The Ultimate End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist (UK 2025)

Introduction

A meticulous end of tenancy clean is essential for tenants seeking full deposit return, and for landlords and letting agents aiming to present a property at its best. This ultimate checklist is designed for UK properties in 2025, reflecting updated legal and industry standards. Use this as your definitive guide to ensure every area is addressed—no matter how small.

General Cleaning (All Rooms)

• Remove all cobwebs from ceilings, corners, and behind furniture

• Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including:

  • Skirting boards, dado rails, picture rails, cornices

  • Light switches, plug sockets, thermostats, and intercoms

  • Window sills, ledges, and radiators (including behind and on top)

  • Door frames, doors (both sides), and handles

  • Curtain rails, blinds, and shutters

• Clean all internal windows, frames, tracks, and sills

• Dust and clean ceiling and wall light fittings, lampshades, and smoke/CO alarms

• Wipe down bannisters, handrails, and balustrades (hallways/stairs)

• Vacuum all floors, carpets, rugs, and soft furnishings

• Mop all hard floors (wood, laminate, tile, vinyl)

• Clean and polish mirrors and glass surfaces

• Empty and clean all bins (replace liners)

• Remove all rubbish and personal belongings

Kitchen

• Clean and degrease oven, hob, extractor fan (including filters), and splashbacks

• Clean microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, and tumble dryer (inside and out)

• Defrost and sanitise fridge and freezer (clean shelves, drawers, seals)

• Clean inside and outside of all cupboards, drawers, and shelves (remove crumbs, stains, residues)

• Clean and disinfect sink, taps, and draining board (remove limescale and stains)

• Wipe down all worktops, wall tiles, and grout

• Clean inside, outside, and behind all appliances (move where possible)

• Clean and polish all small appliances (kettle, toaster, etc.)

• Clean and disinfect the kitchen bin and recycling containers

• Mop and sanitise the kitchen floor, paying attention to edges and under units

Bathrooms, Toilets, and En-Suites

• Clean and disinfect toilets (including base, behind, and cistern)

• Scrub and descale baths, showers, shower screens, trays, and tiles

• Clean and polish basins, taps, and shower heads (remove limescale)

• Clean and disinfect all bathroom cabinets, shelves, and storage (inside and out)

• Clean mirrors, glass, and chrome fixtures

• Clean and polish towel rails, radiators, and extractor fans

• Remove mould/mildew from grout, silicone, and corners

• Mop and disinfect all floors

• Empty and clean bathroom bins

Bedrooms

• Dust and wipe all surfaces, including headboards, bedside tables, and dressing tables

• Clean inside and outside of wardrobes, drawers, and shelves

• Clean mirrors, picture frames, and internal windows

• Vacuum and spot-clean mattresses (both sides)

• Clean under beds and behind furniture

• Wipe down doors, handles, skirting boards, and radiators

• Vacuum carpets and rugs, mop hard floors

Living Room, Lounge, and Reception Areas

• Dust and clean all skirting boards, shelves, window sills, and radiators

• Clean and polish all furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, TV stands, cabinets)

• Vacuum and spot-clean upholstery, cushions, and curtains/blinds

• Clean under and behind all furniture

• Wipe down doors, handles, and light switches

• Clean internal windows, frames, and sills

• Polish any glass or mirrored surfaces

• Vacuum carpets and rugs, mop hard floors

Hallways, Landings, and Stairs

• Dust and wipe skirting boards, bannisters, handrails, and spindles

• Clean and polish any furniture or storage units

• Clean internal doors and handles

• Vacuum stairs and landings thoroughly, mop if hard flooring

• Clean entrance mat and shoe racks

Utility Rooms, Storage, and Additional Areas

• Clean washing machine and dryer (including filters, detergent drawers, and seals)

• Wipe down utility sinks, taps, and worktops

• Clean storage cupboards, shelving, and airing cupboards

• Remove cobwebs and dust from ceilings and corners

• Vacuum and mop floors

Windows, Glass, and Mirrors

• Clean all internal windows, frames, tracks, and sills

• Remove marks, fingerprints, and smudges from glass doors and mirrors

• Wipe down window handles and locks

• (Optional: Arrange for external window cleaning if required by tenancy agreement)

Fixtures, Fittings, and Details

• Clean all light switches, plug sockets, thermostats, and alarm panels

• Dust curtain rails, blinds, shutters, and pelmets

• Clean and polish radiators (front, top, and behind)

• Replace any burnt-out light bulbs

• Test and clean smoke/CO detectors

• Remove cobwebs from all ceilings and corners

Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

• Sweep and tidy balconies, patios, terraces, and pathways

• Clean and arrange outdoor furniture

• Remove rubbish and debris from gardens or external storage

• Clean bins and bin areas

• Tidy garage, shed, or outbuildings

Specialist and Optional Services

• Arrange professional carpet and upholstery cleaning for heavily soiled or stained items

• Clean curtains and blinds (steam, dry clean, or launder as appropriate)

• Deep clean of garage, loft, or cellar

• Window cleaning (external)

• Professional pest control, if required

Final Steps and Inspection

• Cross-check the original inventory report and the schedule of condition

• Ensure all keys, manuals, and remotes are left as agreed

• Take dated photographs of each room as evidence of the cleaning standard

• Dispose of all waste and ensure bins are emptied

Frequently Missed Areas

• Behind/under large furniture and appliances

• Inside and behind radiators

• Tops of doors, cupboards, and picture rails

• Extractor fan covers and filters

• Inside kitchen and bathroom drawers

• Light fittings and lampshades

Conclusion

A truly comprehensive end-of-tenancy clean leaves no detail overlooked. Use this checklist to ensure your property meets or exceeds UK inventory standards in 2025, maximising deposit returns and delivering peace of mind for all parties.