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26th July 2021 by Patricea Chow
4 Min ReadDid you know that if your place isn’t spick and span when it’s handed back to your landlord, your rental deposit can be forfeited? Lease agreements state that a unit must be returned in its original condition – something that can be achieved with moving-out cleaning.* The landlord can also forfeit the deposit just to have the unit cleaned and restored to its original condition. Why risk losing a few thousand dollars from one to two months’ rent, when a deep clean of the apartment will only cost a few hundred dollars?
Deep cleaning those hidden spots
You’ve spent your entire morning sweeping and mopping the floor, washing the bathroom and cleaning the windows. Will that do? Not necessarily. Moving out cleaning is different from regular day-to-day or weekly cleaning. Claudia Chua, Head of Operations (Specialised Cleaning) at Helpling, points out that some spots need deep cleaning before moving out. This is also more labour intensive.
She explains, “The kitchen has oil and grime, which takes ages to clean – especially if you don’t do regular cleaning or maintenance after every cook, or at least once a fortnight. Other grimy spots include light switches, floor skirting and doorknobs.”

Why can’t a helper do the moving-out cleaning?
If your tenancy includes weekly housekeeping or if you have a live-in housekeeper, it seems logical to get the maid to handle the move-out cleaning too. You might think, “I’ll just ask her to do a deep clean.”
However, it’s not so simple. Firstly, your regular housekeeper may not be able to perform all the tasks required of a moving-out cleaning due to safety concerns or a lack of tools. For example, they wouldn’t be able to provide a steam cleaner to remove stubborn kitchen grime or a jet spray machine to clean the floor grout.
Next, she may not be able to provide you with a proper invoice or state the correct type of service on the invoice, as it’s a different service provided. In this case, the landlord can refuse to accept this as fulfilling the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement.

What’s included in a moving-out cleaning service?
At Helpling, depending on the size of the apartment, a team of three to five cleaners is deployed. They come with all the cleaning supplies – from window cleaners to ladders – that are needed for the moving-out cleaning to be done from top to bottom; plus, a supervisor will oversee the task. The cleaning is done in a systematic manner to ensure every nook and cranny is covered. As the service is charged by the size of the unit (square feet) and not by duration, any areas that are missed out on can be rectified on the spot.
Non-fabric furnishings such as cabinets and shelves are wiped on the interior and exterior. Walls are lightly dusted to avoid damaging the condition of the paint. For upholstery cleaning, curtain steaming or dry cleaning of fabric furnishing, Helpling has separate add-on services available as well.
Can this be done if the apartment has furniture?
If the unit came with furniture, the cleaners will wipe around the furniture. They won’t move heavy items around so as to reduce the risk of damaging the floor. Your personal belongings should already be moved out at least a day before the move-out cleaning session.

What customers say
How can you be sure that a moving out cleaning service is efficient and reliable? You can see what people who have used Helpling say about them on Google Reviews; at the time of writing, the company has been rated 4.7 stars out of five, with ratings from more than 1,600 customers. The reviews commonly highlight the professionalism and efficiency of the cleaning team. The company has also received the Expat Living Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Home Cleaning Service in 2019 and 2021.
Ready to leave the moving out cleaning to the professionals and get your full rental deposit back? Get a no-obligation quote from the Helpling team now. They’re also a home services concierge where you can speak to your dedicated account manager to secure reliable and experienced service providers for all your home needs. No more fussing over multiple contractors and quotes!
* In a Channel News Asia article, Victoria Lee Soo Pin, a counsel at IRB Law, noted that “tenancy agreements would usually state that a property must be cleaned to a professional standard when a tenant checks out. While this standard may vary according to the property’s original condition, this generally means cleaning to a ‘very high standard’.”
Written in collaboration with:Helplinghelpling.com.sg
Check out our guide on fun things to do in Singapore with kids; also, find out where to buy online groceries in Singapore.

Each month we ask readers to talk about their homes, specific condos and neighbourhoods – to help others who are living in Singapore make a better decision. Moving is always pretty stressful, so it’s good to get recommendations first. Here, we talk to resident DIVYA CHOPRA – a lawyer originally from New Delhi, India – about living in the D’Dalvey Condo in Dalvey Estate.What’s in the name Dalvey?
Dalvey Road and Dalvey Estate are two intersecting roads to the east of the Botanic Gardens, between Evans Road and Stevens Road. They and the D’Dalvey Condo likely take their name from a residence called “Dalvey” that was erected in the area in the 1860s. The building belonged to AL Johnston & Company, a prominent European trading house in 19th-century Singapore. Johnston himself was a founding member of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce in 1837, and its first chairman.
DIVYA CHOPRA
The Specifics
What’s the name of your street? Dalvey Estate.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood? That it only has Good Class Bungalows and no condominiums!
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Dalvey Estate, near Stevens MRT on Bukit Timah Road”
Closest MRT station? Stevens (blue Downtown Line – it will also be a station on the brown Thomson-East Coast line, probably from 2022).
How long have you lived here? Why here? Five years. My husband loves staying close to nature. We wanted to stay close to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and I wanted a master bedroom that has a walk-in closet and a big balcony – so we found the perfect match.

The Scene
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see? Beautiful trees and large bungalows. From the back, we have an amazing view overlooking the MOE (Evans) Stadium – it looks amazing in the evening when the flood lights are turned on!
What’s the closest store to your front door? Cold Storage. There are two, in fact, 500m and 1km on either side of us.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be? About Time – the entire road has a British romantic time-travel movie feel to it.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of? Nothing really; our neighbours and condo residents are just awesome!
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street? Sportswear – everyone seems to run to the Botanic Gardens and back.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street? A poster stuck to the tree stating a monetary reward to find a lost parrot!

The Superlatives
Where are your favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood? Dempsey Hill, which is nice and close, has a mix of casual and formal dining restaurants in a quiet, peaceful setting. Our personal favourites there include Baker & Cook for a hearty Sunday breakfast, Chopsuey for nice Asian cuisine and Margaritas for Mexican lunch. Cluny Court near the Botanic Gardens is also our usual pit stop for a quick cup of coffee after a good run in the gardens. In particular, Plain Vanilla Bakery serves the most amazing coffee!
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood? Tanglin Mall is the closest mall that has everything you need – groceries, home décor, fashion and food. However, for me, I still go to Orchard Road for all my fashion and other shopping needs, since it’s a five-minute drive from the condo.
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood? Visit the Botanic Gardens! You can explore this place a thousand times in different ways and at different times of the day. Mornings are perfect for exercise such as yoga or jogging. Lazy afternoons under the shade of a tree are perfect for a picnic; in the evening, the dimly lit street lights add the perfect picturesque theme for a romantic stroll with your partner.
The other thing we do enjoy (when we have free time on our hands), is to hop in our car, put on some nice soft music and drive around the area to visually rank the exteriors of the bungalows in the vicinity! It doesn’t cost to dream, does it?
What’s one thing you’d never change? There are some large empty green spaces that are very pleasing to the eye. I hope they don’t transform these into concrete buildings.
How about one thing you would change? Have some more casual restaurants in the vicinity – the food-delivery options are fairly limited.
If the city gave you a million dollars to improve your street, how would you use it? I would probably use half of it to build an overhead shelter on the pathway between the condo and the MRT station – right now it’s a bit challenging to walk to the MRT when it rains or when it is super sunny. For the other half, I would build a kids’ play area with swings and slides in some of the vacant green spaces.

Beyond the Neighbourhood
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests? East Coast Park, Sentosa and, of course, the Botanic Gardens!
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go? For shopping culture, I go to my favourite malls. However, for real culture (arts and music), we go to Esplanade and see if there are any shows running in the open-air theatre by the bay.
If you’re missing home, what do you do? Video call my family, visit a temple in Little India, watch a Hindi movie at a nearby movie hall, or gorge on Indian food at the various Indian restaurants in the city. Our personal favourite for North Indian food has to be Khansama in Little India – the taste and smell is probably the closest to what you would experience back home in Delhi.

Condo Facts
Name of condo: D’DalveyCondo Facilities: Swimming pool and gymSize: 37 unitsBuilt: 2005Nearby supermarket: Cold Storage at Cluny Court or AlocassiaApartments Vibe: “Romantic, tranquil and laid-back”
Do you love your neighbourhood?
Share it with others – just email us at [email protected] with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch
This article first appeared in the July 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

25th July 2021 by Expat Living
3 Min ReadBreathe easy with Airfree’s line of home air sterilisers
As the COVID situation continues in Singapore, remote working arrangements and home-based learning have increasingly become the norm. With this added amount of time spent indoors, it’s more important than ever to ensure that the air we breathe at home is free from pollutants and other nasties. Many of you might be wondering what are the best air purifiers or air sterilisers on the market. Here’s a look at why this air steriliser is one of the easiest ways to make sure that you and your family breathe easy at home.

Is an air purifier the same as an air steriliser?
Most air purifiers rely on HEPA filters that capture airborne microorganisms and other particles. While this filters out some pollutants, it doesn’t necessarily sanitise the air in your home. The filters must also be regularly replaced; this can not only be costly but it potentially exposes you to viruses that remain alive in the filters. In addition, air purifiers are not completely silent.
On the other hand, air sterilisers use a heated element to disinfect the air, eliminating the need for replaceable filters; this is good for your wallet and the environment. The use of heat also makes air sterilisers more effective at killing viruses, bacteria and mould spores in the air.

How do Airfree’s air sterilisers help protect you from COVID-19?
Airfree air sterilisers utilise the company’s patented TSS (Thermo-dynamic Sterilisation System) technology. This works to draw air into a heated ceramic core where viruses and bacteria are destroyed.
According to US non-profit research organisation MRIGlobal, Airfree products can destroy 80.5% of the COVID-19 virus when released into a controlled chamber. Click here for more information on how Airfree combats COVID-19.
Airfree’s P150 is designed for larger rooms
Why choose Airfree?
An impressive list of features makes Airfree ideal for use in the home. In addition to its filterless, maintenance-free design, its air sterilisers run completely silent and utilise eco-friendly technology that reduces energy consumption. The small and portable design also allows for easy installation around the home. And, if you’re concerned about aesthetics (aren’t we all?), you’ll find the sleek design will fit right into any modern living space.
The Tulip Babyair includes a star projection nightlight
An air steriliser for every room
A wide range of Airfree products is available, for rooms of all sizes. The entry-level P40 ($299) is designed for rooms up to 16 square metres; the P150 ($669), meanwhile, suits larger rooms up to 60 square metres.
The company’s founder originally designed the air sterilisers to help with his son’s recurrent allergies. So it should come as no surprise that Airfree also offers models for children’s bedrooms. In addition to the standard features, the Tulip Babyair series ($399-499) includes a charming nightlight that projects stars onto the ceiling to lull your little ones to sleep.
Airfree air sterilisers can be purchased directly from Airfree.
Written in collaboration with Airfree.
Moving to a new home? Here’s a guide to different Singapore neighbourhoods; plus, some recommended movers!

Update 22 July 2021:
Postponement of NDP to 21 August
1. The National Day Parade (NDP) 2021 originally planned on 9 August 2021 at the [email protected] Bay will be postponed to 21 August 2021, after the scheduled end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert). On 9 August 2021, a ceremonial parade will be held instead. It will be similar to the one held last year at the Padang, but will take place at the [email protected] Bay.
2. The heartland fireworks and Red Lions displays previously announced to be held over the 7 to 8 August weekend will be cancelled.
3. The NDP rehearsal and preview previously planned on 24 July and 31 July 2021 respectively have also been postponed. To prepare for the NDP on 21 August 2021, rehearsals will be conducted later in smaller component groups. Their dates will not be announced, so as to discourage crowds from gathering around Marina Bay.
4. Since 1966, the NDP has been held every year to mark Singapore’s independence. This national event brings together Singaporeans from all walks of life, as one united people to affirm our unity and nationhood. The changes this year will enable NDP 2021 to be held in safer conditions, while maintaining that cherished tradition
Press release by NDP Organising committee.

Previous announcements
As of press updates on 30 June 2021, the National Day Parade 2021 will be held at Marina Bay floating platform. Here are some highlights of the announcment:

National Day Parade 2021 to be held at Marina Floating Platform.
Fewer participants and spectators.
All participants and spectators to be fully vaccinated.
There will be “heartland activities”.

The confirmed rehearsal dates will be on:

3 July 2021 (Combined Rehearsal CR1)
10 July 2021 (Combined Rehearsal CR2)
17 July 2021 (Combined Rehearsal CR3)
24 July 2021 (Combined Rehearsal CR4) – Postponed
31 July 2021 (Preview) – Postponed

9 August 2021 (Actual Day NDP 2021)
The number of spectators and how to get NDP tickets have been announced by the NDP organising. For more information, read NDP tickets 2021.
Note: Singapore will move back into COVID-19 Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from 22 July to 18 August 2021. Kindly keep to the prevailing COVID-19 measures.

Heartland Activities – Cancelled
In addition to the main parade at Marina Bay Floating Platform, there will be Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter jets, Chinook helicopters and Red Lions Free fall performance at the Heartlands. You may be able to catch a glimpse of them rehearsing (Exact Timings and locations to be determined).
Update: The Red Lions will be free-falling over several regions in Singapore from 15 to 29 July 2021 to assess the suitability of parachuting in the heartlands. For more information, visit here.P.S. Red Lions spotted on 15 Jul at an open field near Ghim Moh market and Bishan.
Marina Bay Floating Platform setup for NDP 2021

What to Expect at Surrounding areas of the Float
Based on the NDP Combined Rehearsal CR1/CR2/CR3, here’s what to expect at Marina Bay @The Float area:
1820hrs to 1825hrs – 9x Red Lions Free Fall

1826hrs to 1828hrs – 2x Apache Helicopters

1829hrs to 1831hrs – 3x F-15SGs Flypast/Burst– 2x F-15SGs Criss-cross– 1x F-15SG Round Marina Bay and Vertical Climb
1833hrs – Contingents March In1838hrs – Central Band / Bag Pipers? Performance
1839hrs – Guard of Honour Contingents March In1844hrs – Arrival of Prime Minister1849hrs – Arrival of President1850hrs – Singing of the National Anthem1851hrs – Singapore State Flag Flypast

1852hrs – 5x F-15SGs Bombburst

1854hrs – Presidential 21 Gun Salute and inspection of Guard of Honour contingents1859hrs – Guard-of-Honour contingent firing Feu de Joie (rifle salute)1904hrs – Guard of Honour and contingents March Past1913hrs to 1916hrs – Central / Combined Band Performance and March out2013hrs – Grand Finale Fireworks
*** All timings are approximated based on CR1/CR2/CR3 and may change. ***
➡️ Related Read: Fun Things To Do This National Day 2021 Long Weekend In Singapore
For more information and the latest updates, visit Singapore’s 56th Birthday – National Day Parade & Celebrations 2021.
For information on Temporary Restricted Area, visit here.
For more information on NDP 2021, visit here.
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Lost for ideas on what to do with your kids this weekend? There’s always something for the whole family. Make full use of the weekend and take your kids out to these vfamily-friendly events (online & offline)!

1. Bazaar In the Garden @ Jurong Lake Gardens

Look forward to an exciting line-up of online programmes, such as a children’s storytelling session, a talk on bonsai appreciation and a Gardening Q&A session by horticulturist Dr Wilson Wong!
Date: 24 July 2021Time: From 8am
For more information, visit Bazaar In the Garden @ Jurong Lake Gardens.
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2. Rainforest Lumina Final Season

Get ready to embark on a colourful and illuminated night walk at Southeast Asia’s only Lumina – Rainforest Lumina – in its final season at Singapore Zoo. Beginning at 7.15pm on 8 July 2021, guests will experience a multi-sensory journey, melding nature and technology through the latest in light, projection and audio, that expertly harmonises the natural sights, sounds and scents of the rainforest at night.

Date: 8 July 2021 to 13 February 2022Time: 7.15pm to 12am, last admission at 10.15pmVenue: Singapore Zoo
For more information, visit Rainforest Lumina Final Season.
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3. National Day Rehearsals

The National Day Parade NDP 2021 will be held at Marina Bay floating platform for the main parade. The NDP rehearsals will be held on the following days:
Date: 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 July 2021Time: 6pm to 8.30pmVenue: Marina Bay Floating Platform
For more information, visit National Day Rehearsal Dates.
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4. Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore Exhibition

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) will be presenting its latest special exhibition, Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore, which uses fashion as a barometer of societal change to shed light on the changes in women’s status, roles and lifestyles since the late 19th century. The exhibition will display close to 100 artefacts and photographs, focusing on Chinese women’s clothing and accessories from China and Singapore that span almost a hundred years.
Date: 12 June to 12 December 2021Venue: Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall (SYSNMH)
For more information, visit Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore Exhibition.
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5. Art by Quek Hong Shin

Take a journey through time, and discover the cultural icons that defined Singapore before it became the bustling metropolis of today. Through the Eyes of a Child: Art by Quek Hong Shin captures the vanishing collective memories from a time when coconut trees towered over attap houses, and children played in the busy back-alleys of old Chinatown.
Date: 2 April to 31 August 2021Venue: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
For more information, visit Art by Quek Hong Shin.
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6. Activities at the Asian Civilisations Museum

In conjunction with ACM special exhibition Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto, enter the ravishing world of Edo-period Japan with Food Talks and Tanabata Celebrations virtually from the comfort of your home. Great for those craving a bite of Japan, the online programmes feature explainers on the history of Japanese cuisine with celebrated chefs and the magical folk legend behind the Japanese Star Festival, also known as the Tanabata Festival.
Date: 1 July to 31 August 2021Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum
For more information, visit Activities at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
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7. Trash to Treasure: Crea8 Sustainability Showcase @ Sustainable Singapore Gallery

Take a tour through a wonderland of trash to treasure with PacificLight’s Crea8 Sustainability competition showcase. This exhibit displays upcycled works by young children that creatively reuse, repurpose, and recycle waste to create positive change.
An immersive and educational journey for all, the showcase will be held at the Sustainable Singapore Gallery from 14 July to 9 August, 9am to 6pm. Visitors can look forward to:

Interactive games inspired by the ‘green’ movement
An array of unique artworks and models by primary and secondary school children
A complimentary guided tour through the Sustainable Singapore Gallery

For more information, visit here now!
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8. Red Lion Free Fall at Heartlands
The Red Lions will be free-falling over several regions in Singapore from 15 to 29 July 2021 to assess the suitability of parachuting in the heartlands. Locations and timings unknown (Known locations: Bishan & Ghim Moh).
For more information, visit National Day 2021 Celebrations.
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Note: All details are correct as at the time of publishing. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, no guarantee is given nor responsibility is taken for errors or omissions in the compilation. Readers are advised to check with the respective event organisers for the most updated schedules, venues and details.
For other upcoming events, visit Events in Singapore.

Come across an enrichment class and keen to find out your child’s response before committing to a full term? We have trial classes offered at discounted rates, find out more via Enrichment Trial Classes in Singapore!

➡️ Related Read: Best Enrichment Classes Singapore 2021
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The loan will help finance a new hotel and commercial development.
Worldwide Hotels Group has acquired its first green loan amounting to $405m from Maybank Singapore.
The loan will help develop the group’s new hotel and commercial development, 8 Club Street and is considered the biggest bilateral green financing for a hospitality asset in Singapore to date. It is also the Singapore hotel chain’s first foray into green financing with a strong commitment to adopt ESG standards in the future.
The bilateral loan covered land and construction costs for the 19-storey mixed-use building. When completed in 2022, it will be a modern 4-star hotel with 900 rooms and commercial spaces (restaurants and shops) in the vibrant CBD and historical Chinatown precincts. It is accessible via a pedestrian link connected to Chinatown and Telok Ayer MRT stations as well as China Square.
“We are pleased to finance our landmark hotel with Maybank via a green loan as we keep to our green building target of BCA Green Mark GoldPlus for 8 Club Street. With this, we will embark on a full-fledged sustainability journey and are currently putting a framework in place this year. Our vision is to eventually enhance and upgrade our existing portfolio to meet our formalised green targets,” said managing director of Worldwide Hotels Group Carolyn Choo.
Worldwide Hotels is a tourist class hotel group, providing affordable accommodation with an undiscounted experience for travellers visiting Singapore. Worldwide Hotels currently owns and manages six hotel brands in Singapore, namely Hotel Boss, V Hotel, Hotel Mi, Value Hotel, Venue Hotel and Hotel 81.