If you’re moving out of a rental home in Kenya, you might be wondering how long end of tenancy cleaning takes. A deep clean is crucial to get your full deposit back and leave the property in perfect condition for the next tenant.
The time required for end of tenancy cleaning depends on several factors, including the size of the property, level of dirt, and whether you’re hiring professionals or doing it yourself.
In this guide, we’ll break down how long it takes to clean each part of the house and share tips to speed up the process.
How Long Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Take?
Studio or 1-bedroom apartment → 3–5 hours
2-bedroom apartment or small house → 5–7 hours
3-bedroom house → 7–10 hours
4+ bedroom house → 10+ hours
If you’re cleaning alone, expect the process to take longer.
Hiring professional cleaners can reduce cleaning time significantly (usually completed in 3–6 hours).
Pro Tip: Start cleaning at least a day before your move-out date to avoid last-minute stress.
How Long Does It Take to Clean Each Room?
1. Kitchen Cleaning (1.5–3 hours)
- Clean inside & outside of cabinets and drawers (30 minutes)
- Scrub countertops & backsplash (15 minutes)
- Clean oven, stove, and extractor fan (30–45 minutes)
- Clean fridge & freezer (20 minutes)
- Wipe down walls, light switches, and skirting boards (15 minutes)
- Mop & sweep the floor (10 minutes)
Total time: 1.5–3 hours (longer if heavily stained or greasy)
2. Bathroom Cleaning (1–2 hours)
- Scrub shower, bathtub, and tiles (30–45 minutes)
- Clean sink, taps, and mirrors (20 minutes)
- Disinfect toilet (15 minutes)
- Wipe cabinets and shelves (15 minutes)
- Mop the floor and remove limescale (10 minutes)
– Total time: 1–2 hours
Pro Tip: Use white vinegar and baking soda to remove limescale and soap scum faster!
3. Living Room & Bedrooms (1.5–3 hours)
- Dust all surfaces (15 minutes per room)
- Wipe down windows, frames, and ledges (30 minutes per room)
- Clean doors, light switches, and skirting boards (15 minutes per room)
- Vacuum or mop floors (15–20 minutes per room)
- Deep clean carpets if needed (extra 30 minutes per room)
– Total time: 1.5–3 hours
Pro Tip: Use a lint roller or rubber gloves to remove pet hair from carpets and sofas faster!
4. Hallways, Staircases & Other Areas (30–60 minutes)
– Dust & wipe handrails and bannisters (15 minutes)
– Clean front door & entryway (15 minutes)
– Mop & vacuum stairs and hallways (20–30 minutes)
– Total time: 30–60 minutes
How to Speed Up the Cleaning Process
- Declutter first: Remove trash and personal belongings before you start.
- Use multi-purpose cleaners: Instead of switching products, use one cleaner for multiple surfaces.
- Work top to bottom: Start from the top (ceilings, shelves) and finish with the floor.
- Team up with others: If possible, get help from family or friends to finish faster.
- Hire professional cleaners: If you’re short on time, hiring a cleaning service can get the job done in a few hours.
Final Thoughts
End of tenancy cleaning takes anywhere from 3 to 10+ hours, depending on the size of the home and level of dirt. The kitchen and bathroom take the longest to clean, while bedrooms and living rooms are quicker.
If you want to get your full deposit back, ensure you follow a detailed cleaning checklist and remove all stains, dust, and grime before handing over the keys.