Surface mould versus a building problem

This distinction decides who pays. Surface mould from steam and poor ventilation, sitting on grout, silicone or tiles, is normally a cleaning job and yours to deal with. Mould caused by a leak, rising damp or a building defect is a repair issue and a landlord responsibility, and you should report it in writing rather than clean it and say nothing.

If you reported damp during the tenancy and it was not fixed, keep that correspondence. It matters if mould is later claimed against your bond.

What you need

• A dedicated mould remover, or a bleach solution, or white vinegar for a gentler option
• Gloves, and ventilation with a window open and the exhaust fan running
• An old toothbrush or grout brush
• Microfibre cloths
• A silicone scraper if you are replacing seals

Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners. It produces toxic gas. Use one product, rinse, then use another if you need to.

Step by step

1. Ventilate first. Window open, exhaust fan on, door open.
2. Apply the product and leave it. Mould removal is about dwell time, not pressure. Give it the time on the label, usually 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Work the grout lines with a toothbrush, not a metal scourer. Scratched grout and torn silicone are damage.
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface, so you can see what is left.
5. Repeat once if needed. Two gentle applications beat one aggressive one.
6. Dry the room out. Leaving it damp is how it comes back before the inspection.

The places mould hides

When silicone cannot be saved

If mould has gone through the silicone rather than sitting on it, no product will bring it back. The seal needs cutting out and replacing. That is generally maintenance rather than cleaning, so raise it with the agent instead of assuming it will be deducted from your bond. Do not attempt a re-silicone the night before an inspection, because a poor bead looks worse than the stain did.

Stopping it coming back before the inspection

• Run the exhaust fan during and well after showers
• Keep windows open while the property is empty, if it is secure to do so
• Wipe the shower down after use in the final weeks
• Do not leave wet towels or damp boxes in a closed-up property
• If the property sits empty for a week before inspection, air it out beforehand

If it is beyond a clean

Established mould in grout that has been there a long time may need a grout restoration rather than a clean. We price mould treatment at $60 and grout restoration at $120, both as optional extras you can add when you build your price. Neither is applied without you choosing it.

What it costs, with nothing hidden

Our bond cleans are priced by bedroom count, GST included:

Every bathroom, ensuite and powder room is included at any property size, and there is no charge for extra storeys. The oven, rangehood and inside windows are part of the clean, not add-ons. Carpet steam cleaning is the main optional extra at $110 per room.

Only four things can change that price, and all four are shown before you confirm: extras you choose, a furnished property (+20%), same-day urgency (+25%), and after hours, Sunday or public holiday work (+30%). There is no call-out fee, no booking fee, no travel charge within Sydney metro, no per-bathroom fee and no equipment charge. Build your exact figure on the pricing page.

How we do it

1. You build the price yourself on the pricing page, set your property, tick any extras and see the total with GST included.
2. You pick a date and time and the booking is confirmed in writing, with the price and the scope set before the day.
3. We arrive with everything, products and equipment included. You do not need to be there as long as we have access.
4. We work the exit checklist room by room, in the order agents inspect.
5. You get the invoice and any receipts, including the carpet steam receipt if you booked one, which is what agents ask to see.
6. If your agent flags a cleaning item, tell us within 48 hours and we return within 5 business days to fix it at no cost.

Common questions

Related reading: the full bond cleaning checklist, how to clean an oven for inspection, how to get your bond back and what a bond clean costs.