The landlord's ultimate cleaning checklist – tackle these 12 crucial grime hotspots before handing over keys to your new tenant to kick things off on the right foot

With tenants often staying for extended periods, ensuring your property is thoroughly cleaned between occupancies is essential.

Addressing these 12 often-overlooked grime hotspots will not only enhance your property's appeal but also set a standard for cleanliness.

So if you're looking for cleaning tips to ensure your tenancies get off on the right foot, look no further.

Why a rental property cleaning checklist is important to have for landlords

One in three American households live in rented properties, equating to more than 40 million homes. Retaining excellent tenants, and attracting new ones when your rental property needs a new lease will reduce any downtime where the home stands empty.

Completing a landlord's cleaning checklist will stand you in good stead to make sure this happens.

1. Light switches and door handles

Frequently touched yet seldom cleaned, light switches and door handles can harbor germs and grime. Regular cleaning prevents the spread of bacteria and maintains a polished appearance.

Karina Toner, operations manager and professional cleaner at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'These high-touch areas collect bacteria and grime but are so often overlooked. To clean, simply wipe down with a disinfecting wipe, or a microfiber cloth with diluted rubbing alcohol. Avoid spraying directly to prevent electrical damage.'

2. Baseboards and door frames

Cleaning baseboards and around door frames is vital because dust and dirt quickly accumulate, dulling their appearance and affecting air quality. These are often one of the most overlooked places that need dusting.

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'Baseboards and door frames are often areas that landlords ignore. Because they’re not a surface we interact with, everyone forgets to clean it, unless you’re a professional cleaner. These Amazon Basics Disinfecting Wipes offer a quick and easy way to trap dust and leave no visible residue.'

Wells Ye, founder of Fresh Tech Maid, adds, 'Watch out for over-wetting, as warped baseboards aren't a good look. A baseboard cleaner package (see below) will ensure a thorough dusting.'

3. Light fixtures and ceiling fan blades

Over time, light fixtures and fan blades collect dust and insects, affecting air quality and lighting efficiency. Regularly cleaning your fans and overhead fixtures, including lights, ensures optimal performance and a tidy environment.

Ye says, 'Ever turned on a ceiling fan only to get a faceful of dust confetti? That’s exactly why they shouldn't be forgotten. To clean, firstly use a pillowcase to trap dust, before wiping down the blades with a damp cloth. Top tip: avoid spraying cleaner directly onto bulbs by spraying the cloth instead.'

Ye recommends the Heonay Ceiling Fan Cleaner Duster from Amazon, which has an extendable handle and comes in more than a dozen colors.

4. Kitchen cabinets

Grease and food particles can build up on cabinet surfaces, leading to unpleasant odors and potential pest issues. Cleaning kitchen cabinets, both the exterior and interior, preserves the hygiene and condition, making your kitchen cabinets look more expensive.

Toner says, 'Dust, crumbs, and grease can accumulate inside cabinets over time, making them feel grimy to new tenants. When preparing for new tenants, empty the cabinets, vacuum out debris, then wipe all surfaces with a degreasing cleaner or a vinegar-water solution, paying particular attention to corners and handles.'

Good & Gather White Distilled Vinegar from Target is a highly-reliable brand that comes with thousands of great reviews.

5. Fridge handles and seals

Often overlooked, fridge handles and seals are among the dirtiest parts of your fridge, potentially harboring bacteria and mold due to frequent contact and moisture. Regular cleaning maintains food safety and appliance efficiency.

Steven Ip, founder of Cleanzen Boston Cleaning Services, says, 'Another commonly missed area is the fridge handles and rubber seals, where food residue and hidden mold can build up. While I'd recommend Clorox Disinfecting Wipes from Target for the handles, scrubbing the seals with a toothbrush and a mix of baking soda and vinegar helps maintain a fresh and sanitary fridge.'

6. Dishwasher

Residue and food particles can accumulate in the dishwasher, leading to odors and reduced cleaning performance. Routine cleaning of filters and seals ensures dishes come out spotless.

Evans says, 'The dishwasher is another part of your home not to overlook. Start with the filter at the bottom. Take it out, scrub with a soft toothbrush, and rinse with plenty of cold water. I prefer to use Ajax Ultra Dishwashing Liquid from Amazon, but any decent dish soap with cleaning extracts should do.

'Next, wipe down the seals with a bleach disinfectant. It doesn’t need to be that strong, especially because we’re cleaning a kitchen appliance – CloroxPro Clorox Clean-Up Disinfectant Cleaner from Amazon works well.

'Finally, place a cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a full cycle. This will remove grease, odors, and also deal with limescale deposits.'

7. Behind appliances

Areas behind ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines can collect dust, grease, and debris, posing fire hazards and attracting pests. Moving and cleaning behind these appliances is crucial for safety and cleanliness.

Toner says, 'Behind and under appliances, food debris and dust can easily build up, attracting pests and causing odors. To clean, move appliances forward, vacuum debris, and wipe surfaces with a disinfectant such as ATTITUDE Kitchen Cleaner from Amazon.

'For stubborn buildup, Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser from Walmart is great for breaking down the toughest grease and grime.'

8. Stove splash zone

The wall and surfaces adjacent to the stove often accumulate grease splatters and food residue. Regular cleaning prevents stubborn stains and maintains kitchen hygiene.

Ip says, 'As cleaning professionals, we often notice the kitchen wall behind the stove being neglected, with grease and food splatters accumulating over time.

'You can clean with a degreaser or a dish soap, but I recommend Mr Clean All Purpose Cleaner from Amazon along with Scrub-It Multipurpose Sponges, also from Amazon. This combination will effectively break down stubborn grime without damaging any paint.'

9. Range hood

Grease and grime build up in the range hood and its filters, reducing efficiency and posing common fire risks. Cleaning the hood and replacing or washing filters ensures proper ventilation in your home.

Cleaning expert Alex Varela, of Denton Maids, says, 'Before welcoming a new tenant, I suggest cleaning the range hood and the filters. These are often overlooked, maybe because you don’t directly see the filters.

'To clean, remove filters and soak them in boiling hot water with a squirt of dish soap, soaking for at least 30 minutes. Seventh Generation Clean with Purpose Liquid Dish Soap, available from Walmart, is a powerful but eco-friendly dish soap with a fresh, zesty scent.

'Finally, use a non-abrasive scrub pad to remove any residues. Personally, I recommend Scrub-It Multipurpose Scouring Pads from Amazon as they've effective yet non-abrasive.'

10. Shower tiles

Mold and soap scum can develop on shower tiles, leading to discoloration and slippery surfaces. Regularly cleaning grout keeps the bathroom safe and visually appealing.

Varela says, 'Ahead of tenancies, I'd recommend using a grout cleaner to remove all the grime and dirt that accumulates over the years. I love the Black Diamond cleaning products and their Ultimate Grout Cleaner from Amazon works great. You can use a regular brush or an electric brush if you want less elbow grease.'

11. Behind the toilet

The area behind the toilet is prone to dust and grime accumulation, often missed during routine cleaning. Addressing this spot ensures a thoroughly clean bathroom.

Ye says, 'The front of the toilet gets all the cleaning love, but the business end behind it? That's where dust, hair, and mysterious splashes of something accumulate. To clean thoroughly, begin by using a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust bunnies. Next, spray with an antibacterial cleaner and wipe down with paper towels. Finish with a mop or disinfectant wipe for a fresh, germ-free finish.'

Ye recommends Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel, available from Amazon, which has a pleasant, 'forest-rain' scent.

12. Air vents and exhaust fans

Dust and debris in air vents and exhaust fans can hinder airflow and reduce air quality. Knowing how to clean air vents around your home promotes efficient operation and a healthier environment.

Ye says, 'Dust builds up in these vents like an uninvited lodger. And if your new tenant switches on the fan? Boom – dust blizzard. To clean, first remove vent covers and wash them in soapy water. Vacuum inside the duct opening, then wipe down the exhaust fan blades with a degreaser.'

For a more thorough clean, Ye recommends Borla Exhaust Cleaner & Polish from Amazon.

The little extras

Adding thoughtful touches can make new tenants feel welcome and valued. Our experts recommend one or more of these:

• a welcome note
• a small gift, such as a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine
• a basket of essential toiletries and candles
• a gift card for a local business such as a family-run bakery
• an info folder with appliance manuals, WiFi details, and emergency contacts

Varela adds, 'I really think a small gift makes a big difference. Even a little plant with welcome card is enough to create that positive first impression.'

These gestures can set a positive tone for the tenant-landlord relationship.

So there you have it – the ultimate landlord's cleaning checklist to ensure tenancies begin on the right foot. A meticulous cleaning regimen that addresses these often-neglected areas not only enhances the property's appeal but also demonstrates a commitment to tenant satisfaction, and sets a standard of cleanliness your tenants can aspire to.

Next, check out these renter complaints landlords should never delay dealing with.