Introduction
Moving out of a rented property can be a hectic experience. Between packing boxes, organising transport, and meeting tenancy deadlines, it’s easy to forget just how important it is to leave your property spotless. Many tenants focus only on the obvious — hoovering floors, scrubbing the bathroom, and wiping kitchen counters — but overlooking small yet significant areas can cause problems when it comes to your final inspection.
In Shoreham-By-Sea, landlords and letting agents often carry out detailed checkouts. If hidden grime or missed spots are found, it could result in deductions from your deposit. That’s why a deep clean — especially of those often-forgotten areas — is key to a stress-free move. Let’s explore the 11 most commonly missed areas tenants forget to clean before handing back the keys.
1. Carpets and Rugs
Not just a quick hoover job
Vacuuming is helpful, but it won’t remove embedded dirt, stains, or odours that have built up over time. High-traffic areas, especially in hallways and living rooms, tend to accumulate grime that standard cleaning misses. Professional carpet cleaning restores freshness and removes signs of wear, helping you leave a good final impression.
2. Skirting Boards
Often ignored, always dusty
Skirting boards gather a surprising amount of dust and debris. Because they’re low down, they’re often missed during routine cleaning. A quick wipe with a damp cloth can make a big difference, especially around the edges of rooms.
3. Behind Appliances
Out of sight, not out of mind
Whether it’s behind the fridge, oven, or washing machine, dirt loves to hide where we can’t see it. Grease, crumbs, and even mould can build up in these spots, and landlords will likely check them. Move what you can and give the area a thorough clean.
4. Inside Kitchen Cupboards
Wipe them — top to bottom
Tenants often clear out cupboards but forget to clean inside them. Spills, crumbs, and grease can build up on shelves and corners. Make sure to wipe down both the interior and exterior of all units.
5. Light Switches and Door Handles
Touched daily, rarely cleaned
These high-touch areas harbour germs and smudges. Wipe them with a mild cleaner to remove grime and fingerprints. It’s a quick task that shows great attention to detail.
6. Window Tracks and Frames
A magnet for dirt and bugs
While the glass often gets cleaned, the frames and tracks are usually left behind. Dirt, dead insects, and mildew can build up in the corners. Use an old toothbrush or cloth to remove buildup and make the windows shine, inside and out.
7. Curtains and Blinds
Fabric traps odours and dust
Curtains and blinds can absorb smells from cooking, pets, or smoke. Dust also clings to them, especially on venetian or slatted blinds. Light vacuuming or steam cleaning makes a noticeable difference in freshness.
8. Bathroom Extractor Fans
Easy to miss, vital for hygiene
Extractor fans gather dust and can lose efficiency if blocked. A quick clean of the cover and vent can help with airflow and reduce mould growth. It’s a small touch that adds to the overall cleanliness.
9. Tops of Doors and Cupboards
Above eye-level doesn’t mean out of responsibility
Dust loves to settle on the tops of doors, kitchen cupboards, and wardrobes. Wipe these down with a cloth or duster — it’s one of those little jobs that’s always appreciated during inspections.
10. Mattresses (If Furnished)
Don’t forget the beds
If your rental was furnished, you may need to freshen up the mattress. Hoovering the surface and spot cleaning any visible stains can make a huge difference. Don’t forget to flip it if needed — and check underneath too.
11. Stains on Walls or Doors
A few marks go a long way
Scuff marks or small stains on walls and doors are common during a tenancy, especially in high-traffic areas. Use a gentle cleaner or magic eraser to remove what you can without damaging the paint. It shows you’ve made the effort to return the property in good condition.
Conclusion
A successful end-of-tenancy clean isn’t just about what’s visible at first glance — it’s about attention to detail. Missing hidden or commonly overlooked areas can lead to unwanted disputes or delays in getting your full deposit back. Taking the time to clean thoroughly, or hiring professional help, ensures you leave your rental in the best possible condition.
If you’re preparing to move out in Shoreham-By-Sea and want peace of mind, professional carpet and upholstery cleaning can make a world of difference. At K&S Carpet Cleaning, we specialise in bringing carpets and soft furnishings back to life, leaving your home fresh, clean, and ready for inspection. Ready to take the hassle out of moving? Let us handle the toughest cleaning jobs for you.
Call us on: 01903 497 392
Click here to find out more about K&S Carpet Cleaning Shoreham-By-Sea
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