Book a move-out clean.

For tenants, this service is often the difference between receiving a full deposit refund or facing deductions from a landlord. For sellers, a pristine home ensures a smooth handover and maintains your reputation during the final stages of the conveyancing process.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Full Kitchen Sanitisation: Deep cleaning the oven, hob, extractor fan, and inside all cupboards and drawers.
• Bathroom Descaling: Removing limescale from taps, showerheads, tiles, and grout, plus sanitising toilets and basins.
• Internal Window Cleaning: Cleaning all glass, frames, and sills to remove dust and streaks.
• Surface Restoration: Dusting and wiping all skirting boards, architraves, door frames, and light switches.
• Floor Care: Professional vacuuming of all carpets and mopping of hard floors; steam cleaning is often an optional add-on.
• Appliance Cleaning: Wiping down the exterior and interior of white goods like washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges.

Typical Costs

Prices vary based on the property location (London and the South East carry a premium) and the current condition of the home. Most professional companies provide all their own industrial-grade cleaning materials and equipment, which is included in the quote.

Always check if the quote includes VAT and a "Deposit Back Guarantee," which ensures the cleaners return for free if the landlord's inventory check fails.

How Long Does It Take?

• Studio or 1-Bed Flat: 3 to 5 hours (usually 1-2 cleaners).
• 3-Bedroom Family Home: 6 to 10 hours (usually 2-3 cleaners).
• Large Detached Property (4+ Beds): A full day or multiple days depending on the level of deep cleaning required.

DIY or Professional?

While you can clean the property yourself, professional cleaners use industrial chemicals and high-pressure steam equipment that domestic products cannot match. Most UK tenancy agreements specify that the property must be cleaned to a "professional standard," which is difficult to achieve without specialist tools.

If you are a tenant, hiring a professional provides a receipt that serves as evidence for your landlord or letting agent. This documentation is vital if a dispute arises with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check for Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability Insurance (minimum £1 million) to cover any accidental damage.
• Look for a Checklist: A reputable cleaner should follow a comprehensive End of Tenancy checklist that mirrors what inventory clerks use.
• Ask about Guarantees: Do they offer a 48-hour or 72-hour re-clean guarantee if the inspection identifies missed areas?
• Read Reviews: Focus on reviews specifically mentioning "deposit returns" or "move-out cleans" rather than just weekly domestic cleaning.

UK Regulations

• Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS): Cleanliness is the most common reason for deposit disputes in the UK; professional receipts are your primary defence.
• COSHH: Professional cleaners must adhere to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations when using strong chemicals.
• Consumer Rights Act: You are entitled to a service performed with "reasonable care and skill." If the clean is poor, the provider is legally obligated to rectify it.

Common Problems

• The "Hidden" Areas: Forgetting to clean behind the fridge, inside the extractor hood filter, or the tops of wardrobes.
• Limescale Buildup: In hard water areas like Southern England, failing to remove thick limescale from taps is a major red flag for landlords.
• Inadequate Equipment: Using a domestic vacuum for a move-out clean often leaves deep-seated hair and dust that professional units would catch.
• Access Issues: Not ensuring the cleaners have access to hot water and electricity, which are essential for a deep clean.

Frequently Asked Questions