Moving out of a rented apartment in Zürich? Ensure a smooth and stress-free handover with our comprehensive guide to end-of-tenancy cleaning. From DIY cleaning tips to hiring professionals, we've got you covered.

Relocation can be overwhelming, especially when you need to leave your rented apartment looking as good as new. In Zürich, a city known for its high living standards, ensuring a spotless handover is crucial. This blog post is designed to ease your burden, offering quick and effective end-of-tenancy cleaning tips for a stress-free move.

Understanding End of Tenancy Cleaning

What Is the End of Tenancy Cleaning?

End of tenancy cleaning is a thorough cleaning of your rented apartment before handing it back to the landlord or property management. It's more comprehensive than regular cleaning, covering areas often overlooked during daily or weekly cleaning routines.

Why Is It Important?

Getting Your Full Deposit Back:

• Most rental agreements stipulate that the property must be left in the same condition as when you moved in, barring normal wear and tear. Ensuring the apartment is spotless is crucial to meeting these terms.


• Landlords or property management companies often conduct detailed inspections. Any sign of neglect or damage can lead to deductions from your deposit to cover cleaning and repairs.

Maintaining a Good Relationship with Your Landlord:

• A clean handover reflects positively on your tenancy and can influence your landlord's reference, which might be necessary for future rentals.


• Demonstrating respect for the property and the landlord can lead to more flexibility with end-of-tenancy procedures, such as scheduling inspections and handing over keys.

Helping the Next Tenants:

• Leaving an apartment clean is a courteous gesture that enables the next tenants to move into a welcoming and healthy environment.


• It sets a positive tone for the new occupants, potentially encouraging them to maintain high standards of cleanliness and care during their tenancy.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

• In some cases, the requirement for end of tenancy cleaning may be outlined in local housing laws or regulations, making it not just a courtesy but a legal obligation.


• Ethically, it supports the principle of leaving a place better than you found it, contributing to a cycle of mutual respect and consideration among renters and landlords.

Financial Benefits Beyond the Deposit:

• Investing in end of tenancy cleaning can actually be cost-effective. Hiring professionals or buying cleaning supplies might seem like an added expense, but it can be significantly cheaper than the deductions for cleaning and repairs that landlords might impose.


• In cases where landlords arrange for cleaning after tenants leave, they may choose more expensive services, the cost of which will be deducted from your deposit. By arranging cleaning yourself, you have control over the budget.

Zürich's Requirements

In Zürich, end of tenancy cleaning is taken seriously. Landlords or property management companies may provide you with a checklist or specific requirements to meet, which often includes professional carpet cleaning and window washing.

DIY End of Tenancy Cleaning Tips

Step-by-Step Guide

Start with Decluttering: Remove all personal belongings and dispose of or donate items you no longer need.
Deep Clean Room by Room: Tackle each room individually, starting from the top (ceiling, light fixtures) and moving down to the floors.
Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms: These areas require extra attention. Use specialized cleaners for different surfaces like stainless steel, ceramic, and tiles.

Essential Tools and Supplies

• Microfiber cloths


• A powerful vacuum cleaner with attachments


• Mops and buckets


• A variety of cleaning solutions for different surfaces


• A ladder or step stool for high places

Stubborn Stains and Dirt

• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Great for tackling tough stains in the kitchen and bathroom.


• Steam Cleaner: Effective for carpets and upholstery.


• Magic Eraser: Ideal for scuff marks on walls.

Hiring Professional End of Tenancy Cleaners

Hiring professional end of tenancy cleaners can provide several significant benefits, making the transition out of your rental property smoother and more efficient. One of the most compelling reasons to opt for professional cleaning services is the considerable amount of time and effort they save.

Professionals are equipped with the expertise and tools to clean your apartment thoroughly in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself. This efficiency is especially beneficial during a move, a period often marked by tight schedules and numerous tasks.

Moreover, professional cleaners typically offer guaranteed results. Many companies promise to meet your landlord's standards, providing peace of mind that you will pass the final inspection and receive your full deposit back.

This guarantee also means that if the cleaning does not meet the agreed standards, the company will likely offer to redo the job at no extra charge, ensuring that your requirements and those of your landlord are fully satisfied.

When it comes to choosing a reputable cleaning company in Zürich, it's essential to conduct thorough research. Checking online reviews and testimonials from previous customers can offer valuable insights into the quality of the company's services and customer satisfaction. Positive feedback is a strong indicator of reliability and effectiveness, helping you make an informed decision.

Additionally, it's advisable to obtain quotes from multiple companies to compare prices. While cost is an important consideration, it's crucial to remember that the cheapest option may not always provide the best value.

Factors such as the company's reputation, the inclusivity of their service (e.g., whether they provide their own cleaning supplies), and any guarantees they offer should also play a significant role in your decision-making process.

In Zürich, the costs for end of tenancy cleaning services can vary widely, typically ranging from CHF 200 to over CHF 600 (although the cost varies case to case, so better ask for an instant quote from the cleaning agency).

This variance is largely dependent on the size of the apartment and the extent of cleaning required. It's important to provide the cleaning company with as much detail as possible about your apartment and your cleaning expectations to receive an accurate quote.

Investing in a professional cleaning service can not only facilitate a stress-free move but also significantly increase your chances of receiving your full deposit back, making it a worthwhile consideration for any tenant nearing the end of their lease.

Checklists for End of Tenancy Cleaning

To ensure a thorough and effective end of tenancy cleaning, both renters and landlords can benefit from detailed checklists tailored to their specific needs. These checklists serve as a guide to ensure that all areas of the apartment are properly cleaned and inspected, facilitating a smooth and dispute-free handover.

For Renters:

Kitchen:

• Clean inside and outside of all cabinets and cupboards.
• Wipe down countertops and surfaces.
• Clean the sink, taps, and remove lime scale.
• Degrease the oven inside and out; clean the oven racks.
• Clean the refrigerator and freezer inside and out, including the rubber seal.
• Descale and clean the dishwasher.
• Ensure the cooktop and extractor fan are grease-free and clean.

Bathroom:

• Scrub and descale the bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet.
• Clean mirrors and glass surfaces.
• Wipe down tiles, removing mold and stains.
• Clean inside any cabinets and under the sink.

Living Areas and Bedrooms:

• Dust and clean all surfaces, including shelves and cupboards.
• Clean windows inside (and outside where possible), including window sills and frames.
• Vacuum carpets and mop hardwood floors.
• Ensure light fixtures and switches are dust-free.
• Wipe down doors, including tops, and clean door handles.

General:

• Ensure walls are mark-free and clean.
• Clean radiators and vents.
• Vacuum carpets and mop hardwood floors.
• Vacuum upholstery and wash any removable covers.
• Ensure all personal belongings are removed.

For Landlords:

Property Inspection:

• Verify that the kitchen appliances are clean and in working order.
• Check bathrooms for cleanliness and absence of lime scale and mold.
• Ensure that all living areas, bedrooms, and common areas are dust-free and have no personal belongings left behind.
• Inspect windows for cleanliness and integrity.
• Review the condition of carpets, flooring, and furniture for cleanliness and damage.

Safety and Maintenance Checks:

• Ensure that all electrical fixtures and fittings are clean and functional.
• Check bathrooms for cleanliness and absence of lime scale and mold.
• Check smoke detectors and replace batteries if necessary.
• Review the overall cleanliness of outdoor areas, including balconies and terraces.

Final Overview:

• Conduct a final walkthrough to ensure no area has been overlooked.
• Compare the property's condition against the initial inventory report.

DIY vs. Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning

Deciding between a DIY approach and hiring professional cleaners for end of tenancy cleaning is a significant decision that can impact not only the outcome of the cleaning itself but also the ease and stress levels of the moving process.

For those considering the DIY route, it's important to weigh the potential savings against the time and effort required. Undertaking the cleaning yourself can be more cost-effective and offers a sense of personal control over the thoroughness of the job. However, it demands a considerable investment of time and physical effort, as well as a detailed understanding of cleaning techniques and products to address specific challenges such as stubborn stains or lime scale.

On the other hand, hiring professionals can alleviate the burden of cleaning, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move. Professional cleaners bring expertise, efficiency, and specialized equipment to the task, ensuring a high standard of cleanliness that is likely to meet or exceed your landlord's expectations.

This option can be particularly valuable for larger properties or when facing a tight deadline to vacate the premises. While it represents an upfront cost, the investment in professional cleaning services can pay dividends in terms of time saved, stress reduced, and the likelihood of securing your full deposit return.

Ultimately, the choice between DIY and professional cleaning should be based on a careful consideration of your personal circumstances, including your available time, physical ability to perform the cleaning, and financial situation.

Wrapping Up

End of tenancy cleaning in Zürich doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right approach, tools, and information, you can ensure a spotless handover, whether you do it yourself or hire professionals. Remember, the effort you put into cleaning can significantly impact the return of your deposit and your relationship with your landlord. Happy cleaning!