If you’re moving out of a rental home in Brisbane, you already know the bond clean is serious business. Tenants are responsible for handing over the property in the same condition it was in at the start of the rental agreement. One area that often gets overlooked while cleaning is the walls. Walls are the first thing that landlord notice while entering into the property.
Real estate agents and property managers love checking the walls. Scuff marks, smudges, greasy spots, or that mysterious patch your dog left behind – it all counts. And if you miss it? Well, say goodbye to part of your bond.
But don’t stress, we’ve got your back. Here’s a simple, no-fuss guide to cleaning walls properly before your final inspection.
Know What You’re Working With
There is a famous proverb: ‘Light a candle before entering a dark cave.’ This saying perfectly applies to cleaning walls.
The first thing to understand before cleaning is what type of material or paint is used on the wall. Most rental properties in Brisbane have walls painted with either washable low-sheen or matte finishes. Each type has different properties and requires a different cleaning approach. Glossy or low-sheen finishes are generally easier to clean, but matte? You’ll need to be a bit more gentle with those.
So before grabbing the strongest cleaner you can find, test a small hidden area (like behind a door). If the paint starts to fade, go milder. This small task can save you from many troubles.
Brisbane homes often also have different paint finishes in different rooms too. Kitchens and bathrooms typically have more durable, moisture-resistant paint than bedrooms or living areas. To clean such walls, you will need to adjust your approach accordingly.
Step 1: Dust Everything First
Now you have got an idea what kind of material is used on the wall. It’s time to do the step 1 of wall cleaning i.e dusting.
You’d be surprised how much dust collects on walls – especially near ceilings and skirting boards. As days pass into month the accumulated dust gets harder and hard to remove with ease. Use a microfiber cloth, dry mop, or even your vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to wipe down the entire wall.
Pro tip: Start from the top and work your way down to avoid pushing dirt onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
Those ceiling corners are spider heaven in Queensland, so grab your broom and wrap a microfiber cloth around it to reach those sneaky cobwebs without having to balance on furniture. Your landlord will notice if you miss them, trust me.
Step 2: Tackle the Light Marks
With everyday activity in homes, most walls got little scuff marks, fingerprints (especially around light switches), or random grime. Especially on the walls which are outside or those where gatherings, sittings are more, these marks are easily visible. To remove such marks off the wall, you don’t need harsh chemicals – just a mix of:
- A few drops of dishwashing liquid
- In a bucket of warm water
Dampen a soft sponge or cloth (not soaking!) and gently wipe in a circular motion. Don’t scrub too hard – slow and steady wins here.
Those high-traffic areas around doorways, hallways, and where the couch sits against the wall need extra attention. In Brisbane’s humidity, these spots can develop a slight film over time that’s easy to miss until inspection day when the real estate agent runs their finger along it. Nightmare material, right?
Step 3: Use Magic Erasers
Got stubborn marks like crayon, shoe scuffs, or grease? Magic erasers can help in such situations. Magic Erasers are made of foam and are used as cleaning sponge. Being multipurpose in use, they are also suitable for cleaning walls.
So, to clean stubborn marks from wall like crayon marks, finger print marks, grease, etc. Grab a magic eraser (you can find them at Woolies, Coles, or Bunnings). Slightly wet it and gently rub the mark.
Please keep in mind this work great but can remove paint if you’re too rough – especially on matte or older paint jobs. So, again, test first!
The areas around light switches and door handles are usually the worst culprits. Years of fingerprints build up there, leaving a greasy patch you might not even notice until you’re frantically cleaning the day before inspection. Get on these early.
Step 4: Skirting Boards and Corners Cleaning
Dust loves hiding where the wall meets the floor or ceiling. They are perfect spot for dust to accumulate. Wipe down skirting boards, corners, and edges with a damp cloth. They might not stand out to you – but they sure will to the property manager doing the walk-through with a clipboard.
In older Queenslander homes especially, those ornate skirting boards can be dust magnets. A small paintbrush can help get into any detailed grooves or patterns without damaging the wood or paint.
Step 5: Mould Removal
Mould accumulation is a common find in most of the Brisbane homes. It gets accumulated in bathrooms, near the floor, and outside where there is presence of plants and trees. Places where flowerpots are placed are a favourite place for mold.
If you’ve got any mould spots (common in bathrooms or behind furniture), treat them properly:
- Mix white vinegar and water (50/50 ratio)
- Spray it directly on the mould
- Let it sit for 15 minutes
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth
Avoid bleach unless you’re working with non-painted surfaces – it can damage paint and cause discolouration.
Brisbane’s subtropical climate means mould can be a persistent issue, particularly during the wet season. Check behind beds, fridges, and couches – places with limited airflow are breeding grounds. And don’t forget to check inside wardrobes where condensation can build up on walls. Property managers know all the usual spots and will check them first.
Step 6: Dry It Down
Once the walls are clean, go over them one last time with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any leftover moisture. This helps prevent streaks or watermarks, especially on flat paint.
On really humid Brisbane days, you might want to run a fan or air conditioner after washing walls to speed up drying time. Nothing worse than thinking you’re done only to discover water streaks appearing as the walls dry slowly in humid air. So, avoid using a fan or air conditioner when the day is humid.
What If the Walls Still Look Rough?
You have completed all the steps but still you see that the wall is looking rough. You could try the below steps if the marks are too deep, or the paint’s chipped or faded.
- Try a small paint touch-up (only if you know the exact colour)
- Or talk to your property manager about it—they sometimes expect natural wear and tear
Just don’t try to paint over big sections without permission; that can backfire during inspection.
Keep in mind that the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority has guidelines about “fair wear and tear” versus damage. General fading from sunlight (which Brisbane gets plenty) is usually considered normal wear and tear, while that wine stain from your housewarming three years ago? Not so much.
Tools Worth Having
Cleaning can’t be done without the right set of cleaning tools. Without right tools a simple cleaning can look a big headache. Save yourself from such headaches by gathering these below tools before you start:
- Microfiber cloths (much better than regular rags)
- A sturdy step ladder (safer than balancing on furniture)
- A bucket with a wringer (to avoid over-wetting your cloth)
- Cotton buds for tiny scuffs in corners
- A soft-bristled brush for textured walls
Most of these can be found cheaply at Kmart or Bunnings, and they’ll make the job much easier.
What About Timber Walls?
This wall bond clean guide will be incomplete without mentioning about timber walls. Some older Brisbane homes have timber wall panels or VJ walls. These wooden structures need special care. You can follow the below steps while cleaning a timber wall.
- Use wood-specific cleaners (avoid water-heavy solutions)
- Wipe with the grain, not against it
- Dry immediately to prevent warping
Check with your property manager before applying any oils or polishes, as these might not be allowed under your lease agreement.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your walls properly for a bond clean isn’t glamorous, but it can make the difference between getting your full bond back or not. In Brisbane’s rental market, agents are known for being extra-thorough – and walls are always on their radar.
So, take your time, use gentle products, and work from top to bottom. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
And remember, if you’ve lived somewhere for years, don’t leave this job until the last minute. Those marks you’ve become blind to will suddenly appear obvious when you’re rushing. Give yourself at least a full day for walls alone if you’re in a standard 3-bedroom place.
You can follow this end of lease cleaning checklist if you are unsure what things need to be clean.
Also, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of cleaning that needs to be done, hiring a professional bond cleaning company in Brisbane will surely help.
We Bond Cleaning Service, provide satisfactory end of lease cleaning services in Brisbane and surrounding areas. If you need a professional company to do end of lease cleaning for you, give us a call to get a free quote today.
