A move-out cleaning is typically much more detailed than a standard recurring house cleaning. The goal is to leave the home in clean condition for the next occupants or to help maximize the return of a security deposit (if you're renting).
Here's what is commonly included:
Kitchen
- Clean inside and outside of cabinets and drawers
- Wipe countertops and backsplash
- Clean sink and faucet
- Clean inside, outside, and behind (if accessible) appliances:
- Refrigerator (including shelves and drawers)
- Oven and stovetop
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Degrease range hood and vent
- Spot-clean walls
- Sweep and mop floors
Bathrooms
- Scrub and disinfect toilets
- Clean showers, tubs, and tile
- Remove soap scum and mineral buildup
- Clean sinks and countertops
- Polish mirrors
- Wipe cabinets and drawers
- Clean faucets and fixtures
- Sweep and mop floors
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Dust all surfaces
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Wipe baseboards
- Clean window sills and tracks
- Clean mirrors
- Vacuum carpets
- Sweep and mop hard floors
- Remove cobwebs
- Wipe doors, door frames, and light switches
Throughout the Home
- Dust blinds (if included by the service)
- Clean interior windows (many companies clean the glass but not exterior windows)
- Empty trash bins
- Vacuum closets
- Wipe shelves
- Spot-clean walls for scuffs and marks
- Clean stair railings and banisters
Often Available as Add-Ons
These services are frequently extra:
- Carpet shampooing or steam cleaning
- Exterior window cleaning
- Pressure washing
- Garage sweeping and cleaning
- Balcony or patio cleaning
- Inside fireplace cleaning
- Wall washing
- Heavy stain or odor removal
For a Three-Bedroom House
For an empty three-bedroom home, a thorough move-out clean generally takes:
- 4–8 hours for a team of 2–3 cleaners, depending on the home's size and condition.
- Longer if appliances are heavily soiled or if there are pets, smokers, or significant buildup.
Before hiring a cleaner, it's worth confirming whether their move-out service includes:
- Inside the refrigerator, oven, cabinets, and drawers.
- Baseboards, window tracks, and interior windows.
- Cleaning behind appliances (if they can be safely moved).
- A checklist that aligns with your landlord's or buyer's expectations.
If you're preparing for a final walkthrough, it's also a good idea to complete any small repairs (such as replacing burned-out light bulbs, patching nail holes if required, and removing all personal belongings) before the cleaning so the cleaners can access every area.
