Key takeaways
- Landlords focus on the kitchen, appliances, bathrooms, floors and baseboards.
- The oven and refrigerator are the most common cleaning deductions.
- Clean inside every cabinet, drawer and closet, not just the outside.
- Take dated photos of every room after cleaning.
Kitchen
- Inside the oven, racks and the drawer under it
- Stovetop, burner pans or glass top, knobs, range hood and filter
- Inside the refrigerator and freezer, shelves and drawers; wipe the door seals
- Inside the microwave and dishwasher door edges
- Inside and outside of every cabinet and drawer; wipe crumbs from corners
- Counters, backsplash, sink and faucet
Bathrooms
- Toilet inside, outside and around the base
- Tub, shower walls, doors or curtain rod; soap scum and hard-water spots removed
- Vanity inside and out, sink, faucet and mirror
- Exhaust fan cover dusted, floor mopped behind the toilet
Every room
- Baseboards, door frames, doors and light switches
- Inside closets and shelves
- Window sills, tracks and blinds
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Wall scuffs spot-cleaned (test first; flat paint can mark)
- Floors vacuumed and mopped, including edges and corners
Before you hand back the keys
- Read your lease for any required cleaning.
- Take dated photos or video of every room after cleaning.
- Replace burned-out bulbs and HVAC filters if the lease requires it.
- Remove all trash and belongings, including from the garage and yard.
Short on time? Curries Cleaning Services does move-out and move-in cleaning within about 45 road miles of Owen County, Kentucky. Call or text (859) 428-7957.
Move-out cleaning FAQ
What do landlords check most at move-out?
The oven, refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, floors and baseboards are checked most closely, along with wall damage and anything left behind.
How long does a move-out clean take?
For one person, a small apartment can take most of a day and a house longer. A professional crew is faster. Plan it after everything is moved out.
Should I clean carpets at move-out?
Check your lease. Many leases only require vacuuming; some require professional carpet cleaning. Carpet shampooing is a separate service from a move-out clean.