March 10, 2025 by Neal Zott
Moving out? Here’s what you need to know: A thorough cleaning is essential to get your security deposit back and avoid disputes with your landlord. Professional move-out cleaning can cost $360 on average, but doing it yourself saves money. Focus on these 12 key areas:
- Walls and trim: Clean baseboards, door frames, and remove scuffs.
- Windows and mirrors: Polish both inside and out.
- Doors: Wipe down frames and handles.
- Flooring: Vacuum, mop, or shampoo carpets.
- Ceiling fixtures: Dust fans and lights.
- Kitchen: Scrub appliances, counters, sinks, and cabinets.
- Bathroom: Sanitize toilets, showers, and sinks.
- Major appliances: Clean inside and out (e.g., fridge, oven).
- Storage areas: Empty and clean closets, cabinets, and drawers.
- Ventilation systems: Clean vents and replace filters.
- High-touch surfaces: Sanitize handles, switches, and remotes.
- Outdoor spaces: Sweep patios and entryways.
Pro Tip: Take photos of cleaned areas for proof during inspections. Want to save time? Professional services charge $45–$50/hour or start at $152.15 for basic packages.
Keep reading for detailed cleaning tips and a step-by-step guide to ensure a stress-free move-out.
Get Your Security Deposit Back – Move Out Cleaning Tips
Kitchen Cleaning Guide
When moving out, the kitchen often gets the most scrutiny during inspections. Here’s how to tackle each area to ensure it’s spotless.
Deep Clean Major Appliances
Start with the refrigerator: unplug it, empty the contents, and clean the interior using a sanitizing solution (mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with a gallon of hot water)[2]. Wash shelves and drawers with hot, soapy water, and defrost the freezer using towels to catch any drips[2].
For the oven, apply a paste made of baking soda and vinegar, let it sit overnight, and then wipe it clean. Soak the oven racks in a hot water solution with baking soda and vinegar while the paste works its magic[3]. To freshen up the dishwasher, run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to remove buildup and odors[1].
Storage Areas
Empty all cabinets and drawers. Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to remove crumbs, then wipe down the surfaces with warm, soapy water[4].
Surface Cleaning
Clean countertops and backsplashes with a suitable cleaner. For tough stains, apply a baking soda paste and focus on grout lines to restore their appearance[6].
Sink and Disposal Care
The kitchen sink often harbors more bacteria than the bathroom, making proper cleaning essential[7]. According to the USDA, sinks should be cleaned and sanitized after every food prep session[7].
Scrub the sink and faucet base with a mild abrasive. Pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain, then flush it with hot water[7]. For hard water stains on faucets, use a vinegar solution and polish the fixtures for a clean finish[5]. Sanitize the entire sink area with commercial wipes or a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water)[7].
Bathroom Deep Clean
Cleaning your bathroom thoroughly is essential when moving out, especially if you need to pass inspections. A step-by-step approach ensures every surface gets the attention it needs.
Main Fixtures
Start with the toilet: apply bowl cleaner inside and let it sit while you work on other areas. For the exterior, including the base and the hard-to-reach spot behind it, use a disinfectant spray [8]. Tackle bathtubs and showers from top to bottom to avoid undoing your work.
Got stubborn stains in the tub? Mix baking soda and water into a paste. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes before scrubbing. Pay extra attention to grout lines and caulking, as these spots often collect mold and mildew [8]. Once the fixtures are sanitized, polish any glass and metal to make them sparkle.
Glass and Metal Surfaces
Cleaning expert Alessandro Gazzo swears by white vinegar as a go-to solution [9]. Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For a pleasant scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Clean mirrors using a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. For dried-on toothpaste or makeup, wipe the area with warm water first, then apply the vinegar solution [9].
Storage Clean-Out
After the fixtures and shiny surfaces are done, move on to decluttering and cleaning storage spaces. Cabinets and drawers often collect a mix of toiletries, makeup, and odds and ends [11]. Empty them completely, vacuum out any dust or debris, and wipe down the interiors with a mild detergent solution [10].
Professional organizer Barbara Brock advises:
"These need an edit at least once a year. The shelves get grimy also and a thorough cleaning would help" [11].
Don’t forget to inspect the under-sink cabinet for any signs of leaks or water damage.
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Common Areas
Pay attention to these key spots to keep your space looking spotless.
Wall and Trim Care
For latex-based paint, mix one teaspoon of non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner with a quart of warm water. If your walls are painted with oil-based paint, combine one teaspoon of liquid dish soap and half a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar per quart of water [13].
Start by dusting the walls with a vacuum brush attachment. Then, clean using a microfiber cloth in circular motions, working from the bottom upward. Got scuffs? A paste made from baking soda and water can help remove them [14].
For baseboards and trim, products like Mrs. Meyers Clean Day or Simple Green work well. Always test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area first [12]. Once the walls and trim are spotless, move on to the windows for a polished finish.
Window Cleaning
Combine one part distilled white vinegar with 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle [16]. Spray the solution onto a lint-free microfiber cloth, then clean the glass in a zigzag motion from top to bottom.
"Major window manufacturers recommend cleaning your windows two to four times per year to increase the lifespan of your windows." [15]
"Cleaning your window and door tracks is important because dirt and debris accumulate in the tracks over time, making it difficult to open and close your windows and doors." [15]
Once the windows are sparkling, don’t forget to tackle the overhead fixtures to clear out dust and grime.
Overhead Fixtures
Dusty light fixtures can dim your room’s brightness [18]. Before cleaning, make sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker. For ceiling fans, follow these steps:
- Protect your floors with a cover.
- Slide a pillowcase over each fan blade to trap dust.
- Wipe the blades clean using an all-purpose cleaner.
- Wash light globes in warm, soapy water [17].
For an extra touch, apply a thin layer of car wax to the fan blades to help repel dust in the future [17].
Hidden Spots to Clean
Some areas in your home often go unnoticed during routine cleaning. These hidden spots can harbor dirt and dust, affecting the cleanliness of your space.
Storage Spaces
Take time to empty out closets, cabinets, and drawers. Remove any shelf liners and wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to the corners. Don’t forget to check behind and underneath large appliances for dust and debris. A vacuum with an extension wand is perfect for reaching those tricky spots, including built-in shelving.
Air System Care
Keeping your HVAC system clean is key to maintaining good indoor air quality. Brandon Martin, Owner of B Cool Heating and Air Conditioning, advises: "At that time, it would be optimal to ensure your air vents are clean and have clear, proper air flow." [20]
Here’s how to tackle air system cleaning:
-
Vent Covers and Ducts
Turn off your HVAC system, remove the vent covers, and wash them with warm, soapy water. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean inside the ducts. -
Replace Filters
Swap out old air filters, making sure the arrow on the filter points toward the furnace [21]. If you have pets or allergies, you might need to change them more often than the standard once or twice a year.
"The more dust that accumulates in your vents, the more dust is recirculated, and that means your HVAC system, furnace, and air conditioner is working just that much harder. Recirculated dust also means recirculated allergies like pollen and pet dander, which aggravate the respiratory system."
– Melissa Poepping, Founder of The Chemical Free Home [20]
Once your air system is clean, move on to the high-touch surfaces.
High-Touch Points
Pay extra attention to surfaces that are frequently touched around your home. Here’s a quick guide:
| Area | Items to Clean |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Appliance handles, kettle handles, toaster knobs |
| Living Areas | TV remotes, light switches, stair railings |
| Office Space | Keyboards, desk surfaces, landline phones |
| Bathroom | Faucet handles, toilet flush buttons, cabinet pulls |
Make sure to let disinfectants sit on these surfaces as directed by the product label for the best results [22].
Outside Areas
Don’t forget to clean exterior storage spaces like garages and sheds. Remove all items and sweep thoroughly, particularly in the corners where debris tends to collect. For concrete floors, a pressure washer can be helpful if allowed. Also, check storage sheds or outdoor closets for forgotten items. While you’re at it, clean outdoor light fixtures and clear cobwebs from corners and overhangs.
Move-Out Cleaning Success Steps
Time Management
Organizing your move-out cleaning in advance can help you save time and avoid unnecessary stress. Divide the tasks into smaller chunks and spread them out over 3–4 days leading up to your move-out date. Start with rooms you use the least and finish with high-traffic areas.
Here’s a suggested timeline for cleaning a standard 2-bedroom apartment:
| Day | Focus Areas | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Storage spaces and closets | 4–5 hours |
| Day 2 | Bathrooms and kitchen appliances | 6–7 hours |
| Day 3 | Living areas and windows | 4–5 hours |
| Day 4 | Final touches and overlooked spots | 2–3 hours |
Required Cleaning Tools
To clean effectively, make sure you have the right supplies on hand. Here’s a list of essentials:
- All-purpose cleaner for general surfaces
- Glass cleaner for mirrors and windows
- Heavy-duty degreaser for kitchen areas
- Disinfectant for bathrooms and frequently touched surfaces
- Floor cleaners suited to your flooring type
- Equipment like a vacuum, mop, scrub brushes, and microfiber cloths
- Safety gear such as rubber gloves, a face mask, and eye protection
NLZ Cleaning Services of Long Island
If your schedule is packed or the cleaning tasks feel overwhelming, professional help is a great option. NLZ Cleaning Services of Long Island is well-equipped to handle move-out cleaning. Their standard services start at $152.15 per clean, with tailored pricing for deep cleaning and move-out packages.
"NLZ Cleaning helps you live smarter, giving you time to focus on what’s most important." – NLZ Cleaning Services of Long Island [23]
Their move-out cleaning service includes:
- Thorough cleaning of all rooms and bathrooms
- Use of safe, effective cleaning supplies
- Cleaners who are vetted and background-checked
- A 150% service guarantee for peace of mind
- Flexible scheduling to fit your timeline
"Our team knows the unique cleaning needs of Long Island homes and provides customized solutions to meet them." – NLZ Cleaning Services of Long Island [23]
For those with specific needs, NLZ offers customizable packages and accommodates special requests. They serve Nassau County, Queens County, and Kings County, making them a convenient choice for most Long Island residents preparing for a move.
Conclusion
Thorough move-out cleaning plays a key role in getting your security deposit back and meeting lease requirements. Using effective cleaning methods and keeping detailed records can help you pass the final inspection without issues.
Take photos of everything you clean – appliances, bathroom fixtures, windows, cabinets, baseboards, and light fixtures. For example, one tenant avoided extra fees and even received an apology from the property owner thanks to their photo documentation [24]. These records not only support your deposit claim but also help prevent disputes.
It’s also a good idea to schedule a pre-move-out inspection with your landlord. This gives you a chance to address any problem areas before the final walkthrough [19]. Save all professional cleaning receipts and keep track of your efforts for added protection.