End of Tenancy Cleaning Guides
The Complete Bathroom Deep Clean for End of Tenancy
Bathrooms get more scrutiny at check-out than almost any other room — limescale, grout mould and hard water stains are all things an inventory clerk checks closely. Here's how to actually get each one properly clean, not just wiped over.
Removing mould from grout properly
Mould in grout needs a proper process, not just a quick spray — rushing it usually just spreads spores rather than removing them. Wear gloves and a mask, and open a window or run the extractor fan before you start.
Dry brush first
An old toothbrush lifts loose mould and debris before anything wet touches the grout — dispose of what comes off in a sealed bag rather than letting it spread.
Apply a baking soda paste
Mixed to a toothpaste-like consistency, spread evenly over the affected grout lines. Leave for 10–15 minutes to let it penetrate and loosen the mould.
Spray with white vinegar and scrub
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, creating a foaming action that helps lift and disinfect further. Scrub with the toothbrush while it's still foaming.
Rinse, and use hydrogen peroxide on anything stubborn
For mould that won't fully lift, hydrogen peroxide applied directly and left for 10 minutes before a final scrub usually finishes the job.
To stop it coming back, keep the bathroom well-ventilated after showers, wipe down grout regularly, and consider a grout sealer once it's properly clean — it makes future mould genuinely harder to take hold.
Hard water stains on faucets
Soak a cloth or sponge in white vinegar and wrap it directly around the stained area of the faucet — for heavier build-up, a small plastic bag filled with vinegar and secured with a rubber band works even better, since it keeps the vinegar in constant contact with the surface. Leave it for at least 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft cloth, using an old toothbrush for detail work around fittings. For anything still visible after rinsing, a baking soda paste applied and gently scrubbed usually finishes the job.
Cleaning tiles safely
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, apply generously to tiles and grout, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing — this gives it time to break down soap scum and mineral deposits rather than just sitting on the surface. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth to avoid new water spots forming.
Avoid vinegar on natural stone. Marble, limestone and similar natural stone tiles can be etched by vinegar's acidity. If your bathroom has natural stone rather than ceramic or porcelain, use a stone-safe cleaner instead.
Eco-friendly bathroom products worth keeping
Beyond baking soda and vinegar, a few other natural options are genuinely useful in a bathroom specifically: hydrogen peroxide works well as a disinfectant and can help whiten grout; castile soap is a gentle, plant-based option for countertops and sinks; and olive oil, applied sparingly, polishes chrome and metal fixtures to a genuine shine. Reusable microfibre cloths cut down on waste compared to disposable wipes, and a bamboo-handled scrub brush is a solid alternative to plastic for tile and grout work.
If you find damage while cleaning
Photograph it clearly before you do anything else — this protects you either way, whether it's pre-existing damage you didn't cause or something that needs reporting properly. Let your landlord or agent know promptly rather than hoping it goes unnoticed, and check your tenancy agreement for how repairs and responsibility are actually handled. Honest, early communication is consistently the thing that keeps a minor issue from becoming a bigger deposit dispute.
Every detail, properly covered
Our end of tenancy cleans treat the bathroom as one of the most closely inspected rooms in the property — grout, limescale and fittings included as standard. Fixed prices from £115.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the safest way to remove mould from bathroom grout?
Dry brush loose mould first, apply a baking soda paste, then spray with white vinegar and scrub while it foams. Hydrogen peroxide handles anything that's still stubborn afterwards. Always ventilate the room and wear gloves.
How do I remove hard water stains from faucets?
Wrap a vinegar-soaked cloth or a vinegar-filled bag around the stained area, leave for at least 30 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
Can I use vinegar on all bathroom tiles?
Only on ceramic or porcelain. Avoid it on natural stone like marble or limestone, since the acidity can etch the surface permanently.
What should I do if I find damage while cleaning the bathroom?
Photograph it clearly, then report it to your landlord or agent promptly rather than hoping it goes unnoticed. Early, honest communication helps prevent a minor issue turning into a bigger dispute.
How do I stop mould coming back after cleaning it?
Keep the bathroom well-ventilated after showers, wipe down grout regularly rather than leaving moisture to sit, and consider a grout sealer once it's properly clean.