vary depending on the size of the property and the level of cleaning required. That’s why you should get quotes from several companies, but we advise you not to choose the cheapest one. That’s because the results would probably be unsatisfactory and reflect the low charge.
- Less control over the cleaning process, the potential for damage or lost items – When you hire a professional cleaner, you relinquish some control over the cleaning process. Therefore, it’s highly important to choose trustworthy professionals with good training, to reduce the risk of accidental damage to property or the possibility of items being misplaced or lost during the cleaning process.
- Scheduling may be less flexible – When hiring a professional cleaner, you will need to coordinate with their schedule. This may require you to align your moving-out timeline with their availability, which could potentially limit your flexibility in choosing the most convenient time for the cleaning to take place.
Wodering about end of tenancy cleaning cost and whether a professional service is the right way to go? Learn more about our cleaning services, deals and ways to save!
When to use professional end of tenancy cleaning and when to do it yourself?
Now that you know the good and bad sides of both cleaning methods, you should consider when it’s appropriate to go for one and when for the other.
Book professional end of tenancy cleaners if:
- You’re pressed for time due to work, family commitments, or the logistics of the move;
- You’re unsure about how to handle certain tasks or want to ensure a thorough and comprehensive clean;
- The property requires extensive cleaning (heavily stained carpets, deep grime, or stubborn mould and mildew);
- Prefer to delegate the cleaning task to experts and alleviate the stress and hassle of cleaning.
Do-it-yourself end of tenancy cleaning if:
- You’re on a tight budget and have the time and energy to invest in the cleaning process;
- The property is relatively small or in good condition, requiring only basic cleaning tasks;
- You enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with doing it yourself and want to ensure attention to detail.
Tips for a successful end of tenancy cleaning
Here are some helpful tips to guide you through this important task, if you do decide to take it upon yourself:
- Start early and plan your time – Create a checklist of all the tasks you need to accomplish and estimate the time needed for each task. Start your DIY end of tenancy clean about 1-2 weeks before your planned move-out date.
- Focus on key areas – Pay special attention to areas that are often overlooked but can greatly impact the overall cleanliness of the property. These include kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, windows, and carpets. Give these areas extra time and effort to ensure they are sparkling clean.
- Give priority to high-traffic areas – kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms—the spots that see the most action and tend to gather more grime. By tackling these areas first, you’ll be able to make a visible difference right from the beginning.
- Gather the right cleaning supplies – This may include general cleaning products, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, vacuum cleaners, and mops. Having everything at hand will make the process more efficient when you start.
- Follow a systematic approach – Clean room by room, starting from the top and working your way down. This helps prevent dust and dirt from falling onto previously cleaned areas. Tackle one room at a time, focusing on surfaces, floors, and fixtures. Don’t forget to clean inside cupboards and drawers as well.
- Pay attention to details – Ensure that you clean not only visible surfaces but also hidden or hard-to-reach areas. Dust and wipe down skirting boards, light fixtures, and switches. Remove limescale from taps and showerheads. Clean and disinfect kitchen countertops, sinks, and backsplashes. Remember, it’s the little details that make a big difference.
- Don’t forget about the exterior – If your rental property has an outdoor area, such as a balcony or garden, don’t neglect it. Sweep and tidy up the space, remove any trash or debris, and ensure it looks presentable.
- Avoid common mistakes – One common mistake is rushing through the cleaning process. Take your time and be thorough. Another mistake is overlooking the cleaning requirements stated in your tenancy agreement. Review the agreement and ensure you fulfil all the specified cleaning obligations.
Find a trustworthy end of tenancy cleaner in your area
As we said before, if you prefer to hire a professional cleaner after all, it’s essential to find a reliable and trustworthy provider. Here are a few tips to help you in your search:
- Seek recommendations – Ask friends, family, or neighbours for recommendations on reputable cleaning companies they have used in the past. Personal referrals can give you valuable insights into the quality of service provided.
- Read user reviews and testimonials – This can provide you with an idea of the company’s reputation, reliability, and quality of its cleaning services.
- Verify insurance and certifications – Ensure that the cleaning company you choose has appropriate insurance coverage. This protects both you and the company in case of any accidents or damages during the cleaning process. Additionally, check if they hold any relevant certifications or accreditations in the cleaning industry.
- Get multiple quotes – Obtain quotes from different cleaning companies to compare prices and services offered. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best choice. Consider the company’s reputation and the services included in its package.
- Check availability and flexibility – Confirm that the cleaning company can accommodate your desired cleaning date and time. Flexibility in scheduling is important to ensure a smooth transition between your moving out and the cleaning process.
- Inquire about their cleaning process and checklist – Ask the cleaning company about their cleaning procedures and the specific areas they cover during an end of tenancy clean. A comprehensive checklist should include all the necessary tasks to meet the cleaning standards expected by landlords or letting agencies.
- Discuss pricing and payment terms – Clarify the pricing structure and any additional fees or charges. Understand the payment terms, whether it’s a fixed price or an hourly rate. Request a written quote or agreement that outlines the services to be provided and the associated costs.
- Seek guarantees and customer support – Inquire about any guarantees or warranties offered by the cleaning company. A reputable provider should be willing to address any concerns or issues that may arise after the cleaning. Good customer support is a sign of professionalism and reliability.
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Takeaways
- Choosing between DIY cleaning and hiring professionals depends on factors such as budget, time availability, expertise, and personal preference.
- DIY cleaning can save money but requires time, effort, and attention to detail.
- Hiring professional cleaners ensures high-quality results, saves time, and reduces physical strain, but it might get costly.
- Consider the size and condition of the property, specific cleaning requirements, and personal capabilities when deciding which option to choose.
Image source: Dmytro Zinkevych / Shutterstock.com
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