When you move into a place, you want it to be clean and spotless. Right? That’s the same condition you’re expected to leave it in.
Landlords and property managers usually require tenants to return the property clean. For homeowners selling their property, a sparkling clean space makes a better impression on buyers.
A proper move-out cleaning also saves time for the next person moving in. It’s a simple courtesy and a requirement as well.
General Areas to Clean
Let’s start with the common spaces like hallways, bedrooms, and living rooms. These areas might seem easy to clean, but they hide a lot of dust and grime.
Here’s what a good move-out cleaning typically includes:
- Dusting everything: Walls, ceilings, light fixtures, baseboards, and vents.
- Wiping down surfaces: Shelves, window sills, and switch plates.
- Cleaning inside closets: Removing any leftover items and wiping down shelves.
- Vacuuming carpets: Or steam cleaning if required.
- Mopping hard floors: Removing stains, scuffs, and dirt.
- Removing cobwebs: Often missed but important.
- Cleaning doors and knobs: Don’t forget handles, they hold a lot of germs.
Clean the Main Living Spaces
Start with the basic areas: the living room, bedrooms, hallways, and other open spaces. Once the furniture is gone, it’s easier to notice the dust on baseboards, scuffs on walls, and crumbs under the sofa. Every surface, from windowsills to floorboards, needs attention.
You’ll want to dust thoroughly, wipe down walls and doors, and vacuum every carpeted area. If you have hardwood or tile floors, a proper mopping will do the magic. Closets should be emptied and cleaned inside, and light switches and outlets need a quick wipe.
It’s also worth taking a dry cloth to ceiling fans and any visible vents. These areas collect more dust than you think.
The Kitchen Requires Deep Cleaning
Kitchens often take the most time to clean. Between cooking oils, food splatters, and crumbs tucked in corners, it can be a bit of a beast. But this space is key.
Start by deep cleaning all appliances and that means inside and out. The fridge should be emptied, unplugged, and wiped down, including the shelves and drawers. The oven might need a good scrub, especially if there’s baked-on food. Stovetops, microwaves, and dishwashers should be cleaned thoroughly, too.
Don’t skip the cabinets and drawers. Even if they look clean, wipe them inside and out to remove any dust, crumbs, or grease. Counters should be scrubbed and sanitized, the sink should shine, and don’t forget the backsplash.
Once everything else is clean, sweep and mop the floor to finish the job.
Also Read: How often should you deep clean your house
Scrub the Bathroom
Bathrooms are another high-effort area. Between soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains, there’s often a lot to tackle. But a clean bathroom speaks loudly about the overall condition of a home.
Start with the toilet. It needs to be scrubbed thoroughly, including the base, behind it, and under the seat. The sink, vanity, and mirror should be wiped and polished. The shower and tub need extra care, especially if there’s build-up around the drain or on the tiles.
It’s also a good idea to clean the grout between tiles and wipe down all fixtures. If there’s a fan or exhaust vent, give it a once-over as well. Lastly, sweep and mop the floor and make sure there’s no hair or dust left behind.
Thoroughly Clean Windows, Walls, and Fixtures
You’d be surprised to know how much cleaner a home feels after washing the windows. Even if it’s just the inside, when you remove fingerprints and smudges, it make a great difference. Take a few minutes to clean window tracks and wipe down sills aswell with home cleaning services.
Check your walls for any marks, fingerprints, or holes. A damp cloth helps remove smudges, and a quick touch-up with paint goes a long way. Also, pay attention to baseboards. They’re often neglected but collect so much dust.
Don’t forget light fixtures and ceiling fans. Wipe off any dust or bugs inside the covers, and ensure that switches and outlet covers are free from grime.
Laundry Room and Utility Areas Also Need Your Attention
If you have a laundry room at home, make sure it’s left clean. Wipe down the washer and dryer, check the lint trap, and clean behind the machines. Sinks in laundry rooms should be scrubbed, and any shelves or cabinets should be emptied and wiped down.
Utility spaces like water heater closets or storage rooms should be swept and left tidy.
Garage, Balcony, or Outdoor Areas
Depending on your lease or sale terms, you are responsible for outdoor spaces, too. If you have a garage, it should be cleared of all belongings and swept clean. Patios, balconies, and driveways should be free of trash, leaves, and personal items. If you have potted plants or furniture outside, please remove them unless instructed otherwise.
Don’t Forget the Trash
After all that work, be sure not to leave trash behind. Every bin should be emptied, and all garbage should be properly disposed of. It might sound simple, but it’s one of the most common things people forget during move-outs.
If you’ve used cleaning supplies during the process, either take them with you or dispose of them correctly; just don’t leave them sitting in the cabinet.
Do You Need to Hire a Professional for Move-Out Cleaning?
Not sure if you need professional help for move-out cleaning? If you’re short on time or want to ensure every corner is spotless, hire professionals to save your time and energy.
At JJ & CC Cleaning, we offer detailed move-out cleaning to meet rental or sale requirements. Our services include deep scrubbing kitchens and bathrooms, wiping down baseboards and windows, infact, everything. Whether you’re a tenant, landlord, or homeowner, leave the dirty work to us and enjoy. Contact us today for affordable service that guarantees the best results.
