Home cleaning
Clean an Empty Home before Move-in and Record Damage
Photograph original condition and defects before cleaning each empty-home zone from high to low.
Overview
This guide covers clean an empty home before move-in and record damage. Work slowly, follow the item label or maker’s instructions, and stop for damage or a condition outside ordinary household care.
Tools needed
- Phone or camera
- Zone-labelled cloths
- Surface-compatible cleaner
- Torch for inspection
Cleaning steps
Record condition before cleaning
Walk through before cleaning and take dated photos or notes of existing damage, leaks, pests, unsafe electrics or structural concerns; report urgent issues before work starts.
Clean one zone at a time
Work high to low in one empty zone using separate cloths for kitchen, bathroom and general areas; use only surface-compatible products and keep ventilation safe.
Leave defects visible
Clean reachable surfaces, shelves, floors and accessible fittings without dismantling appliances, plumbing or electrical items; leave any defect visible rather than covering it.
Hand over the record
Recheck each room, record remaining damage and cleaning limits, and hand the dated record to the owner or the responsible housing contact.
Common mistakes
Cleaning over a crack, leak or pest evidence
✓ Correct actionPhotograph and report first; do not hide or repair the condition.
Using one cloth in bathroom and kitchen
✓ Correct actionKeep zone-specific tools separate to avoid transfer.
Starting with the floor
✓ Correct actionWork from high surfaces down so the floor is cleaned last.
Treating a damage record as permission to alter the flat
✓ Correct actionUse the owner or housing process for reports and repairs.
Practical tips
Tips for helpers
- Photograph walls, floors, windows, cabinets and fixtures room by room.
- Keep kitchen, bathroom and general tools separate and compare with photo notes.
Tips for employers
- Provide the intake process, photo recipient and naming rule.
- Arrange follow-up for leaks, pests, electrical or structural concerns.
Completion checklist
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