By If you’re nearing the end of your lease, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to clean the property to the standard expected by your landlord or letting agent.
Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire professionals for an end of tenancy cleaning service, understanding the time involved helps you plan properly, avoid last-minute panic, and protect your deposit. Here’s a practical breakdown of how long an end of tenancy clean really takes and what factors come into play.
What is involved in an end of tenancy clean?
End of tenancy cleaning is a full-property deep clean. It goes beyond surface-level dusting and vacuuming—every room, appliance, and surface needs to be spotless. Expect to clean:
- Ovens and hobs
- Fridges, freezers, and kitchen appliances
- Skirting boards and door frames
- Light fittings should also be cleaned as part of the thorough cleaning tasks.
- Bathroom tiles, showers, and toilets often require specialized cleaning, such as upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning.
- Windows (internally) should be included in the end-of-tenancy clean to ensure the property is pristine.
- Carpets, hard floors, and behind furniture
It’s a detailed process meant to meet the cleanliness standards of landlords, especially if they’re working with letting agents who require proof of professional cleaning.
For a detailed breakdown, check out The Ultimate End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist Edinburgh (Room-by-Room Breakdown. It’s a practical guide to make sure nothing gets missed.
Why does the size of the property affect cleaning time?
The more rooms and surfaces a rental property has, the more time it takes to complete the cleaning tasks. A one-bedroom flat might only need a few hours, while a multi-storey house with several bathrooms could take an entire day for a professional end of tenancy cleaning.
Each extra room adds time for vacuuming, dusting, and disinfecting, which is why a thorough cleaning checklist is essential.
How long does it take to clean a studio flat at the end of tenancy?
A studio flat typically takes 2–3 hours to clean thoroughly, especially if using a cleaning checklist for the end-of-tenancy clean. If the flat has been well maintained during the tenancy, this can help ensure you get your deposit back faster.
However, if there’s a lot of built-up grime or neglected appliances, expect to spend closer to 4 hours, especially if you’re also steam cleaning carpets.
How long for a 1 or 2-bedroom flat or house?
For a 1-bedroom property, allow 3 to 5 hours. A 2-bedroom property generally takes between 4 and 6 hours. This includes detailed work in kitchens and bathrooms, which are the areas most scrutinised during inspections.
How long does a 3 or 4-bedroom house take to clean properly?
A 3-bedroom house usually takes 6 to 8 hours. Add time if the property has more than one bathroom or additional living spaces, as these areas often require thorough cleaning.
For a 4-bedroom home, 8 to 10 hours is a safe estimate, especially if the house is carpeted throughout and includes features like a large kitchen or separate dining room.
What factors can speed up or delay the cleaning?
Several variables can impact how long your cleaning takes:
- Initial condition – if the place is already tidy, less time is needed for the professional service.
- Furnishings – cleaning around furniture takes longer.
- Utilities access – no hot water or electricity slows things down.
- Pets – homes with pets often require extra time for hair and odour removal, making a professional end of tenancy cleaning service a wise choice.
- Tough stains or limescale – add significant time, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
How long does it take with professional cleaners vs DIY?
Hiring professional cleaners can significantly reduce the time. A team of two or more can complete a 2-bedroom property in 3–4 hours. Doing it yourself will likely double that time, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the standard required for deposit returns after professional end of tenancy cleaning.
Can you speed up the process without compromising quality?
Yes, with smart planning and possibly hiring a cleaning company:
- Clean one room at a time to stay focused.
- Use a cleaning checklist to avoid forgetting key areas during the end-of-tenancy clean.
- Invest in proper tools like a steam cleaner or vacuum with attachments to ensure an effective professional end of tenancy cleaning.
- Enlist help from friends or housemates to tackle the cleaning tasks effectively.
How should tenants plan their time around the cleaning?
Ideally, schedule your clean at least one day before handing back the keys to ensure all cleaning tasks are completed. If using professional cleaners, book them early and confirm the time in writing.
Keep a few hours free after the clean to do a final check and fix anything that might’ve been missed before the end of your tenancy agreement. Still searching for the right cleaner?
Read Stop Googling ‘End of Tenancy Cleaning Near Me’ – Here’s Edinburgh’s Best to find top-rated services trusted by tenants across the city.
What happens if the cleaning takes too long or isn’t done in time?
If the cleaning runs over or isn’t finished on time, your landlord may hire their own cleaners and deduct the cost from your deposit. Worse, they may reject your clean entirely. That’s why it’s important to give yourself a time buffer and be realistic about how long the job will take.
Is it worth paying more for a faster cleaning service?
In most cases, yes. A premium cleaning service may cost more upfront but can help you avoid the stress and potential cost of a failed inspection. It’s especially useful if you’re short on time or unsure about what needs to be cleaned to pass the final check and secure your security deposit.
Conclusion: How to make sure your end of tenancy clean is efficient and effective
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long an end of tenancy clean should take—it depends on your property’s size, condition, and whether you clean it yourself or hire professionals. A studio might take 2–3 hours, while a 4-bedroom house could take up to 10. Planning ahead, using the right tools, and understanding what’s expected are the best ways to save time and keep your deposit intact.
Frequently Asked Questions: “How long should an end of tenancy clean take?”
How long does it take to clean a flat?
The time needed to clean a flat depends on its size and the level of regular cleaning it has received. A smaller flat usually takes 2 to 3 hours, while larger properties with three to five bedrooms can take up to 5 hours for a thorough clean.
Hiring professional cleaners can significantly cut down on time because they use commercial-grade equipment and work in teams.
What is the 30-minute cleaning rule?
The 30-minute cleaning rule is a time-blocking method that encourages you to break cleaning into manageable chunks. If you have a spare 30 minutes—before work, after errands, or between appointments—you focus on one small area or task to maintain tidiness without feeling overwhelmed.
How long does end of tenancy cleaning take?
A typical end of tenancy clean takes between 3 to 5 hours when done by professional cleaners. They bring their own equipment and supplies, including cleaning products and a vacuum, ensuring every part of the property meets the standards expected by landlords or letting agents.
How much cleaning can a cleaner do in 3 hours?
In three hours, a professional cleaner can cover quite a bit. They can deep clean high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, dust and vacuum multiple rooms, and sanitise major surfaces to ensure a pristine condition. The exact outcome depends on the property size and level of mess, but it’s enough for a solid top-to-bottom refresh.
