Learning how professionals do move out cleaning is beneficial. This guide will help you understand it better.
Whether your reason for moving out is finding a new home, a place next to your work, or due to safety reasons, moving out can be both exciting and exhausting. It is exciting as it could mean a new chapter of your life, and exhausting because the last thing you should do is to hire apartment cleaning service.
Yes, you read it right! Cleaning your apartment means getting back your safety deposit. You can hire apartment move-out cleaning services, however, if you have the luxury of time, you can do it yourself, plus, it can save you money.
Let us help you get your deposit money back through this complete apartment move-out cleaning list. Take out your cleaning tools, turn on your favorite playlist, and get started!
Apartment Move-out Cleaning Checklist:
Before doing anything yet, make sure to review your apartment contract about move-out rules, so you won’t have a hard time determining which ones to be kept and to be discarded.
Take out larger pieces
When cleaning your apartment, you have to start by removing all large pieces of furniture, shelves, and cabinets. Decluttering or removing these pieces completely will help you clean your space without obstructions.
Make sure to schedule your move a day or two before your apartment lease will officially end. This will give you enough time to spotlessly clean your apartment, schedule repairs, and carefully check all the corners of your house.
Clean from top to bottom
An excellent strategy to effectively clean your apartment is to work from the top (ceiling fan, windows, walls) to the bottom (floors, carpet, etc.). This way, the dust, and dirt fall off the ground, which will save you time from sweeping multiple times.
If you are one of those who get easily overwhelmed with cleaning, it is advisable to clean your room in chunks, from more workable sections to complicated areas. Check every spot before moving on to the next. Always take inventory of anything that needs to be replaced or repaired. This includes the doorknobs, lights, cabinets, and appliances.
No matter how fast you can clean your entire apartment, always focus on one area at a time and start cleaning from top to bottom.
Cut through the Dusty Layers
Over long periods of time, dust is accumulated through blinds, stove vents, air conditioner vents, cabinets, and baseboards. It is practical to have these areas cleaned regularly to minimize dust, dirt, and debris accumulation. Since it’s time for your move-out cleaning schedule, you have to thoroughly cut through each of these areas to make sure they are spotless.
Combined with moisture, this stubborn dust will be difficult to remove. Spraying them with liquid or chemical is not the best method to use. Instead, grab a pair of old socks, use them as a glove and dip them in water until they’re damp. Run your hand across each rung to get rid of the greasy dust.
Similarly, you can also use dryer sheets to remove the build-up of unwanted elements. Dryer sheets work best because it reduces static, neutralizes, and repels dust. Use dryer sheets over electronics, upholstery, shelves, cabinets, and above-the-stove kitchen appliances.
Remove any nails and Patch up the Walls
Take out all nails and screws from the walls and ceiling. Smoothly patch up your walls with commercial putty and paint in the same color as your wall. This will help restore your wall to its original condition.
Check all your lights
Check all your lightbulbs, sockets, switches, and light fixtures. Examine which ones are not working, and replace them immediately. Clean and sanitize light switches. Dust all the fixtures using a duster with an extendable arm, this will help you reach tall ceiling lights.
Room-by-room Apartment move-out Cleaning: Kitchen
One of the most challenging rooms to clean is your kitchen. It requires a lot of patience and a lot of scrubbing. Make sure you use the correct cleaning solution for different surfaces.
- Clear out cabinets and cables
- Clean and remove everything from your fridge. Remove all shelves and clean them separately.
- Scrub and sanitize your oven inside and out. Remove drip pans and burners.
- Clean exhaust fan and dishwasher
- Sanitize and clean your drain, faucet, and sink
- Throw all garbage and clean garbage bins
- Check and sweep all areas below and behind all appliances
Room-by-room Apartment move-out Cleaning: Bathroom
Box up all items you won’t need on a regular basis such as cosmetics, toiletries, and towels. Keep only items you’ll need.
- Clean and scrub your tiles, shower, and tub.
- Check and clean out bathroom drawers and vanity.
- Disinfect and clean the toilet, sink, and countertop. Replace the toilet seat if it’s chipped, or it has an unpleasant look.
- Sweep and mop the floor.
- Polish and disinfect mirrors.
- Vacuum out all surfaces and use an exhaust fan to sweep out all dust.
Room-by-room Apartment move-out Cleaning: Bedroom
You could have lots of things inside your bedroom. Take time to make a checklist before moving out. That way, you won’t miss a single item. Below are some suggestions for your move cleaning job:
- Make your bed
- Dust off the cabinets and lamp shades on your bedroom
- Vacuum the floor or carpets
- Organize your closet or wardrobe
Room-by-room Apartment move-out Cleaning: Balcony and Outdoor Space (Optional)
If you have a balcony on your apartment, and it’s included in your space, then you need to include them in your cleaning. For any move out apartment cleaning service, it’s always good to ask the landlord what are the areas you need to clean before moving out. That way, you’re confident that you won’t miss a single space uncleaned.
Here are some steps on how to clean your balcony:
- Move the furniture so that you can freely sweep or vacuum the floor
- Clean your furniture and table
- Spot clean stains present on your upholstery or furniture
Looking for reliable move out apartment cleaning service?
We hope this guide has helped you arrange your thoughts in cleaning your apartment before leaving. But in case you need help, you can always reach out to a trustworthy local cleaner like Fast Maid Service. We are experts in the cleaning industry with our year of experience and training, we can professionally help you with move out apartment cleaning.
Should you need a free estimate for your move out cleaning requirement, feel free to contact us. Call us at (703) 559-4555.
