Before your final inspection, clean the laundry room as carefully as the kitchen: empty and wipe the lint filter, clean the washing machine's door seal and detergent drawer, scrub the tub, and clean behind and under the machines. Then deal with the fabrics: wash the curtains if the care label allows it, return any linen from a furnished rental clean, and wash your own clothes and bedding before you pack so nothing damp goes into a box.
Why the laundry matters at inspection
The agent compares the property with the condition report from the start of your lease. The laundry is a small room, so lint, soap scum and mould stand out, and they're an easy reason for a cleaning claim against your bond.
Normal wear and tear is expected. Grime and build-up usually aren't.
The laundry room checklist
- Empty and wash the dryer's lint filter, and wipe out the space it sits in
- Clean the washing machine's rubber door seal and detergent drawer, where mould and soap build up
- If the machine belongs to the property, run an empty hot cycle with a machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar
- Scrub the laundry tub and polish the tap
- Wipe the cupboards inside and out, and the tops of the machines
- If the machines are yours, clean the floor and wall behind them once they're moved out
- Clean the floor drain, the exhaust fan and the window
- Check the ceiling and window frame for mould
Curtains, blinds and furnished rentals
If the curtains were clean when you moved in, they should be clean when you leave. Check the care label: many sheer and cotton curtains can be machine washed, but lined, blockout and heavy curtains often need dry cleaning. Blinds are usually wiped down rather than washed.
In a furnished rental, wash every sheet, towel, doona cover and tea towel on the inventory, and put them back folded where you found them.
Your own washing before the move
- Wash bedding and towels a few days before moving day, so they're dry when you pack them
- Never pack anything damp: in a closed box it starts to smell within days
- Keep one set of sheets and towels out for the first night at the new place
- Wash the doona, or pack it in a vacuum bag to save space
- Pack clean and dirty washing in separate, labelled bags
Handing the washing over in moving week
Moving week is when the washing piles up most. Book a laundry pickup a few days before you move, so everything comes back washed, dried and folded and can go straight into the boxes. A Large or Extra Large load fits a household's sheets, towels and clothes, with free pickup and delivery. See prices and sizes.
