Moving out is stressful enough without wondering whether the place will pass inspection. A thorough end of tenancy clean can make the difference between a smooth handover and deductions from your deposit. If you are a tenant, landlord or letting agent in Southampton or across Hampshire, this guide sets out exactly what a proper clean should cover, how long it typically takes, and what you can expect to pay locally without pinning you to a one-size-fits-all price list.
At Botley Carpet Cleaners, we provide fixed quotations tailored to the property. We quote on a worst-case basis so there are no surprises, and it is often cheaper on the day once we see the actual condition. There is no up-sell, no small print, and our 14-day guarantee backs up the work if anything is missed or reappears during drying.
Below is a practical room-by-room checklist, optional add-ons like carpets and upholstery, timelines, and simple steps to get a quote.
What a thorough end of tenancy clean should include
A professional end of tenancy clean aims to return the property to a clean, hygienic, ready-to-let standard. Inventory clerks look for detail, so the scope matters more than a quick once-over.
Kitchen
- Degrease and clean oven, hob, hood filters, and splashbacks (we can partner with specialist oven cleaners for heavy build-up).
- Clean inside and outside of cupboards and drawers; remove crumbs, grease lines and sticky residue.
- Descale sinks and taps; polish stainless steel.
- Clean fridge and freezer interiors, including seals and drip trays; defrost if required.
- Wipe and sanitise worktops, tiles, sockets and light switches; remove spot marks from walls where safe.
- Vacuum and mop floors; clean skirting boards and door frames.
Bathrooms and cloakrooms
- Full limescale removal from screens, tiles, taps and shower heads; polish glass to a streak-free finish.
- Clean and disinfect toilets, baths, basins and shower trays, including underneath rims and behind pipework.
- Wipe mirrors, cabinets, shelves and extractor vents; remove mildew staining where treatable.
- Detail clean of grout lines and silicone edges where within scope.
- Vacuum and mop floors; skirting boards and door frames wiped.
Bedrooms and living areas
- Dust and wipe all reachable surfaces, radiators, sockets, switches and skirting boards.
- Clean inside cupboards and wardrobes; track cleaning for sliding doors.
- Spot clean marks on walls where safe and appropriate.
- Interior window cleaning including frames and sills; blinds dusted; cobwebs removed.
- Vacuum throughout; mop hard floors.
Hallways, stairs and landings
- Bannisters and spindles wiped; high dusting for corners and light fittings.
- Skirting boards, sockets and switches cleaned.
- Vacuumed thoroughly, including edges and stairs.
Move-out cleans should include reachable interior windows throughout, inside of built-in storage, and detailed descaling. If your tenancy agreement lists specific items, we will align the checklist to match.
Add-ons that make sense
Carpets and upholstery are often the biggest deposit risk because traffic lanes, odours or pet accidents can be hard to hide. Our deep carpet cleaning uses high-powered extraction and an 8-step process. Most carpets are fully dry in around 2 hours, helped by strong vacuum lift and careful rinse techniques. Upholstery cleaning is available for sofas, dining chairs and mattresses, with eco-friendly products that are safe for families and pets.
Other common extras
- Specialist oven clean for heavy build-up, arranged with trusted partners.
- External pressure washing with partners for patios and paths if the tenancy requires it.
- Dry carpet cleaning for delicate natural fibres like sisal and seagrass.
If you need carpet cleaning in Eastleigh as part of your checkout, you can read more about our quick-dry methods and trained technicians on our page for carpet cleaning in Eastleigh. We also offer a dedicated package for the local area on our end of tenancy cleaning in Eastleigh page.
Typical timelines and when to book
For best results, book 1 to 2 weeks before your move date. That gives time to coordinate keys, utilities and any partner services like ovens or exterior work.
How long does it take
- A 1 to 2 bedroom flat typically takes half a day to a full day depending on condition and whether carpets are included.
- A 3 bedroom house in the UK usually takes a full day for a comprehensive clean. Add carpet and upholstery cleaning and you are often looking at a full day, sometimes with two technicians.
- If carpets are cleaned, they are typically dry in around two hours, so you can complete checkouts the same day.
What can a cleaner do in 3 hours
- In a small, well-kept flat, 3 hours can cover a focused clean of kitchen and bathroom, plus a general dust and vacuum across living spaces. For end of tenancy standards, plan more time. Detail work such as limescale removal, inside cupboards, and oven cleaning is time intensive and worth doing properly.
Realistic costs in Southampton and Hampshire
Every property is different, so we avoid generic price lists. Instead, we give a fixed quote after a quick information gather or a free home evaluation for larger or complex jobs. Quotes are set on a worst-case basis so you know the maximum you will pay. Often it is less on the day once we confirm the scope, and we do not up-sell.
What affects the cost
- Size and layout of the property.
- Current condition, limescale levels and oven build-up.
- Whether carpets and upholstery are included.
- Access, parking and any specialised surfaces.
Typical patterns we see
- Studio to 1 bed: entry-level pricing for a full clean, with carpets an additional fixed amount if required.
- 2 to 3 bed: mid-range costs reflecting more bathrooms and internal storage; carpets priced per room or bundled.
- 4+ bed or heavily soiled: longer on site with partner services as needed.
If you are comparing options, check for insurance, a written checklist, drying times for carpets, and a meaningful guarantee. Ours is a 14-day satisfaction guarantee on workmanship.
Our fixed-quote process and landlord guarantee
Here is how we keep it simple and risk free.
- Tell us about the property and what you need via our estimate form or request a quote. Photos help, but are not essential.
- We issue a fixed, worst-case quote. If the work is easier on the day, you pay less. There is no up-sell. If we discover extra work we missed during quoting, that cost is on us, not you.
- Trained, insured technicians carry out the clean. We use eco-friendly, zero-toxicity solutions wherever possible.
- We provide a landlord and letting-agent friendly completion note. If anything is flagged within 14 days, we return free to put it right. If you are still unhappy after a re-clean, we refund you.
Prefer local reassurance first? Explore our broader cleaning services in Eastleigh to see how we approach multi-service jobs for homes and small offices.
Who we help
- Tenants who want every reasonable chance of a full deposit return without last-minute scrubbing.
- Landlords who need a fast turnaround between lets, with carpets dry in around two hours and a clear paper trail.
- Letting agents who expect consistent standards and insured, trained staff who are polite and on time.
We are family run, based in Hedge End near Botley, covering Southampton, Eastleigh, Fareham, Winchester and across Hampshire.
Quick FAQ
How much should I expect to pay for an end of tenancy clean?
- Costs vary by size, condition and extras. We provide a fixed, worst-case quote that is often cheaper on the day once we confirm the actual condition.
How much should an end of tenancy clean cost?
- As above, there is no one figure that fits all. Ask for a property-specific quote that states what is included and confirms insurance and a guarantee.
Does an end of tenancy clean include carpet cleaning?
- Sometimes. Many tenants add carpets because inventories often call it out. We can bundle carpets and upholstery with the clean in one visit.
Is it worth getting an end of tenancy clean?
- Usually, yes. It saves time, reduces disputes, and a professional finish on kitchens, bathrooms and carpets often protects more of your deposit than the clean costs.
How long does it take to clean a 3 bedroom house in the UK?
- Typically a full day for a detailed end of tenancy standard. Add carpet cleaning and you are still usually within a full day with two technicians.
What does a cleaner do in 3 hours?
- In a lightly soiled small property, 3 hours can cover a focused kitchen and bathroom clean plus a general freshen. For inventory-grade results, allow more time.
How to book and what happens next
- Book 1 to 2 weeks ahead to secure your preferred slot.
- Empty cupboards and defrost freezers where possible before we arrive.
- Keep a window slightly open during and after carpet cleaning to help those fast two-hour drying times.
Ready to get a price with no obligation? Use our estimate form to outline your property, or send a few details through the request-a-quote form. If you are local to Eastleigh and need carpets included, our page on quick-dry carpet cleaning in Eastleigh explains the method and typical drying times.
Summary
A proper end of tenancy clean covers kitchens, bathrooms, inside cupboards, reachable windows, skirtings and spot marks, with limescale and oven detail as standard. Add carpets and upholstery for the best chance of a clean checkout. Book 1 to 2 weeks ahead, allow a full day for a 3 bed, and expect carpets to dry in around two hours. With our fixed quotes set on a worst-case basis, no up-sell, trained and insured technicians, and a 14-day guarantee for landlords and agents, you can move out with confidence.