Moving house is stressful enough without scrubbing oven grease or dusting blinds. A professional move-out clean ensures the property is left in excellent condition, helping you get your bond back and keep the real estate agent happy. But what does this service actually include, and what doesn’t it?
Let’s break down the key inclusions, common exclusions, and everything else you should know before booking a professional clean.
What is a Professional Move-Out Clean?
A professional move-out clean is a detailed cleaning service that brings a property back to its original, move-in-ready state. It covers more than a regular clean, going into areas that are often overlooked, behind appliances, inside cupboards, high corners and grout lines.
These services are commonly booked at the end of a lease and are often a requirement for a full bond refund. They’re also useful for homeowners looking to present a property for sale or new tenants.
For renters, it’s often the difference between a full bond return and deductions for “cleaning required”.
What’s Typically Included in a Professional Move-Out Clean?
The contents of a move-out clean vary slightly between providers, but here’s what a quality service should always cover:
1. Kitchen Deep Cleaning
The kitchen requires the most attention in any move-out clean due to the build-up of grease, food particles and general wear.
Standard inclusions:
- Wiping all surfaces, including countertops and splashbacks
- Cleaning inside and outside all cupboards and drawers
- Degreasing and cleaning stovetops, rangehoods and extractor fans
- Thorough oven cleaning
- Cleaning sinks, taps and drains
- Floor vacuuming and mopping
If you’re planning to move within your local area, having a trusted local removalist can also ensure minimal disruption while your kitchen is being cleaned and packed.
2. Bathrooms and Laundry Areas
These wet areas are expected to be spotless. A bond clean will typically tackle:
- Cleaning and disinfecting toilets, showers, sinks and bathtubs
- Removing soap scum and mould from tiles and grout
- Cleaning mirrors and shower screens
- Wiping inside and outside of bathroom cabinets
- Scrubbing floors, exhaust fans and light switches
If you’re coordinating cleaning around your move, it’s wise to align the cleaning date with your removal timeline. That way, your removal service and cleaners aren’t stepping over each other.
3. General Areas: Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Hallways
Expect the following tasks throughout the property:
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Mopping hard floors
- Dusting skirting boards, window sills and cornices
- Cleaning power points, switches, door frames and handles
- Spot-cleaning walls and doors for scuffs and marks
- Removing cobwebs from ceilings and corners
Some cleaners include basic blind dusting, but thorough blind cleaning may be extra. Similarly, any significant wall marks may need a specialist or repaint, which isn’t part of a standard clean.
4. Window and Fixture Cleaning
Clean windows make a big visual difference, especially during inspections. A standard clean may include:
- Internal window glass cleaning
- Wiping window sills and frames
- Dusting blinds (if accessible)
- Cleaning ceiling fans and air vents
- Polishing mirrors and fixtures
Most cleaning teams focus on indoor windows. If you need exterior window cleaning, it may require an additional quote or be referred to a specialist.
5. Final Touches
High-quality cleaning teams will also take care of finishing details like:
- Disinfecting door handles
- Polishing chrome fixtures
- Sweeping entryways
- Final floor inspection and touch-ups
Working with a team experienced in full-service relocations, like Gentle Giant Removals, ensures your move and cleaning are coordinated seamlessly.
What’s Not Usually Included in a Standard Move-Out Clean?
Not everything is included in a regular cleaning. Some tasks fall outside the scope of a standard service and may require additional quotes or specialist services.
Here’s what’s typically not included:
1. Carpet Steam Cleaning
While vacuuming is standard, professional carpet steam cleaning is usually an extra service. Some rental agreements specifically require steam cleaning, especially if:
- You had pets
- There are stains or smells
- The lease terms call for it regardless of condition
If this applies to you, make sure to clarify upfront when booking your cleaner.
2. Outdoor Cleaning
Areas outside the main dwelling are usually excluded unless specifically requested.
Common exclusions:
- Garage sweeping or oil stain removal
- Balcony or patio washing
- Garden tidying or lawn mowing
- Bins and outdoor furniture cleaning
Need your garage cleared as well? Combining your cleaning with removalist services can help manage heavy items while the cleaner focuses on internal areas.
3. Rubbish Removal
Cleaners generally expect the property to be empty before they start. That means all furniture, boxes and rubbish should be gone. Leftover junk can delay the cleaning or incur extra charges.
If you need assistance clearing out clutter before the clean, consider using packing materials and moving boxes to streamline the process.
4. Pest Control
Pest treatments are not included in a move-out clean. If your lease requires pest control (e.g., if you had pets), it must be arranged separately with a licensed technician.
5. Repairs or Damage Rectification
Cleaners don’t patch walls, replace fittings or fix damaged property. If there are dents, holes, missing tiles or broken doors, those will need to be handled separately to avoid deductions from your bond.
How to Prepare for a Move-Out Clean
To get the most value from your clean, follow these tips:
1. Empty the Property Completely
Ensure all personal items, furniture and rubbish are removed before the clean. Cleaners need a space to work efficiently.
2. Defrost and Empty the Fridge
If the fridge is being cleaned, unplug it the night before and leave the door open.
3. Arrange Services in the Right Order
Schedule cleaning after all packing and moving are done. Trying to clean before removalists arrive just means more mess to deal with later.
4. Check Lease Requirements
Review your lease agreement to confirm specific cleaning expectations like carpet cleaning, pest control or outdoor maintenance.
5. Take Photos Afterwards
This provides proof that the job was done, in case of disputes with landlords or agents.
Coordinating your move and cleaning through one trusted provider, such as Gentle Giant Removals, can help avoid logistical nightmares on moving day.
At a Glance: Inclusions vs Exclusions
| Task | Included in Standard Clean? |
| Oven cleaning | ✅ Yes |
| Carpet steam cleaning | ❌ No (extra service) |
| Internal windows | ✅ Yes |
| Outdoor patios/gardens | ❌ No |
| Cupboards (inside/out) | ✅ Yes |
| Pest control | ❌ No |
| Garage cleaning | ❌ No |
| Wall spot cleaning | ✅ Yes (minor only) |
| Rubbish removal | ❌ No |
| Light fittings/fans | ✅ Yes |
Moving Soon? Get the Clean (and the Move) Done Right
You don’t need to manage five different contractors to move out. At Gentle Giant Removals & Relocations, we offer comprehensive removal services to help you pack, move and clean, all with one experienced, friendly team.
With over four decades of relocation experience, including commercial and special-needs relocations, we know how to handle every detail of a stress-free move. Let us take care of the cleaning while you focus on your next chapter.
👉 Contact us today to book a professional move-out clean or request a tailored moving package.