Moving out can be stressful enough without worrying about your security deposit. Unfortunately, many landlords look for any reason to withhold part or all of that precious deposit. The solution? Leave your rental spotless with these proven cleaning hacks that will save you time, money, and stress.
Start Early and Create a Plan
Don’t leave cleaning until the last day. Begin at least a week before your move-out date, tackling one room per day. Create a checklist of areas that need attention, focusing on spots that landlords typically inspect:
- Kitchen appliances
- Bathrooms (especially shower/tub)
- Walls and baseboards
- Floors and carpets
- Windows and blinds
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
Kitchen Transformation
The kitchen often requires the most intensive cleaning. For stubborn oven grime, make a paste with baking soda and water, spread it throughout your oven (avoiding heating elements), and let it sit overnight. The next day, wipe away the paste with a damp cloth and spray white vinegar to remove any residue.
For refrigerators, remove all shelves and drawers to clean separately. A solution of equal parts water and white vinegar works wonders on refrigerator surfaces while eliminating odors.
Don’t forget microwave cleaning: heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for 3-5 minutes, then wipe down the loosened food particles with ease.
Bathroom Brilliance
Mineral deposits on shower heads? Place a plastic bag filled with white vinegar around the shower head overnight, securing it with a rubber band. By morning, those deposits will wipe away effortlessly.
For grout, an old toothbrush dipped in a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide will restore whiteness without damaging the tiles. Tackle soap scum with a mixture of dish soap and warm vinegar in a spray bottle.
Walls and Baseboards
Many tenants forget about walls and baseboards, but landlords definitely notice them. To clean painted walls, use a magic eraser for scuffs and a damp microfiber cloth for dust and cobwebs. For baseboards, a vacuum with brush attachment removes dust, followed by wiping with dryer sheets—this not only cleans but also helps repel future dust.
Floor Finesse
Different floors require different approaches:
- Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly, then rent a steam cleaner for deep stains. For spot treatments, mix equal parts vinegar and water with a drop of dish soap.
- Hardwood: Sweep, then clean with a damp (not wet) microfiber mop using a specialized wood cleaner.
- Tile: Mop with hot water and a small amount of dish soap, focusing on grout lines.
Windows and Blinds
For streak-free windows, clean on a cloudy day (heat from the sun causes cleaning solutions to dry too quickly). Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and use newspaper instead of paper towels. For blinds, close them one way to dust, then reverse them to complete the cleaning. A sock dipped in a vinegar-water solution worn like a glove makes quick work of multiple blinds.
Final Touches
Don’t forget these often-overlooked areas:
- Light switch plates
- Door knobs and handles
- Inside cabinets and drawers
- Air vents
- Ceiling fan blades
Documentation is Key
Before leaving, take detailed photos of every room to document the pristine condition. This visual evidence can be invaluable if disputes arise about your security deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clean Squad
How clean does a rental need to be to get a security deposit back?
Most landlords expect the home to be returned in the same general condition as move-in, minus normal wear. That typically means removing all trash, wiping surfaces, cleaning appliances, scrubbing bathrooms, and vacuuming or mopping floors. Any stains, pet damage, wall marks, or missed areas can lead to deductions from your security deposit.
What areas are most important to clean before moving out?
Prioritize kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, baseboards, and floors, as these are commonly checked during final walkthroughs. Clean inside cabinets, oven and fridge interiors, shower grout, ceiling fans, and window tracks. Don’t forget high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches. These details often determine whether you receive your full security deposit.
How long does move-out cleaning take?
Move-out cleaning takes 4–10+ hours, depending on home size, condition, and how much buildup needs attention. Kitchens and bathrooms usually require the most time. Starting early and cleaning room-by-room helps prevent rushing before a walkthrough. Hiring a professional cleaning team can reduce cleaning time and improve your chances of a full deposit refund.
Is it better to clean before or after movers come?
It’s usually easier to do most deep cleaning after your belongings are out, so you can access floors, closets, cabinets, and corners. However, you can pre-clean appliances, walls, and storage areas as you pack. Save final floor cleaning, dusting, and surface wiping for the end to leave everything spotless for inspection.
What cleaning supplies do I need for move-out cleaning?
Helpful supplies include an all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, degreaser, baking soda, vinegar, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, a mop, vacuum, and glass cleaner. Magic erasers work well on wall scuffs and doors. If you need a deeper clean, consider grout cleaner, stainless steel polish, and a HEPA vacuum for carpets and pet areas.
Need Help?
Moving out doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your security deposit. With these cleaning hacks, you’ll leave your rental spotless and set yourself up for a full refund. Need professional help ensuring your place passes inspection with flying colors? Contact our team at Clean Squad today! We’ll work with you to develop a plan that suits your needs and budget.
