When it’s time to move out, a spotless bathroom can be the difference between getting your full security deposit back or kissing part of it goodbye. Landlords tend to zero in on bathrooms, noting every bit of grime from soap scum to mould and limescale.
This guide pulls together a bunch of straightforward, low-cost ways to help you give every surface a proper once-over. With just a bit of effort and the right prep, you can make the place shine and get your deposit back in full.
Gather Your Supplies
Start by making sure all your cleaning gear is within reach so you don’t end up hunting around halfway through.
Gather microfibre cloths, a sturdy bucket, a pair of gloves, a few brushes, a toilet brush, and some empty spray bottles that won’t clog.
An old toothbrush can reach into narrow grout lines and around taps where regular brushes fall short. A squeegee, if it’s lying about, makes light work of glass and leaves not a streak in sight.
Mixing your own sprays keeps things cheap and allows you to skip the chemical fumes entirely. White vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda may look humble, but they cut through bathroom grime like nothing else.
With tools ready to go, the clean-up will fly by, which matters when the van’s already out front. With everything set, you can stay focused on making everything spick and span without any hiccups.
Declutter First
Before you scrub anything, get everything out of the way to clear some space. Take out your towels, toiletries, floor mats, curtains, and anything else that’s decided to settle in.
This is the time to be ruthless, not sentimental. Go through the lot—hang onto what you use, bin what’s past it, and donate anything good that no longer suits you.
Getting rid of the extra bits clears the scene and lets you focus on the actual cleaning and reach into the corners and around the edges. It also makes it easier to spot the grimy parts you’ve been ignoring.
If the job seems overwhelming, consider booking a professional end-of-tenancy cleaning service to cover all bases and save yourself the hassle. They sure know how to clean a bathroom well without overlooking anything that your landlord will inspect.
Tackle Mould and Mildew
Do not allow mould to jeopardise your bond, as it is far easier to address this issue now than to get into a dispute with your property manager later. Prepare a paste by combining one cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda.
This combo works wonders on grout, shower corners, and around taps where mould loves to hide. Before you start, though, put on some gloves to protect your hands, since vinegar can be rough on skin.
Then, spread the paste evenly and let it sit for a solid fifteen minutes to really dig in. Grab a toothbrush and work it into the surface with circular motions.
Once you’ve scrubbed everything, rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a microfibre cloth. Dealing with mould properly now will save you from bigger headaches and more costs down the track.
Clean Fixtures and Mirrors
You don’t need anything fancy to make your fixtures shine. Just mix equal parts vinegar and water. Spray it on the mirrors, taps, handles, and shower heads, and watch the soap scum disappear. Wipe the glass in small circles, then follow with a straight pass to dodge streaks.
Get into those little spots around taps and handles, where fingerprints always show up. Chrome fixtures tend to trap watermarks, so they need their own dedicated wipe-down to restore that shine.
As for shower doors, running a squeegee across them right after showering prevents buildup from taking hold.
The entire routine is quick but transforms how everything looks. Your landlord will be eyeing these details, so it’s worth getting them spotless.
Scrub the Toilet Efficiently
No one likes it, but the toilet needs more than a once-over if you’re moving out. For a fizzy, budget-friendly solution, pour a splash of white vinegar and toss in some baking soda. Let that bubble away under the rim and around the bowl for ten minutes.
Get in there with a sturdy brush and give it a proper scrub, especially around the waterline. Hit the outside, too. Spray the seat, lid, and base with disinfectant and wipe them down. Once you’re done, rinse the brush and flush to leave everything fresh.
A toilet that actually looks clean says a lot during a final inspection. Taking five minutes here can save you an awkward bond deduction later.
Clean the Shower and Bathtub
Ditch the expensive store-bought cleaners and grab two cups of white vinegar plus some dish soap for your spray bottle. This homemade mix cuts right through sticky grease, that filmy soap residue, and those annoying water marks.
Spray it all over your bathtub, tile surfaces, glass doors, and metal fixtures. Let it do its thing for roughly ten minutes while you fold laundry.
When you come back, take a soft sponge and work in small circles. Focus on those tricky corner spots where gunk loves to hide. Rinse the whole area with warm water afterwards. Grab a clean towel and wipe everything down to prevent water spots.
This one-two punch saves cash and actually works better than most supermarket products. It’s efficient, simple, and perfect when you’re running low on time and patience.
Finish with the Floor
Save the floor for last. Otherwise, you’ll be doubling up on work for no good reason.
Start by grabbing your vacuum or broom to tackle the debris scattered around. Pet fur and those sneaky dust clusters need to go first.
Mix together some warm water with a bit of vinegar, then add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a pleasant scent.
Now is the time to pull out that steam mop you probably forgot about in your cleaning closet. It’ll cut through grime like a dream.
Get right into the corners and under the loo where dust likes to hide out. And finally, hold off on walking across the floor or dragging furniture back until it’s bone dry. This will tie the whole room together and give it that crisp, finished feel.
Conclusion
Deep bathroom cleaning before moving out might sound terrible. However, it doesn’t have to be challenging if you stick to these steps.
A bathroom that gleams from top to bottom will make all the difference when it’s time to chase that full security deposit return. It’s a bit of elbow grease, sure, but it pays off big time when moving day rolls around.
So, take your time and do it properly, for nothing beats that feeling when you get your money back from your landlord in full.
Good luck!