Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: What Pros Actually Clean

Move-out cleaning is high-stakes. Landlords scrutinize every surface when deciding whether to return your security deposit. A professional move-out clean is one of the best investments you can make at the end of a lease — it costs $200–$450 and could save you $1,000+ in deductions.

Kitchen

The kitchen is where most security deposit deductions happen. Landlords know it's the hardest to clean, so they look here first.

• Clean inside oven, including racks (degreased)
• Clean stovetop, burners, and drip pans
• Clean inside and outside microwave
• Clean refrigerator inside and out (include drawers and shelves)
• Wipe down all cabinet interiors and exteriors
• Clean dishwasher (including the filter and door seal)
• Degrease range hood and clean filter
• Clean and disinfect sink and garbage disposal
• Wipe down all countertops
• Clean backsplash
• Sweep and mop floor (including under appliances if possible)
• Wipe down light fixtures and switch plates

Bathrooms

• Scrub toilet (inside bowl, rim, outside, behind base)
• Clean and disinfect shower and bathtub
• Remove soap scum from all surfaces
• Clean shower door tracks and grout lines
• Scrub tiles
• Clean sink and vanity
• Clean inside medicine cabinet
• Clean mirror
• Wipe down exhaust fan (remove visible dust)
• Clean baseboards and around base of toilet
• Mop floor
• Remove any caulk mold (or note for landlord)

Bedrooms

• Remove all personal items and patch nail holes (if agreed)
• Wipe down all walls (especially near doorknobs and light switches)
• Clean inside closets — shelves, rods, and floors
• Wipe down window sills, tracks, and blinds
• Wash interior windows
• Vacuum carpet and/or mop floors
• Wipe down baseboards
• Clean ceiling fan and light fixtures
• Wipe down doors and door frames

Living Areas

• Dust and wipe all surfaces
• Vacuum or mop all floors
• Clean baseboards throughout
• Wipe down all doors and door frames
• Clean interior windows and tracks
• Wipe down light fixtures, fans, and vents
• Clean fireplace if applicable (ash removal, grate cleaning)
• Wipe down walls around high-traffic areas

General / Entire Home

• Remove all trash and personal belongings
• Wipe down all light switches and outlet covers
• Clean all vents and return air grates
• Remove cobwebs from all corners and ceilings
• Spot-clean walls for scuffs and marks
• Wipe down all doors and door frames
• Clean inside all closets and storage areas
• Garage sweep-out if applicable
• Patio/balcony sweep if applicable

Move-In Cleaning: What's Different?

Move-in cleans have a slightly different focus. You're less concerned about leaving no trace and more focused on sanitation — you don't know who lived there before or how well they cleaned. Pros will focus on deep disinfection of bathrooms and kitchen, cleaning inside all cabinets, checking and cleaning oven and refrigerator if left behind, removing any odors from previous tenants, and cleaning vents.

Is It Worth Hiring a Pro for a Move-Out Clean?

Almost always yes. A professional move-out clean costs $200–$450. Security deposits are typically one to two months of rent. If your rent is $1,500/month, your deposit could be $3,000. Spending $300 to protect $3,000 is a no-brainer. Plus, professional cleaners know exactly what landlords look for — and they work faster and more thoroughly than most tenants can on their own.