A bond clean, also known as an end-of-lease clean, is a thorough cleaning service tenants are required to complete before moving out of a rental property.
It is designed to restore the property to its original condition and meet the standards set in the rental agreement.
Real estate agents and landlords typically conduct inspections to ensure everything is spotless, from carpets and kitchens to bathrooms and outdoor areas.
A proper bond clean helps tenants secure their bond refund and avoid disputes. In this article, we’ll explain what a bond clean involves and why it’s so important.
What does a bond clean consist of?
A bond clean is a comprehensive deep cleaning service that goes beyond regular household cleaning. It aims to restore the property to its original state so tenants can get their full bond back.
A standard bond clean usually covers every corner of the house, from floors and walls to windows and appliances.
Unlike routine cleaning, which focuses on surface-level tidiness, a bond clean involves detailed attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as skirting boards, light fittings, ceiling fans, air vents, and behind furniture or appliances.
Bond cleaning typically includes carpet vacuuming and stain removal, window washing inside and outside (where accessible), and deep scrubbing of bathrooms and kitchens.
Ovens, stovetops, and range hoods are cleaned thoroughly to remove grease and grime, while bathrooms are sanitized and polished to look spotless.
Outdoor areas, including balconies, garages, and patios, are often part of the checklist too.
The exact tasks may vary depending on the landlord or property manager’s requirements, but the main goal is always the same: to leave the property looking as close to brand new as possible.
Do I have to get a bond clean in QLD?
In Queensland, tenants are not legally forced to hire a professional cleaning company for a bond clean, but they are legally required to return the property in the same condition as when the lease began (apart from fair wear and tear).
This means that if you want your bond refunded without dispute, a bond clean is almost always necessary.
Property managers in QLD conduct a final inspection using the Entry Condition Report, which compares the state of the property at the start of the tenancy with its current condition.
If the property does not meet the cleanliness standards, the landlord has the right to deduct cleaning costs from your bond or refuse to return it until the issues are fixed.
This is why most tenants choose professional bond cleaning services—they know the exact expectations of QLD property managers and can provide a guarantee that the property will pass inspection.
While some tenants attempt to do a DIY bond clean, many underestimate the time, effort, and detailed checklist required.
A professional cleaner is often a safer option, especially for those renting in Brisbane, where strict standards are applied by agencies.
How much does a bond clean cost in Brisbane?
The cost of a bond clean in Brisbane depends on several factors, such as the size of the property, its condition, and any additional services required.
On average, tenants can expect to pay anywhere between $250 and $600 for a professional bond clean in Brisbane.
For smaller apartments, the cost is usually at the lower end, while larger houses or properties with extra cleaning needs (such as heavily stained carpets or outdoor areas) will be more expensive.
Many cleaning companies also provide add-on services, such as pest control, carpet steam cleaning, or pressure washing of outdoor spaces.
These extras can increase the price but may be required by your landlord or real estate agent. Some companies charge based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, while others provide fixed quotes after inspecting the property.
It’s important to remember that while the cost may seem high compared to regular cleaning, a bond clean is an investment in securing your bond refund, which is often worth thousands of dollars.
Choosing a reputable Brisbane cleaning company with a bond-back guarantee is highly recommended, as it ensures peace of mind that your money won’t be lost over failed inspections.
General Bond Cleaning Tasks
A bond clean covers general cleaning tasks that go beyond daily household chores. These tasks focus on both visible surfaces and hidden areas where dust, dirt, and grime tend to accumulate. General cleaning tasks typically include:
- Vacuuming and mopping all floors
- Dusting skirting boards, door frames, and window sills
- Wiping down light switches, power points, and handles
- Cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces
- Removing cobwebs from walls and ceilings
These tasks may seem simple, but property managers are extremely detailed during inspections. Even small marks on walls or smudges on windows can result in a failed bond clean.
Unlike a quick tidy-up, general bond cleaning requires thorough scrubbing and polishing to ensure every area looks fresh and new.
Another crucial aspect is checking for damage or hidden stains. Professional cleaners know how to deal with stubborn marks and often use specialized products that standard household cleaners can’t match.
By covering these general tasks thoroughly, tenants reduce the risk of disputes and improve their chances of receiving their full bond refund.
Kitchen Cleaning Tasks
The kitchen is one of the most important areas in a bond clean because it tends to accumulate grease, stains, and food residue.
Property managers often inspect kitchens closely, so this area requires deep cleaning. Kitchen tasks in a bond clean generally include:
- Cleaning inside and outside of cupboards and drawers
- Degreasing the oven, stovetop, and range hood
- Wiping down splashbacks, benchtops, and sinks
- Polishing taps and fixtures to remove water stains
- Defrosting and cleaning the inside of the refrigerator (if included in the lease)
Grease and oil buildup on stovetops and range hoods can be difficult to remove with normal cleaning methods.
That’s why professional-grade products and techniques are often needed. Additionally, cupboards and drawers must be emptied and wiped thoroughly, as crumbs or dust inside can result in deductions from your bond.
The sink area also needs extra attention, with limescale and water marks polished away to make it look spotless.
A bond clean ensures every detail in the kitchen is taken care of so that property managers have no reason to flag the area as unsatisfactory.
Bathroom Cleaning Tasks
Bathrooms are another key area where bond cleans focus heavily. Over time, bathrooms can accumulate soap scum, mould, mildew, and limescale, all of which can be challenging to clean without proper products. Bond cleaning tasks for bathrooms include:
- Scrubbing tiles, grout, and shower screens
- Cleaning toilets inside and out
- Wiping and polishing mirrors and glass surfaces
- Removing mould from walls, ceilings, and corners
- Cleaning sinks, bathtubs, and taps
Real estate agents pay close attention to bathrooms because they are expected to be completely sanitized and sparkling. Shower screens, in particular, can be difficult to restore to a streak-free finish, and grout cleaning requires specific techniques to remove embedded dirt.
Even the smallest details, such as wiping exhaust fans, towel rails, and drains, are important in a professional bond clean.
Leaving bathrooms in perfect condition not only helps tenants secure their bond but also creates a hygienic, polished appearance that landlords and agents expect during final inspections.
Outdoor Cleaning Tasks
Outdoor areas are often overlooked by tenants but are a vital part of a bond clean, especially in Brisbane properties that feature balconies, patios, gardens, and garages. A complete bond clean should include:
- Sweeping and pressure washing outdoor surfaces
- Removing cobwebs, leaves, and debris
- Cleaning outdoor windows, sliding doors, and frames
- Tidying up garages and driveways
- Wiping down outdoor furniture (if provided)
If outdoor areas are not cleaned, property managers may argue that the property has not been returned in its original condition.
Garages should be free from oil stains and cobwebs, while gardens must look neat and maintained. Balconies and patios should be swept and washed to remove dust and dirt.
Since Brisbane properties often feature outdoor living spaces, landlords are particularly strict about their upkeep.
Professional cleaners use high-pressure cleaning tools to ensure surfaces are spotless and ready for inspection.
Conclusion
A bond clean is an essential step for tenants moving out of a rental property. From general cleaning to detailed kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor tasks, every corner of the home must be spotless to meet landlord and property manager standards.
While tenants are not legally required to hire a professional cleaner in QLD, doing so greatly increases the chances of securing a full bond refund without disputes.
If you’re moving out in Brisbane, hiring a trusted cleaning company will save time, stress, and money in the long run.
Austral Cleaning provides reliable and professional bond cleaning services across Brisbane, ensuring your property meets inspection standards. Learn more about their services here: Austral Cleaning – Bond Cleaning Brisbane.
FAQs about Bond Cleaning
1. How long does a bond clean take?
The time required for a bond clean depends on the size and condition of the property. On average, a standard apartment may take 4–6 hours, while larger houses can take 6–12 hours or even longer. Professional cleaners usually work in teams to complete the job faster and ensure all areas are covered.
2. Is carpet steam cleaning included in a bond clean?
Carpet steam cleaning is not always included in a standard bond clean but may be required by your landlord or property manager. Many cleaning companies in Brisbane offer it as an additional service. If carpets are stained or heavily soiled, steam cleaning is highly recommended to avoid bond deductions.
3. Do professional cleaners provide a bond-back guarantee?
Yes, many professional cleaning companies in Brisbane offer a bond-back guarantee, meaning they will return and re-clean any areas flagged by property managers during the final inspection. This gives tenants peace of mind that their bond refund is protected.
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