Moving out soon? You’ve got boxes to pack, papers to sign—and a big clean-up to handle. But here’s the big question: Should you clean the place yourself or hire a pro? One saves money, the other saves time (and stress). In this guide, we’ll break it down simply so you can choose what’s best—and get that bond back!
When it’s time to move out, there’s already a lot on your plate—packing, organising, maybe even saying goodbye to a place you’ve called home. But before you hand back the keys, there’s one last task: making sure the place is spotless. The question many tenants face is: should you tackle the cleaning yourself, or hire professional end-of-lease cleaners? It’s a big decision—one that could mean the difference between getting your full bond back or losing a hefty portion of it.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of DIY vs professional end of lease cleaning, so you can choose what’s best for your time, budget, and peace of mind.
What Does End of Lease Cleaning Involve?
End of lease cleaning, also known as bond cleaning or move-out cleaning, is far more thorough than regular housekeeping. It often includes:
- Deep carpet and floor cleaning
- Oven, rangehood, and kitchen degreasing
- Bathroom sanitisation
- Window and blind cleaning
- Wall, skirting, and light fixture cleaning
- Mould and grime removal
- Outdoor areas and garage sweep-downs
Your agent or landlord will inspect every corner, often using a detailed end of lease cleaning checklist. Missing a single task can result in part or all of your rental bond being withheld.
The DIY Route: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Cost-effective: You avoid service fees.
- Flexible timing: Clean on your schedule.
- Sense of control: You know what’s being cleaned.
❌ Cons:
- Labour-intensive: Cleaning an entire property properly can take 10–20 hours.
- Lack of equipment: No access to industrial-grade vacuums, steam cleaners, or eco-products.
- Risk of missed spots: Landlords are detail-oriented; a missed spot could cost you your bond.
For DIY cleaning, you must strictly follow a rental cleaning checklist to avoid penalties or extra charges from your landlord or agent.
The Case for Professional End of Lease Cleaning
Hiring a professional end of lease cleaning service ensures your property meets real estate and property management standards. Here’s why it may be the smarter choice:
✅ Pros:
- Bond back guarantee: Companies like Jig's Cleaning offer a 100% bond return guarantee (T&Cs apply).
- Trained cleaners: Experts who know exactly what landlords look for.
- Time-saving: Focus on moving while professionals clean.
- Equipment and products: High-grade steam cleaners, eco-friendly solutions, and proper tools.
❌ Cons:
- Cost: Typically ranges from $180–$450 depending on the size of the property and condition.
- Booking required: May need to schedule in advance during peak moving seasons.
Is It Worth Paying for Professional End of Lease Cleaning?
Let’s do the maths:
If you risk losing a $1,200 bond, and professional cleaning costs $200, the decision becomes easier. The cleaning service pays for itself if it ensures you get your full bond back.
Plus, many landlords require a receipt from a certified cleaner to release the bond. In such cases, DIY isn’t even an option.
DIY or Professional?
| Factor | DIY Cleaning | Professional Cleaning |
|---|
| Time Investment | High | Low |
| Cost | Low | Medium |
| Quality Assurance | Risky | Guaranteed |
| Bond Refund Certainty | Uncertain | High |
| Equipment Access | Limited | Full suite |
Bottom line: If you're serious about getting your bond back and want peace of mind during a stressful move, hiring a professional end-of-lease cleaning service like Jig’s Cleaning is more than worth it.
|