Expert Cleaning for Cambridge Student Accommodations
Cleaning student accommodations is crucial for effective housing management, encompassing halls of residence, shared houses, and private apartments. It holds significant importance for both student residents, especially at the end of their tenancy, and accommodation providers.
For Students: End of Tenancy Cleaning
When students move out, a comprehensive “end of tenancy” clean is usually required to ensure the return of their security deposit. Landlords and letting agents expect the property to be returned in a similar condition to when it was first occupied, taking into account normal wear and tear.
Key areas to focus on for end of tenancy cleaning:
- Kitchen: This is often the most challenging area.
- Oven, Hob, and Extractor Fan: Deep clean to remove grease and food residue. Oven cleaners can be very effective.
- Fridge and Freezer: Defrost and clean inside and out, including shelves and seals.
- Microwave: Clean inside and out.
- Cupboards and Drawers: Empty, wipe down inside and out.
- Sink and Taps: Clean and descale.
- Worktops and Surfaces: Wipe down thoroughly.
- Floor: Sweep and mop.
- Bathroom:
- Toilet: Scrub bowl, seat, flush handle, and behind the toilet. Disinfect thoroughly.
- Sink and Taps: Clean and descale, remove soap scum and toothpaste stains.
- Shower/Bath: Scrub tiles, remove soap residue and limescale, and clean shower screens and curtains.
- Mirrors: Clean for a streak-free finish.
- Floor: Sweep and mop.
- Bedrooms & Living Areas:
- Vacuum/Mop Floors: Thoroughly clean all flooring, including corners and areas under furniture. Professional carpet cleaning may be required or recommended by the landlord, especially for stains.
- Dust Surfaces: Wipe down all surfaces, including desks, shelves, window sills, and furniture.
- Walls: Clean any scuff marks with a damp cloth or a Magic Eraser.
- Windows & Blinds/Curtains: Wipe down windowsills and clean windows. Dust or wipe blinds/curtains.
- Furniture: Vacuum sofas and cushions, spot clean any stains. Wipe down electronics.
- Empty Bins & Remove Rubbish: Ensure all personal belongings and rubbish are removed from the property.
- Check Drawers and Wardrobes: Empty and wipe clean.
Tips for Students:
- Start Early: Don’t leave it until the last minute. Spread the cleaning over several days.
- Create a Checklist: Use a comprehensive checklist to ensure no areas are missed.
- Gather Supplies: Have all necessary cleaning products (all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant wipes, oven cleaner, bathroom cleaner, descaler) and equipment (vacuum, mop, bucket, cloths, sponges, gloves) on hand.
- Teamwork: If living in a shared house, divide tasks fairly among housemates.
- Document: Take photos before and after cleaning to have proof of the property’s condition. Keep receipts if you use professional cleaners.
- Understand Your Tenancy Agreement: Check the specific cleaning requirements outlined in your contract. While landlords cannot demand you use a professional cleaning company, they can expect a professional standard of clean.
Expert Cleaning for Cambridge Student Accommodations:
Student accommodation providers (universities, private halls, letting agents) often engage professional cleaning services for various needs:
- Between Tenancies (Summer/End of Tenancy Deep Cleans): This is the most crucial period. Units need to be deep-cleaned and made spotless for new student arrivals. This often includes:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces.
- Deep cleaning and descaling of bathrooms and toilets.
- Detailed kitchen cleaning, including inside and outside of cupboards, appliances (fridges, freezers, microwaves, ovens), and extractor fans.
- Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning (sofas, mattresses).
- Hard floor deep cleaning.
- Dusting and cleaning of high-level fixtures.
- Rubbish removal.
- Communal Area Cleaning: Regularly clean shared spaces, including lobbies, stairwells, hallways, common rooms, and shared kitchens and bathrooms (if applicable). This can be daily or periodic.
- Specialist Cleans: For specific issues like COVID-19 disinfection, extreme soiling, or post-renovation cleaning.
- Same-Day Turnarounds: During peak changeover periods, quick and efficient cleaning is essential to prepare rooms for immediate reoccupation.
Benefits of using a Decent Cleaning Company for Cleaning Student Accommodation:
- High Standards: Ensures a consistent, high level of cleanliness and hygiene, which is essential for student satisfaction and health.
- Efficiency: Professional teams can complete large-scale cleaning quickly, which is especially important during tight turnaround times.
- Expertise & Equipment: Access to industrial-grade equipment and specialised cleaning products for tough jobs.
- Compliance: Ensures adherence to health and safety regulations and maintains property standards.
- Damage Prevention: Experienced cleaners know how to clean various surfaces without causing damage.