Mastering Move-Out Cleaning: Leaving Your Rental Immaculate
All your boxes are packed, and you think you’re ready to turn in your keys, but did you remember to leave out your cleaning tools?
Before you say your farewell, you must do a final intense move-out clean. This article will share the details surrounding the areas to focus on when cleaning.
We’ll share the tough-to-reach spots, the small spots you’d probably miss, and what you need to do to ensure you’re leaving your rental unit in tip-top shape.
So gather your cleaning tools because we’re doing a deep dive to get your rental the cleanest it’s ever been!
General Rules for a Spectacular Move-Out Clean:
- Ask the landlord for a move-out checklist.
- Remove all nails from all the walls and repair the damage.
- Apply a new coat of paint if necessary.
- Wipe down all baseboards, door frames, lights, and switches.
- Clean all windows, window sills, interior and exterior.
- Clean all floors.
How to Make Your Rental Sparkle for a Move-Out Clean
Before you start, ask the landlord for a move-out checklist. This will help you know which areas to focus on when cleaning and which cleaning tools you need to leave out when packing.
If you need more time to get up for an intense move-out clean, consider calling Cleanzen Cleaning, who can come in and take care of everything for you.
The following sections will detail specific areas to focus on when cleaning each room of your rental.
The Bedrooms
Cleaning the bedrooms requires attention to detail. Make sure to clean the inside and outside of all the closets. (Remember the closet doors too!)
Wipe down all the walls and clean the interior and exterior of the windows, sills, and frames. Clean door knobs, door frames, baseboards, vent covers and floors. If the bedrooms are carpeted, give them a cleaning.
The Bathrooms
Cleaning the bathrooms is much easier when they’re not filled with all your products.
To clean the bathrooms, you need to clean and sanitize the bathtub and shower. The sink and counter require cleaning and sanitization, as do the toilet and mirrors.
Make sure to clean the inside and outside of drawers and cabinets and the interior and exterior of window frames, sills, and glass.
Afterward, clean the doorframes, baseboards, door knobs; vent covers, and doors. Make sure to remember the light fixtures and switches and, finally, the floors.
The Kitchen
The kitchen might be the most challenging to get move-out ready. You’ll be met with stains, splatters, and maybe even nasty scents.
Clean all the appliances inside and outside to get the kitchen in immaculate shape.
Clean the countertops, cabinets, shelves, and drawers, inside and out. In addition, clean the sink and backsplash. Clean the windowsills, windows, window tracks, and coverings.
Afterward, clean the baseboards and any vent covers. Wipe down door knobs, door frames, and doors. Clean the light fixtures and switches, the walls, and the floor.
Common Living Spaces
In the shared living spaces, much like the rest of the rental, you want to clean it from top to bottom.
Clean the trim, baseboards, vent covers, window coverings, and window tracks. Wipe down light fixtures, switches, air conditioning, heat controls, and mirrors.
Don’t Forget:
- Clean the cobwebs off of the ceilings.
- Dust all of the window blinds.
- Make sure all the lights work and change any lightbulbs that are needed.
- Check that all the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors work.
- Take pictures of the rental after you finish cleaning in case something comes up later with the landlord.
- Ensure all trash is removed.
- Remove all of your belongings.
- Turn in your keys and schedule a move-out inspection with the landlord.
The Takeaway
As the process of leaving your rental property comes to a close, ensuring a thorough move-out clean is a task and a testament to your care and consideration.
It represents the final act of respect towards the place that has been a shelter and a witness to memories.
From cleaning all appliances with precision to sweeping even the smallest corners and ceilings, every effort counts towards leaving behind a spotless canvas for the next occupants.
The goal is to meet the requirements and exceed expectations, guaranteeing a smooth transition for everyone involved. Following our list will ensure you reach every area and make your rental the cleanest possible.