Moving out of a rental property is an exciting time, but it also has its stress.
One of the biggest concerns tenants face is getting their security deposit back.
The only way to guarantee that you get a full refund is to clean the house properly before handing the keys to the new owner.
This move-out cleaning checklist will help you meet your landlord’s requirements and professionally exit the property.
General Tips for Effective Move-Out Cleaning
Before diving into specific tasks, here are a few general tips to keep in mind:
Start Early: It is advisable to clean all the rooms and bedrooms for at least three days before the planned move-out date.
Gather Supplies: Ensure you have all the required cleaning materials, including cleaning solutions, scrubbing pads, microfiber cloths, and trash bags.
Inspect the Property: Once you are done with the cleaning process, walk through the space one last time to confirm that all the areas are clean.
Essential Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Getting Your Deposit Back
Remove Nails, Hooks, and Adhesive
A thorough cleaning involves even the most trivial aspects of the house. Here’s how to prepare the walls:
Unhook Pictures and Nail: To unfasten any nails, picture hangers, or screws, you can use a pair of pliers or a hammer.
Patch Holes: To repair gaps or holes, apply spackling paste and smooth it down with a putty knife. Once it has dried out completely, lightly sand the area to give it a smooth finish.
Clean Adhesive Residue: You should use adhesive remover to clean off any adhesive left on the wall hooks or tape.
Dust and Clean All Surfaces
Dust can accumulate in even the most unexpected places, so be sure to clean every surface, including:
Ceiling Fans: Wipe the blades using a damp microfiber cloth to ensure that dust and other debris are removed from the surface.
Baseboards and Trim: Clean baseboards by wiping with a dry cloth, followed by a wet cloth, to remove marks or stains.
Counters and Shelves: Clean all the countertops, shelves, and storage spaces thereafter to ensure that there is no trace of crumbs, stains, or spills.
Clean Windows and Glass Surfaces
The windows and glass parts are sometimes forgotten when cleaning during the move-out, but these are the first things the viewers see.
Wash Windows: Clean your windows’ interior and exterior. To clean your windows properly, use a window cleaning solution or a solution of vinegar and water to make your windows stain-free.
Clean Mirrors: Wipe the mirrors with either a glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution for a spotless finish.
Check for Smudges: Check for fingerprints or any other stains on the glass parts to make them clean.
Kitchen Deep Clean
The kitchen is usually one of the most frequently used rooms, which requires more attention when you are through with cleaning before moving out.
Cabinets and Drawers
First, empty all the cabinets and all the drawers and then wipe them inside and outside. You should also focus on the parts with a sticky surface or where food residue will likely stick.
Appliances
Clean the outside and inside of all the appliances:
Refrigerator: Remove any leftover food in the refrigerator, wipe the shelves, and clean the door seals.
Oven and Stove: Scrub off the grease and the food particles on the oven’s surface, paying special attention to the oven door and burners.
Microwave: Give the microwave’s interior and exterior a wipe-down, tackling persistent stains.
Sink: Clean the sink, the faucet, and the drain of any soap scum, stains, or mineral deposits that may have built up.
Bathroom Cleaning
Bathrooms are prone to getting dirty, so you need to be very cautious when cleaning them.
Tubs and Showers: Wash the tub or shower area and sterilize it to get rid of soap scum, mildew, and stains on the walls, glass doors, and fixtures.
Toilets: Clean the inside of the toilet and the outside of the toilet including the tank and the bottom.
Mirrors and Sinks: Wipe the mirrors with glass cleaner and then use a soft cloth to wipe the sinks, faucet handles, and countertops to remove the toothpaste, soap, and water stains.
Floors: Clean the bathroom floor by first sweeping and then mopping the floor to ensure that the corners and the area behind the toilet are well cleaned.
Floors and Carpets
Whether it’s hardwood, tile, or carpets, you have to ensure the floors are clean.
Hardwood or Tile: Clean the floor with a vacuum cleaner and then sweep and mop the floor. If you have tile floorings, ensure that you wipe through the grout lines, and if you have stubborn stains, use a grout cleaner.
Carpet: Clean the carpets by vacuuming them; if there are any stains or odors, it is better to wash them with the help of a special carpet cleaner.
If the carpets are supposed to be cleaned professionally, this should be arranged before this time.
Remove Trash and Unwanted Items
It is advisable to ensure that all the trash has been disposed of and all the belongings you may have left in the house are removed from the property.
Remove Trash: It is essential to take out all the garbage, recycle, and any other item you no longer need.
Clean Out Closets: Empty all the closets, clothes, shoes, and other items that might have been left behind should be removed.
Check Hidden Spaces: You should also ensure you clean behind furniture, under appliances, and other difficult-to-access areas.
Final Touches
And finally, do a final sweep of the home and address any lingering details.
Air Out the Space: To freshen up the house, open the windows to let some fresh air in and eliminate any musty smell.
Light Bulbs: Replace any light bulbs that may have burnt-out to ensure adequate lighting when the final inspection is conducted.
Clean Air Vents: Dust and wipe down air vents and fans and remove any dirt or grime that may have been trapped.
Conclusion
It is always a stressful task, especially if it is your first time to move out of a house or an apartment. This is why this guide has provided a cleaning plan to ensure your rental property is clean and ready for evaluation.
All you need to do is refer to this checklist to understand what your landlord wants you to do and how you can best perform the cleaning job to get your deposit back.
Consider NW Maids For a Hassle-Free Move-Out Cleaning
If you are searching for a house cleaning service, consider NW Maids.
Our professional cleaners will help you get ready for your rental property for the next occupants, and you can walk away with your deposit.
Visit our website today at nwmaids.com and book our move-out cleaning services to help you transition.
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- How To Clean Your Oven Naturally And Effectively
- A Complete Apartment Cleaning Checklist for Move-Out Day
- Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Made Simple for Tenants and Landlords
- The Only Move-Out Cleaning List You’ll Need
