A complete guide to preparing your apartment for inspection and getting your security deposit back.

Whether you're leaving an apartment in Orlando, Kissimmee, Davenport, or any surrounding area, one thing is certain: your apartment must be spotless before the final walk-through.

Landlords expect a fully cleaned, move-out-ready home, and anything less can cost you part—or all—of your security deposit.

This is the ultimate apartment move-out cleaning checklist, based on the professional standards used by AGA CLEANS.
Use it to guide your own cleaning or hand it directly to your cleaning team.

Why Move-Out Cleaning Matters

A well-cleaned apartment:

• Helps secure your full security deposit

• Prevents cleaning fee deductions

• Leaves a strong impression with property managers

• Reduces move-out stress

• Ensures no last-minute surprises during inspection

Most apartments look clean at first glance, but move-out cleaning requires detail-level cleaning, not maintenance cleaning.

The Ultimate Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (Full Breakdown)

This checklist covers everything needed for a proper move-out cleaning, room by room.

1. Whole-Apartment Move-Out Cleaning

General Cleaning

• Remove all remaining trash

• Dust ceiling fans

• Clean light fixtures

• Dust and wipe air vents

• Dust window sills

• Clean window tracks

• Wipe blinds (dusting only unless deep-clean is requested)

• Clean interior windows

• Spot-clean walls

• Wipe doors and door frames

• Clean light switches and outlets

• Remove cobwebs

• Clean all baseboards

Floors

• Vacuum all floors

• Mop all hard floors

• Clean floor edges and corners

• Spot-treat stains if needed

Closets

• Wipe closet shelves

• Wipe closet rods

• Vacuum or mop closet floors

Everything should be fully wiped down, emptied, and sanitized.

2. Kitchen Move-Out Cleaning

The kitchen is the most time-consuming part of move-out cleaning due to grease, food residue, and appliance interiors.

Appliances (Interior and Exterior)

• Inside refrigerator

• Inside freezer

• Inside oven

• Stovetop and burners

• Microwave inside and outside

• Dishwasher exterior

• Range hood

• Stainless steel polishing

• Wipe down small appliances if left behind

Cabinets and Drawers

• Clean inside all cabinets

• Clean inside all drawers

• Remove crumbs

• Wipe exterior cabinet doors

• Degrease handles and fronts

Counters and Sink

• Disinfect countertops

• Scrub sink

• Clean faucet

• Remove hard water deposits

• Clean backsplash

Floors

• Sweep all debris

• Mop with degreaser

• Clean behind and under appliances if accessible

Landlords pay close attention to the kitchen—missing details here can lead to deductions.

3. Bathroom Move-Out Cleaning

Bathrooms require full sanitizing and scrubbing.

They’re one of the biggest reasons tenants lose deposit money.

Shower and Tub

• Scrub tile

• Remove soap scum

• Clean grout lines

• Polish fixtures

• Clean glass shower doors or rods

Toilet

• Clean bowl thoroughly

• Sanitize seat and hinges

• Clean toilet base

• Disinfect exterior

Vanity

• Clean sink

• Clean faucet

• Clean mirrors

• Clean inside vanity cabinets

• Clean drawers

• Remove all residue and hair

Floors

• Vacuum bathroom area

• Mop and disinfect floors

• Clean behind toilet

A properly cleaned bathroom looks sanitized, odor-free, and visibly restored.

4. Bedroom Move-Out Cleaning

Bedrooms must be empty, dust-free, and cleaned top to bottom.

Tasks

• Dust all surfaces

• Clean ceiling fans

• Clean vents

• Clean baseboards

• Wipe interior doors

• Clean switches

• Clean interior windows

• Clean window tracks

• Vacuum or mop floors

• Clean closet shelves and rods

Ensure no dust, hair, or debris remains in any area.

5. Living Room and Common Areas

Living spaces are typically the first areas landlords inspect.

Tasks

• Dust all surfaces

• Clean shelves and ledges

• Wipe switches and handles

• Clean interior windows

• Clean sliding glass doors

• Clean tracks thoroughly

• Clean baseboards

• Vacuum or mop floors

• Spot-clean smudges on walls

These areas should look empty, fresh, and move-in ready.

6. Entryway, Hallways, and Laundry Areas

These smaller areas are often overlooked but are still inspected.

Entryway

• Clean door and door frame

• Wipe handles

• Vacuum or mop

Hallways

• Dust frames

• Clean baseboards

• Vacuum edges

Laundry Area

• Wipe washer and dryer exterior

• Clean shelves

• Mop floor

• Remove lint and buildup

Optional Add-On Services for Apartment Move-Out Cleaning

Move-out cleaning does NOT automatically include these unless requested:

• Interior cabinet deep degreasing

• Inside oven heavy-duty cleaning

• Inside fridge heavy scrub

• Balcony or patio cleaning

• Carpet shampoo

• Blind washing

• Wall washing (full walls)

• Furniture removal

• Trash haul-out

• Odor treatment

• Grout scrubbing

• Exterior windows

These add-ons increase cleaning time and cost.

What Is NOT Included in Standard Move-Out Cleaning

Unless specifically requested and quoted, move-out cleaning does not include:

• Junk removal

• Moving furniture

• Patching walls

• Painting

• Mold removal

• Pest control

• Appliance moving

• Pressure washing

• Heavy construction cleanup

Standard move-out cleaning focuses on cleaning only.

How Long Does an Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Take?

Time varies based on size and condition:

• Studio: 2–3 hours

• 1 Bedroom: 2.5–4 hours

• 2 Bedroom: 3.5–5 hours

• 3 Bedroom: 4–6 hours

Apartments with heavy buildup may take longer.

How Much Does Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Cost?

Average pricing in Orlando:

• Studio: $150–$250

• 1 Bedroom: $180–$300

• 2 Bedroom: $250–$400

• 3 Bedroom: $300–$450

Add-ons increase the price depending on condition and requirements.

Why Move-Out Cleaning Helps Protect Your Security Deposit

A professionally cleaned apartment:

• Eliminates landlord cleaning fees

• Restores the unit to a move-in-ready standard

• Reduces the chance of disputes
  
  
  

• Improves your rental history

• Ensures no hidden messes remain

Most tenants lose deposit money over kitchens and bathrooms. A proper move-out clean prevents this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the apartment need to be empty before cleaning?

Yes. Move-out cleaning requires a completely empty home.

Do cleaners move appliances?

Only if requested as an add-on.

Do you guarantee the return of my security deposit?

No cleaner can legally guarantee it, but move-out cleaning significantly increases your chances.

Do you clean interior appliances?

Yes. Standard move-out cleaning includes inside fridge, oven, microwave, and cabinets.

Book Apartment Move-Out Cleaning in Orlando

If you want a smooth, stress-free move-out and a spotless apartment ready for inspection, AGA CLEANS is here to help.

We specialize in:

• Apartment move-out cleaning

• Move-in cleaning

• Deep cleaning

• Pre-listing cleaning

• Post-construction cleaning

Serving Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, Celebration, Champions Gate, Winter Garden, and surrounding communities.

Get your apartment move-out clean done right.

Request a Quote | Call (407) 305-4451