What is Bond Cleaning?
Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
If you are living in a rental home in Australia, you have probably heard the term "Bond Cleaning" popped into a conversation. Whether you call it an "End of Lease Clean" or a "Vacate Clean," it is a big deal for anyone moving house.
In simple terms, bond cleaning is a super-deep clean of your home when you move out. It’s much more than just vacuuming the carpet and taking out the bins. It’s about making the house look exactly like it did on the day you first walked in with your keys. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about bond cleaning, why it matters, and how to do it like a pro.
Why is it called a "Bond" Clean?
In Australia, when you rent a house or a flat, you usually pay a "Bond" at the start. This is a big chunk of money (usually four weeks' worth of rent) that the landlord keeps in a safe place called the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). Think of the bond like a security deposit. If you break a window or leave the walls covered in crayon marks, the landlord keeps some of that money to fix the mess. But, if you leave the house sparkling clean and in good nick, you get every cent of that money back!
The Golden Rule: If you want your bond money back, the house must be "reasonably clean" compared to the Condition Report you signed when you moved in.


What Makes a Bond Cleaning Different from a Normal Clean?
A normal "Saturday morning clean" usually involves wiping the kitchen benches, mopping the floors, and cleaning the toilet. A bond clean is like a "Super-Clean." It involves scrubbing things you might not have touched for a whole year!
The "Invisible" Spots You Must Clean:
* The Oven: This is the #1 reason people lose their bond. You have to scrub the grease off the racks and the glass door until it looks brand new.
* Walls: You need to wipe away every scuff mark, spider web, and dusty fingerprint.
* Window Tracks: Open the window and look at the little metal grooves. They get filled with dirt and dead bugs. You have to suck those out with a vacuum!
* The Ceiling Fans: Dust loves to hide on top of the blades where you can't see it.
* Inside Cupboards: You must empty every shelf and wipe out the crumbs and dust.
Room by Room Checklist! How to Bond clean in Brisbane.
To make sure you don't miss anything, it helps to break the house down into sections. Here is how the pros do it:
1. The Kitchen (The Hardest Part)
The kitchen takes the most time because of grease.
* Rangehood: Take the filters out and soak them in hot soapy water to get the oil off.
* Dishwasher: Clean the filter and wipe the edges of the door.
* Sinks: Scrub them until they shine, and don’t forget to polish the taps.
2. The Bathrooms
Landlords hate mould and soap scum.
* Grout: Use a brush to scrub the lines between the tiles.
* Mirrors: Make sure there are no streaks.
* Exhaust Fans: These get very dusty and need a good wipe.
3. Bedrooms and Living Areas
* Carpets: In Australia, many rental agreements say you must get the carpets professionally steam cleaned if you have a pet.
* Skirting Boards: These are the little wooden trims at the bottom of the walls. Wipe the dust off them!
* Light Fittings: Carefully take down the light covers and wash out any bugs that flew inside.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
You have two choices when you move out: do it yourself (DIY) or hire a professional bond cleaning company.
| Feature | Doing it Yourself (DIY) | Hiring a Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Very cheap (just buying cleaning sprays). | Can be expensive ($300 - $800+). |
| Time | Takes a long time (usually 2 full days). | Usually done in 4–6 hours. |
| Stress | High! You might miss something. | Low. They do the hard work. |
| Guarantee | If it's not good enough, you have to go back. | Most pros offer a "Bond Back Guarantee." |
Pro Tip for Aussies: If you hire a professional, make sure they have a "Bond Back Guarantee." This means if the Real Estate agent is unhappy with something, the cleaners will go back and fix it for free!
Essential Tools for a Successful Clean
If you decide to tackle the clean yourself, you’ll need the right "Aussie cleaning kit":
* Sugar Soap: This is magic for cleaning walls.
* Microfibre Cloths: These pick up dust better than old rags.
* A Scraper: Good for getting burnt-on food off the stove.
* Vacuum with attachments: To get into those pesky sliding door tracks.
* A Mop and Bucket: For that final "walk-out" shine.Write your text here...


Common Mistakes to Avoid while Bond Cleaning in Brisbane
Even the best cleaners can make mistakes. Watch out for these:
* Leaving the garden messy: If you have a backyard, you must mow the lawn and pull out the weeds.
* Forgetting the garage: Sweep the floor and get rid of any oil spills from your car.
* Ignoring the blinds: Dust every single slat on the Venetian blinds. It’s boring, but it’s a must!
* Blown lightbulbs: If a lightbulb is out, the landlord might charge you $10 to replace it. Swap it yourself for $2!
How to Deal with the Real Estate Agent
Once you finish cleaning, you will hand back the keys and fill out an Exit Condition Report. This is your way of saying, "Look, I’ve left the place perfect!"
The agent will then do a "Final Inspection." They will walk through the house with a clipboard (and sometimes a white glove!) to check your work. If they find a problem, they might give you 24 hours to fix it, or they might take money out of your bond to pay someone else to do it.
Wait! What about "Fair Wear and Tear"?
You don't have to make the house perfect if things just got old naturally. For example, if the carpet is slightly faded from the sun, that is "Fair Wear and Tear." You don't have to pay for that. But if you spilled red cordial on the carpet, that's a stain you need to fix!
Summary for Kids (and Busy Adults!)
* Bond cleaning is the "super-clean" you do when moving out.
* You do it to get your Bond Money back from the landlord.
* It includes cleaning things like the oven, window tracks, and fans.
* You can do it yourself to save money, or hire a pro to save time.
* Always use a checklist so you don't forget the small stuff!
Moving house is tiring, but doing a great bond clean is the best way to start your new chapter with a pocket full of money and a happy smile.
Would you like me to create a printable checklist you can use for your next move?


How much does bond cleaning cost?
Moving house is a massive job! Between packing boxes and saying goodbye to your neighbours, you also have to make sure your old home looks brand new. This is called bond cleaning.
In Australia, the cost of a bond clean usually falls between $250 and $800. However, if you live in a big house or have messy pets, it can sometimes cost more than $1,000.
Think of a bond clean as a "super deep clean." It’s much more than just vacuuming. You are cleaning every nook and cranny so the next person can move in right away. If you do it well, you get your "bond money" (the deposit you paid at the start) back from the landlord.
Quick Price Guide for 2026
Prices change depending on how many rooms you have. Here is what most Aussies are paying this year:
| Property Size | Estimated Price Range |
| Studio / 1-Bedroom Unit | $250 – $350 |
| 2-Bedroom Unit | $300 – $450 |
| 3-Bedroom House | $400 – $600 |
| 4-Bedroom House | $550 – $800 |
| 5+ Bedroom Large House | $800 – $1,200+ |
Not every house is the same, so not every cleaning bill is the same. Here are the main things that make the price go up or down:
1. The Size of the Home
This is the biggest one. A tiny apartment takes two hours to clean, but a big house with two levels might take all day. More rooms mean more windows, more floors, and more skirting boards to wipe.
2. How Dirty the House Is
If you have kept your home tidy, the cleaners will finish quickly. But if there is sticky grease in the kitchen or mould in the bathroom, they have to work harder. Hard work costs more money!
3. Extra "Add-On" Tasks
Standard bond cleaning covers the basics (walls, floors, cupboards). But some things cost extra:
* Carpet Steam Cleaning: $30 – $50 per room.
* Pest Control: $150 – $200 (usually needed if you had a dog or cat).
* Cleaning the Oven: Often included, but extra-dirty ovens might add $80.
* Blinds and Curtains: $10 – $20 per set.
4. Your Location
If you live in the middle of Sydney or Melbourne, you might pay a bit more because everything is more expensive there. If you live in a smaller town, you might find a cheaper "tradie" (tradesperson) to do the job.
Why Does the Price Change?
What is Included in a Bond Clean?
Landlords in Australia are very picky! They use a big checklist to make sure the house is perfect. A professional bond clean usually includes:
* The Kitchen: Scrubbing the oven, the stovetop, and inside all the cupboards.
* The Bathroom: Removing soap scum from the shower glass and making the toilet shine.
* Walls: Wiping off "scuff marks" (those black lines from shoes or furniture).
* Windows: Cleaning the glass, the tracks, and the sills.
* Floors: Mopping hard floors and vacuuming every corner.
Why Spend the Money?
You might think, "I can just do it myself for free!" While you can clean it yourself, hiring a pro has a big benefit: The Bond-Back Guarantee.
Most Aussie cleaning companies promise that if the landlord isn't happy, the cleaners will come back and fix it for free. This saves you from a "blue" (an argument) with your real estate agent and ensures you get your thousands of dollars in bond money back quickly.
Pro Tips for Saving Money:
* Empty the House First: Cleaners can work much faster if there is no furniture in the way.
* Do the Easy Stuff: Mow the lawn or take the rubbish to the bin yourself so the cleaners don't have to.
* Book Early: Don't wait until the day before you move. Book at least two weeks early to get a better price.
Summary
Bond cleaning is an investment. You pay a few hundred dollars now to make sure you get your big bond deposit back later.
Which are the top 5 Bond Cleaning companies in Brisbane?
Moving out of your home in Brisbane is a huge job. You have to pack your toys, say goodbye to your mates, and make sure the house is so clean it sparkles like a new diamond. In Queensland, we call this Bond Cleaning.
If you don't clean the house perfectly, the person you rent from (the landlord) might keep your "bond" money. That’s a lot of dollarydoos! To help you and your family get that money back, we have found the best cleaning legends in Brisbane.
Here is our list of the top 5 bond cleaning companies that will make your old house look brand new.
1. Superior Bond Cleaning Brisbane
If you want the "Gold Medal" of cleaning, these guys are it. They are famous across Brisbane for being super-fast and very careful. They don't just sweep the floor; they clean every tiny corner, even the spots behind the fridge where dust bunnies like to hide.
* Why they are great: They use a special checklist that real estate agents love. If the agent finds a tiny bit of dust later, the team comes back to fix it for free!
* What they do: Ovens, windows, and even those tricky sliding door tracks.
* Website: superiorbondcleaningbrisbane.com.au
2. Bond Cleaning in Brisbane
This company has a very simple name because they focus on one thing: getting your bond money back. They use "Green Cleaning," which means their soaps and sprays won't hurt the planet or your pets.
* Why they are great: They have a "Bond Back Guarantee." This is like a pinky-promise that the house will pass the test.
* Active Voice: Their cleaners scrub the walls, mop the floors, and polish the sinks until they shine.
* Website: bondcleaninginbrisbane.com.au
3. Jim’s Cleaning Group
You’ve probably seen the face of "Jim" on trailers all over Australia! Jim’s is a massive family of workers. Because they are a big company, they are very reliable. If you book them, you know they will show up right on time.
* Why they are great: Every cleaner has a "Police Check," which means they are safe people to have in your home.
* What they do: They can do the cleaning AND the carpets at the same time.
* Website: jimscleaning.com.au
4. Safe Bond Cleaning
Moving is stressful, but these guys make it "No Worries." They are experts at deep-cleaning bathrooms. We all know bathrooms can get a bit icky, but Safe Bond Cleaning makes them smell like fresh lemons.
* Why they are great: You can book them online in just 60 seconds. It’s easier than playing a video game!
* Special touch: They use advanced tools that suck up more dirt than a normal vacuum cleaner.
* Website: safebondcleaning.com.au
5. Tru Bond Cleaning
At number five, we have Tru Bond Cleaning. They are well-known for being very friendly and helpful. They understand that every house is different. Whether you live in a small flat or a big house with a backyard, they have a plan to help you.
* Why they are great: They have over 10 years of experience. That’s longer than most 10-year-olds have been alive! They know exactly where the dirt hides in Brisbane homes.
* What they do: They offer "custom packages." This means your mum or dad only pays for the cleaning they actually need, which saves money for treats later!
* Website: trubondcleaningbrisbane.com
What is Bond Cleaning?
When your family moves into a rental house, they give the landlord some extra money to keep safe. This is the Bond. When you move out, you must leave the house as clean as it was when you first arrived.
If the house is dirty, the landlord keeps the money to pay for cleaners. But if you hire a professional team like the ones above, they do such a good job that the landlord says, "Wow! Here is your money back!"
Why should you hire a professional?
* They have the best gear: They have big vacuums and strong (but safe) soaps.
* They save time: Your parents can focus on moving boxes while the cleaners do the hard work.
* The Guarantee: Most of these companies promise to come back for free if the house isn't perfect.
How to choose the right one?
When you talk to your parents about which company to pick, look for these three things:
* A Fixed Price: So you know exactly how many dollarydoos it costs before they start.
* A Guarantee: Make sure they promise to fix any mistakes for free.
* Good Reviews: Look for companies that other Brisbane families have liked.
Summary Table for Busy Parents
| Company Name | Best For... | Guarantee? |
| Superior Bond Cleaning | Attention to detail | Yes (Free re-clean) |
| Bond Cleaning in Brisbane | Eco-friendly products | Yes (Bond Back) |
| Jim’s Cleaning | Reliability & Safety | Yes (Work Guarantee) |
| Safe Bond Cleaning | Easy online booking | Yes (5-Star Service) |
| Tru Bond Cleaning | Experience & Fair Price | Yes (Satisfaction) |
Cheap & Best Bond cleaning services
Expert bond cleaning and related services.
Contact US
Get A free Quote
care@trubondcleaningbrisbane.com
© 2024. All rights reserved.
