FAQ
End of Tenancy Cleaning
End of Tenancy Cleaning
End of tenancy cleaning is a comprehensive and thorough cleaning service performed when a tenant moves out of a rental property. This type of cleaning is typically required by landlords or property management companies to ensure the property is in pristine condition for the next tenant. Here is a detailed explanation of what end of tenancy cleaning involves:
Returning the Property in Excellent Condition: The primary goal is to return the property to the same level of cleanliness it was in at the start of the tenancy, adhering to the standards set in the lease agreement.
Securing the Deposit: Tenants often need to fulfill this requirement to get their security deposit back. If the cleaning is inadequate, landlords may deduct cleaning costs from the deposit.
Preparing for New Tenants: Ensures the property is ready for new tenants, making it attractive and hygienic.
General Areas and Bedrooms
Dusting: All surfaces, including skirting boards, shelves, and furniture.
Vacuuming and Mopping: Floors, carpets, and rugs.
Windows: Cleaning interior windows, sills, and frames.
Light Fixtures and Switches: Cleaning and polishing.
Doors and Handles: Wiping down and disinfecting.
Cupboards and Drawers: Emptying and cleaning inside and out.
Walls and Ceilings: Removing cobwebs and any stains if specified.
Kitchen
Appliances: Deep cleaning of the oven, stove, refrigerator (defrosted and cleaned inside and out), microwave, dishwasher, and washing machine.
Counters and Surfaces: Wiping and disinfecting all surfaces.
Cupboards and Drawers: Cleaning inside and out.
Sink and Taps: Descaling, cleaning, and polishing.
Floors: Sweeping, mopping, and sometimes scrubbing to remove stains.
Bathrooms
Toilets: Thorough cleaning and disinfecting.
Sinks and Taps: Descaling, cleaning, and polishing.
Showers and Bathtubs: Descaling, cleaning tiles, grout, screens, and doors.
Mirrors and Glass: Cleaning and polishing.
Floors: Sweeping and mopping.
Cupboards: Cleaning inside and out.
Carpet Cleaning: Some tenancies require professional carpet cleaning.
Upholstery Cleaning: If furniture is included, upholstery may need cleaning.
Exterior Cleaning: Cleaning windows from the outside, garden maintenance if specified in the contract.
Initial Inspection: Assessment of the property's condition and identifying specific areas that need attention.
Cleaning Plan: Creating a checklist based on the initial inspection and the landlord’s requirements.
Execution: Systematic cleaning according to the checklist, ensuring all areas are addressed.
Final Inspection: Ensuring that the cleaning meets the required standards, sometimes involving a walkthrough with the landlord or property manager.
Expertise: Professional cleaners are experienced in what landlords expect. To secure your deposit in full you must pass the final inspection.
Efficiency: They bring the necessary tools and products for a deep clean.
Time-Saving: Frees up time for tenants who may be busy with moving.
End of tenancy cleaning is essential for maintaining good landlord-tenant relationships, securing deposit returns, and ensuring the property is ready for future occupants. It involves a detailed and thorough cleaning process, covering all areas of the property to meet the high standards expected by landlords and property managers.
Our end of tenancy cleaning service covers a thorough clean of all rooms, appliances, fixtures, and surfaces to ensure the property is ready for the next tenant.
As blinds are easily damaged we only dust and do not wipe metal style blinds. If blinds are thicker wooden type we can gently spot wipe but do not wipe down entire blinds. Detailed blind cleaning can be undertaken however we do recommend replacing blinds that are at the end of their life and we cannot be held accountable for blinds that may detach or are damaged during the cleaning process.
If blinds need more than dusting and/or a light wipe we recommend replacing as they are easily damaged and relatively a cheap item to replace.
To maintain your blinds dust them regularly with a microfiber cloth or a duster. For a deeper clean, use a mixture of water and mild dish soap however great care must be taken with metal and plastic style blinds not to kink or disconnected the blind from the brackets. You can remove blinds and soak them however the rope and fabric sections usually do not come clean using this method.
The cost of cleaning services varies based on several factors, including the size of the area to be cleaned, the type of cleaning required (standard, deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning), the frequency of the service (one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly), and the specific tasks requested. We provide a free estimate after a brief consultation usually by text or over a quick phone call to provide an accurate quote based on your needs. Be sure to inquire about any additional specialised services you may require.
The duration varies based on the size and condition of the property, layout and services requested, but it typically takes between 3 to 6 hours.
No, we bring all the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment to ensure a professional and comprehensive clean.
Yes, we offer a satisfaction guarantee. If any issues arise, we will return to address them promptly.
While we recommend booking in advance, we can accommodate same-day requests when possible.
Limescale is a mineral and as a result, once it builds up can becomes very hard like cement in hard water areas. This cam make it very problematic to remove especially from metal and ceramics because it is almost as hard as the surface you are removing it from meaning hard scrubbing and abrasives have a pretty high chance of damaging the surfaces you are trying to protect. Acids are not safe on metal surfaces including stainless steel so again this is not a good option as damage to the finish of your taps will occur. Domestic products will remove light scale at a push but heavy limescale for example misty shower glass or blocked shower heads will need commercial strength descalers. Acids are safe on ceramics and can be used in toilets to remove limescale.
If you need to remove limescale from taps, glass or toilets head over to the PCS Store where you can find commercial strength cleaning products that will greatly reduce the effort necessary to get above average results first time.
Washing machines can build up scale and grime inside over time. If the machine also has facilities for drying then lint can build up very quickly, mix with moisture and compact to form blockages which can harden over time and cause your washing machine or washer/dryer not to function as expected.
Start by unplugging the washing machine and removing the detergent drawer.
Use heavy descaler to remove the residue left where the detergent mixes with limescale and deposits itself as a hard mass in the detergent drawer. Leave to soak and then use an abrasive to remove whats left.
Wipe down the door inside and out again heavy descaler remove limescale from the glass and restore the clarity meaning you can once again see whats going on inside the washing machine when operating.
The seals around the door should be wiped and spray bleach to kill any mould that has been allowed to form.
Remove the drain plug from your washing machine. This is usually located on the lower front section of your washing machine. Open any covering flaps and unscrew the drain plug. Be aware some water will be released when unscrewing the cap. Its usually about half a litre but can be considerably more if your washing machine is not draining properly. Once the caps off and the remaining water drained inspect the opening. You should be able to see the water pump propeller and drain hole. Look inside and feel around for and debris, lint or foreign objects and remove. Inspect drain hole for obstructions and remove any if found. Wipe and clean what you have access to and then replace the drain plug. If your machine is still not draining properly pull it out and inspect the drain hose behind the washing machine. Inspect for kinks blockages and breaks. If normal operation doesn't resume you may have a bad component such as broken water pump
Finally wipe the exterior of the washing machine.
Once this has been completed replace the drawer and add 500ml of heavy descaler to the wash then put on an empty warm wash for 30 minutes. Once complete run the cycle again without chemical to rinse out the machine. Repeat if necessary but always put on an empty wash without chemical before adding clothes to the wash.
The descaler will break down limescale attached to the element, piping and internal mechanisms of your washing machine. Some descalers such as ones available at the PCS Store also break down fatty and oily human deposits further clearing out your washing machine leaving it cleaner for longer and helping to protect the components meaning your machine functions correctly for longer saving you time and money on maintenance bills.
Grout can become stained over time. This is because the grout is porous and over time limescale can build up trapping dirt and discolouring the grout. You can scrub the grout and use descaler to remove the deposits above the grout which is included in our bathroom cleaning service, but you cannot scrub the deposits out from within the grout. Black mould can also ingress and again you can scrub the mould to remove deposits above the grout but insode the grout the mould will still be very visible. Rebleaching the mould in the grout overnight or replacing the grout is our recommendation. Bleach will not remove limescale from within the grout.
Unplug the microwave and open the door. Remove the ring wheel and platform and place to one side. Dry wipe any debris from the inside surfaces and spray down the inside of the microwave with degreaser and close. Whilst the inside is soaking spray the outside of the microwave with degreaser and start to wipe down. Repeat if the surface is greasy to touch until the surface is not sticky.
Now open the microwave. Most of the stains shoud be hydrated and should wipe clean. If not use light abrasives and/or respray and soak.
Once the microwave is clean spray with glass cleaner to dilute and polish.
Spray down with degreaser and wipe with a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water. For stubborn marks, use an abrasive unless the steel is not sealed. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth. To polish, use a small amount of olive oil or a specialized stainless steel cleaner.
Shower heads can accumulate limescale over time as the running water leaves deposits. To clean remove the shower head and place in the sink or tub. Apply descaler to the shower head, leave to soak. Once the shower head has had time to soak you can use abrasives or a scraper to remove the limescale. If the shower head does not come completely clean first time you can repeat the process, soak for longer or use stronger descaler. You can also spray descaler inside the shower head to descale the inside.
Regularly descale your shower head to keep flow rate and increase the lifespan of your shower head.
Limescale can cause the rubber around the holes in the shower head to disintegrate, if this occurs we recommend you replace the shower head.
Turn off and unplug the fridge. If its a fridge/freezer we recommend turning off overnight to allow the freezer to defrost. Once complete remove all of the glass dividers and plastic compartments. Place these in a sink full of hot water and leave to soak. Then use degreaser and spray the entire inside and outside surfaces of the fridge, including the magnetic seals and door hinges.
Start on the outside. Wipe off all of the degreaser and then use glass cleaner to polish the plastic surfaces. Once complete open the fridge and wipe down the inside using a crevice tool to reach the hard to reach places. Again use glass cleaner to polish the plastic sections.
Now drain the sink and spray degreaser onto the fridge components and glass dividers. Start to wipe the parts and once dry use glass cleaner to polish. When these parts are clean and dry place them back into their corresponding positions in the fridge.
Turn off and unplug the dishwasher. Open the door and remove the filter and covering plate. Place the filter and plate in the sink and cover with descaler and leave to soak.
Now spray descaler inside the dishwasher targeting any visible limescale and the hinges including the sides of the dishwasher door. Leave for 15-30 minutes to allow the descaler to start breaking down the scale.
Use an abrasive pad and scrub the dishwasher, filters and plate.once complete polish with stainless steel polish.
Spray degreaser on the outside facing surface of the dishwasher door and wipe down.
Shower glass can become misty over time and can be very difficult to clean as the lime scale is nearly as hard as the glass and holds on very tight. We recommend using strong descaer to minimise the amount of pressure and agitation necessary to remove all the limescale. You can purchase commercial strength products at the PCS Store.
Spray descaler onto the affected areas and leave to soak. Typically this can take and hour or two and in worst cases several hours is necessary to get the scale to start breaking down. Then take and abrasive pad and start to scrub the glass. From top to bottom focussing on the edges and bottom of the glass.
Next spray down the glass with water and polish with glass cleaner.
If at this stage your glass is still misty you have either not removed all of the lime scale or the limescale has been attached to the glass for too long and has eaten into the glass and unfortunately cannot be scrubbed away. In this case we recommend respraying the lime scale in descaler or replace the shower glass.
Limescale can build up in your toilet overtime. If your toilet drips this can greatly increase the amount of scale in your toilet as the running water deposits scale along its path. Black or dark toilets with thick scale may need draining to descale. Do not try to scrape away the scale. Toilet porcelain is comparatively soft compared to sinks and will scratch in more than most cases.
Pour descaler in the toilet and leave to soak to allow the descaler to release the limescale from the toilet. Now spray descaler on the toilet, seat and cover. Begin to wipe down the toilet and once dry you can polish with glass cleaner. After scale has released from inside the toilet you can simply flush it away.
Vinyl floors are soft and should be swept with a soft broom or use a hoover without rollers and engage the brush to avoid damaging the floor. Sweep and/or hoover the entire floor. Then fill a warm mop bucket with dish washing liquid or floor cleaner if you need to remove more stuck on grime. Mop the floor with a wetter mop and then go over with a dryer mop to remove deposits from the floor scrubbing tough to remove spots as you go.
Hoover to remove dust and debris. Check the fabric care label for cleaning codes. Use a mixture of water and mild detergent for water-safe fabrics, applying with a cloth and blotting the stains. For non-water-safe fabrics, use a dry-cleaning solvent.
Window Cleaning
We clean a variety of window types, including standard, sash, and skylights. We clean both the interior and exterior surfaces for a complete clean on ground floor. We clean the interior of first floor windows and above. Window reveals can be added upon request.
Detergent is applied to the window panes and frames. Then a window blade is used to remove the excess water. Once the panes and frames are dry they are polished to a perfect shine.
As blinds are easily damaged we only dust and do not wipe metal style blinds. If blinds are thicker wooden type we can gently spot wipe but do not wipe down entire blinds. Detailed blind cleaning can be undertaken however we do recommend replacing blinds that are at the end of their life and we cannot be held accountable for blinds that may detach or are damaged during the cleaning process.
We recommend cleaning your windows monthly to maintain their appearance. However, more frequent cleaning may be necessary if you live in an area with heavy pollution, pollen or near the coast. Windows that are left dirty can deteriorate. Seals can become brittle and stains can form on the frames.
We primarily use the traditional method of handwashing with a squeegee and eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Yes, we use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to clean windows that are safe for your family and pets. Our products are biodegradable and non-toxic.
Text message is preferred but you can request a quote by filling out the contact form on our website, or by giving us a call. We'll provide a quote and/or schedule a convenient time to assess your property in order to get more information.
We offer both one-time and recurring cleaning services to accommodate your needs. You can choose what works best for you. Window cleaning can be booked as a stand alone service or added to any other service.
We have specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to effectively remove hard water stains and mineral deposits, restoring your windows to a clear and pristine condition. Unfortunately we cannot remove deposits or stains between the double glazing that occur when the seals between the panes of glass become compromised. In that event we suggest replacing the pane to maintain insulation properties of your windows.
Yes, we include cleaning of window frames and sills as part of our standard window cleaning service however you must add window reveal cleaning if required. Window cleaning must also be added to an end of tenancy clean. Oven and wet carpet cleaning are also additional services. We ensure a comprehensive cleaning of your windows and their surroundings.
Yes, we are fully insured, and our technicians are trained to work safely. In the unlikely event of any damage, we will take full responsibility for repairs or replacement.
Please ensure that your windows are accessible and free from obstructions including plants and vegetation obstructing external windows. Remove any fragile or valuable items near the windows. If you have any specific instructions or concerns, please let us know in advance.
If you would like to clean your own windows at home without leaving streaks and smudges but do not have the traditional window cleaning equipment you can use one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray on the windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth or a squeegee in a vertical motion. Avoid cleaning windows in direct sunlight or use colder water to compensate for evaporation which will hinder the process.
If you have access to window cleaning equipment use glass cleaning detergent with a window blade to get the best results. Some windows will need more than one clean paying attention to corners and edges can enhance the result.
Oven Cleaning
Oven cleaning is available upon request and can be booked as a stand alone service or added onto any other service. Our comprehensive oven cleaning service includes cleaning internal and external surfaces of your oven, racks, trays, door, glass, hobbs, extractor and fliters. There are areas of some surfaces in some ovens that cannot be cleaned for example unsealed metals such as elements.
Ovens are dismantled including door glass and racks, soaked and scrubbed to remove burnt on carbon and food deposits. Then everything is degreased and polished leaving your oven clean inside and out.
Remove oven racks, grills, rails and pans. Remove the oven door then the oven door glass.
Apply oven cleaner to all safe surfaces. Placing oven components in bags will stop chemical drying out meaning longer stronger contact time and will also contain the mess.
Leave chemical to soak for min 2 hours. This time increases the worse condition you oven is in.
For areas that aren't oven cleaner safe, for example switches and extractor and filters use strong degreaser. Dilute with warm water to decrease contact time necessary to break down grease. Leave for 5-10 minutes and wipe. Repeat if necessary.
Once the carbon has lifted and the grease is broken down you can wipe and scrub the mess away be sure to use plenty of rags, gloves and wash away and chemical, do not leave any residue on the oven after cleaning.
Polish oven glass and ceramic with with glass cleaner and stainless steel polish for the metal components.
Once the oven is clean and dry turn it on a medium heat for 15-30 minutes to ensure all chemical residue is completely gone before using your oven.
We also recommend using strong products in our experience most ovens require proper chemicals in order to come completely clean first clean with the minimum fuss.
If you need cleaning products to clean your oven pop over to the PCS Store you can purchase great cleaning products there.
The duration varies depending on the type, size, condition and accessibility of your oven. Typically, a standard cleaning takes between 2 to 3 hours. Chemical contact times for ovens can vary and if your oven has been severely neglected this can significantly increase contact times. In rare cases a second treatment may be necessary.
Yes, we use cleaning products that are safe for your oven and home environment. Our technicians are trained to ensure your oven is cleaned safely and effectively.
To prepare for the cleaning, please remove any personal items, trays, and racks from the oven. Our technician will handle the rest.
Yes, we can clean self-cleaning ovens. Even self-cleaning ovens require professional cleaning to reach areas that the self-cleaning feature cannot.
It’s recommended to have your oven professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months, depending on how frequently you use it and the types of food you cook. The more layers of burnt on carbon left on your oven the more difficult it is to clean and in some cases replacement is necessary.
No, our cleaning process involves washing and wiping all the chemical off of the oven before it is reassembled. We do recommend turning on the oven for 15 minutes on medium heat before cooking for the first time in your oven.
Yes, we offer cleaning services for both residential and commercial ovens. Please contact us for more details and a customized quote.
It’s not necessary for you to be at home, but someone should be available to let our technician in and inspect the work upon completion.
You can book an appointment by calling our customer service line, or sending us an email. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your needs.
Carpet Cleaning
Our carpet cleaning service includes a thorough inspection, pre-treatment of stains, deep cleaning using hot water extraction or dry cleaning methods, and deodorizing to leave your carpets fresh and clean.
It is recommended to have your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months, or more frequently if you have pets, children, or high traffic areas.
We use various methods including hot water extraction (steam cleaning), dry cleaning, and encapsulation. The method used will depend on the type and condition of your carpet.
Drying times can vary based on the cleaning method and carpet type, but typically, carpets take 6 to 12 hours to dry completely. Using fans or opening windows can help speed up the drying process.
Yes, we use eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for children, pets, and allergy sufferers.
While we strive to remove all stains, some stains may be permanent due to the nature of the substance or the length of time it has been in the carpet. We will do our best to achieve the best possible results.
We ask that you remove small and fragile items before the team arrives. Any large items will not be moved by our technicians as damage to floors and walls can occur.
The duration of the appointment depends on the size of the area being cleaned and the condition of the carpet. On average, it takes about 1 to 2 hours per room.
No, our professional cleaning methods are designed to prevent shrinkage. We use controlled water temperatures and extraction techniques to ensure your carpet remains intact.
If you are cleaning your carpets at home hoover thoroughly to remove loose dirt. Use an attachment to hoover the edges of the carpet. This will stop grey dust staining around the edges and door frames.
For stains, dilute and blot (don’t rub) with a cloth soaked in a mixture of water. For deeper cleaning, use a mixture of white vinegar and water followed by baking soda to deodorize.
There are many stains that will not move with the above methods and stronger detergents are required you can purchase hand-picked products to tackle hard to move stains at the PCS Store.
If you are within Cambridgeshire and prefer we come and clean your carpets you can book, phone or email and we will come and pre-treat, shampoo or steam clean your carpets and rugs.
Gardening
We offer a variety of services including lawn mowing, hedge trimming, strimming and garden clean-ups. Please make sure you have space in your green bins for the debris generated from gardening, if you do need debris taken away please let us know in advance.
The cost varies based on the services required, the size, the condition of your garden, and your location. Request a detailed quote and we can give you a customised quote for your garden.
Yes. After gathering details about the garden we give an instant price for services, upon confirmation we create your booking and arrive at your specified date. If you have any questions you can give us a call it’s a good opportunity to discuss your requirements and any special requests.
Yes, ETCC and their partners have appropriate licensing and insurance to protect you against any damage or accidents. In the unlikely event of an accident or damage we will do all we can to rectify.
Unfortunately we cannot give out any personal details for previous customers. You can however read our reviews online and on our web page and check out the gallery or social media for evidence of our previous and current work. Were constantly updating so you are sure to see recent events.
The frequency of visits depends on your garden's needs and your preferences. One off gardening can be arranged. We can also maintain your garden, common schedules include weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly visits depending on the time of year and your preference. Discuss this with us to create a suitable maintenance plan.
We will reschedule appointments if the weather is unsuitable for gardening work.
Typically, you don’t need to be home as long as we have access to your garden. However, being present for the initial visit can be helpful to discuss specific instructions. Providing access to water and electricity may also be required for certain tasks.
Clear any obstacles or personal items from the garden areas that need work. Make sure gates are unlocked and pets are secured. Providing access to water and electricity may also be required for certain tasks.
Yes, we bring all tools and supplies. However, if you have specific products you prefer to be used in your garden (like organic fertilizers or specific plants), discuss this beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your request.