What Sydney's humidity and apartments mean for deep cleaning
Humidity that peaks in February
Afternoon humidity at Observatory Hill peaks at 62% in February and drops to 47% in August. Summer's when bathrooms and wardrobes stay damp, so late winter and spring are good times to get on top of them.
A wet winter start
June is the wettest month on average, with 142.0 mm at Observatory Hill. Ask for windowsills, tracks and the bathroom ceiling to be checked after a wet run.
Apartments without much airflow
Flats and apartments made up 31% of occupied homes in Greater Sydney in the 2021 Census. A small bathroom with a weak fan and no window is a common trouble spot, so mention it when you ask for a quote.
Terraces and old houses
In a Paddington, Surry Hills or Glebe terrace, dust settles on stairs, picture rails and the tops of doors. List the levels, so the business knows the size of it.
If you rent
You don't need a deep clean to meet NSW rules while you're living there. At the end, the agreement asks for a reasonably clean home for how it started. Mould caused by a leak is something to raise with your agent or landlord.
Skirting to grout: what deep cleaning in Sydney gets to
- Skirting, doors and door frames.
- Light switches and the marks around them.
- Window tracks and range hood filters.
- Inside empty cupboards.
- Built-up grime on shower screens, tiles and grout.
Sydney spring cleaning: who does what
Worth doing yourself
- Empty the cupboards you want cleaned inside.
- Clear benches, bathroom shelves and the floor space.
- Run the exhaust fan when you shower or cook, as NSW Health advises.
Where a cleaning business earns its keep
- Grout, shower glass and soap scum.
- Rangehood filters and greasy tiles behind the stove.
- Tracks, sills and skirting through every room.
Mould in a Sydney bathroom: what not to do
Don't dry brush mould, because the brush can flick spores into the air. NSW Health says routine cleaning can use mild detergent or vinegar diluted in water. Keep the room well ventilated, and never mix bleach with ammonia, acids or other cleaners. If large areas keep growing back, consult a mould remediation professional.
Book deep cleaning in Sydney when the air is driest
Book it for the end of winter or early spring, when the air is at its driest, and start with the room that bothers you most. Ask for the bathroom and the kitchen to go first, so if you run short of time, the hard bits are done. Once it's finished, a regular clean keeps it that way.