Staring at your empty apartment or house, wondering if it's clean enough to get your security deposit back? After handling hundreds of move out cleanings across Florida, Texas, California, Georgia, and the DMV area, we've seen exactly what landlords and property managers look for—and what costs tenants their deposits.
The difference between a basic clean and a deposit-securing deep clean often comes down to the details most people miss. This comprehensive move out cleaning checklist will walk you through every room with the same standards our professional team uses.
You'll learn the specific areas that get the most scrutiny, professional techniques that save time, and the common mistakes that cost people hundreds of dollars in deposit deductions.
Before You Start: Essential Supplies and Time Planning
Most people underestimate both the time and supplies needed for a thorough move out clean. Based on our experience, plan for 6-8 hours for a one-bedroom apartment and 10-12 hours for a three-bedroom house.
Essential Supplies You'll Need:
- All-purpose cleaner (we prefer Simple Green for its versatility)
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom disinfectant
- Degreaser for kitchen
- Bar Keepers Friend (better than generic abrasive cleaners for tough stains)
- Magic erasers
- Microfiber cloths (at least 6)
- Vacuum with attachments
- Mop and bucket
- Scrub brushes (various sizes)
- Trash bags
- Rubber gloves
Start with the most challenging rooms first when your energy is highest. We always begin with bathrooms, then kitchen, followed by bedrooms and living areas.
Kitchen Move Out Cleaning Checklist
The kitchen gets the closest inspection because grease and food residue are considered damage, not normal wear and tear. One of the trickiest situations we encounter is baked-on grease that tenants tried to clean with the wrong products, actually making it harder to remove.
Appliances (The Make-or-Break Factor)
Oven and Stovetop:
- Remove oven racks and drip pans—soak in hot, soapy water
- Use oven cleaner on interior, including door and glass
- Don't forget the area under the stovetop (lift if possible)
- Clean inside and behind the oven if it pulls out
Refrigerator:
- Remove all shelves and drawers—wash separately
- Wipe down interior with baking soda solution
- Clean coils on back or bottom (this surprised detail impresses landlords)
- Don't forget the drip tray underneath
Dishwasher:
- Run empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner
- Wipe down door seals and filter
- Clean exterior and handle
Pro Tip: For stubborn oven stains, make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and water. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing—this works better than harsh oven cleaners on most baked-on residue.
Cabinets and Surfaces
Clean inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers. Remove shelf liner if you added it. Wipe down all countertops, backsplash, and don't miss the area behind small appliances that rarely get moved.
The sink and faucet should be spotless—lime buildup around the faucet base is a common deduction point.
Bathroom Deep Clean Strategy
After cleaning hundreds of bathrooms, we've learned that mold, soap scum, and mineral deposits are the three biggest issues that cost people their deposits. The key is using the right products and techniques for each problem.
Shower and Tub
Start by spraying everything with bathroom cleaner and letting it sit while you work on other areas. For tough soap scum, we use a mixture of Dawn dish soap and white vinegar—it cuts through buildup better than most commercial cleaners.
Pay special attention to:
- Grout lines (use an old toothbrush)
- Shower door tracks and frames
- Caulking around tub and shower
- Showerhead (unscrew and soak if heavily calcified)
Toilet
Clean inside and out, including behind the base where dust and hair accumulate. Remove the toilet seat if possible for thorough cleaning—many people miss the bolts and hinges.
Vanity and Mirror
Clean inside drawers and cabinets, polish the mirror streak-free, and don't forget to wipe down light fixtures and exhaust fan covers.
Living Areas and Bedrooms Checklist
These rooms might seem straightforward, but there are specific details that property managers always check.
Walls and Baseboards
Wipe down all walls with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Magic erasers work well for scuff marks, but test in an inconspicuous area first. Clean all baseboards—they collect surprising amounts of dust and pet hair.
Windows and Blinds
Clean windows inside and out if accessible. For blinds, the fastest method we've found is using a microfiber cloth wrapped around tongs—it cleans both sides simultaneously.
Floors
Vacuum thoroughly, including under furniture indentations. For hard floors, sweep first, then mop with appropriate cleaner. Pay extra attention to corners and edges where dirt accumulates.
Closets
Remove all hangers (unless they came with the unit), vacuum the floor, and wipe down shelving and rods.
Often-Missed Areas That Cost Deposits
These are the spots that separate amateur cleaning from professional deep cleaning standards:
- Light switches and outlet covers—wipe down all of them
- Door frames and the tops of doors—dust accumulates heavily here
- Inside of medicine cabinets and vanity drawers
- Exhaust fan covers in bathrooms and kitchen
- Window sills and tracks
- Behind appliances that can be moved safely
- Inside of garbage disposal
- Dryer lint trap and surrounding area
Pro Tip: Take photos of each room when you're finished. If there's a dispute about cleanliness, you'll have documentation of the condition you left it in.
What Most People Get Wrong About Move Out Cleaning
In our experience, here are the biggest mistakes that cost tenants their deposits:
Using the Wrong Products: Harsh chemicals can damage surfaces. Always test cleaning products in inconspicuous areas first.
Rushing the Process: Most people try to clean everything in one day. Quality move out cleaning takes time—don't shortcut the process to save a few hours.
Ignoring the Lease Agreement: Some leases specify certain cleaning requirements or professional cleaning standards. Review yours before starting.
Cleaning Around Damage: If there's actual damage (holes in walls, broken fixtures), cleaning around it won't help. Address repairs separately from cleaning.
Forgetting About Outdoor Areas: If you have a patio, balcony, or yard responsibility, these areas need attention too.
When to Consider Professional Help
Sometimes the most cost-effective choice is hiring professionals, especially for larger homes or when you're short on time. Professional move out cleaning typically costs less than most security deposit deductions and comes with guarantees.
Consider professional help if:
- You're dealing with significant buildup or stains
- The property is over 1,500 square feet
- You have less than a week to complete everything
- There are areas you can't safely clean (high windows, heavy appliances)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a move out cleaning take?
For a thorough job, plan 6-8 hours for a one-bedroom apartment, 8-10 hours for a two-bedroom, and 10-12 hours for a three-bedroom house. This assumes the property is reasonably maintained and you're working efficiently.
Should I hire professionals or do it myself?
It depends on your time, energy, and the property's condition. Professional cleaning typically costs $200-500 but often saves more than that in deposit recovery. DIY works well for smaller, well-maintained spaces if you have adequate time.
What if I miss something and lose part of my deposit?
Document everything with photos and keep receipts for cleaning supplies. Most states require landlords to provide itemized lists of deductions. You can dispute unreasonable charges, especially if you have photo evidence of the property's condition.
Do I need to clean carpets professionally?
Check your lease agreement—some require professional carpet cleaning regardless of condition. If not required, thorough vacuuming and spot treatment of stains is usually sufficient for normal wear and tear.
Final Thoughts on Your Move Out Cleaning Checklist
A systematic approach to your move out cleaning checklist makes the difference between getting your full deposit back and facing unexpected deductions. The key is being thorough rather than fast, using the right products for each job, and not missing those detail areas that property managers always check.
Remember, this process is an investment in getting your money back. Taking shortcuts on a few hours of cleaning can cost hundreds in deposit deductions.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or short on time, our team at Catalina Cleaning has handled hundreds of move out situations across multiple states. We know exactly what landlords and property managers look for, and we guarantee our work. Sometimes the peace of mind and time saved make professional cleaning the smart financial choice.