Moving is hard enough without worrying about cleaning—but your deposit refund depends on it! After all, who wants to leave a treasure trove of dust bunnies and mystery stains for the next tenant in Aurora or Commerce City? A thorough move-out clean can make all the difference between a deposit refund and a “we’ll keep that, thanks.” Follow this guide to make sure you leave the place spotless and keep your landlord smiling (and your deposit intact).
1. Declutter First
Start by removing all personal items and decluttering each space. Clearing your belongings out helps you see areas that might need extra attention, like scuff marks behind where furniture once sat or dust hiding under your bed. Working room by room, discard any items you don’t need, recycle papers, and pack up essentials. This is also a good time to check closets, drawers, and cabinets for anything you may have left behind.
Tip: As you pack and declutter, make a list of areas that will need additional cleaning, so you can tackle them methodically once everything’s out.
2. Deep Clean the Kitchen
Kitchens are one of the most used spaces, so a deep clean here is essential. Begin by tackling the big items: appliances, cabinets, countertops, and floors. Be thorough, as kitchens can hold stubborn grease and food stains.
- Oven: Scrub the inside, remove baked-on grime, and clean the racks.
- Fridge: Empty and wipe down all shelves, drawers, and seals.
- Microwave: Clean both the interior and exterior, especially the top where grease can accumulate.
- Cabinets and Countertops: Wipe down both the interior and exterior of cabinets, and scrub countertops to remove any food residue.
Bonus Tip: Clean behind and under appliances where crumbs and dust collect. This is often a high-priority item on landlord checklists!
3. Unleash Your Creativity with Organization
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, remember that organizing can be a huge part of cleaning. For instance, if you have a lot of belongings in one spot, consider creative packing methods to make the process smoother. An organized approach will save you time and help ensure nothing is overlooked.
4. Tackle the Bathroom
Bathrooms see daily use and, over time, accumulate grime, soap scum, and water stains. A deep clean here is essential for a good impression.
- Shower and Tub: Use specialized cleaning products to tackle soap scum and hard water stains, especially around faucets and drains.
- Toilet: Clean the bowl, lid, and base thoroughly. Wipe down the outer surfaces and floor area around it.
- Sink and Countertops: Disinfect the countertop and polish the sink to remove any lingering stains or toothpaste marks.
- Mirror and Fixtures: Wipe down mirrors for a streak-free finish, and polish chrome fixtures to make them shine.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to clean behind the toilet and under the sink where dust and grime accumulate. This extra attention will make a noticeable difference.
5. Windows and Blinds
Natural light is a big part of what makes any space feel fresh and welcoming, so take the time to clean all windows and blinds. Windows often get overlooked, but clean, streak-free glass makes a great impression on a walkthrough.
- Blinds: Dust thoroughly or use a vacuum attachment to clear dust. If they’re fabric blinds, consider a gentle steam clean.
- Windows: Wipe down both the interior and exterior (if possible) of all windows to remove smudges, dust, and fingerprints.
Pro Tip: Use a vinegar-based cleaner for a streak-free finish. Landlords often check windows to gauge how well a tenant has maintained the home.
6. Carpet and Floor Cleaning
Floors see a lot of wear, so giving them a thorough clean is essential to making the place look spotless. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and any stains or scuff marks that might detract from the room’s appearance.
- Carpet: Vacuum thoroughly, paying close attention to edges and corners. For more stubborn stains, consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional.
- Hardwood and Tile Floors: Sweep, mop, and wipe down with appropriate cleaners to avoid damaging surfaces. Check for stains or spills and address any issues.
Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for a full deposit refund, professionally cleaned carpets may be a worthwhile investment. It shows landlords that you’ve taken care of the space.
7. Walls and Baseboards
Over time, walls accumulate fingerprints, scuffs, and dust. While many landlords expect some normal wear, cleaning walls and baseboards can make the space feel fresh and help leave a positive impression.
- Walls: Use a gentle cleaner and sponge to spot-clean any visible marks. For painted walls, check what’s recommended to avoid stripping paint.
- Baseboards: Dust or wipe down all baseboards, especially in rooms with high foot traffic. They’re often one of the first things landlords notice!
Bonus Tip: Touching up scuffed areas with paint (if allowed) can also help make the space look new again.
8. Final Walkthrough
Before you leave, a final walkthrough will help you feel confident that every detail has been attended to and gives you a chance to catch anything you may have missed.
- Double-Check Appliances: Confirm all appliances are wiped down and spotless.
- Light Fixtures and Fans: Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans to avoid dust buildup.
- Closets and Cabinets: Open all closets, drawers, and cabinets to check they’re empty and clean.
Pro Tip: Bringing a friend for a second set of eyes can help catch any overlooked spots!
Maximize Your Deposit Refund with Professional Help
Leaving your space spotless doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this checklist, you’ll cover every area that matters to landlords, helping you leave your rental in great condition. For an extra layer of polish, consider hiring Chloe’s Cleaning Company to handle your move-out clean. With our detailed and professional services, we can help you secure your full deposit while making your move easier. Contact us today for a free quote and let us take care of the hard work!
