The move is complete, the new apartment is occupied – but before you can completely relax, there’s often one last, but crucial, task: the final cleaning of the old apartment. Especially in Switzerland, the apartment handover is an important point in tenancy law. A professionally cleaned apartment is not only a gesture of courtesy towards the next tenant and landlord but also the key to the full refund of your deposit. With our checklist, cleaning becomes child’s play – or you can simply leave it to the professionals!
Tips for the Final Cleaning: Detail by Detail to the Deposit
The requirements for a moving cleaning are generally higher than for a normal apartment cleaning. Many tenancy agreements speak of a “broom-clean” or “thorough” cleaning, with the latter often meaning a professional cleaning to a like-new standard. Take your time for these areas:
1. Kitchen: The Heart of the Cleaning The kitchen is the most critical point when handing over the apartment. Every corner is checked.
- Oven, microwave, dishwasher: Clean thoroughly, inside and out. Burnt residues must be completely removed. Oven cleaners should have sufficient contact time.
- Refrigerator and freezer: Empty completely, defrost, and wipe out with a damp cloth. Don’t forget the rubber seals.
- Range hood/extractor fan: Clean or replace the filter. Degrease the hood inside and out.
- Cooktops: Clean and grease-free. Treat ceramic hobs or induction cooktops with special cleaners to avoid scratches.
- Cabinets, drawers, and storage surfaces: Wipe out all cabinets and drawers inside and out. Also clean the side panels and surfaces.
- Sink and faucets: Descale and polish until shiny.
- Tiles and grout: Free of grease and mold.
2. Bathroom: Cleanliness Down to the Last Detail Here too, cleanliness and freedom from limescale are crucial.
- Toilet, sink, shower/bathtub: Clean thoroughly, disinfect, and polish. All ceramic surfaces must shine.
- Faucets and showerhead: Remove limescale deposits and polish to a high shine.
- Mirrors and glass surfaces: Clean streak-free.
- Tiles and grout: Remove mold and limescale deposits.
- Cabinets: Wipe inside and out.
- Floor: Mop thoroughly, including under sanitary installations.
3. Living and Sleeping Rooms: Don’t Forget the Basic Cleaning Even if less stubborn dirt accumulates here, thoroughness is required.
- Floors: Depending on the flooring (parquet, laminate, carpet), vacuum, wet mop, or shampoo. Pay particular attention to corners and edges.
- Walls and ceilings: Remove cobwebs. Carefully wipe off smaller stains.
- Windows and window frames: Clean streak-free inside and out. Also clean the window frames thoroughly.
- Radiators: Remove dust and dirt between the fins.
- Doors and door frames: Wipe clean, polish handles.
- Sockets and light switches: Wipe clean.
- Built-in cupboards/shelves: Clean thoroughly inside and out.
4. General Areas
- Cellar/attic compartment: Hand over broom-clean, remove all personal items.
- Balcony/Terrace: Sweep and, if necessary, wet clean, remove cobwebs.
- Mailbox/doorbell sign: Remove nameplates.
The Path to the Deposit: Documentation and Handover
- Handover protocol: Go through the apartment with the landlord or management during the handover. Insist on a detailed handover protocol, in which all defects and the state of cleanliness are recorded.
- Rectifying defects: If defects are found that are your responsibility (e.g., scratches that go beyond normal wear and tear), you must have them rectified.
- Deposit: After a successful handover and rectification of any defects, the deposit should be refunded within a short period (usually 30 days).
Offering a Cleaning Service: A Clean Apartment Without Stress
The final cleaning after a move is time-consuming and physically strenuous. Especially if you already have your hands full in the new apartment, the thought of making the old apartment shine can be overwhelming. Here, a professional cleaning service is a great option:
- Complete relief: You don’t have to worry about anything. The cleaning company takes over the complete final cleaning according to the highest standards.
- Acceptance guarantee: Many reputable cleaning companies offer an acceptance guarantee. This means: If the landlord complains about cleaning defects during the handover, the company will rectify them free of charge until the apartment is accepted. This gives you absolute security.
- Time and nerve savings: You can use the time gained to settle into your new home or simply relax.
- Professional equipment and products: Cleaning companies have special equipment and effective cleaning agents that you, as a private person, might not have at hand.
The final cleaning is the last step of your move. Whether you grab the cleaning cloth yourself or opt for the convenience of a professional cleaning service – a spotless handover is the best basis for a smooth deposit refund and a clean start to your new life.