Moving out is a stressful time—and cleaning to meet landlord or property manager expectations adds pressure. A thorough move out clean helps secure your security deposit, avoids disputes, and leaves the property in good standing for the next tenant. This guide walks renters through a room-by-room checklist with clear steps, tools, materials, and safety tips. You will learn how to prioritize tasks, estimate time, tackle common trouble spots such as kitchens and bathrooms, and when to call a professional cleaner. Follow the sequence below to work efficiently, document your efforts, and increase your chances of a full deposit return.

Key Takeaways

Work room-by-room and top-to-bottom to avoid re-cleaning
Prioritize kitchen and bathrooms; these get the strictest inspections
Use the right tools and safe cleaners for each surface
Document the cleaned state with photos and a dated checklist
Call a pro for heavy grime, carpet cleaning, or time constraints

Tools Needed

Vacuum with attachments
Broom and dustpan
Microfiber cloths and sponges
Scrub brushes and grout brush
Bucket and mop
Step stool or small ladder
Rubber gloves
Spray bottles and squeegee
Garbage bags and boxes for small repairs

Materials Needed

All-purpose cleaner
Glass cleaner
Degreaser
Bathroom cleaner/bleach alternative
Baking soda and white vinegar
Carpet stain remover (or powder)
Wood-safe polish
Paper towels and microfiber cloths
Masking tape and touch-up paint (if allowed)

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Always ventilate when using chemical cleaners; open windows and doors
Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar; toxic gases can form
Wear gloves and eye protection when using strong cleaners or scrubbing
Test cleaners on an inconspicuous area before full use to avoid damage
Use a stable step stool—do not stand on chairs or unstable surfaces

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Plan, declutter, and document

Start by gathering keys, the lease move-out requirements, and any move-out checklist from your landlord. Walk through the unit with your phone camera and take dated photos of each room to document current condition before cleaning. Remove all personal items, trash, and any furniture or fixtures you are responsible for. Make a simple checklist for each room and estimate times. Prioritize high-impact tasks like oven cleaning, bathroom grout, and visible marks on walls. Planning reduces stress and helps you book professional services like carpet cleaning if needed before your final walkthrough.

💡 Tip: Use a timer for each room to stay on schedule and avoid spending too long on one area.

⚠️ Don’t skip documenting the original condition; photos protect you if disputes arise.

Step 2: Top-to-bottom dusting and air vents

Start every room by dusting from the highest points down: ceiling fans, light fixtures, crown molding, tops of cabinets, and shelves. Use a microfiber duster or a vacuum attachment with a soft brush to collect dust rather than spreading it. Remove and clean vent covers and replace HVAC filters if the lease requires or recommends it. Dusting first prevents settled dust from recontaminating cleaned floors. Wipe blinds and window sills, and clean curtain rods and edges. This step makes subsequent surface cleaning faster and ensures your final wipe-downs aren’t undone by residual dust.

💡 Tip: Wrap a microfiber cloth over a broom head for hard-to-reach cobwebs.

⚠️ Turn off fans and be cautious on ladders when cleaning overhead fixtures.

Step 3: Kitchen: degrease, appliances, and cabinets

Kitchens are inspected closely. Empty and clean inside cabinets and drawers, wiping crumbs and grease. Use a degreaser on range hoods, backsplashes, and stovetops; remove burner grates and soak them in hot soapy water. Clean the oven interior with appropriate oven cleaner or a baking soda paste; wipe thoroughly. Defrost and clean the refrigerator, wiping all shelves and seals. Sanitize countertops and sink, and clear the garbage disposal with a brush and baking soda. Finish by polishing exterior appliance surfaces and ensuring no food residue remains in or around appliances.

💡 Tip: For stubborn oven grime, apply a baking soda paste overnight and scrub in the morning.

⚠️ Follow manufacturer instructions for self-cleaning ovens and avoid harsh abrasives on stainless steel.

Step 4: Bathrooms: mold, grout, and fixtures

Clean bathrooms thoroughly to remove soap scum and mold. Apply bathroom cleaner to showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets, letting it sit a few minutes before scrubbing grout lines and tile using a grout brush. Use a bleach alternative for moldy areas and rinse well. Clean and descale showerheads and faucets, polish chrome fixtures, and replace or clean the shower curtain and liner if present. Scrub toilet bowl interiors, wipe the tank exterior, and disinfect high-touch areas such as light switches and door handles. Ensure drains are clearing and remove hair from traps.

💡 Tip: A pumice stone can remove stubborn mineral deposits on porcelain without scratching when used gently.

⚠️ Avoid mixing bleach with acidic cleaners; always rinse surfaces well after chemical use.

Step 5: Walls, baseboards, and minor repairs

Wipe walls and baseboards to remove scuffs and fingerprints. Use a magic eraser or a gentle soap solution for marks; test first in an inconspicuous spot. Fill small nail holes with spackling putty, smooth, and let dry before lightly sanding. If your lease allows touch-up paint, apply a thin coat to repaired spots for a neater finish. Clean outlet covers, light switch plates, and door frames. Remove adhesive residue with a citrus-based adhesive remover if needed. These small repairs improve visual appearance and reduce deductions from the security deposit.

💡 Tip: Label and keep removed hardware or switch plates in a small bag taped to the corresponding door or wall.

⚠️ Only perform paint or repair work permitted by your lease; document any larger repairs with the landlord first.

Step 6: Floors and carpets: vacuuming, mopping, and spot treatment

For hard floors, sweep thoroughly then mop with a cleaner suitable for the surface—wood-safe cleaner for hardwood, neutral pH for laminate. Avoid excessive water on wood floors. For carpets, vacuum slowly and use attachments for edges and corners. Treat spots and stains with a carpet cleaner or a baking soda and vinegar method, blotting rather than rubbing. Consider renting a carpet cleaner or scheduling professional steam cleaning if the lease requires it or if heavy staining exists; many landlords expect carpets to be professionally cleaned upon move-out. Ensure floors are dry before moving items back in.

💡 Tip: Run vacuum in overlapping passes and finish edges with a crevice tool for a professional look.

⚠️ Do not overwet hardwood floors; standing water can warp boards.

Step 7: Final touches, windows, and inspection

Finish by cleaning windows inside and wiping sills and tracks. Clean mirrors and interior window glass with streak-free glass cleaner. Remove trash and debris, sweep entryways, and replace any burned-out light bulbs with the correct wattage. Do a final walkthrough using your initial photos and the landlord’s checklist, checking for missed spots. Take after photos of each room for your records. Leave keys as required and include any cleaning receipts if you used professional services. A calm, organized final inspection increases the chance of full deposit return.

💡 Tip: Create a short video walkthrough while narrating cleaned areas and dates to back your claims if needed later.

⚠️ Don’t leave cleaning supplies or tools that could be perceived as abandoned property; check lease rules.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional cleaner if time constraints prevent a full, thorough clean before your move-out inspection. Professionals can deliver deep cleaning, steam carpet extraction, and heavy-duty oven or grout restoration that are difficult to achieve with consumer products. If your lease requires a professional carpet clean or if the property manager specifically requests certified cleaning, hiring a vetted service is usually faster and reduces the risk of deposit deductions. Also consider a pro when dealing with extensive mold, large stains, smoke or pet odor remediation, or when you lack the physical ability to perform strenuous scrubbing and high-reach cleaning. Obtain a written receipt for any professional service to provide to your landlord at move-out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend cleaning each room?

Allocate time based on room use and dirt level: 30–60 minutes for bedrooms, 60–120 minutes for kitchens and bathrooms, and 30–90 minutes for living areas. Start with high-impact areas (kitchen, bathrooms) and use a timer to keep on schedule. If surfaces are heavily soiled, add extra time or consider professional help.

Will DIY cleaning get my full deposit back?

DIY cleaning can secure a full deposit if you thoroughly follow the landlord's checklist and the unit is in normal wear-and-tear condition. Document your work with dated photos and receipts for products or rentals. Major damage, heavy stains, or required professional services may still lead to deductions even after DIY cleaning.

Do landlords typically provide a move-out checklist?

Many landlords and property managers provide a move-out checklist outlining expected cleaning standards and any required professional services. If not provided, ask for one in writing. Having their criteria helps you focus efforts on items that most affect deposit returns, such as carpets, appliances, and bathrooms.

What cleaners should I avoid during move-out?

Avoid mixing cleaners like bleach and ammonia due to toxic fumes. Don’t use strong abrasives or acid-based products on sensitive surfaces like natural stone, hardwood, or laminate. Test any new cleaner in a hidden spot before widespread use, and follow manufacturer care instructions for appliances and flooring.

Move Out Cleaning Checklist Renters