The Move-Out Cleaning Checklist That Protects Your Deposit

Kitchen

The kitchen carries the most weight in an inspection because grease and food residue are easy to spot and easy to photograph.

• Oven interior, racks, broiler pan and glass door
• Refrigerator interior, shelving, drawers and door seals
• Range hood filter and backsplash degreasing
• Inside and outside of every cabinet and drawer
• Sink, faucet, disposal and under-sink cabinet floor

Bathrooms

Inspectors look for hard-water scale, soap scum and grout discoloration. All three respond to the right product and dwell time rather than scrubbing harder.

• Tub, shower walls, door tracks and grout lines
• Toilet base, bolts and behind the tank
• Mirrors, vanity, drawers and medicine cabinet
• Exhaust fan cover and light fixtures

Whole-home items people forget

These are the line items that generate deductions long after the obvious rooms are done.

• Baseboards, door frames and switch plates
• Window tracks, sills and blinds
• Closet shelving and rods
• Wall scuffs, nail holes and patched spots
• Balcony, patio, garage floor and storage unit

Time it right

Clean after the last item leaves the unit, not before. Cleaning around furniture and boxes guarantees a second visit. Schedule the clean for the day after your movers finish and the day before your walkthrough.