Moving out of a rental property can be both exciting and stressful. Among all the tasks on your checklist, end-of-lease cleaning Reading—also known as Move—out Cleaning—is one of the most important. It can help you get your full deposit back and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord or letting agency if done right.
But what exactly does end-of-lease cleaning involve? How long does it take? And what should you know before hiring a cleaning company or starting it yourself? Read below.
What Is End of Lease Cleaning?
End-of-lease cleaning is a deep, detailed clean of the entire property once your belongings have been moved. Unlike regular cleaning, it involves reaching every corner of the home to ensure the property is in the same condition it was when you moved in, minus normal wear and tear.
Landlords and letting agents usually have high standards for this type of cleaning, and many require it in the tenancy agreement to recover your deposit.
Key Factors to Consider Before Getting End of Lease Cleaning
Size of the Property
The larger your home, the more protracted and expensive the cleaning. While a small studio flat may take only a few hours to clean, a three-bedroom house with multiple bathrooms can take an entire day or more.
- Studio/1-bedroom: around 3–5 hours
- 2-bedroom flat/house: around 5–7 hours
- 3-bedroom house: around 6–9 hours
- 4+ bedrooms: 8–12 hours or more
Property Condition
The job will be quicker if the property has been well-maintained and regularly cleaned. However, if areas like the oven, bathroom tiles, or carpets haven’t been cleaned in a while, it will take longer and may even require specialist services.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Many landlords require professional carpet cleaning. Deep cleaning might be necessary if you’ve had pets or there are stains. Upholstery (if the property is furnished) may also require steam cleaning, which adds time and cost.
Furnished or Unfurnished
Cleaning a furnished property takes longer than cleaning an empty one because each item—beds, sofas, wardrobes—needs individual attention. An unfurnished property will be quicker to vacuum, mop, and dust thoroughly.
Appliances and Fixtures
End of lease cleaning typically includes a complete scrub of all appliances:
- Oven (inside and out)
- Fridge and freezer (must be defrosted)
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
These areas are time-consuming and require strong cleaning products and elbow grease.
Window and Wall Cleaning
Some landlords require windows to be cleaned inside and out. Wall marks and scuffs may need to be wiped down or spot-cleaned. Your lease contract should include these additional tasks.
Outdoor Areas
If your rental property includes a garden, balcony, garage, or patio, these may also need cleaning. This adds to the overall time and must be clarified beforehand.
How Long Does Move-Out Cleaning Usually Take?
The duration depends on all the factors mentioned above. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Small flat or studio: 3–5 hours
- 2-bedroom property: 5–7 hours
- 3-bedroom property: 6–9 hours
- 4+ bedroom house: 8–12+ hours
If multiple cleaners are working, the time may be halved. For example, two cleaners working on a 6-hour job may complete it in 3 hours. However, even then, heavy-duty tasks like oven cleaning and bathroom grout scrubbing can be time-consuming.
Checklist of What’s Typically Included in End of Lease Cleaning
To make sure you don’t miss any areas, here’s what is usually covered:
Kitchen
- Clean inside and outside of cupboards and drawers
- Clean all surfaces, countertops, and tiles
- Deep clean oven, stovetop, range hood, microwave, and fridge
- Mop floors and clean skirting boards
Bathrooms
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet, shower, bath, and basin
- Clean mirrors, tiles, and grout
- Remove limescale and soap scum
- Mop and sanitise floors
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Dust and wipe all surfaces
- Vacuum carpets and clean floors
- Clean skirting boards, switches, and sockets
- Clean inside wardrobes and drawers
Windows and Doors
- Clean windows (interior and sometimes exterior)
- Wipe down window sills and frames
- Clean doors, knobs, and doorframes
Optional Extras
- Professional carpet steam cleaning
- Wall spot-cleaning
- External window washing
- Garden tidy-up
- Rubbish removal
How Much Does It Cost?
Move Out Cleaning Slough Prices vary depending on location, company, and property condition. Here’s a general range:
- Studio/1-bed: £100–£150
- 2-bedroom: £150–£220
- 3-bedroom: £200–£300
- 4-bedroom+: £300–£500+
If carpet or upholstery cleaning is needed, expect to pay extra, typically £20–£30 per room.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: Which Is Best?
One of the biggest decisions tenants face is whether to tackle the end-of-lease clean themselves or hire a professional service. While DIY cleaning may seem cost-effective, it can be time-consuming and may not meet the high standards many landlords require. Professional cleaners bring industrial-grade equipment and products, along with a checklist that aligns with agency expectations. In fact, many letting agents specifically recommend or require a professional invoice as proof of cleaning. If you’re short on time, have a large property, or want to avoid the stress, investing in a professional clean can be a smart and hassle-free choice.
Final Thoughts:
End-of-lease cleaning is more than just tidying up—it’s about bringing the property back to a move-in-ready condition. While it may seem like a big task, with the right planning and understanding of what’s required, it can be managed effectively. Whether you hire a professional or handle it yourself, knowing how long it will take and what needs to be done will give you peace of mind and help you get your full deposit back.