In the whirlwind of packing boxes and loading the truck to capacity, window tracks and blinds are usually far from the forefront of anyone’s mind. However, for property managers, they often become among the first things they look for as they scour the rooms. Because dust, dead bugs and residue silently accumulate here without anyone giving them even so much as a fleeting glance.
That narrow film on the bottom track can effectively mean the difference between you getting the whole lot back and paying for more than half of it. Fortunately, you’ll be able to dispatch with these generally ignored trouble spots without investing all your time.
In this blog, we give you proper information about window track & blind cleaning tips for end of lease. Stay tuned to this blog.
Why Window Tracks Become a Bond Inspection Red Flag
Over a tenancy the window tracks have this peculiar combination of dust, sand, dead insects and moisture built up inside and as it is out of your line of sight you most probably don’t clean it until you move out. A property manager on the other hand knows exactly where to look. A dirty track indicates you haven’t cleaned and so is often pointed out on exit reports and to make bond deductions.
Gathering the Right Tools Before You Start
An old toothbrush or grout brush, vacuum with a narrow hose attachment, butter knife wrapped in a cloth, white vinegar, warm soapy water and a selection of microfibre cloths should enable you to tackle pretty much any window in the house and you don’t require any expensive extras! Lay all these items out on an old towel nearby and you won’t need to stop to fetch anything mid room.
Step-by-Step Process for Spotless Window Tracks
Vacuuming helps prevent an all-out mess when wet, simply put the vacuum nozzle to work to vacuum away loose debris before you apply the liquid mixture. Now spray a solution of vinegar and water into the groove then leave it in place a few moments so it can help remove hard dirt before using the butter knife draped with a clean cloth, or an old toothbrush to scrub deep into the edges. Then clean both sides of the track with a damp microfibre cloth. You could also use an old cotton bud dipped into the solution in order to clean along the edges of the track where brushes may struggle to enter.
Cleaning Venetian, Roller, and Vertical Blinds Without Damage
The different types of blinds require a different approach. Venetian blinds are effective on the ‘tong method’- wrap the end of a tong or your hand in a cloth and stroke each blind slat, one after another while closed, both sides are wiped simultaneously. Roller blinds should have a cloth that is only slightly damp but dried immediately afterwards.
When water is left to stand it will spoil the cloth or form mildew. Vertical blinds are best to be spot cleaned, although badly soiled blinds are better removed, unclipped and wiped each at a time. All blinds must be dry dusted/dusted with a dry duster or cloth before any cleaning is performed and fabric blinds should never be soaked.
Handling Mould, Mildew, and Stubborn Stains
The edges of bathroom and kitchen window frames can easily grow mould because of the condensation. A solution of diluted bleach, or a mould remover applied with a soft brush is generally effective for removing mould, but make sure the room is well ventilated when doing so. On the few occasions old grime on the window frames seems difficult to shift with vinegar alone, a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water, left for ten minutes before being rubbed and scrubbed, can usually lift even ingrained dirt.
Common Mistakes That Cost Tenants Their Bond
Omitting the top section of the blind, cleaning the single outward face of a set of vertical slats, bypassing and failing to clean any exterior tracks used to keep outdoor debris away, and cleaning aluminum frames with coarse scouring pads result in very apparent cleaning faults during an inspection. One of the easiest ways window issues will result in deductions is through this form of rushed and hurried work.
When It’s Worth Calling in the Professionals
If you are busy packing, cleaning as you go and sorting out your move logistics, window tracks and blinds can definitely be another task that you can hand off. When you choose a professional end of lease clean, every window, track and blind is cleaned to a standard property managers will actually tick on the inspection report.
Window tracks and blinds might not seem to count for a lot when you’re moving out of your property, but they certainly carry weight when the property managers give the place a final inspection. You may need to apply a bit more patience with a few certain points or have some technique down that a lot of people aren’t aware of. If you aren’t sure it’s worth trying to tackle them on your own, The Bond Cleaning Brisbane can give you an effective end of lease clean at any of our serviceable locations around Brisbane that will be sure to pass an inspection.
FAQs
Do I really need to clean window tracks, or is this overkill?
That’s not at all going overboard, window tracks are more regularly inspected than most renters think by property managers. You may have kept the rest of your apartment perfect, but a window with a dirty track will be marked during the inspection, and so the time isn’t much of an investment.
What’s the easiest way to clean really grimy, built-up tracks?
Work in dry stages. Start by vacuuming out anything that isn’t cemented-on dirt. Then, put a bit of a vinegar-and-water mixture in, leave for a few minutes, and clean out with a toothbrush, a scrap of cloth around a butter knife – a tiny bit of leverage frees even the thickest of deposits.
Can I use regular household cleaning spray on my blinds?
They depend on the material. Fabric roller blinds shouldn’t tolerate a hard spray and a wash-down as even a damp towel would be more appropriate than a saturated sponge. Venetian blinds will probably cope reasonably well with most cleaning spray if applied sparingly – test a small area first if you can, if you’re at all unsure.
How do I clean blinds without bending or snapping the slats?
Slow down a bit and work with the slats closed. Wrapping a cloth around your fingers, or using a pair of tweezers and running them along one after another, is much safer than using excessive force from a rigid object.
My window tracks have mould in the corners — what now?
You will find this happens more often than not in bathrooms or kitchens due to the condensation in the air. Usually if you wipe it down with a solution of bleach (diluted) or something with specific mould removal chemicals on it with a soft brush while the room is thoroughly ventilated (so not whilst you are in it!) it should come off and dry properly so it doesn’t return in an instant!
