How to Clean an Apartment Before Moving Out

Cleaning before you move out is usually worth the effort, mainly because it can affect how much of your security deposit comes back. This guide covers what to check first, the order that makes the job faster, and a room-by-room list.

Is it worth cleaning before you move out?

In most cases, yes. Many leases require tenants to return the unit in a clean condition, and landlords may deduct cleaning costs from a deposit if it is not. Rules differ by country, state, and lease, so check your lease and your local tenant rules. Cleaning does not guarantee a full refund, since deductions can also relate to damage beyond normal wear and tear, but it removes one common reason for charges.

How clean does the apartment need to be?

There is no universal standard. A common expectation is “broom clean” or better, which generally means the unit looks like it did at move-in, minus normal wear and tear, with no trash, dirt, grease, or personal items left behind. Your lease, your move-in condition report, and any written move-out checklist from your landlord or property manager are the best guides. If you are unsure, ask in writing what is expected.

Before you start

Read your lease for cleaning, carpet, and repair requirements. Some require professional carpet cleaning.
Look at your move-in report or photos so you know the original condition.
Empty the unit first. It is much easier to clean a room that has no boxes or furniture in it.
Take dated photos or video when you finish, including inside the oven, fridge, bathrooms, closets, and floors.
Gather supplies: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, dish soap, disinfectant, oven cleaner, non-scratch sponges, melamine sponges for scuffs, microfiber cloths, a scrub brush, a broom, mop, vacuum, trash bags, and gloves.
Wear old clothes and gloves.

Chemical safety

Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar, and do not combine different bathroom or toilet cleaners. If you use one product, rinse the surface well before using another.
Oven cleaners can be harsh. Follow the label, open windows, wear gloves, and keep pets and children out of the unit while you use them.
Ventilate every room you are cleaning, particularly small bathrooms.

Order of work

Work from back to front so you are not walking over freshly cleaned floors.
Go top to bottom in each room: ceiling fans and light fixtures first, floors last.
Clean wet areas early (kitchen and bathrooms), as they take the longest.
Leave vacuuming and mopping until last, after dust and debris have fallen.
Choose a method: room by room, or task by task across all rooms. Either works.

Kitchen

Oven: Spray oven cleaner on the interior, let it soak for the time on the label, then scrub and wipe. If you would rather use the self-clean cycle, read is a self-cleaning oven toxic first. Clean the racks and the stovetop too.
Refrigerator and freezer: Empty, wipe shelves and drawers, and leave doors propped open if you are defrosting. Remove removable parts and wash them.
Microwave and dishwasher: Wipe inside and out; clean the dishwasher filter if it has one.
Cabinets and drawers: Empty them, vacuum crumbs, wipe shelves, and remove old shelf liners.
Counters, backsplash, and sink: Scrub and polish. Clean the faucet and drain area.
Garbage disposal: Run it with water and follow the manufacturer’s directions; do not put your hand in it.

Bathrooms

Tub and shower: Remove soap scum and mineral deposits from tile, grout, glass doors, and fixtures. A showerhead with heavy buildup can be soaked in vinegar, but do not mix vinegar with bleach products.
Toilet: Clean the bowl, seat, hinges, tank, and base with a toilet cleaner or disinfectant.
Sink, vanity, and mirror: Wipe the cabinet inside and out, and polish the mirror.
Floor: Sweep and mop last.

Bedrooms, living areas, walls, and windows

Dust everything: Ceiling fans (a pillowcase slipped over the blade traps dust), vents, tops of doors and door frames, shelves, and closet rods.
Wipe light switches, outlets covers, and door handles.
Remove nails and wall hangings. Ask your landlord how to handle nail holes; some prefer you leave them, others want them patched.
Wipe walls and doors where there are marks. A melamine sponge can remove many scuffs, but test it first because it can dull some paint finishes.
Clean windows and tracks. Wipe the sills and vacuum the tracks. For screens, see the best way to clean window screens.
Check blinds, wiping slat by slat.

Floors

Hard floors: Sweep or vacuum, then mop with a cleaner suited to the floor type.
Carpet: Vacuum thoroughly. If your lease requires carpet cleaning, rent a machine or hire a company and keep the receipt. Treat stains early, and see the best way to clean carpets for method options.
Clean baseboards before the floor so dust does not land on it.

Washer, dryer, balcony, and final walk-through

If a washer and dryer came with the apartment, wipe the drum, door seal, detergent drawer, and clean the lint trap. For the vent side, see dryer vent cleaning benefits.
Sweep the balcony or patio and wipe railings.
Check closets, the attic or storage areas, and under the sink for forgotten items.
Do a final check with the lights on, then take photos.

When to hire a cleaner

Hiring a move-out cleaner can make sense if you are short on time, moving long distance, or the unit has heavy buildup in the oven, bathroom, or carpet. Ask whether the service guarantees its work for the walk-through and keep the receipt. If you clean yourself, a thorough job in the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors usually matters most. For a general approach to a thorough clean, see the whole-house deep clean guide.

Should you clean a place before moving in?

Many people clean before unpacking because it is easier when the space is empty. Even if the landlord has cleaned, wiping inside cabinets, the fridge, and the bathroom can be worthwhile. Note any existing damage in writing and photos for your move-in condition report.

Frequently asked questions

How do I deep clean an apartment before moving out?

Empty the unit, then work back to front and top to bottom. Start with the kitchen and bathrooms, move on to dusting, walls, and windows, and finish with the floors.

Do I need to repair damage before leaving?

Normal wear and tear is often treated differently from damage, but definitions vary. Check your lease and local rules, and ask your landlord what is expected.