Tips for Apartment Cleaning Before Moving Out

Moving out of an apartment can be a daunting task: scouting for a new residence, coordinating transportation, and packing up all your possessions can feel overwhelming when you're eager to settle into your new place. Ensuring your apartment is spotless is crucial, as a thoroughly cleaned apartment increases the likelihood of receiving your security deposit back. Take a methodical approach, cleaning each room and appliance meticulously to facilitate a smooth transition and secure a full refund of your deposit.

Revamp the oven and stove. Purchase one or two cans of oven cleaner and carefully review the safety instructions, as many oven cleaners necessitate protective gear (gloves & goggles) and adequate ventilation. Place newspapers in front of the oven, just below the door or drawer, to shield your floor from dripping cleaner. Apply the contents of both cans evenly to the interior of the oven, the grates, and the broiler pans.

• To avoid chemical cleaners, concoct a solution of 100g baking soda per 1 liter (0.3 US gal) of water and spray it onto the surfaces. For a dirtier oven, increase the baking soda quantity to create a paste-like consistency. Allow it to sit for an hour, then use a scraper to eliminate the burnt residue and spray any remaining debris. Repeat the process until the oven is spotless.
• Ensure the oven is turned off before commencing the cleaning process.

Stovetop Revival. Utilize an abrasive cleaner and a sturdy sponge to eradicate any stains on the stovetop. Apply oven cleaner to persistent stains and allow it to sit. Ensure the vent above the stove is clean and the overhead hood light functions properly. Wipe down all surfaces using a sponge and paper towels, then rinse with clean water.

• Soak drip pans and other removable parts in hot, soapy water for at least 30 minutes, then scrub them clean. Repeat if necessary.
• Before cleaning, ensure the gas and stove are turned off.

Dishwasher Disinfection. Remove the bottom rack and clear the drain area. Empty the dishwasher, then place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with vinegar on the top rack. Run a cycle with the hottest water setting to sanitize and eliminate grime and odors.

• After the cycle, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher. Run another short cycle with hot water to eliminate stains and odors.

Drawer and Countertop Cleanup. Use a cloth and cleaning spray to wipe down drawers and countertops. Unplug and remove all items from drawers, ensuring thorough cleaning, especially in corners.

Sink Scrubbing. Employ a mild soap, soft cloth, and warm water to clean the faucets, drain, and outer rim of the sink. Flush the drain with hot water and use a toothbrush to scrub the sink edges.

• For a deeper cleanse of stainless steel sinks, concoct a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. Scrub the surface with the mixture and pour the remainder down the drain.
• For porcelain sinks, spray hydrogen peroxide onto the surface and let it sit for 15 minutes to several hours to remove stains. Rinse with warm water, scrubbing if necessary.
• Avoid cleaning the sink until it's no longer in use.

Refrigerator Reset. Remove all food from the refrigerator, giving away perishables like milk or meat to neighbors and disposing of the rest. This allows for defrosting and cleaning of the refrigerator without obstruction.

Defrost the refrigerator by unplugging it and allowing it to thaw. Place newspapers or towels inside and around the bottom to catch water runoff. After several hours, ensure the interior is completely dry to prevent mold growth before cleaning.

Tidy up the freezer. Utilize a rag or sponge with soapy water to cleanse the interior and the rubber door seal. Finish by wiping it down with a clean rag or paper towel.

Refresh the refrigerator. Start by cleaning the exterior, beginning from the top and working downward. Remove the refrigerator shelves and wash them with soap and water, allowing them to air-dry. While the shelves are drying, wipe the interior with a clean rag.

Sanitize the bathroom surfaces. Use all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the walls, counters, and ceiling. Use a damp rag, sponge, or mop for hard-to-reach areas, and use a stepstool or ladder if necessary.

• Bathroom paint is usually semi-gloss and can handle water, but avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing.

Spruce up the shower and bathtub. Employ a cleaning agent or powder along with some elbow grease. Start from the top and work your way down. For shower floor tiles, use a toothbrush and cleaner to tackle the grout. Ensure to clear the drain using a drain claw or chemical solution.

Tidy the drawers, mirrors, and windows. Empty out any toiletries and wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth. Use a vacuum hose for small debris. For windows and mirrors, utilize a window cleaner and cloth to remove stains and dirt, including the window tracks.

Sanitize the toilet. Wear clean rubber gloves and wipe down the exterior with a hot, damp sponge. Apply toilet cleaner along the rim's interior and scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. Flush when finished.

Freshen up the bathroom sink. Use a mild disinfectant spray and a soft cloth, or opt for natural cleaning methods with lemon juice or vinegar for a ceramic sink. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda and gently scrub with a sponge.

Swab the floors. For small bathrooms, use a wet rag; for larger ones, a small mop will suffice. Use a toothbrush or small brush to clean grout between tiles.

Dust off ceiling fans, furnishings, and walls. Utilize a disinfectant spray and cloth to remove dust from ceiling fans, door tops, and window frames. Also, eliminate any cobwebs. For painted walls, lightly wipe with a damp cloth to avoid damaging the paint. Use a ladder if necessary.

Clean the windows. Begin by cleaning the tracks with an all-purpose cleaner and sponge. Then, spray window cleaner, wipe with a paper towel until clean, and finish with a dry towel to prevent streaks.

Refresh the window blinds by soaking them in warm, soapy water. Remove the blinds, soak in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes, rinse, and hang to dry.

Tidy up the floors after using the room. Spot clean tough carpet stains with a spray-on cleaner before vacuuming. For hardwood or tile, use a broom, mop, or damp sweeper. Professional cleaning is unnecessary unless mandated by your apartment complex.

Clear out any outdoor belongings. This may entail removing hanging decorations such as wind chimes or bird feeders, children's toys, or personal patio furniture.

Mow the lawn and eliminate weeds if you have a yard. If you complete the indoor cleaning early, focus on the yard by tidying up fallen leaves and removing any noticeable weeds. While the interior takes precedence, maintaining the yard will earn you extra points with your landlord.

Clean and rinse the porch or balcony. Scrub the porch steps with soap and a sturdy brush.

• For a thorough cleaning of a concrete patio, apply dish soap to the cement and scrub with a broom, then rinse with a hose.
• For a stone deck, use a milder solution of one cup of brown soap or soap crystals in a bucket of water, then pour over the patio and scrub with a broom.

Sweep the garage. Clear out any remaining items and thoroughly sweep the floor. Open the garage door and hose down the floor, directing the water toward the open garage door rather than the house.

Dispose of the garbage. Double-check under sinks and in the bathrooms and bedrooms to ensure no bags are left behind.

Extract nails, screws, and tacks from the walls. Utilize tools such as a hammer or cat’s paw, or delicately remove loose nails by hand. Fill any holes by applying a small amount of lightweight spackle on your finger or a putty knife, smoothing it onto the hole. Wipe away excess with your finger and allow it to dry for an hour.

Thoroughly clean all light fixtures, switches, and outlets. Remove any fingerprints or dirt marks using a rag and disinfectant cleaner.

Mop or vacuum the entire house. Begin from the farthest point of the house and progress toward the front door to avoid stepping on the newly cleaned floor.

Document the spotless, vacated apartment with a photograph. This serves as evidence of the apartment's cleanliness and good condition in case of early reports from the landlord or new tenant. Ensure your camera or phone captures the date and time the picture was taken.

• If feasible, tidy up your apartment after removing all belongings and before your move-out or inspection day.
• Request an estimate of repair costs from your landlord. If the landlord only bills you a small amount for a dirty shower, it might be more efficient to accept the bill instead of cleaning it yourself. However, if the costs are significant, you'll understand the need to dedicate more time and effort to cleaning the apartment to avoid charges.
• Prior to cleaning, inquire about the services provided by your landlord. Some landlords or apartment complexes may offer complimentary carpet cleaning upon move-out, while others may offer a 'clean sweep option,' arranging for a professional cleaning service for a fixed fee. Landlords often have favorable arrangements with professional cleaners, which could alleviate the burden of cleaning during the stressful moving period.

• Follow the safety precautions provided with your cleaning products, and safeguard your skin by wearing rubber gloves to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Use products that are appropriate for the material you are cleaning to avoid damage.

• paper towels
• rubber gloves
• dish soap
• scrubbing brush (old toothbrush)
• sponges
• powdered cleanser
• bathroom cleanser
• 2 cans of oven cleaner
• Glue
• bathroom cleaner
• kitchen surface cleaner
• window cleaner
• floor cleaner
• mop and bucket
• broom
• vacuum
• lightweight putty for minor wall repairs
• carpet spot remover
• bucket (for wiping down cabinets and appliances)
• toilet brush
• toilet cleaner
• trash bags
• washcloths
• soap