Summer's here, and with it comes moving season! While packing boxes and planning the big haul might be top of mind, don't forget a crucial step: move-out cleaning. Leaving your place sparkling clean increases your chances of getting your security deposit back in full. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you conquer move-out cleaning and impress your landlord.
Planning is Key
Check Your Lease: Review your lease agreement for specific requirements. Some might outline cleaning expectations for carpets, appliances, or window blinds. Knowing these details upfront saves time and avoids surprises later.
Schedule a Move-Out Date: Inform your landlord of your move-out date well in advance. This gives you ample time for cleaning while ensuring the landlord can schedule inspections for potential new tenants.
Gather Supplies: Stock up on essentials like all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, glass cleaner, sponges, microfiber cloths, trash bags, a mop and bucket, and a vacuum cleaner. For tougher jobs, consider a heavy-duty degreaser for the kitchen and oven cleaner.
Room by Room Blitz
Common Areas:
Living Room & Hallways: Start by dusting furniture, light fixtures, and window sills. Vacuum carpets thoroughly removing furniture cushions for a deeper clean under them. Mop hard floors, paying attention to corners and edges. Wipe down doors and doorknobs to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Bedrooms: Repeat the living room routine – dust all surfaces, vacuum carpets, and mop hard floors. Don't forget to clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. Empty and clean out closets, wiping down shelves and vacuuming the floor.
The Kitchen Powerhouse:
Appliances: Clean the stovetop, including removing burnt-on spills with a degreaser. Wipe down the oven interior and exterior, following the manufacturer's instructions for self-cleaning models. Thoroughly wash the refrigerator, including drawers and shelves. Don't forget to defrost it if it's a manual model. Wipe down your dishwasher and microwave inside and out.
Cabinets & Counters: Empty cabinets and wipe down shelves and interiors. Sanitize countertops with disinfectant wipes or all-purpose cleaner.
Sink & Backsplash: Scrub the sink thoroughly, removing any grime or soap scum. Wash the backsplash with an appropriate cleaner for your material (e.g., tile cleaner, stainless steel polish).
Bathroom Battles:
Toilet: Disinfect thoroughly, focusing on the bowl, seat, lid, and surrounding floor area.
Shower/Tub: Scrub tile walls and floors with a suitable cleaner to remove soap scum and mildew. Don't forget to scrub the showerhead, faucet, and drain. Wipe down the bathtub or shower door with an appropriate cleaner.
Sink & Vanity: Wipe the sink with disinfectant wipes or all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down the vanity, including drawers and mirrors. Empty and scrub trash cans.
Finishing Touches
Windows: Wash windows with glass cleaner to remove dust, smudges, and water spots. Dust window sills and tracks as well.
Floors: Once you've finished cleaning each room, give the floors one final sweep or mop to ensure they're spotless.
Garbage Removal: Take out all the trash you've accumulated. Leave the place free of garbage bags.
Final Inspection: Do a final walkthrough to ensure you haven't missed anything. Look for forgotten items under furniture, in cabinets, or behind appliances. Double-check for dust, cobwebs, or any lingering messes.
Beyond the Basics:
Carpets: If your lease requires professional carpet cleaning, schedule it well in advance of your move-out date.This ensures the carpets are dry by your inspection.
Walls: Some landlords might require patching minor nail holes or fixing scuff marks on the walls before move-out.Check your lease agreement and address any necessary repairs.
Blinds & Curtains: Wipes blinds according to the material. For curtains, check your lease to see if they need dry cleaning.
Pro-Cleaning Tips:
Work from Top to Bottom: Dust high surfaces like shelves and ceiling fans before tackling low areas like floors.This prevents dust from settling back down on freshly cleaned surfaces.
Open Windows: Cleaning often involves using strong smelling products. Keep windows open for ventilation to prevent fumes from building up.
Tackle Tough Stains Early: Don't let spills or grime sit for days. Address them as soon as possible for easier removal.
The Power of Vinegar and Baking Soda: This classic cleaning duo can be surprisingly effective. Vinegar cuts through grease and grime, while baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer and mild abrasive. Use a vinegar and water solution for cleaning countertops, appliances, and showers. For stubborn grime, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain, scrubbing gently with a sponge.
Label Everything: If you're using multiple cleaning solutions, label them clearly to avoid confusion. This is especially important if you have roommates or helpers.
Security Deposit Savvy
Document Everything: Take pictures or videos of the clean apartment before the move-out inspection. This serves as proof of the condition you left the place in, in case of any disputes regarding the security deposit.
Be Present for the Inspection: If possible, be present during the landlord's move-out inspection. This allows you to address any concerns they might have on the spot and ensures a smooth handover.
Packing with a Purpose
Pack a Cleaning Caddy: Pack a separate bag with essential cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes, all-purpose cleaner, and a roll of paper towels. Having these on hand during the final cleaning stages will save you time and frustration.
Clean as You Pack: As you pack boxes, take the opportunity to wipe down shelves, drawers, and cabinets. This can significantly reduce your cleaning workload at the end.
Skip the Scrubbing: Hire Clean Results for a Stress-Free Move-Out
Conquering move-out cleaning can feel like a full-time job on top of packing and planning. If you're short on time or simply want to focus on the exciting aspects of moving to your new place, consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Clean Results.
Our experienced technicians understand exactly what landlords look for in a move-out clean and will leave your apartment sparkling, from top to bottom. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your move-out timeline, and our competitive rates ensure a stress-free and budget-friendly move.
Free up your time and energy for the new chapter ahead – let Clean Results handle it! Visit our website or contact us today for a free quote.
Our experienced cleaners will leave your home sparkling clean and fresh, allowing you to relax and enjoy the results. Contact us today for a free estimate! Click here.
More peace!
That Clean Results feeling. You walk through the front door and feel the weight has lifted. Your home is clean. It smells clean. The floor feels clean. And now you can spend the rest of your day relaxing in the beauty of your home and/or doing what you love. Let Clean Results take the pressure off and help you enjoy more of your life.
Clean Results, LLC
3400 E Tuxedo Blvd Bartlesville, OK 74006
Tel: (918) 331-9082
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