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Homeowner guide · House cleaning

Move-out cleaning checklist: room by room

A move-out clean goes beyond a regular clean: inside the oven, fridge, cabinets and closets, plus baseboards, window tracks, light fixtures and spot-cleaned walls. Work top to bottom, room by room, and take dated photos when you're done. Check your lease for anything specific, like carpet cleaning, before you start.

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Quick answer

Start here

  • 1

    Lease cleaning terms read

  • 2

    Everything moved out first

  • 3

    Supplies ready

  • 4

    Photos planned for the end

Plain-English, no jargon

Kitchen

  • Inside and outside the oven, stovetop and range hood
  • Inside the fridge and freezer, including drawers and seals
  • Inside cabinets and drawers
  • Dishwasher, microwave, sink and faucet
  • Counters, backsplash and floor, including under appliances you can move

Bathrooms

  • Toilet inside and out, including the base
  • Tub, shower, tile and grout, glass doors
  • Sink, mirror, vanity and inside drawers
  • Exhaust fan cover and floor

Every room

  • Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents
  • Wipe baseboards, doors, door frames and switch plates
  • Spot-clean scuffs on walls
  • Clean windows, sills and tracks, and blinds
  • Empty closets and wipe shelves
  • Vacuum and mop floors last

Before you hand over the keys

Take dated photos and video of each room, inside appliances and closets. Keep any receipts for professional cleaning. They help if there's a dispute about your deposit.

FAQ

Common questions

How long does a move-out clean take?

It depends on the size and condition of the home. Expect most of a day for a small apartment and longer for a house. A cleaning crew is faster.

Is a move-out clean the same as a deep clean?

They overlap. A move-out clean focuses on an empty home, inside appliances, cabinets and closets.

Do I need to clean the carpets?

Check your lease. Some require professional carpet cleaning; others only ask for vacuuming.

House cleaning

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Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Room by Room | Job Hound