Short answer
Empty the place first, then clean each room from top to bottom: ceiling fans and light fixtures, walls and switches, inside closets and cabinets, and the floors last. The kitchen and bathrooms take the most time: clean inside the oven, fridge and microwave, and scrub the tub, grout and toilet. That is where landlords look first. When you finish, take dated photos of every room.
Move-out cleaning, room by room
1Empty it first
Boxes, furniture and trash out before you start. You cannot clean what you cannot reach, and the work goes faster.
Read all the steps
- Empty it first. Boxes, furniture and trash out before you start. You cannot clean what you cannot reach, and the work goes faster.
- Top to bottom: fans, lights, walls. Dust falls down, so start up high. Dust ceiling fans and fixtures, then wipe walls, switches, doors and baseboards.
- Kitchen: clean inside everything. Inside the oven, fridge, microwave and cabinets, then the stovetop, the range hood filter and the sink. Landlords look here first.
- Bathroom: tub, grout, glass, toilet. Scrub the tub or shower, the grout and the glass, and clean the toilet inside, outside and behind. Shine the mirror and faucets.
- Floors last, then dated photos. Vacuum and mop on your way out. Then take photos and video of every room, inside the appliances too, for your deposit.
- Short on time? Call a house cleaner Especially if: you are short on time: a move-out clean of a full home can take a whole day.
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The checklist, room by room
- Every room: ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents, windows and sills, blinds, doors, switches, baseboards, inside closets, floors.
- Kitchen: inside and outside the oven, fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher; cabinets and drawers inside and out; stovetop, range hood and filter; sink, faucet and backsplash.
- Bathrooms: toilet inside, outside and behind; tub, shower, glass and grout; sink, faucet and mirror; cabinets and drawers; the exhaust fan cover.
- Last: vacuum or sweep and mop every floor, including corners and where the furniture stood. Take out all the trash.
What landlords check
Inside the oven and fridge, the bathroom grout and toilet, the stovetop, marks on walls and carpet stains. In most states a landlord cannot charge you for normal wear and tear, but can deduct for dirt and damage. Read your lease for anything it requires, like a professional carpet cleaning, and check your state rules on deposits.
Before you hand over the keys
- Take dated photos and video of every room, inside the appliances too.
- Do a walk-through with the landlord if you can.
- Give your new address in writing for the deposit refund.
When to call a house cleaner
- You are short on time: a move-out clean of a full home can take a whole day.
- The lease asks for a professional cleaning (keep the receipt).
- The oven, grout or carpet needs a deep clean you cannot get to.
Frequently asked questions
What should a move-out cleaning include?
Every room from top to bottom, inside all appliances, cabinets and closets, the bathrooms in detail and every floor. The kitchen and bathrooms take the most time.
How long does a move-out cleaning take?
It depends on the size and how dirty it is. A small, empty apartment can take a few hours; a full house often takes a day or more. Plan it after the movers leave.
Do I have to clean the carpet when I move out?
Only if your lease says so or the carpet is dirtier than normal wear. Vacuum it well either way, and keep the receipt if you hire a carpet cleaner.
Can a landlord charge for cleaning?
Usually yes, if you leave the place dirtier than normal wear and tear. Rules vary by state, so check yours and your lease.
What do landlords look at during the move-out inspection?
Inside the oven and fridge, the bathrooms, the floors and carpet, walls and doors, and anything on your move-in checklist. Compare against your move-in photos.
Should I hire a move-out cleaner?
It makes sense when you are short on time or the lease asks for a professional cleaning. Ask for a receipt to show your landlord.