Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning

Interior Cleaning · interior-cleaning

Move-in and move-out cleans require every surface to pass a white-glove inspection. Empty spaces reveal every scuff, stain, and dust bunny — and that is exactly what the landlord or new tenant will notice. Work room by room using a top-to-bottom, left-to-right pattern so nothing gets missed.

Room-by-Room Standards

Kitchen: clean inside all cabinets and drawers, degrease stovetop, hood, and oven interior, scrub the sink basin, wipe down all countertop surfaces, and clean appliance exteriors and interiors (fridge, dishwasher, microwave). Bathrooms: scrub and disinfect toilet (inside and behind), clean tub/shower walls and floor, descale fixtures and showerhead, clean mirror and medicine cabinet inside, and scrub tile grout. Bedrooms and living areas: clean inside all closets and shelving, wipe down baseboards, clean window sills and tracks, clean light fixtures and ceiling fan blades. Laundry area: clean washer and dryer exteriors, wipe dryer vent area, clean lint trap housing.

Floor Care by Material

Hardwood floors get vacuumed first (use hard-floor setting), then damp-mopped with a pH-neutral wood cleaner — never soak hardwood. Tile and grout: vacuum, mop with an alkaline cleaner, and scrub grout lines with a grout brush where discolored. Carpet: vacuum thoroughly including edges and corners, spot-treat stains with appropriate cleaner, and schedule steam cleaning for heavily soiled units. Vinyl and laminate: vacuum and damp-mop with manufacturer-recommended cleaner. Concrete (garage or utility rooms): sweep, then mop or scrub with a degreaser for oil spots.

Common Overlooked Areas

These spots are missed most often during move cleans. Check every one before signing off on the job. Inside the oven and under the burner grates. Top of the refrigerator and the coils behind/beneath it. Light switch plates and outlet covers — wipe with disinfectant. Door tops, hinges, and the door frame above eye level. Blinds and window tracks — vacuum tracks, wipe each blind slat. HVAC return vents — vacuum or wipe. Inside medicine cabinets and vanity drawers. Shower door tracks. Behind the toilet and the base where it meets the floor. Interior of the dishwasher including the filter. Garage door interior panel.

Checklists

Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

  • All cabinets and drawers cleaned inside and out
  • Oven, stovetop, and range hood degreased
  • Refrigerator cleaned inside and out including coils
  • All bathroom fixtures scrubbed and disinfected
  • Mirrors and glass surfaces streak-free
  • Floors cleaned per material type (no residue)
  • Baseboards, door frames, and trim wiped down
  • Closet shelving and rods wiped clean
  • Light fixtures and ceiling fans dusted
  • Window sills, tracks, and blinds cleaned
  • All switch plates and outlet covers wiped
  • Final walk-through inspection completed