A thorough move-out clean is the difference between getting your security deposit back and losing $500 to $2,000. Most landlords deduct $200 to $500 for cleaning alone when tenants leave a dirty unit. Spending 4 to 6 hours cleaning, or $150 to $300 on professional cleaners, almost always pays for itself in deposit savings. Here is the room-by-room checklist landlords actually use.
The kitchen gets the most scrutiny during move-out inspections. Clean inside, outside, and on top of the refrigerator, then pull it out and clean behind it. Degrease the oven with a spray-on cleaner and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping. Clean inside and outside the microwave, including the turntable. Wipe down all cabinet interiors and exteriors. Scrub the sink and faucet until they shine, and run a cleaning cycle on the dishwasher with vinegar. Degrease the range hood filter by soaking it in hot soapy water. Clean light fixtures and switch plates. Mop the floor including under the stove area. Replace burned-out light bulbs. Check for grease splatter on walls near the stove and wipe clean.
Bathrooms are the second-highest area for cleaning deductions. Scrub the toilet inside and out, including behind the base and around the bolts. Clean the shower or tub with a mildew-specific cleaner and scrub grout lines. Remove any caulk mold if visible; re-caulking is a gray area but clean caulk avoids deductions. Clean the vanity, mirror, and medicine cabinet inside and out. Wipe down the exhaust fan cover and light fixtures. Clean the floor behind the toilet and around the base of the vanity where dust collects. Remove any hair from drains. Replace the shower curtain liner if you provided one. Check for water damage under the sink and report it before you leave to avoid being charged for pre-existing issues.
Vacuum or sweep all floors, including inside closets and along baseboards. Clean inside all closets, including shelves and rods. Wipe down windowsills, tracks, and blinds. Windows do not always need to be sparkling, but removing visible grime helps your overall impression. Patch small nail holes with spackle and touch up with matching paint if you have it. Most leases allow reasonable nail holes, but large holes or anchors will result in deductions. Clean all light fixtures and replace any bulbs you removed. Remove all personal items from walls, shelves, and storage areas. Check behind doors for hooks or hanging items you might forget.
Vacuum all carpeted areas and consider renting a carpet cleaner for $40 to $60 per day if carpets are visibly stained. Landlords typically charge $150 to $300 for professional carpet cleaning, so a DIY rental saves money. Mop all hard floors with a cleaning solution appropriate for the floor type. Clean baseboards throughout the unit. Wipe down all doors, door frames, and door handles. Check for scuff marks on walls and clean with a magic eraser. Clean inside the coat closet and any hallway storage. Wipe down the front door inside and out. If you have a balcony or patio, sweep it clean and remove all items.
Professional move-out cleaning costs $150 to $300 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $250 to $500 for a 2-bedroom. Some companies offer move-out specific packages that include carpet cleaning. The advantage of professional cleaning is speed and thoroughness; they typically finish a 2-bedroom apartment in 3 to 4 hours. DIY cleaning costs $30 to $60 in supplies but takes 4 to 8 hours of your time. If your security deposit is $1,500 or more, professional cleaning is worth the investment because it virtually guarantees no cleaning deductions. Some landlords require professional cleaning receipts, so check your lease before deciding. Take timestamped photos of every room after cleaning as evidence of the condition you left the unit in.
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The standard is "broom clean" in most leases, meaning swept, vacuumed, and wiped down. However, getting your full deposit back typically requires a deeper clean: scrubbed kitchen and bathroom, clean appliances, and mopped floors.
Landlords can only deduct for cleaning that is needed beyond normal wear and tear. Take timestamped photos of every room after cleaning as evidence. If you disagree with deductions, dispute them in writing within your state required timeframe.
Cleaning deductions typically range from $200 to $500. Carpet cleaning charges add $150 to $300. In extreme cases, landlords charge $500 to $1,000 for a full unit cleaning. A few hours of work protects your deposit.
Statistics and cost figures are based on industry averages and publicly available data, provided for informational purposes.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data
