Top 5 Mistakes During End of Tenancy Cleaning in Ipswich (and How to Avoid Them)
Introduction
Moving out of a rental property can be both exciting and stressful — especially when it comes to ensuring your old place is spotless for inspection. In Ipswich, most landlords require a professional-level clean before returning your security deposit. Unfortunately, many tenants underestimate how thorough end of tenancy cleaning needs to be — leading to costly deductions.
To help you avoid that, here are the top 5 mistakes tenants in Ipswich often make during end of tenancy cleaning, and how you can easily avoid them.
1. Ignoring Deep Cleaning of the Kitchen
The kitchen is the most inspected area during a final tenancy check. Landlords and agents will carefully look inside ovens, behind appliances, and inside cupboards.
Common mistake: Just wiping surfaces and forgetting built-up grease or food residue in hidden areas.
How to fix it:
- Clean the oven thoroughly, including trays and racks.
- Defrost and wipe the fridge and freezer.
- Remove limescale from taps and polish the sink area.
- Degrease tiles and splashbacks for a fresh look.
Pro Tip: A professional cleaner uses specialised degreasers and tools that can make your kitchen look brand new.
2. Forgetting Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets often hold dust, hair, and stains that aren’t visible at first glance. Many tenants assume a quick vacuum is enough — but professional cleaning can reveal how much dirt was left behind.
Common mistake: Leaving visible stains or pet odours untreated.
How to fix it:
- Steam clean or professionally shampoo carpets and rugs.
- Pay extra attention to traffic areas (hallways, under desks, and sofas).
- Clean curtains or blinds that gather dust over time.
Did You Know?
Most tenancy agreements in Ipswich now specifically mention carpet steam cleaning as a requirement.
3. Overlooking Bathrooms and Limescale
Bathrooms are where landlords spot the most missed details — like mould in tiles, soap residue on glass, or limescale on taps and showers.
Common mistake: Cleaning surfaces but missing hidden buildup in corners, vents, or behind toilets.
How to fix it:
- Use an anti-mould cleaner on tiles and grout.
- Descale showerheads and taps.
- Polish mirrors, wipe switches, and sanitise handles.
Bonus Tip: A sparkling bathroom can make your whole property feel fresh and cared for — small effort, big impact!
4. Not Cleaning Walls, Skirting Boards, and Light Fixtures
Walls and fixtures are easily forgotten but can quickly ruin a spotless impression.
Common mistake: Ignoring marks on walls or dusty lights that create a “half-cleaned” appearance.
How to fix it:
- Wipe walls gently with mild soap to remove scuffs.
- Dust skirting boards and switches.
- Clean light fittings and ceiling fans with a damp microfiber cloth.
Remember: A landlord notices lighting and wall condition instantly — it’s worth the 10 extra minutes!
5. Leaving the Property Without a Final Inspection
Even after hours of cleaning, small things are often missed. Failing to do a walk-through inspection can cost your deposit.
Common mistake: Leaving before double-checking every corner.
How to fix it:
- Walk room to room with your phone’s flashlight.
- Check under beds, inside drawers, and behind doors.
- Keep cleaning supplies handy for quick touch-ups.
EKB Cleaning Tip:
Hiring a professional end of tenancy cleaning service ensures nothing is missed — and many landlords in Ipswich prefer a cleaning invoice as proof of professional service.
Conclusion
End of tenancy cleaning isn’t just another chore — it’s your ticket to a full deposit refund and a stress-free move-out. Avoiding these five common mistakes will save you time, money, and unnecessary worry.
If you’re short on time or want guaranteed results, EKB Cleaning Ipswich offers professional, affordable end of tenancy cleaning in Ipswich with 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
📞 Get a free quote today: https://ekbcleaningipswich.co.uk/contact-us