A good cleaner gives you hours back every week, and a thorough end of lease clean can make the difference when you’re getting your bond back. Here’s how to choose a cleaner in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, whether it’s for your home, a rental you’re moving out of or your business.
Decide what kind of clean you need
- Regular cleaning. Weekly or fortnightly cleans of kitchens, bathrooms, floors and dusting.
- One-off or spring cleans. A deeper clean, often including inside cupboards, ovens, windows and skirting boards.
- End of lease cleaning. A full clean when you move out of a rental, sometimes with carpet cleaning.
- Office and commercial cleaning. Usually after hours, on a regular contract.
- Specialist cleaning. Carpets, upholstery, windows, tiles and grout, or pressure washing outside.
Check insurance and trust
Cleaners don’t need a licence in Victoria, so the checks are up to you. Ask whether they hold public liability insurance, which covers damage to your property or injury to someone else. Because cleaners are often in your home on their own, ask whether they have a current police check, and whether the same person or team will come each time.
It’s also worth knowing who you’re dealing with. An independent cleaner with an ABN works for themselves. An agency or franchise sends its own staff or contractors, and may handle insurance and replacements if your regular cleaner is away.
Get a clear quote
Ask for a written quote that says exactly what’s included. For regular cleans, check how many hours or which rooms are covered. For deeper cleans, check whether ovens, windows, walls, blinds and balconies are included or extra. Ask whether they bring their own products and equipment, and if you prefer eco-friendly or fragrance-free products, say so up front.
End of lease cleaning and your bond
In Victoria, renters must leave the property in a reasonably clean condition when they move out, allowing for fair wear and tear. Consumer Affairs Victoria’s guideline on cleanliness explains what that means. A rental provider generally can’t make you pay for a professional clean unless one is needed to bring the property back to the standard it was in when you moved in.
Before you book, compare the clean with your entry condition report so the cleaner knows what to focus on. Many end of lease cleaners offer a bond back guarantee, which usually means they’ll come back and fix anything the agent raises within a set time. Ask exactly what’s covered and how long you have to report problems.
Cleaning for your business
For an office, clinic, shop or gym, ask about the cleaning schedule, how they’ll get access after hours and how they handle keys or alarm codes. Ask for references from similar businesses, and check the notice period in the contract before you sign.
Questions worth asking
- Do you hold public liability insurance?
- Do you or your staff have a current police check?
- Will the same cleaner come each time?
- What exactly is included in the price?
- Do you bring your own products and equipment?
- For end of lease cleans, what does your bond back guarantee cover?
Find cleaners near you
Local Business Near Me lists cleaners across Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Pick your suburb, compare local businesses and call them directly. It’s free to use and there’s no middleman taking a cut.
Moving house? You can also browse removalists and storage, and read our guide to local services to line up in your first month.
