Move-Out Cleaning Guide

Move-out cleaning is different from regular cleaning. You're cleaning for inspection, aiming to return the apartment to the condition you found it. Thorough cleaning now protects your security deposit.

Before You Start

• Review your lease: Check specific cleaning requirements
• Find move-in photos: Reference the original condition
• Get the inspection checklist: Ask your landlord what they'll check
• Gather supplies: Stock up on cleaning products
• Plan timing: Clean after all items are removed

Room-by-Room Checklist

Kitchen

• Clean inside oven (including racks)
• Clean stovetop and drip pans
• Clean under stove and refrigerator
• Clean inside refrigerator and freezer
• Clean inside dishwasher
• Clean microwave inside and out
• Degrease range hood and filter
• Scrub sink and faucet
• Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
• Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
• Clean countertops (including edges)
• Clean garbage disposal
• Wipe down all appliance exteriors
• Clean light fixtures
• Clean switch plates and outlets
• Mop floor, including corners and edges

Bathroom(s)

• Deep clean toilet (inside, outside, behind)
• Scrub tub/shower thoroughly
• Clean shower door tracks or curtain rod
• Clean all grout lines
• Descale faucets and showerhead
• Clean sink and vanity
• Clean mirror
• Clean inside vanity cabinet
• Clean exhaust fan
• Clean light fixtures
• Wipe outlet covers and switch plates
• Clean towel bars and toilet paper holder
• Clean base of toilet and around
• Mop floor, including behind toilet

Bedrooms

• Clean inside closets (shelves, rod, floor)
• Wipe closet doors and handles
• Clean ceiling fan if present
• Dust and clean light fixtures
• Clean windows (inside)
• Clean windowsills and tracks
• Clean window blinds or wash curtains
• Clean outlet covers and switch plates
• Wipe doors and door frames
• Clean baseboards
• Vacuum carpet or mop floors
• Clean closet floors

Living Room

• Dust and clean ceiling fan
• Clean light fixtures
• Clean windows (inside)
• Clean windowsills and tracks
• Clean blinds or wash curtains
• Wipe outlet covers and switch plates
• Clean doors and door frames
• Clean baseboards
• Vacuum or mop floors
• Vacuum closets if applicable

Whole Apartment

• Clean entry door (inside and out)
• Clean all interior doors
• Clean all door handles
• Wipe all light switches
• Clean all baseboards
• Clean HVAC vents
• Replace HVAC filter if required
• Clean washer/dryer if in-unit
• Clean utility closet if applicable
• Remove nails and fill holes if required
• Clean walls (spot cleaning or full)
• Clean ceilings if stained

Common Deposit Deductions

These issues frequently result in charges:

• Dirty oven: Number one issue—clean it thoroughly
• Stained carpet: Professionally clean if lease requires
• Unfilled nail holes: Check if patching is expected
• Dirty blinds: Often overlooked but checked
• Grimy bathroom grout: Scrub until it's the original color
• Dirty refrigerator: Inside, behind, underneath
• Dirty range hood: Especially the filter

Professional vs. DIY

When to DIY

• You have time and energy
• Apartment is in reasonable condition
• No special cleaning requirements in lease

When to Hire Professionals

• Lease requires professional cleaning
• Carpet cleaning is specified
• You lack time
• Apartment needs intensive cleaning

Get quotes and keep receipts—some landlords will accept proof of professional cleaning.