Better Renter Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Click here to download/print a copy of the Move-Out Cleaning Checklist 

Things you will need:

  • General purpose cleaner like 409
  • Window and glass cleaner like Windex 
  • Porcelain-safe cleaner like Soft Scrub (for toilets, sinks, tubs and showers)
  • Rags and towels
  • Scrub brush
  • Mop and bucket
  • Vacuum
  • Gloves

Kitchen

Bathroom(s)

  • Sink: Clean sink and faucet. Remove all stains and hard water spots.
  • Sink Cabinet: Clean cabinet under sink
  • Countertop: Clean countertop and backsplash
  • Refrigerator: Empty and wipe down inside of refrigerator. Clean up any spills or food debris. Clean inside drawers, shelves, exterior door and handle.
  • Oven: Clean cooktop and remove any spills. Clean the oven using an oven-safe cleaner. Don't forget the inside of the oven door. Wipe down the front of the oven including the handle.
  • Microwave: If applicable, clean the inside of the microwave. Putting a bowl of water inside the microwave and running it for a few minutes can help break down stuck-on food.
  • Cupboards & Cabinets: Empty and clean out inside of all cupboards and cabinets and clean exterior surfaces and handles
  • Walls and baseboards: Wash all walls, baseboards, window trim and door trim.
  • Electrical switches and outlets: Wipe down all outlets and switchplate covers to remove grime buildup.
  • Lighting: Replace any burned-out lightbulbs, including in fridge, oven, etc
  • Floors: Sweep and mop floor
  • Windows: Clean interior windows
  • Sink and Vanity: Clean sink and faucet, vanity countertop, inside vanity cabinet and drawers
  • Toilet: Clean inside toilet bowl, under toilet seat and lid, all exterior surfaces and the floor around the base of the toilet
  • Bathtub and/or Shower: Clean walls, floor and/or bathtub. Use CLR to remove hard water stains. Use appropriate cleaner for mold or mildew. Clean faucet, shower head, soap tray, etc.
  • Electrical switches and outlets: Wipe down all outlets and switchplate covers to remove grime buildup.
  • Vanity mirror: Clean vanity mirror
  • Walls and baseboards: Clean all walls and baseboards. Wipe down using all-purpose cleaner.
  • Floors: Sweep and mop floor
  • Lighting: Replace any burned-out lightbulbs
  • Door: Wipe down both sides of door and clean the door handle

Bedroom(s)

  • Walls and baseboards: Clean all walls and baseboards. Wipe down using all-purpose cleaner.
  • Electrical switches and outlets: Wipe down all outlets and switchplate covers to remove grime buildup
  • Flooring: Sweep and mop or vacuum as appropriate. If stains exist in carpet, schedule a professional cleaner.
  • Closets: Empty closets and wipe down any shelving
  • Lighting: Replace any burned-out lightbulbs
  • Door: Wipe down both sides of door and clean the door handle

Living Room & Hallway(s)

  • Walls and baseboards: Clean all walls and baseboards. Wipe down using all-purpose cleaner.
  • Electrical switches and outlets: Wipe down all outlets and switchplate covers to remove grime buildup
  • Flooring: Sweep and mop or vacuum as appropriate. If stains exist in carpet, schedule a professional cleaner.
  • Closets: Empty closets and wipe down any shelving
  • Lighting: Replace any burned-out lightbulbs
  • Door: Wipe down both sides of all doors and clean the door handle

Other

  • Exterior Doors: Clean exterior doors (front and back, if applicable) including door handles.
  • Exterior spaces and storage: Clean any exterior space such as patios. Empty and clean any storage closets and/or garage space
  • Trash: Take out all trash