Reports2Go

Why Social Media Cleaning Hacks can backfire during Check-Out Inspections

Are you moving out but panicking about what your landlord will say during the check-out report inspection? Instead of hiring a professional cleaner or trying to organise everything, you start scrolling social media to find out what others do when they move out.

Sure, it is easy to come across numerous videos on TikTok and Instagram that show how one can effortlessly make sure that the rental property becomes immaculate before moving out, and indeed, it is only natural for tenants concerned about preserving their deposit to see these videos as a godsend. However, do you know that sometimes they can actually bring you even more problems than solutions?

At Reports2Go, we are seeing more landlords and letting agents dealing with avoidable damage caused by last-minute DIY cleaning methods copied from social media. The problem is that online cleaning trends rarely explain what should not be used on certain materials inside rental properties.

Abrasive products can Damage Surfaces

One of the most pressing problems is the use of harsh cleaning agents on fragile surfaces by tenants.

For example, video tutorials suggest using powerful cleaning powders, harsh scouring sponges, or scraper blades for fast stain removal. This approach could lead to scratched ceramic cookers, dulled kitchen countertops, damaged taps, and stained stainless steel home appliances.

The above problems usually become evident at first inspection when compared with inventory pictures.

Homemade cleaning mixes can make Stains worse

Another common problem is DIY mixtures made with vinegar, bleach, lemon juice, or bicarbonate of soda.

While some combinations work safely, others can permanently stain carpets, damage sealants, or strip protective finishes from wood and laminate flooring.

Tenants often believe they are saving money by avoiding professional cleaning services, but the repair costs can end up far higher than expected.

Viral hacks ignore Long-Term Damage

The social media videos emphasise speed since quick changes make an impact on the Internet. What they fail to demonstrate is the state of these surfaces several weeks after treatment.

For instance, excessive wetting of the laminate will start to peel off, too much bleach may affect the grout colour, strong pressure may damage sealants, and improper steam cleaning of certain surfaces may warp the surface.

Such issues are usually not immediately noticeable but can be seen during a comprehensive inspection.

Rushing before Move-Out creates more Problems

Many tenants try these hacks the night before leaving the property.

That rush often leads to:

• Missed areas
• Poor drying time
• Damaged surfaces
• Hidden mould is being covered temporarily rather than treated properly

During the creation of a check-out report, landlords and agents are looking at the overall condition of the property, not just whether it appears freshly cleaned at first glance.

At Reports2Go, we always advise that it is better to conduct thorough inspections and provide evidence about the property because there will be fewer misunderstandings at the end of the tenancy period. From the perspective of a tenant, the best course of action would be to use appropriate cleaning supplies as per the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid expensive deductions from the rental deposit.

Dan, 26 June 2026