This guide provides valuable tips and highlights the importance of proper end of tenancy cleaning to ensure a a smooth deposit return and a happy landlord.

Read also: Your Guide to a Successful End of Tenancy Cleaning

Pet hair is one of the most common issues during end of tenancy inspections.

Challenges for Pet Owners During an End of Tenancy Cleaning

Pets bring joy, but they also leave behind traces of their presence. Here are some common issues tenants with pets face:

• Allergens and microbes: Pet dander, saliva, and urine can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Microbes like bacteria and fungi thrive in pet-inhabited areas.
• Pet hair: Fur gets stuck everywhere. The sight of any pet hair during the final inspection of the property leads to deductions from your tenancy deposit 100% of the time.
• Unpleasant odours: Lingering smells from pet accidents and specific body odours can be challenging to eliminate.
• Stains: Pet stains can be a nightmare to remove, from muddy paws to vomit and urine.
• Damage: Scratching, chewing, and digging can leave their mark on the rental property.

Remember, your tenancy agreement outlines your cleaning responsibilities. While “reasonable wear and tear” is expected, pay close attention to areas where pets might have caused extra wear.

Check also: What’s Better: DIY or Professional End of Lease Cleaning

A stained or stinky sofa will surely set you back with a deposit deduction.

Cleaning Areas of Focus When Moving Out with Pets

While the overall end of lease cleaning requirements remain the same for everybody, pet owners need to pay extra attention to specific areas:

• Carpets & furniture: Vacuum thoroughly to remove pet dander and hair. It’s best to rent a vacuum with HEPA filters, as they trap microbes and allergens. Use stain removal products and enzymatic cleaners to treat pet stains and deal with odours.
• Behind appliances: Remember to vacuum behind and under appliances, as pet hair and dust easily get trapped there.
• Hard floors: Pet hair gets everywhere, not just in carpets and upholstery but also between floorboards and laminate. HEPA filter vacuums are your best friend for this task, trapping pet dander, pollen, and dust mites to reduce allergens. Use attachments designed for upholstery and tight spaces to remove pet hair lurking in corners.
• Walls & skirting boards: Pets love to rub against walls, leaving marks. Sugar soap or a damp sponge can remove these marks. Remember to wipe the skirting boards to remove pet hair and dirt build-up.
• Windows & window coverings: Clean the windows inside and out to remove pet nose prints and paw marks. Vacuum the blinds and window coverings to remove dust, debris, and pet fur. Fix or replace any fly screens damaged by your pet.
• Pet areas: Items like litter boxes, cages, or pet enclosures require extra attention. Use disinfectant to sanitise these zones thoroughly and enzymatic cleaning products to remove any lingering pet odours from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces.

Read also: The Most Important Things to Consider Before an End of Tenancy Cleaning

Loud noises and increased activity in the home can be stressful for your pet, so moving them before the end-of-lease cleaning takes place is best.

4 Ways to Ensure a Flawless Pet-Friendly End of Tenancy Cleaning

For a genuinely deposit-worthy clean, consider these specialised approaches and take some proactive steps:

1. Move your pet out: To make moving out easier, move your pet to temporary accommodation a week before your move-out date. Relocating your animals gives you enough time to focus on repairs and cleaning without being disrupted by them. It’s also better for the pets, as all the commotion related to moving out can be stressful.
2. Book professional cleaning for carpets and upholstery: Carpets and soft furniture are known for trapping pet hair, odours, and dander. It is essential to schedule upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, as regular vacuuming is insufficient to remove deeply embedded dirt. Professionals use powerful equipment and solutions to leave the furniture and carpets fresh, spotless, and allergens-free.
3. Air it out: Fresh air works wonders! Open windows and doors whenever possible, particularly during the cleaning process. Ventilating the property helps eliminate lingering pet odours and ensures a fresh scent for your landlord’s inspection. Invite honest friends for a sniff test and consider air fresheners.
4. Honesty is the best policy: Minor pet-related damage can happen. Be upfront with your landlord about any scuffs or scratches caused by your pet. Explain your efforts to rectify the situation and outline areas you haven’t been able to fix. Communicating the issues in advance shows responsibility and allows them to assess the situation calmly, enhancing the chances you get most, if not all, of your deposit back.

Bonus Tip: Landlords and tenants benefit from clear communication regarding pet-related expectations and responsibilities. Routine inspections of the property can help pinpoint and address potential issues early on.

Check also: The Cleaning Must-Dos When Moving Out

Besides dealing with pet-related issues on the property, trained cleaners ensure spotless kitchens and bathrooms – areas that are often the subject of cleaning disputes.

Why Hire Professionals for a Pet-Friendly End of Tenancy Cleaning?

Here’s why professional cleaning is an investment that pays off:

• Specialised techniques: Experienced cleaners use advanced methods to tackle pet hair, dander, and odours beyond surface-level cleaning. HEPA-filtered vacuums trap allergens, while enzyme-based cleaners eliminate pet odours at the source.
• Deep cleaning techniques: Hot water extraction (a.k.a. professional steam cleaning) removes embedded dirt, hair, and allergens from carpets, upholstered furniture and mattresses. Trained cleaners also ensure proper drying to prevent mould growth.
• Attention to detail: With all the challenges of moving, no matter how thoroughly you clean, there’s always a chance of missing something. On the other hand, cleaning companies work according to detailed end of lease cleaning checklists and procedures tested over the years. Professional move out cleaners reach hidden areas like behind appliances and under furniture, ensuring a comprehensive cleaning that addresses pet-related issues.
• Peace of mind: Hiring an end of tenancy cleaning service takes the stress out of the job! You can focus on your move while the experts ensure a flawless end of tenancy clean that maximises your chances of getting your deposit back in full.

Read also: Is Hiring Move Out Cleaners Worth Your Money? We’ve Checked Reddit So You Don’t Have To!

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed? We Can Help!

Happy House Cleaning offers customised move out cleaning plans designed specifically for pet-friendly homes. Contact us today for a free quote, and let us help you achieve a stress-free move-out!

With the right approach and professional help, you can ensure a flawless end of tenancy clean and a smooth transition to your new home. Happy moving!

The post End of Tenancy Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners: Get Your Deposit Back With a Flawless Clean appeared first on KTMA Ltd..

Read also: Why DIY Oven Cleaning Hacks Rarely Work (and What to Do Instead for a Sparkling Oven)

Take advantage of the fridge cleaning to throw away any expired food.

Fridge Cleaning: Conquering the Clutter, Stains, and Dirt

With summer upon us, keeping your fridge clean and well-functioning becomes crucial. We store more food during the warmer months, from barbeque leftovers to refreshing salads, and a clean, well-maintained fridge ensures everything stays delicious and safe to consume. Here’s what to do to sanitise and freshen up your fridge step-by-step:

1. The Great Food Eviction

Before tackling the nooks and crannies, it’s time for a complete fridge inventory. Grab a basket or two and remove everything – yes, everything! This is your chance to identify expired items (guilty of forgetting that jar of mystery chutney in the back?), conduct a food safety check (goodbye, wilted lettuce!), and mentally note what needs restocking.

2. Sorting and Storing

While the fridge is bare, sort through your food and discard anything past its prime. Place leftovers in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out or tainting other items. Group similar items together: fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawers, dairy products on higher shelves, and meats at the bottom (to prevent any drips from contaminating other items).

Check also: A Professional Cleaner’s Guide to a Spotless Extractor Hood

If you have to use bleach or other strong cleaners when cleaning a particularly dirty fridge, wear gloves to protect your hands. Image by yanalya on Freepik

3. Deep Fridge Cleaning

Now comes the fun part (well, almost!). Here’s what you’ll need:

• Two buckets (one for soapy water, one for rinsing)
• Microfibre cloths, scrubbing sponges
• Rubber gloves
• Baking soda
• White vinegar (optional)
• Spray bottle
• Dish soap
• Bleach (for the really messy situations)

First things first

Remove all shelves and drawers. Most fridge components are removable for a thorough cleaning. Wash them in warm, soapy water in your sink or the shower.

Pro tip: Avoid boiling hot water, which can warp some plastics.

For the fridge interior

Mix a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap in one bucket. Dip your microfibre cloth, wring it out well to avoid dripping, and wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, door shelves, walls, and the rubber door gasket (a breeding ground for bacteria!).

Tackling sticky stains

Baking soda is your secret weapon against stubborn grime. Apply baking soda and water paste to any sticky areas. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently with a damp microfibre cloth.

Some types of food like fresh produce are in direct contact with the shelves. That’s why it’s so important to sanitise the fridge interior. Pic: Vadim Vasenin Deposit photos

Dealing with mouldy patches

Use equal parts white vinegar and water solution on mouldy spots, gaskets, corners, or drip pan. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Deep fridge sanitisation

Power cut while you were on vacation, and now your fridge is filled with spoiled food and rancid or rotten smell? We’ve been there! Everything will be okay, but the fridge needs sanitisation beyond dish soap and baking soda. Mix 1 litre of water with 4 tbsp bleach and wipe every part of the interior. Use gloves when doing this.

Side note from our experienced end of tenancy cleaners who regulalry deal with deep fridge cleaning: If you plan to use any other cleaning products to clean your fridge right after you clean it with bleach, make sure they don’t contain ammonia.

Rinse and Dry

Once you’ve finished cleaning the interior, empty the soapy water bucket and rinse everything down with clean water. Use a fresh microfibre cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture.  Leaving surfaces damp can lead to mould growth.

Read also: 4 Easy Steps to an Impeccably Clean Washing Machine

With glass cleaner, you can easily remove fingerprints and smears from the fridge door.

Exterior Fridge Cleaning

The fridge’s exterior also deserves some TLC:

• Wipe down the surface: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and splashes. For stubborn stains, a diluted vinegar solution often works wonders.
• Tackling greasy splashes: If your fridge is near a cooker, you might find oil or food splashes on the outside. Baking soda paste, oven degreaser, or a solution of warm water with a few drops of dish soap can help remove these sticky messes.

Bonus Tip: Removing Children’s Art

We understand that little hands sometimes have a way of “decorating” appliances with stickers; some leave stubborn, sticky, adhesive residues. Here’s how to remove them without damaging the fridge surface:

• Heat it: A hairdryer set on low heat can loosen the adhesive on the sticker. Hold the hairdryer a few inches from the sticker and slowly peel off as the adhesive softens. Be careful not to overheat the surface, especially with stainless steel fridges.
• Treatment with oil: A little vegetable oil can go a long way. Apply a small amount to the edges of the sticker and leave it for a few minutes. The oil will help loosen the adhesive, allowing you to peel it off gently. Afterwards, clean the area with soapy water.
• The dental floss trick: Slide dental floss underneath the edge of the sticker and gently glide it back and forth. It can be a slow process, but it’s effective for removing stubborn stickers without leaving marks.

While these methods work well for existing artwork, a little prevention goes a long way. Consider using designated sticker areas on the fridge, like a small whiteboard section, to channel your little artist’s creativity.

Check also: Deep Cleaning vs Regular Home Cleaning: What You’re Actually Missing

A foul smell of spoiled food is a good reason to clean your fridge during the summer. Image by bearfotos on Freepik

Dealing with Fridge Funk

Here are the most common sources of foul odours in your fridge and how to deal with them:

• Expired food: This is the most likely culprit. Double-check for forgotten food items, especially behind condiments and crisper drawers.
• Spoiled spills: Clean up any spills promptly to prevent odours and stains.
• Strong-smelling foods: Wrap pungent foods like onions, cheese, and fish in airtight containers to neutralise them. Consider using baking soda as a natural odour absorber in a small open container.

Freshening Up: Beyond the Baking Soda

While baking soda does wonders for most odours, there are instances where it might not be enough. Here are some additional options:

• Coffee grounds: Place a small bowl of fresh coffee grounds in your fridge to absorb strong-smelling odours like fish or garlic. Discard and replace when the coffee grounds lose their potency.
• Lemon halves: Cut a lemon in half and place it on a shelf. The citric acid helps neutralise odours and leaves a pleasant, fresh scent. Replace the lemon halves every few days.

If your fridge smells like nail polish, you might have to call an appliance repair service.

The Mystery Stench

Sometimes, the culprit behind a smelly fridge isn’t a cleaning issue. Here are some additional tips to keep odours at bay: Here are some common culprits:

• Overflowing drip pan: the drip pan that collects condensation can start smelling mouldy or musky over time. Check your manual for its location and clean it regularly.
• Freon leak: If the interior of your appliance reeks of acetone or nail polish, you are most probably facing a more severe issue. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician immediately if you suspect a Freon leak. Freon is a refrigerant gas that can be toxic if inhaled.

Read also: 5 Things We Often Forget When Cleaning Our Home

Keeping fish and poultry in an open container is a recipe for stinky fridge. Image by freepik

Maintaining Fridge Freshness: A Long-Term Strategy

Now that your fridge is sparkling clean and odour-free, here are some habits to keep it that way:

• Don’t let spills become breeding grounds for bacteria and odours. Address them as soon as they happen.
• Use airtight containers for leftovers and strong-smelling foods. Wrap fruits and vegetables in breathable storage bags.
• Schedule a quick fridge inspection every week. Identify and discard expired food before it becomes a source of odours or potential foodborne illnesses.
• Aim for a thorough fridge clean every 3 months or more often if needed. Deep cleaning ensures a hygienic environment for your food and keeps your fridge functioning optimally.

KTMA Ltd.: Professional Expertise for Long-Lasting Freshness

Don’t have the time to clean? We can help! Our experienced domestic cleaners in London can do much more than tackle dirty appliances! Call us for a one-off cleanup or regular home cleaning. Let us take care of the cleaning so you can enjoy the summer with your family!

The post The Ultimate Guide to a Fresh and Clean Fridge appeared first on KTMA Ltd..

As professionals with years of experience in oven cleaning in London, we’ve seen it all—burnt-on spills, stubborn caked-on grease, and ovens that haven’t been properly cleaned in years. While we appreciate the desire to save money or to conquer the task, the truth is that DIY oven cleaning methods often fail to deliver a truly extensive cleaning.

In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some of the reasons why DIY oven cleaning hacks might not be as effective as you think and what you can do instead to achieve a sparkling oven that you’ll be proud of.

Read also: Our Professionals’ Guide to Impeccably Clean Extractor Hood

Some DIY oven cleaning hacks involve abrasive products that can scratch the appliance’s surface.

The Trouble with DIY Oven Cleaning Hacks

There are many reasons why DIY oven cleaning methods can fall short. Here are a few of the most common:

Ineffective cleaning power: Many DIY recipes rely on common household ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda. While these ingredients are safe and non-toxic, they don’t have the grease-cutting power to tackle baked-on grime, burnt sugar, and stubborn food stains.

Abrasive ingredients: Some DIY methods recommend using abrasive materials like baking soda or salt to scrub the oven. While these can be effective on light grime, they can also scratch the surface of your appliance, making it more susceptible to staining and more challenging to clean in the future.

Time-consuming: First, scouring your oven for hours on end is no one’s idea of fun. Second, many DIY hacks require extensive scrubbing and soaking, which can be a chore, especially on a heavily soiled oven.

Safety concerns: The improper use of certain household products can be dangerous. A common mistake to avoid is combining bleach and ammonia, which can produce toxic gases.

Incomplete cleaning: DIY methods can work well on the surface of the oven; however, they often leave grease and grime behind in the nooks and crannies, like in between the oven door glass or the racks and their rails and other awkward and hard-to-see places.

Check also: 4 Easy Steps to a Perfectly Cleaned Washing Machine

Sometimes only strong cleaning products can change the grime sight of your heavily soiled oven.

DIY Oven Cleaning with High-Quality Products

We understand that not everyone may be ready to call in a professional cleaning service. If you’re looking to tackle oven cleaning yourself, there are ways to do so effectively. Still, ditching the baking soda and vinegar routine for heavily soiled ovens is crucial to the outcome. Here’s what you can do:

• Invest in high-quality commercial cleaners: Skip the supermarket cleaning aisle, head to a professional cleaning supply store, or look up specialised sites online. You’ll find high-quality commercial-grade oven cleaners formulated to tackle tough baked-on grease and grime. These cleaners are more potent than household products and cut through grime faster.
• Safety first: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using any cleaning product. Wear thick gloves and eye protection, and ensure proper ventilation when using harsh chemicals.
• Prepare the oven: The prep work is just as important as the cleaning itself. If you’ve used the appliance before the cleaning, allow it to cool completely. Remove oven racks and detachable components (like drip pans) and soak them in a hot, soapy water bath with a degreaser added. Cover the surrounding surfaces with old towels to protect them from splatters.
• Apply the cleaner: Following the product instructions, spread generous amounts to the oven interior, avoiding heating elements and the fan. Many commercial cleaners have a foamy consistency that clings to surfaces, ensuring maximum contact time.
• Let it work: Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended amount of time, which can range from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the product. This time allows the cleaner to break down tough grease and grime.
• Scrub and rinse: Once the dwell time is complete, put on thick gloves and use a non-abrasive scouring pad or sponge to scrub the loosened grime. Pay particular attention to greasy areas and burnt-on food stains. Rinse the oven interior thoroughly with clean water, ensuring that all traces of cleaner are removed. Repeat this step if necessary.
• Dry completely: Once you rinse the appliance, use clean cloths or towels to dry the oven interior completely. Leaving any moisture behind can promote mould growth.

While high-quality commercial products can be effective on moderately soiled ovens, you can still encounter some limitations to DIY oven cleaning:

• Time commitment: Oven cleaning, even with good products, can be a dull and lengthy task, especially when dealing with old stubborn stains and dirt.
• Safety hazards: Commercial oven cleaners are powerful and can irritate the skin and eyes if not appropriately handled.
• Stubborn stains: Even commercial-grade cleaners may struggle with heavily soiled ovens with baked-on grease or burnt-on food.

Read also: 7 Ultimate Tips for a Safe and Easy Cleaning Routine

Happy House Cleaning’s experienced professionals will get your oven spotless.

Our Professional Approach to a Sparkling Oven

So, what can you do instead of wrestling with DIY oven-cleaning hacks? The answer is simple: book a professional cleaner for the job! Here’s what our professional oven cleaning service involves:

1. Pre-clean inspection: Our cleaner will examine your oven to assess the level of cleaning required. This inspection will help them determine the best approach and choose the right cleaning products.
2. Safe appliance disassembly: We will carefully disassemble the oven door and remove the racks and trays. This step allows the cleaner to access all oven surfaces, including the door seal and the oven cavity interior.
3. Professional-grade oven cleaning products: We use high-quality, commercial-grade cleaning products specifically formulated to tackle tough oven grease and grime. These products are safe for use on your oven and will not damage the surface.
4. Meticulous cleaning: Our cleaner will then thoroughly work on all oven surfaces, including the interior cavity, the door, the racks, and the trays. We always pay particular attention to areas prone to grease buildup, such as around the oven element and the drip pan.
5. Reassembly and final touches: Our cleaner will reassemble the door and replace the racks and trays once the oven is clean. They will also wipe down the oven’s exterior to leave it sparkling clean.

Check also: 10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Help You Tackle the Task Like a Pro

You can count on us to make your appliance shine!

Get a Pristine Oven with Happy House Cleaning

Don’t hesitate to book our professional cleaning service if you value your time and safety and want a spotless oven. Happy House Cleaning’s experts will make your appliance pristine and ensure all nooks and crannies, including the door, racks, and sides, are squeaky clean. We use only the safest and most effective products to leave your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.

So, whether you tackle oven cleaning yourself with high-quality commercial products or call in KTMA Ltd. Company, remember: a clean oven is a happy oven!

The post Why DIY Oven Cleaning Hacks Often Fail (and What to Do Instead for a Sparkling Oven) appeared first on KTMA Ltd..