Cleaning Tips for Renters in London

Renting in London comes with its own cleaning challenges. Older flats, hard water and shared walls all take their toll, and your deposit depends on handing the place back in good condition. A little upkeep through your tenancy makes move-out easy and protects the money you put down. Here is how to keep a London rental in top shape.

Know your inventory and protect your deposit

At check-in you should get an inventory report with photos. Read it, note the condition of every room, and flag anything already damaged or dirty in writing within the first week. This report is what your deposit is judged against at the end, so keep your own dated photos too.

Stay ahead of condensation and mould

Many London flats are prone to damp, especially older conversions with poor ventilation. Mould on walls and sealant is a common cause of deposit deductions.

• Wipe condensation from windows each morning.
• Use the extractor fan, or open a window, when cooking and showering.
• Dry washing outdoors or by an open window rather than on radiators.
• Leave space behind furniture on cold external walls.

Tackle London's hard water and limescale

London sits in a hard-water area, so limescale builds fast on taps, kettles, showerheads and glass. Left alone, it stains fittings and looks like neglect at move-out.

• Wipe the shower screen and tiles after use to stop water spots setting.
• Descale taps, the kettle and the showerhead regularly with a limescale remover or white vinegar.

Look after fittings you did not choose

You still have to return carpets, worktops and white goods in good order, minus fair wear and tear. Vacuum carpets weekly, wipe up spills before they stain, and clean the oven and hob little and often so grease never bakes on. Regular care beats a desperate scrub the night before you leave.

Do not save it all for move-out

End-of-tenancy cleaning is far easier when you have kept on top of things. A quick weekly routine, plus a monthly go at the oven, limescale and skirting boards, means the final clean is a tidy-up, not a rescue mission. Fair wear and tear is expected, but dirt is not.

Getting your deposit back

When you move out, clean the property back to its check-in condition and photograph every room. If time is short, a professional clean often costs less than a deposit deduction. GlowSpark covers much of West London, including cleaners in Ealing and nearby areas.

Facing a move-out deadline? You can book a GlowSpark cleaner for a thorough end-of-tenancy clean from £19 an hour, from £16 for members, with vetted cleaners.