Whether you are relocating to a new home or relocating from an old home, it can be a very exciting and stressful experience. The packing process, travel arrangements, utility bills and paperwork can be very daunting. However, if a home is cleaned properly, there can be a healthier home for new tenants, and this can help meet contractual requirements. Below is a handy checklist for both homeowners and tenants to clean the house in Dubai efficiently.
Remove Belongings and Unwanted Items
When no one is in the house, vacuuming will be easier. Before deep cleaning, remove furniture, furniture boxes, decorations and personal items from the home if it is being moved to another location. Clean out cupboards, drawers, storage areas, balconies and utility areas—be sure there is nothing forgotten.
Any unwanted items should be donated, recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Do not leave large rubbish in corridors, parking areas or communal areas. Items such as furniture, appliances and large items may be subject to different disposal rules in Dubai communities so please check before disposing of items.
When moving in, inquire whether or not the previous tenants have already removed everything. Before they are disposed of any abandoned items should be reported to the landlord or property manager.
Clean from the Top Down
A top to bottom approach will ensure that dust does not fall on cleaned surfaces. Begin at top level: ceiling, light fixtures, fans, wainscoting and top of wardrobes. Do walls, shelves, counters and furniture then the floors.
Pay special attention to the corners of ceilings where small amounts of dust and cobweb can accumulate. Wash switches, door handles and plugs carefully as these are touched frequently and may be contaminated with dirt and germs. Do not over wet around electrical fittings.
Deep-Clean the Kitchen
Generally, the kitchen should get a great deal of attention as grease, food particles and moisture can accumulate with time. Start with empty and cleaning all of the drawers and cabinets. Clean interior and exterior with a suitable drying solution after using a vacuum or dry cloth to get rid of crumbs on the inside and out.
Clean the filters, extractor hood and stove top and oven of grease. Empty, wipe down and unplug refrigerator. Clean removeable shelves separately and make sure to dry them thoroughly before putting them back in place. Wipe-up and under appliances to be moved.
Wipe down counter tops, backsplashes, sinks and taps. Inspect drain in the sink for food or foul smells. It is crucial to have a detailed kitchen sanitization, as the left behind food can easily attract insects since Dubai is a warm climate.
Wash Windows and Glass Surfaces
Dust, sand and fingerprints can cause windows to become dull. Wipe down inside of glass, frames, tracks and handles. Window tracks can have dirt in them that can be compacted; use a narrow brush or vacuum attachment to remove dirt then use a damp cloth to wipe the track.
There should also be reflective surfaces like balcony doors, mirrors and glass partitions which should be polished. Exterior window cleaning of high-rise buildings is only possible where it is safe to reach the windows. Avoid leaning out or working on the exterior of the building only building approved staff should be doing work on the exterior glazing.
Check Air-Conditioning Vents
Cleanliness of vents is crucial in Dubai as air conditioning is a must and dust can be blown around the property. Shut off the system prior to cleaning vent covers that can be reached. Filters (if removable) and if manufacturer’s instructions allow, clean or replace filters as necessary.
If there is a strong odor or inadequate air circulation, or too much dust, you can take help from move out deep cleaning services. In the case of a mechanical problem, tenants should notify the landlord or building management and not disassemble the unit.
Sweep Balconies, Outside Areas
Sweep floors of balcony; remove sand, leaves and rubbish. Wipe down railings and glass panels (where possible) and outdoor furniture. Check and clean balcony drain and dispose of debris do not force debris into the drain.
Residents of Villa may also have to clean up entrances, patios, garages and garden areas. Outdoor bins which need to be emptied and cleaned. If it is an exterior cleaner up, make sure not to use too much water so that it does not drip down to a common area or disturb neighbours.
Inspect Floors, Doors and Fixtures
Do a final check when cleaning each room. Pay special attention to corners in floors, behind doors and skirting boards. Check and maintain door, handles, locks, lights and inbuilt.
If moving out of a rented property, look at the rental report of the inspection and compare it with the property. After cleaning, take pictures of each room so you can document the cleaning process. Include separate reports of maintenance issues such as broken fittings or damaged flooring or leaking pipes; cleaning will not take care of these issues.
Complete a Final Walk-Through
After cleaning, open up cupboards and drawers to make sure that they are clean and dust free. Look for garbage, odors, dirty glass, stains and corners that have not been touched. Make sure all cleaning products and equipment are removed.
Open the rooms first when moving in, ventilate the rooms first before unpacking. If you are moving out, make sure to arrange the visit from the landlord/agent when the unit is fully furnished. Keep pictures, cleaning records and handovers records for reference.
Conclusion
This is where a Room-by-Room Checklist might come in handy to make the cleaning process easier and less room by room. Tenants and homeowners can obtain a “Dubai property” that will be clean and ready to be viewed by making sure that the house is thoroughly cleaned, from top to bottom, and paying attention to kitchens, bathrooms, floors, windows and ventilation points.
