The Ultimate Brisbane Bond Cleaning Checklist

Changing places and shifting to a new house can feel exciting - a fresh start, new people, new routines. But for most Brisbane renters, this excitement quickly gets taken away by one stressful task: the bond clean. Suddenly you realize you are not just packing boxes but scrubbing oven racks, getting rid of moulds that was not even present a day before, and troubled by the tiny scuff that the property manager might notice.

And with Brisbane’s rental market tighter than ever, property owners and managers have become even stricter with the exit inspections. One overlooked window track or uncleaned ceiling fan could be the way to get a deduction from your bond refund.

Excellent Bond Cleaning brings The Ultimate Brisbane Bond Cleaning Checklist—your complete navigation list to meeting every RTA and real-estate requirement, neglecting common tenant mistakes, and giving yourself the best possible chance at a 100% bond return. Whether you’re cleaning the house by yourself or deciding to hire a professional, this checklist will help you get it done right, stress-free.

What Makes Brisbane Bond Cleaning Unique?

Bond cleaning (also called end-of-lease cleaning or vacate cleaning) follows guidelines under the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). Real estate agents and property managers in Brisbane tend to be strict because the city has a high rental turnover and detailed entry condition reports.

Common requirements include:

• Returning the home to its original condition, minus fair wear and tear
• Leaving it professionally cleaned in some cases (e.g., carpets, pest control if pets were present)
• Meeting room-by-room cleaning standards, not just surface cleaning

Because Brisbane’s climate is humid, issues like mould, window tracks, and bathroom grime can be more noticeable—meaning inspectors look closely at these areas.

The Ultimate Brisbane Bond Cleaning Checklist

Below is a full room-by-room checklist that meets Brisbane real-estate cleaning expectations.

1. Whole Home Checklist (General Areas)

These areas apply to all rooms—living areas, hallways, dining rooms, and studies.

Walls & Ceilings

• Remove cobwebs
• Spot clean marks
• Wipe light switches & outlets
• Clean skirting boards
• Dust moulding & cornices
• Clean ceiling fans and vents

Floors

• Vacuum all carpets thoroughly
• Mop hard floors
• Remove stains if possible (steam cleaning may be needed for carpets)

Doors & Fixtures

• Clean door surfaces
• Wipe both sides of the doors and handles
• Dust blinds
• Clean window tracks
• Wash windows inside and out (where reachable)

Lighting

• Dust light fixtures
• Replace any burnt-out bulbs
• Wipe down lampshades

2. Kitchen Bond Cleaning Checklist

Kitchens require the most attention because they accumulate grease, grime, and food residue.

Oven & Stove

• Deep clean oven (racks, trays, door glass)
• Remove baked-on grease
• Clean stovetop, burners, and drip trays
• Wipe backsplash tiles

Tip: Brisbane property managers almost always check the oven first.

Rangehood

• Degrease filters
• Clean underside & exterior

Cabinets & Drawers

• Wipe inside and outside
• Remove crumbs & stains
• Clean handles

Sink & Taps

• Descale taps
• Polish stainless-steel surfaces
• Clean the drain and plughole

Dishwasher

• Clean filter
• Wipe seals
• Run an empty hot cycle

Fridge (if included with rental)

• Wipe inside and out
• Clean seals
• Remove shelves for deep cleaning

Bench Tops

• Disinfect
• Remove stains and streaks

3. Bathroom & Laundry Bond Cleaning Checklist

Bathrooms are high-inspection zones because of Brisbane’s humidity, which often leads to mould.

Shower

• Scrub tiles & grout
• Remove mould
• Clean screens & door tracks
• Polish chrome fixtures

Toilet

• Clean bowl inside & out
• Wipe cistern
• Scrub around the base

Sink & Vanity

• Wipe benchtop
• Clean mirror
• Empty and clean drawers

Bathtub

• Remove soap scum
• Polish taps

Laundry

• Clean laundry sink & taps
• Dust around plumbing connections
• Wipe dryer filters (if included)

4. Bedrooms Bond Cleaning Checklist

5. Living Areas Bond Cleaning Checklist

Windows & Tracks

• Remove built-up dust
• Clean fly screens

Air-conditioning Units

• Clean filters
• Wipe exterior surfaces

Walls & Surfaces

• Remove scuff marks
• Dust high corners

6. Outdoor Areas Bond Cleaning Checklist

This applies if you’re renting a house, townhouse, or unit with a balcony.

Balconies & Patios

• Sweep & mop
• Remove cobwebs
• Clean sliding door tracks

Gardens & Yards

• Mow lawn
• Trim edges
• Remove weeds
• Sweep pathways

Garage & Carport

• Sweep floor
• Remove oil stains where possible

DIY vs Hiring a Professional Bond Cleaner in Brisbane

Professional Bond Cleaning Pros

• Guaranteed standard that meets agent expectations
• Saves time
• Includes specialised equipment (e.g., steam cleaners)
• Many offer bond-back guarantees

Cons

• More expensive (but often worth the cost)

Tips to Maximise Your Bond Refund

✔ Start cleaning early – 2–3 days before moving
✔ Follow your entry condition report as a checklist
✔ Take photos of all completed cleaning
✔ Replace light bulbs
✔ Patch small wall holes (if allowed)
✔ Keep receipts for professional services

FAQs: Brisbane Bond Cleaning Checklist

1. Is professional bond cleaning required in Brisbane?

It’s not legally required by the RTA, but many real estate agencies expect a professional standard. If you cleaned it professionally before moving in, or carpets were professionally cleaned, you may need to match that.

2. How long does a bond clean take?

A full bond clean can take:

• 3–6 hours for a small unit
• 6–12 hours for a house

DIY cleans often take longer.

3. Do I need pest control for my bond return?

Yes, if you had pets. Most Brisbane leases require flea treatment at the end of tenancy.

4. Do I have to clean the carpets?

If carpets were professionally cleaned before you moved in, you must repeat this when moving out.

5. What happens if the real estate isn’t satisfied?

They can request a re-clean or deduct the cost from your bond. Many professional cleaners offer free re-cleaning, which is why many tenants choose them.

6. Should I clean before or after removing furniture?

Always after removing furniture. This avoids dust streaks, carpet dents, and missed areas.

7. Can the agent refuse my bond for “wear and tear”?

No. Wear and tear (like faded paint or worn carpet) is normal. Dirt, stains, and damage are not considered wear and tear.

Final Thoughts

Bond cleaning in Brisbane doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you have a clear and complete checklist. Whether you decide on a DIY approach or hire a professional service like Excellent Bond Cleaning, following the Ultimate Brisbane Bond Cleaning Checklist ensures your home meets RTA and real-estate standards.

With proper preparation, attention to detail, and a methodical cleaning approach, you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting your full bond refund and move on to your next home stress-free.