You’ve packed the last box, updated your address, and organised the removalists. But there’s one final hurdle standing between you and your bond refund: the dreaded final property inspection. For Melbourne tenants, this can feel like the most stressful part of moving house.
The good news? With the right approach and a solid checklist, you can walk into that inspection with confidence. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about final inspection cleaning tips, so you can hand back the keys knowing you’ve done the job properly.
Why the Final Clean is Different
Think of your weekly clean versus a final inspection clean like a quick dusting versus a full-scale restoration. This isn’t about tidiness; it’s about returning the property to its original move-in condition (accounting for fair wear and tear, of course).
Melbourne’s rental market is notoriously competitive, and property managers have seen it all. They know exactly where to look for missed spots, and they’ve got checklists that would make a pilot’s pre-flight routine look casual. The oven you thought looked “good enough”? They’ll check inside the door, between the glass panels, and behind the heating element.
If you’re unsure about what a deep clean truly includes, check out this helpful guide on What’s Included in Deep Cleaning.
That’s why getting the standard right matters so much—it’s the difference between a full bond refund and losing hundreds of dollars to a professional bond cleaning services team hired by your landlord.
Your Room-by-Room Final Inspection Cleaning Checklist
Let’s get into the practical stuff. Here’s what needs tackling in each area:
General / Throughout the Property
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Walls & Skirtings: Wipe down all walls for marks and scuffs. Pay special attention to areas around light switches and doorframes. Dust and wipe all skirting boards.
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Windows & Sills: Clean window glass (inside only, unless your lease specifies outside). Wipe down sills and tracks – a vacuum attachment is great for removing dirt from tracks.
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Doors & Handles: Wipe down both sides of all doors, including fingerprints. Clean door handles and knobs.
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Light Fittings & Switches: Dust all light fittings and fixtures. Wipe down all light switches and power points. Replace any blown globes.
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Floors: A thorough vacuum and/or mop of all floor surfaces (carpet, timber, tiles) is the final step in each room.
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Cobwebs: Check all corners of ceilings and walls for cobwebs.
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Vents & Heaters: Dust air vents, radiators, and heater panels.
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Lighting: Ensure all lights are working (replace any dead bulbs).
Kitchen (The Most Scrutinized Room)
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Cupboards & Drawers: Wipe out the inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers. Remove any shelf liners.
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Benchtops & Splashback: Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly. Pay attention to edges and corners.
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Sink & Taps: Clean and disinfect the sink. Polish taps to a shine, ensuring no water spots. Fix any minor leaks if possible.
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Appliances:
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Oven & Stovetop: Deep clean the oven interior, racks, and trays. Degrease the stovetop and grills. Wipe down the control panel.
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Rangehood: Clean the filter and wipe down the exterior.
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Dishwasher: Wipe the interior and exterior. Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner if needed.
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Microwave: Clean the interior and exterior, including the turntable.
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Pantry: Remove all items and wipe down shelves.
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Floor: Sweep and mop thoroughly, especially under the fridge and stove.
Bathroom & Laundry
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Shower & Bath:
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Scrub and descale shower screen, tiles, and bath.
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Remove any soap scum or mould (a magic eraser can work wonders on tiles).
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Clean the showerhead and ensure the drain is not clogged with hair.
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Vanity & Sink: Wipe down the vanity unit and clean the sink. Clean the mirror until it is streak-free.
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Toilet: Clean inside the bowl, under the rim, the seat, lid, and the exterior base. Use a disinfectant.
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Taps & Fixtures: Polish all taps and shower fittings to remove water spots.
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Cupboards: Wipe out any bathroom/laundry cupboards.
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Exhaust Fan: Wipe the cover to remove dust.
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Floor: Sweep and mop, paying attention to corners where mould can grow.
Bedrooms & Living Areas
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Wardrobes & Built-in Robes: Empty completely. Wipe down all shelves, rails, and the interior. Don’t forget the top.
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Blinds & Curtains: Dust venetian blinds or vacuum roller blinds. If you are responsible for cleaning curtains, check the care label.
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Light Fittings: Dust ceiling lights, fan blades (if applicable), and lampshades.
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Carpets:
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Vacuum thoroughly, including under the bed and furniture.
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Consider a Professional Clean: Most Melbourne leases now require professional carpet cleaning upon exit. Check your lease agreement! You must provide the receipt as proof.
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Hard Floors: Sweep and mop.
Balcony, Patio & Garage
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Surfaces: Sweep all concrete, tiled, or decked areas. Remove any cobwebs from corners and ceilings.
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Windows & Doors: Clean the exterior of any balcony/patio doors and windows if accessible and safe.
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Guttering: Remove any leaves or debris from balcony gutters if easily and safely accessible.
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Garage: Sweep the floor. Remove all personal items and any oil stains if possible.
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General: Ensure no personal items or rubbish are left behind.
Final Walk-Through (Do this before the agent arrives)
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Do a “Sniff Test”: Walk through the empty property and ensure there are no lingering odours from pets, smoking, or bins.
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Check for Damage: Do one last check for any marks or damage you may have missed.
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Take Photos & Video: Document the spotless condition of the property with time-stamped photos and a video. This is your insurance if there is a dispute over the bond.
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Gather Documentation: Have your professional carpet cleaning receipt and any other maintenance records ready.
When to Call the Pros
Now, here’s the reality check. While there’s plenty you can tackle yourself, some jobs genuinely need professional equipment and expertise to meet the expected standard. Carpet cleaning is the big one—more on that below—but ovens are another. That baked-on carbon from two years of roasts? A professional has industrial degreasers and the know-how to remove it without damaging the enamel. Trying to DIY it might save you $100 now, but cost you $500 from your bond later.
Don’t risk your bond. Let the experts at Premium Clean handle your end-of-lease clean. We guarantee that our work meets the highest real estate standards in Melbourne. Contact us for a free quote today!
Julie Ann Salvatierra writes the stories behind Premium Clean’s spotless reputation. With 5+ years of copywriting expertise, she crafts content that speaks to Australians who refuse to compromise on quality. She knows that premium cleaning deserves premium words—and she delivers them every time.