A Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Tenants
Written by: Weida Apartments
It can be an exciting time when you move out of an old apartment and into a new home. You may be in a hurry to lock the old door and be on your way. However, there’s still one job remaining: you need to clean the apartment you’re leaving.
With most leases, the renter is contractually obligated to leave a clean unit. So, roll up your sleeves, follow this move-out cleaning checklist, and leave your old place as clean as (or cleaner than) when you moved in.
Here’s a room-by-room guide to make sure everything is covered before you go.
Kitchen Cleaning
You’ll need to spruce up the appliances, sink, and cabinets.
- Clean the oven. Remove and clean under the burner coils. If the stovetop lifts, clean underneath that as well. Clean out the storage drawer. Clean the oven (most are self-cleaning). Pull the stove from the wall and clean it behind and underneath. If burner drip pans do not come clean, replace them.
- Clean the refrigerator inside and out. Push it out from the wall and clean the floor underneath. Remove and discard all food. Do not unplug or turn off the refrigerator after you have cleaned it. Clean the outside of the dishwasher. Run a dishwasher stain remover such as Iron Out. Fill the soap dispenser and run a final cycle with the machine empty.
- Clean the inside of the microwave with an all-purpose cleaner. Use a glass cleaner on the window.
- Use a safe cleaner for the sink.
- Wipe the insides and outsides of the cabinets with an all-purpose cleaner. Discard all food.
- Sweep and mop the floors.
Bathroom
- Clean the sinks with an all-purpose cleaner. Use Lime-Away to remove lime buildup.
- Scrub the shower, including the shower head, with a non-abrasive shower cleaner and scrub brush to remove soap scum and residue.
- Clean the toilet bowl with a toilet bowl cleaner, and use an all-purpose cleaner for the seat, base, and tank. The Works toilet bowl cleaner is the best!
- Clean the mirror with glass cleaner.
- Wipe vanities and cabinets inside and out.
- Sweep and mop the floors.
Bedroom
- Use a glass cleaner to remove streaks and spots from mirrors and the inside of windows.
- Vacuum the carpet or sweep and mop hard floors. Wipe down the baseboards.
- Dust and wipe down the blinds.
- Dust all furniture that will remain, including headboards, footboards, dressers, tables, and desks.
- Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Living Spaces
- Vacuum rugs and carpets, sweep and mop hard surfaces, and wipe down baseboards.
- Clean all furniture that will remain. Dust the wood and clean the fabric.
- Dust and wipe down the blinds.
- Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Repair any holes in walls and the ceiling. Remove nails, screws, and putty. Patch the holes. Replace furnace and AC filters.
- Wipe fingerprints from walls, outlets, handles, and light switch plates.
- Sweep and clean patios and balconies.
- Take out the trash and remove any personal items. If there’s something you no longer want, give it away or throw it out. Don’t leave it for the owner to deal with.
The Importance of Move-Out Cleaning
When you sign a lease, in almost all cases, you contractually obligate yourself to leave a clean apartment. You are on the hook financially for the cleanliness of the unit, whether you do it yourself, hire a cleaner, or leave it for the owner.
If you have roommates, each of you is responsible for the cleanliness of the entire apartment. If you leave the job for the building owner, they will hire someone to do what you didn’t, and you may lose your entire security deposit. Also, if you leave the apartment in pristine condition, your property manager is less likely to raise concerns about minor wear and tear.
Other Move-Out Tips and Considerations
If you have a messy roommate, it’s time to demand that they step up and do their share of move-out cleaning. The owner doesn’t care who left the mess; everyone is responsible for it.
The best way to ensure that you don’t miss anything is to work from a checklist. Use it to do the work and to walk through the unit when you’re done. Often the building owner will have
checkout requirements that you can use as the basis for your cleaning checklist.
Remove all your personal items, whether you want them back or not. Your owner doesn’t want to deal with them and will normally take the cost of having them removed from your security deposit.
Take photos when you’re done in case of future disputes. If you took photos when you moved in, that’s even better.
Some experts estimate that cleaning takes about an hour for every 250 square feet of living space. If you use a checklist and gather the supplies before you start, you can clean even a sizable apartment in less than a day.
Considering a cleaning service? If so, it’s a good idea to carefully vet your cleaner, since rates and quality can vary. Handling it yourself is usually more affordable than any fee that might be added if the landlord needs to take care of it after move-out. This way, you’ll have control over the cost and the quality of the work.
Find Your Next Apartment Today!
If you’re looking for a new place to live in West Lafayette, be sure to check out the selection of available units from Weida Apartments. We have everything from studios to four-bedroom apartments with convenient access to Purdue, as well as to dining, entertainment, and local shops. No matter what your lifestyle or your budget, contact us to learn how a Weida apartment can be your next practical, enjoyable, and hassle-free home in the university area.
