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How to do a 30-minute inspection clean

Fresh and tidy living room after a quick home clean

Overview

Need to freshen up your home before a rental inspection or unexpected guests arrive? You don't need hours to make a noticeable difference. By focusing on the areas people see first, you can quickly make your home feel cleaner, tidier and well cared for. This 30-minute inspection clean is designed as a quick refresh of visible areas rather than a thorough clean. Here's how to prioritise your time using a simple house cleaning checklist. 

Key takeaways: 30-minute house clean 

  • If you're short on time, these are the priorities to keep your quick house clean on track: 
  • A 30-minute pre-inspection clean should focus on visible clutter, high-traffic areas and frequently noticed surfaces rather than trying to clean the whole home. 
  • Decluttering before an inspection can quickly make rooms and benchtops look tidier and give you clearer surfaces to clean. 
  • Check cleaning product directions and make sure the product is suitable for the surface before you start. 
  • Focus your remaining time on visible floors, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, fingerprints, mirrors and glass. 
  • A last-minute clean is a quick refresh, so allow more time if your home needs a thorough clean. 

Steps

  1. 1

    Clear the clutter

    Start by grabbing a garbage bag and doing a quick walk through your home, collecting rubbish, empty drink bottles and anything that doesn't belong. Put away shoes, fold blankets, stack magazines and clear kitchen and bathroom benchtops to instantly make the space feel tidier. If you're short on time, place loose items in a basket and sort them properly after the inspection to keep your home organised.

    A person using a garbage bag to collect clutter during a quick home tidy-up​
  2. 2

    Vacuum high-traffic areas

    Rather than vacuuming every room, focus on the areas that make the biggest visual impact, such as the living room, hallway and entry. Pay extra attention to corners, under coffee tables and around skirting boards where dust tends to collect. If you have pets, a quick pass over rugs and sofas can help remove visible hair before guests or inspectors arrive. 

    Vacuum carpet in a high-traffic area of the home​​
  3. 3

    Shine kitchen and bathroom fixtures

    Use a microfibre cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to wipe over taps, sinks and benchtops, removing water spots and fingerprints. These are some of the first places people notice, and sparkling fixtures can make the whole room feel cleaner. While you're there, give mirrors, splashbacks and stainless steel appliances a quick wipe to remove smudges. 

    Clean kitchen tap and sink with a microfibre cloth​​
  4. 4

    Remove scuff marks and fingerprints

    Scuff marks on walls, doors and skirting boards can make an otherwise clean home look tired. Gently remove them using a magic eraser, taking care not to scrub too hard on painted surfaces. While you're moving through the house, quickly wipe fingerprints from light switches, door handles and around door frames, as these high-touch areas are often overlooked during house cleaning. 

    Remove scuff marks from a painted wall with a magic eraser​​​
  5. 5

    Polish mirrors and glass surfaces

    Spray mirrors and any obvious glass surfaces with a glass cleaner and wipe them with a clean microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish. Bright, sparkling mirrors help reflect light and make bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces feel fresher. Once you've finished, open some windows for a few minutes to let in fresh air, then straighten cushions and smooth the bedding to complete the look before a home inspection. 

    Clean mirror with glass cleaner for a streak-free finish​​
  6. 6

    Find more cleaning ideas

    Got more than 30 minutes or a home that needs a deeper clean? Check out our easy-to-follow cleaning guides. 

  7. 7

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I really clean my house for an inspection in 30 minutes? 
    A 30-minute inspection clean can help you refresh the most visible areas when you're short on time, but it isn't a substitute for a thorough clean. Start with clutter, visible dirt, high-traffic floors, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, mirrors and fingerprints. If more cleaning is needed, use the 30-minute routine to tackle the highest-priority areas first and allow more time for the rest. 

    What should I clean first before a rental inspection? 
    Start by clearing obvious rubbish and clutter. It gives you clearer surfaces to work with and can quickly make the home look tidier. From there, focus on visible floors, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, fingerprints, mirrors and glass. 

    How do I know whether a cleaning product is safe for a surface? 
    Check the cleaner's label and product directions before using it. Make sure the product is suitable for the particular surface you're cleaning and follow any directions provided. For products such as a magic eraser on a painted surface, test an inconspicuous spot first. 

    What if I don't have time to clean every room? 
    Prioritise areas that are visibly dirty or frequently used rather than rushing through every room. Entry areas, living spaces, kitchens and bathrooms are practical places to concentrate a quick cleaning routine. The aim of a 30-minute clean is to make the best use of limited time, rather than complete every cleaning job. 

    What should I do with clutter when an inspection is about to start? 
    Put things back where they belong where you can. If time is very tight, gather loose items into a basket so they're safely contained, then sort them properly afterwards. Avoid simply moving clutter from one visible area to another, as that doesn't solve the problem. 
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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.