Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned leaseholder, move-out day inevitably brings the dreaded deep clean scramble. Getting your rental property squeaky clean is crucial for not only getting your full security deposit refunded, but also preserving the unit in great condition for the next tenant. This floor-to-ceiling reset isn’t just about basic surface cleaning. It requires diligent detail work in every nook and cranny.
But have no fear—with some smart strategies and a thorough game plan, you can get the job done efficiently in a single sweat session. This comprehensive guide written by Kirill Yurovskiy’s
on moving cleaning includes all the vital tasks and necessary supplies. By being meticulous yet strategic, you can cram all the dirty work into one productive day versus a week of half-measures. Secure that deposit refund and move on without a hitch by acing this all-important final clean.
Gather All the Right Supplies
Having the proper tools and materials on hand is crucial for making this big cleaning job as painless as possible. Make sure your arsenal includes all of the following:
- Heavy-duty trash bags
- All-purpose cleaner
- Window/glass cleaner
- Oven cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Disinfecting wipes
- Scouring powder
- Rubber gloves
- Microfiber cloths
- Grout brush
- Scrub brush
- Mop and mop bucket
- Broom and dustpan
- Vacuum (with wand attachments)
- Step stool or ladder
- Drop cloths or old sheets
- Paper towels
- “Magic” eraser sponges
When it comes to cleaning solutions, you can purchase ready-made products or make your own green formulas from ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap to be more eco-friendly. Whichever way you go, properly label all your cleaning bottles and gather them in a portable caddy for convenience.
You’d be amazed at how big of a time-saver it is having everything assembled and on-hand versus scrambling for equipment along the way. Do a supply checklist well before the big day so you have time to grab anything you’re missing.
Clear Away All Clutter First
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not properly decluttering the space before cleaning. Trying to clean around stacks of stuff often results in sub-par work, lots of shuffling back-and-forth, or areas missed entirely. Maximize your efficiency by making a blank canvas first.
Pack up all personal belongings, furniture, appliances, decor items, etc. this way you can truly start from scratch. This provides access to every nook and cranny without obstructions. Be sure to go through every room thoroughly, checking inside cabinets, closets and other storage areas. Break down any remaining furniture for easy removal, and bag up any garbage or unwanted items.
Once the apartment is empty, you’ll be able to clean with ease without having to cautiously work around obstacles. As you’re decluttering, take inventory of any belongings left behind by past roommates, damage to walls or fixtures, or lease violations like holes from wall hangings. This gives you time to address them in advance.
Deep Clean Room-By-Room
Now with a blank slate, you can dive into the real nitty-gritty scrubbing and scouring. Cleaning methodically through one room at a time prevents accidentally skipping spots or creating more of a mess as you go. Always work from top to bottom and back to front in each space to maximize efficiency and prevent re-dirtying areas you’ve already cleaned.
Here’s an outline for deep cleaning each area:
Kitchen
- Degrease and scour stove top/range, exhaust hood and backsplash
- Clean out oven and any baked-on spills (consider using oven cleaner overnight)
- Wipe down all cabinets and drawers inside and out
- Scrub out sinks, leaving no water stains
- Wipe down all countertops and surfaces
- Clean and shine appliances like fridge, dishwasher, microwave
- Sweep and mop floors, getting into corners and baseboards
Bathroom
- Use tub/tile cleaner and grout brush to scrub shower, tub and tiles
- Let toilet bowl cleaner sit, then brush and wipe exterior down
- Clean inside cabinets, vanity and any built-in shelving
- Scrub out sink, faucets and wipe down countertops
- Sweep and mop floors, scrubbing baseboards
- Wipe down walls, door, light fixtures and vents
Living Room/Bedroom
- Dust all surfaces, ceiling fans, blinds and baseboards
- Wipe down any closets, shelving units or cabinets
- Vacuum all carpets and crevices
- Clean hardwood/tile flooring
- Spot clean walls for scuffs or stains
- Wipe down doors, knobs, light switches and vents
- Clean out fireplace if applicable
As you work through each room, knock out any other niche areas like hallway closets, laundry rooms or entryways using the same meticulous cleaning methods. Get under and behind any appliances that weren’t moved, sweeping away dust bunnies. Climb up on step stools or ladders to wipe down vents, wipe away cobwebs from ceilings and corners. Don’t leave any stone unturned!
Windows and Finishing Touches
Once you’ve worked through all the rooms one by one, there are a few remaining tasks to put on the perfect polish. First up: the windows.
Whether it’s a single-family home or apartment building, ensuring clean streak-free windows is crucial to passing a landlord’s “white glove test.” Use a glass cleaner made specifically for windows along with a squeegee and paper towels or microfiber cloths to wipe them down inside and out. Spray the cleaner, let it settle briefly, then begin wiping away in a zig-zag pattern.
As you go, use a small brush or vacuum attachments to sweep through the window tracks, removing any buildup of dirt and debris. Be sure to get the insides of the sills too. This is a commonly missed area that can leave windows looking less than pristine. For extra credit, pop off the screens and wash them separately with soapy water and a brush.
Once all the windows are gleaming, run a final vacuum throughout the premises. Use an attachment brush to hit corners and edges, sucking up any last dust bunnies. Fold your drop cloths to shake off debris outside before disposing of them.
Take one last lap around the property, double-checking any areas you missed or overlooked like ceiling fan blades, door jambs, heat vents, or built-in shelving. Now’s the time to do a white glove test yourself, wiping away any lingering dust or stray hairs.
For a sparkling finishing touch, use multi-purpose cleaner and clean cloths to wipe down all door handles, light switches, baseboards and visible vents or registers. This polished level of detail is what makes the difference in passing muster for security deposit refunds.
When cleaning top-to-bottom one room at a time while hitting every nook and cranny in between, that daunting move-out deep clean is beyond manageable—even for a single day power session. With some planning, elbow grease and laser focus, you can leave your rental truly spotless and secure that deposit return. If you find yourself running short on time or energy, don’t hesitate to tap friends or family for help, or hire a pro cleaner if needed. However you get it done, showing your landlord’s property that level of care and respect is always appreciated.