What Is Included in a Move-Out Cleaning [A Complete List]
The full, detailed guide to every task a professional cleaner completes before you return your keys.

When you move out of a home or apartment, you’re responsible for leaving the space clean, empty, and ready for the next tenant or owner.
Whether you want your security deposit back or you’re preparing a property for sale or rent, a professional move-out cleaning ensures the home looks like no one ever lived there.
This guide explains exactly what is included in a move-out cleaning, room by room, based on industry standards and the service provided by AGA CLEANS in Orlando, Davenport, and Kissimmee.
What Is a Move-Out Cleaning?
A move-out cleaning is a top-to-bottom, detail-focused cleaning service performed when a property is empty.
It goes far beyond a regular or deep cleaning.
Its purpose is to:
Remove all traces of previous occupancy
Sanitize all surfaces
Clean all interior appliances
Prepare the home for inspection
Help tenants recover the security deposit
Help landlords present a move-in-ready property
Because the home is empty, cleaners can reach all corners that are normally blocked by furniture.
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Full Detailed List
This is the complete breakdown of what a professional move-out cleaning includes.
Structured room by room for full clarity.
1. Whole-Home Move-Out Cleaning
General Tasks
Remove remaining trash
Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors
Dust all surfaces
Dust ceiling fans
Clean air vents
Clean light fixtures
Clean inside all closets
Wipe doors and door frames
Clean baseboards
Clean window sills
Clean interior windows
Clean blinds (dust only unless otherwise requested)
Clean switch plates
Clean doorknobs
A proper move-out clean leaves no area untouched.
2. Kitchen Move-Out Cleaning
This is the most detailed section of a move-out cleaning.
Appliances
Inside and outside of the refrigerator
Inside and outside of the freezer
Inside and outside of the oven
Stovetop and control knobs
Inside and outside of the microwave
Dishwasher door and exterior
Range hood and filters (wipe only)
Wipe outside all small appliances (if any remain)
Cabinets and Drawers
Inside cabinets
Inside drawers
Outside doors
Handles and hardware
Remove crumbs, dust, and residue
Sink and Countertops
Scrub and sanitize sink
Clean faucet and remove hard water stains
Disinfect counters
Clean backsplash
Floors
Sweep thoroughly
Mop with degreaser
Hand-clean floor edges if needed
Move-out cleaning restores the kitchen to a clean, empty, move-in-ready condition.
3. Bathroom Move-Out Cleaning
Bathrooms require full sanitizing and heavy scrubbing.
Shower and Tub
Scrub tile
Remove soap scum
Remove hard water buildup
Clean shower doors or curtain rod
Clean shower head and faucet
Toilet
Clean bowl
Sanitize exterior
Clean base, seat, and hinges
Vanity
Clean sink and faucet
Clean countertop
Clean inside and outside cabinets
Clean drawers
Clean mirrors
Remove residue from drawers or shelves
Floors
Vacuum debris
Mop thoroughly
Clean behind the toilet
Remove all hair
Bathrooms must look freshly prepared for the next resident.
4. Bedrooms Move-Out Cleaning
Tasks
Dust all surfaces
Clean baseboards
Wipe doors and handles
Clean inside closets
Clean mirrors
Clean interior windows and tracks
Vacuum or mop floors
Remove dust from fan blades
Bedrooms should feel fresh, empty, and clean.
5. Living Room and Common Areas
Tasks
Dust all surfaces
Clean walls (spot clean only)
Clean interior windows
Clean sliding glass doors
Clean tracks
Clean baseboards
Vacuum or mop floors
Dust shelves and fixtures
Clean patio door frames
These are the areas owners inspect most carefully.
6. Entryway, Hallways, and Laundry Area
Entryway
Clean door and handle
Sweep or vacuum floors
Wipe walls (spot clean)
Hallways
Dust frames
Clean baseboards
Vacuum edges
Laundry Room
Wipe washer and dryer exterior
Clean inside laundry cabinet
Mop floors
Clean shelves
These spaces must be fully emptied and sanitized.
Optional Add-On Services for Move-Out Cleaning
Move-out cleaning does NOT automatically include these tasks unless specifically requested:
Carpet shampoo
Full wall washing
Blind washing
Balcony/patio scrubbing
Garage sweeping and cleaning
Light fixture detailing
Grout scrubbing
Trash removal from property
Odor treatment
Steam cleaning
Exterior window cleaning
Deep stain removal
These are added based on the condition of the home.
What Move-Out Cleaning Does NOT Include (Standard Policy)
These tasks are not included unless requested:
Junk removal or heavy trash hauling
Moving furniture
Repairing damage
Repainting walls
Patching holes
Removing large appliances
Removing personal items
Mold remediation
Pest control
Pressure washing
Move-out cleaning focuses on cleaning, not restoration or repairs.
Why Move-Out Cleaning Is More Detailed than Deep Cleaning
Move-out cleaning includes:
Interior of cabinets
Interior of fridge
Interior of oven
Empty closets
Empty drawers
Inside appliances
Deep floor cleaning
Full sanitization
This service is designed to meet the strict standards of:
Landlords
Lease agreements
Property managers
Real estate agents
Home buyers
Because of this, it is more intensive and takes longer than normal cleaning.
How Long Does Move-Out Cleaning Take?
Time depends on size and condition:
Studio or 1-bedroom: 2.5–4 hours
2-bedroom home: 3.5–5 hours
3-bedroom home: 4–6.5 hours
4-bedroom home: 5–8 hours
Homes not cleaned recently: full day
Homes with pets, kids, or heavy buildup may require additional time.
How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost in Orlando?
Typical price ranges:
Studio: $150–$250
1-bedroom: $180–$300
2-bedroom: $250–$400
3-bedroom: $300–$550
4-bedroom: $450–$750+
Large homes: custom quote
Pricing varies based on condition and add-ons.
Do You Really Need Move-Out Cleaning?
You should book move-out cleaning if you want:
Your full security deposit
Landlord approval
Faster property turnover
A clean slate for new residents
A stress-free final inspection
Peace of mind
Most landlords require a professional-grade clean, not just a quick wipe-down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the inside of the oven included?
Yes, for genuine move-out cleanings.
Is the inside of the fridge included?
Yes, when the fridge is empty, accessible, and thawed if needed.
Do cleaners remove furniture?
Only small furniture; large items must be removed by the tenant.
Will move-out cleaning guarantee my security deposit?
No cleaner can legally guarantee it, but a full move-out clean dramatically increases the chance.
Can cleaners touch personal items?
No. The home must be empty before the cleaning.
Book Professional Move-Out Cleaning in Orlando
If you want a smooth, stress-free move-out with a clean home ready for inspection, AGA CLEANS is here to help.
We specialize in:
Move-out and move-in cleaning
Deep cleaning
Apartment clean-outs
Property-ready cleaning
Pre-listing cleaning for real estate
Full kitchen and bathroom sanitation
Book your move-out cleaning in Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, Celebration, Champions Gate, and nearby areas.
Get your home move-out ready today.
Request a Quote | Call (407) 305-4451

