A complete guide to understanding cleaning timelines, what affects the duration, and how to plan your move-out day.

If you're moving out of a rental home or apartment in Orlando, timing is everything.

Landlords expect the property to be spotless before inspection, and moving schedules are often tight — especially when you’re juggling packing, loading, and returning the keys.

One of the biggest questions people ask is:

How long does a move-out cleaning actually take?

The truth is that the duration depends on the size of the home, the level of buildup, and what the cleaning includes.

This guide breaks down realistic timelines so you know exactly how to plan your move-out process.

Average Move-Out Cleaning Times in Orlando

These are standard time estimates based on typical Orlando properties and professional cleaning standards.

Apartments and condos

• Studio: 2–3 hours

• 1 bedroom: 2.5–4 hours

• 2 bedroom: 3.5–5 hours

Single-family homes

• 3 bedroom home: 4–6.5 hours

• 4 bedroom home: 5–8 hours

• 5+ bedroom home: 6–10 hours

Townhomes

• 2 bedroom townhome: 3.5–5 hours

• 3 bedroom townhome: 4–6 hours

These estimates apply to a team of professional cleaners, not a single cleaner.

A solo cleaner will take significantly longer.

What Affects the Time Needed for Move-Out Cleaning

Not all move-outs are equal. The time required can increase or decrease depending on several factors.

1. Size of the Home

The bigger the home, the longer it takes.

More bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas mean more detailed work.

Cleaning time usually increases by:

• 45–90 minutes per additional bedroom

• 30–60 minutes per additional bathroom

2. Condition of the Property

A well-maintained home may take less time.

A heavily used home or rental usually needs longer.

Expect extra cleaning time if the property has:

• Heavy dust

• Pet hair

• Hard water buildup

• Sticky cabinets

• Grease in the kitchen

• Soap scum in the bathroom

• Stains on floors

• Dirty appliances

• Smudged walls

This matters especially in Orlando, where humidity accelerates buildup.

3. Number of Bathrooms

Bathrooms take the longest to deep clean because they involve:

• Scrubbing tile

• Removing soap scum

• Cleaning grout

• Sanitizing toilets

• Removing hard water stains

• Cleaning glass and mirrors

A home with multiple bathrooms requires significantly more cleaning time.

4. Appliances That Must Be Cleaned

Move-out cleaning includes appliance interiors, which adds time:

• Inside oven

• Inside fridge

• Inside freezer

• Dishwasher

• Microwave

• Stove burners

• Range hood

If the oven or fridge has heavy buildup, add 30–60 minutes.

5. Cabinets and Drawers

Move-out cleaning includes cleaning inside and outside all cabinets and drawers.

This takes time, especially if drawers contain:

• Crumbs

• Dust

• Sticky residue

• Leftover items

On average, kitchens add 45–120 minutes depending on condition.

6. Flooring Type

Tile floors take longer to deep clean than laminate or vinyl.

Carpets may require spot cleaning or vacuuming multiple times.

Homes with stairs add additional cleaning time as well.

7. Level of Clutter Left Behind

Move-out cleaning cannot begin until the home is empty.

If cleaners need to:

• Remove trash

• Move items

• Dispose of clutter

The time and cost will increase.

8. Pets

Orlando homes with pets often require more time because of:

• Fur

• Odors

• Carpet debris

• Floor stains

Expect 30–60 extra minutes for homes with pets, depending on severity.

9. Number of Cleaners Assigned

Two cleaners will finish in half the time of one cleaner.

Many professional companies send teams of:

• Two cleaners for apartments

• Three or four cleaners for houses

• Larger teams for big properties

This reduces the total time but increases the per-hour workload.

What Move-Out Cleaning Includes (Overview)

A complete move-out clean includes:

• Inside and outside all cabinets

• Inside and outside appliances

• Full bathroom sanitizing

• Scrubbing showers and tubs

• Cleaning interior windows

• Dusting all surfaces

• Cleaning baseboards and doors

• Floors scrubbed, vacuumed, and mopped

• Removing remaining trash

• Cleaning closets and shelving

Because it’s an empty home, cleaners can reach areas normally blocked by furniture — which explains the longer duration.

Move-Out Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: Why It Takes Longer

Regular cleaning focuses on maintaining cleanliness.

Move-out cleaning focuses on restoring the home completely.

Regular cleaning includes:

• Surface wiping

• Light dusting

• Basic floors

• Quick bathroom cleaning

• Light kitchen cleaning

Move-out cleaning includes:

• Inside appliances

• Inside cabinets

• Inside drawers

• Full wall spot-cleaning

• Heavy scrubbing

• Grease removal

• Hard water removal

• Detailed sanitizing

• Window tracks

• Deep floor edges

This level of detail requires significantly more labor hours.

How to Know If You Need More Time for Move-Out Cleaning

You may need extra cleaning time if:

• You haven’t deep cleaned in months

• You’re a long-term tenant

• You have pets

• You cooked frequently (especially frying)

• The home has visible stains

• You have multiple bathrooms

• You’re preparing for a strict landlord inspection

• You want to maximize your security deposit

Most landlords in Orlando expect a true top-to-bottom move-out clean.

How to Make Move-Out Cleaning Faster

Here are steps to reduce cleaning time and cost:

1.Empty the home completely

2.Throw out all trash before cleaners arrive

3.Remove food from fridge and freezer

4.Unplug and defrost the freezer (if needed)

5.Wipe spills minimally in the oven or fridge

6.Remove personal items from cabinets

7.Do light sweeping to reduce buildup

8.Turn AC to a comfortable temp for cleaners

Preparation saves your cleaners time and saves you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay in the home while cleaners work?

No. Move-out cleaning requires the home to be completely empty.

Can a move-out clean be done same-day as moving?

Yes, if scheduled properly. Many Orlando residents book cleaning the same day keys are returned.

How early should I book?

Book 3–7 days in advance, especially during busy moving seasons (April, June, August).

How long does a heavily-used home take?

Up to 8–10 hours depending on buildup.

Can move-out cleaning guarantee my security deposit?

No cleaner can guarantee it, but a genuine move-out clean significantly increases your chances.

Book Professional Move-Out Cleaning in Orlando

If you’re moving out and want the job done right — on time and ready for your final inspection — AGA CLEANS can help.

We specialize in:

• Move-out and move-in cleaning

• Deep cleaning

• Apartment turnover cleaning

• Pre-listing cleaning for real estate

• Thorough sanitizing and floor care

Serving Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, Celebration, Champions Gate, and surrounding areas.

Schedule your move-out cleaning today.

Request a Quote | Call (407) 305-4451