Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: A Room-by-Room Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

A move-out clean is more thorough than a weekly clean. You’re cleaning so the next person (and your landlord’s inspector) sees a home that looks ready to rent. Use the checklist below room by room, or print it and tick items off as you go.

Before you start

• Read the cleaning clause in your lease. Some leases require professional carpet cleaning or set out specific expectations.
• Find your move-in inspection report or photos so you know which marks were already there.
• Empty every cabinet, drawer, closet and the fridge. Cleaners can only clean surfaces they can reach.
• Make sure water and electricity will stay on through cleaning day.
• Get supplies ready: all-purpose cleaner, degreaser, glass cleaner, a non-scratch scrubber, microfiber cloths, a magic eraser, a vacuum with attachments, a mop and trash bags.

Küche

• Clean the inside of the oven, the racks and the broiler drawer
• Degrease the stovetop, knobs, drip pans and range hood filter
• Empty, wash and dry the fridge and freezer, including the shelves, drawers and door seals. Leave the door slightly open if the power will be off.
• Clean the microwave inside and out, including the turntable
• Run the dishwasher empty and wipe the filter and door gasket
• Wipe the cabinets and drawers inside and out, including the handles
• Scrub the countertops, backsplash and sink, and polish the faucet
• Pull out appliances where it’s safe to do so and clean the floor and walls behind them
• Sweep and mop, paying attention to the corners and the toe-kicks

Short on time? Our oven and fridge cleaning add-ons cover the two jobs people most often skip.

Badezimmer

• Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base, the bolts and behind the tank
• Descale the shower, tub, glass doors and fixtures. Hard-water buildup is a common deduction.
• Clean the grout and caulk lines. Report any mold to your landlord instead of painting over it.
• Empty and wipe out the vanity drawers and the medicine cabinet
• Polish the mirrors and the light fixtures
• Dust the exhaust fan cover
• Mop the floor, including behind the toilet

Bedrooms and living areas

• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures (work from top to bottom)
• Wipe closet shelves, rods and doors
• Spot-clean scuffs on walls and doors. Test the cleaner on a hidden spot first.
• Clean window sills, tracks and the inside of the glass
• Dust the blinds, or wipe them slat by slat
• Vacuum the carpets thoroughly, including the edges, or sweep and mop hard floors

Whole-home tasks

• Wipe the baseboards in every room
• Clean light switches, outlet covers, door handles and door frames
• Wipe vent covers and return grilles
• Wash the washer drum and dryer, and clear the lint trap
• Sweep the entryway, balcony or patio
• Remove every bit of trash. Leftover items can lead to disposal fees.

The most-forgotten move-out spots

Final walk-through

Walk the home with your move-in report in hand. Turn on every light, open every cabinet and take dated photos or video of each room, appliance interior and floor. Hand back keys the way your lease says to, and keep the confirmation.

When to hire a move-out cleaner

If you’re juggling movers, utility transfers and a new lease, a professional clean is often the simplest way to meet your landlord’s standard. With Cleanster you can book a move-out cleaning online. Bookings have a 2-hour minimum, and larger or very dirty homes need more time. Every cleaner is background-checked through ClearChecks and has 3+ references, and your clean is covered by our 48-hour Happiness Guarantee. Prices vary by location, so you’ll see your exact quote when you book. Moving into a new place? Use our move-in cleaning checklist next.

Local guides: Houston, Philadelphia, Calgary.

Move-out cleaning FAQ

How long does a move-out clean take?
It depends on the home’s size and condition. A small, well-kept apartment can be done in a few hours, while a larger home with heavy appliance grime can take a full day. Cleanster bookings start at 2 hours.

Should I clean before or after the movers come?
After. An empty home lets you, or your cleaner, reach the floors, walls and closets that landlords inspect.

Does a move-out clean include carpet shampooing or wall painting?
No. A move-out clean covers standard cleaning tasks. Carpet shampooing, painting and repairs are separate trades.

What if I’m not happy with my clean?
Contact Cleanster support within 48 hours under our Happiness Guarantee. Support is available 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT.