Move-Out Cleaning: How to Leave Your Old Home Immaculate

Moving is stressful enough without worrying about cleaning. But leaving your old home spotless can ensure you get your security deposit back and leave a positive impression.

Follow these essential move-out cleaning tips to make your old home immaculate and move-out day a breeze.

Create a Cleaning Checklist

• Detail Each Room and Specific Tasks Needed:

• Break down each room into specific cleaning tasks to ensure nothing is missed.

• Example: For the living room, include tasks like dusting furniture, vacuuming carpets, and cleaning windows.

• Include Often Overlooked Areas:

• Baseboards: Dust and wipe down baseboards in every room.

• Light Fixtures: Remove dust and clean light fixtures to improve brightness.

• Vents: Dust and vacuum air vents to improve air quality.

• Ceiling Fans: Clean fan blades to prevent dust from circulating in the air.

• Behind Appliances: Move and clean behind heavy appliances like the refrigerator and stove.

Gather Cleaning Supplies

• Ensure You Have All Necessary Cleaning Products and Tools:

• All-purpose cleaner for general surfaces.

• Glass cleaner for windows and mirrors.

• Disinfectant for bathrooms and kitchens.

• Sponges, microfiber cloths, and scrub brushes for scrubbing and wiping surfaces.

• Mop, bucket, and vacuum cleaner for floors.

• Garbage bags for disposing of trash and unwanted items.

• Specialty cleaners like oven cleaner or stainless steel polish if needed.

Schedule Your Cleaning

• Plan Your Cleaning Timeline:

• Divide tasks over a few days or a week to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Allocate time for each room and task, prioritizing areas that need the most attention.

• Get Help If Needed:

• Enlist family members or friends to help with cleaning tasks.

• Consider hiring professional cleaners for a thorough deep clean if time or energy is limited.

Living Room and Bedrooms

Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces

• Clean All Surfaces:

• Dust and wipe down furniture, shelves, window sills, and light fixtures.

• Use a microfiber cloth to trap dust and prevent it from spreading.

• Special Attention to Electronics:

• Dust TV screens, computer monitors, and other electronic devices using a soft, dry cloth.

• Clean remote controls and other frequently touched items with disinfectant wipes.

Vacuum and Clean Floors

• Vacuum Carpets and Rugs:

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust, dirt, and allergens.

• Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and in corners.

• Mop Hardwood or Tile Floors:

• Sweep or vacuum first to remove loose dirt.

• Use a damp mop with a suitable floor cleaner to remove stains and grime.

Clean Windows and Mirrors

• Use Glass Cleaner:

• Spray glass cleaner on windows and mirrors and wipe with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

• Ensure streak-free results by wiping in a circular motion.

Remove Any Marks on Walls

• Use a Magic Eraser or Mild Cleaner:

• Remove scuffs, fingerprints, and other marks from walls using a magic eraser.

• Test a small area first to ensure the cleaner doesn’t damage the paint.

Kitchen

Clean Appliances Inside and Out

• Refrigerator:

• Remove all food items and shelves.

• Wipe down the interior with a mixture of water and baking soda.

• Clean the exterior, including handles and seals.

• Oven:

• Use an oven cleaner to remove grease and burnt-on food.

• Clean the oven racks separately.

• Microwave:

• Clean the interior with a microwave-safe bowl of water and lemon juice, heated for a few minutes to loosen grime.

• Wipe down the exterior.

• Dishwasher:

• Remove and clean the filter.

• Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner.

Wipe Down Countertops and Cabinets

• All-Purpose Cleaner:

• Spray and wipe down all countertops, paying special attention to corners and edges.

• Clean the exterior and interior of cabinets.

Clean the Sink and Faucets

• Scrub and Polish:

• Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the sink.

• Polish faucets with a suitable cleaner to remove water spots and make them shine.

Sweep and Mop the Floor

• Kitchen Floor:

• Sweep to remove loose dirt and debris.

• Mop with a suitable floor cleaner, ensuring all stains and spills are removed.

Bathrooms

Scrub the Shower, Tub, and Toilet

• Shower and Tub:

• Use a bathroom cleaner to remove soap scum and mildew.

• Scrub tiles and grout with a brush.

• Toilet:

• Clean the bowl with a toilet cleaner and brush.

• Wipe down the exterior, including the tank and handle, with disinfectant.

Clean the Sink and Countertops

• All-Purpose Cleaner:

• Spray and wipe down the sink and countertops.

• Polish faucets and fixtures to remove water spots.

Wash Mirrors and Fixtures

• Glass Cleaner:

• Use glass cleaner on mirrors for a streak-free finish.

• Clean and polish fixtures to make them shine.

Sweep and Mop the Floor

• Bathroom Floor:

• Sweep to remove hair and debris.

• Mop with a bathroom-safe cleaner to disinfect and remove stains.

Additional Areas

Clean the Entryway and Hallways

• Dust and Vacuum:

• Dust surfaces and vacuum or sweep floors.

• Ensure these high-traffic areas are clean and welcoming.

Don’t Forget the Laundry Room

• Wipe Down Washer and Dryer:

• Clean the exterior and interior of the washer and dryer.

• Remove lint from the dryer trap.

• Mop the Floor:

• Sweep and mop the floor to remove dust and detergent spills.

Check Outdoor Spaces

• Sweep and Tidy:

• Sweep porches, balconies, and entryways.

• Remove any personal items and trash.