Which Areas to Look Out for During Your Move Out Cleaning: Detailed Room-by-Room Guide

Preparing to move is exciting—but ensuring your former home or office is spotless can mean the difference between a smooth handover and deductions from your security deposit or negative reviews as a property manager. If you’re asking yourself, which areas to look out for during your move out cleaning, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide from QUICK CLEANING, you’ll find clear checklists, cleaning strategies, and professional insights for every space and surface. Whether you’re leaving an apartment, a rental home, an Airbnb, or a commercial space in Chicago, this educational resource will help you prepare your property for inspections and new occupants.

Understanding the Importance of Targeted Move Out Cleaning

Move out cleaning isn’t just about making a great impression. It’s a practical step required by most lease agreements, and it can significantly affect security deposit returns and property turnover. Proper attention to detail helps prevent disputes, maintains hygiene standards, and contributes to positive landlord or manager relationships—including with future tenants or guests.

Security deposit protection: Thorough cleaning reduces the risk of deductions.
Property value: Spotless spaces attract higher-quality tenants or buyers.
Health & safety: Cleaning high-touch and hidden areas minimizes allergens and pathogens.

Room-by-Room Move Out Cleaning Priorities

Every property is unique, but a systematic approach can help you cover all bases. Below, you’ll find detailed breakdowns of key areas within each room, focusing on frequently overlooked spots.

Entryways and Hallways: Setting the Standards

Checklist for Entry Spaces

Wipe down doors, handles, and light switches
Clean baseboards and corners where debris collects
Dust light fixtures and ceiling corners
Sweep and mop floors—including behind doors and under mats
Remove all cobwebs and marks on walls

Tips:

Start here—first impressions affect the rest of an inspection.
Use a microfiber cloth for dust and scuff removal.

Living Rooms and Shared Spaces: High-Traffic Cleaning Zones

Areas to Focus:

Window sills, frames, and glass
Behind and under furniture—even if moved out
Baseboards, crown molding, and walls with smudges
Ceiling fans and air vents
Lamp shades and remote controls

Extra Step:

Remove fireplace ash (if applicable) and wipe mantels clean

Kitchens: Detail-Oriented Deep Cleaning

Kitchens require rigorous standards. Inspectors and new tenants expect appliances, cabinets, and counters to be spotless.

Thorough Kitchen Checklist

Clean inside and outside the refrigerator and oven (including drawers, shelves, and underfoot)
Wipe inside cabinets and drawers, removing crumbs and residue
Sanitize countertops and backsplashes
Deep clean the sink, faucet, and garbage disposal
Wash light switches, handles, and appliance faces

Mistakes to Avoid:

Leaving adhesive shelf liners or forgotten pantry items
Ignoring range hood filters (soak and degrease)

Bathrooms: Hygiene and Safety “Hot Spots”

Bathrooms are scrutinized for both cleanliness and sanitation. Pay extra attention to the following:

Critical Cleaning Steps

Scrub toilet, shower, and sink fixtures thoroughly
Polish mirrors and clean sink/tub drains
Disinfect high-touch areas: light switches, towel racks, and drawer handles
Wash medicine cabinets and vanity interiors
Check for—and remove—mold or mildew around grout and tile

Tip:

After cleaning, run an exhaust fan (or open a window) to remove lingering moisture.

Bedrooms and Personal Spaces: Frequently Missed Areas

Areas Needing Attention

Closet shelves, rods, and baseboards
Window coverings: dust blinds or wash curtains per care labels
Clean beneath radiators/heating units and windowsills
Carpet stains—spot clean or schedule a professional carpet clean if needed (deep cleaning services)

Extra:

Remove all hangers, hooks, and replace/patch holes from decor

Windows, Tracks, and Blinds: Often Overlooked, Always Noticed

Grime builds in window tracks and on blinds. Cleaning these areas shows true attention to detail.

Clean window glass, ledges, and frames
Vacuum and wipe tracks with a damp cloth
Dust or wash blinds and shades
Check for residue or paint drips from previous renovations

Many lease inspections focus on windows—don’t leave this to the end.

Floors: Thorough Sweeping, Mopping, and Beyond

Types of Surfaces

Surface	Cleaning Method	Tips
Hardwood	Sweep & damp mop	Use minimal water to prevent damage
Carpet	Vacuum & spot clean	Deep clean for heavy staining
Tile/Grout	Mop & scrub	Focus on grout lines for mildew
Laminates	Gentle cleaner	Avoid standing water

Don’t overlook baseboards and room corners

Appliances: Deep-Cleaning for a Fresh Start

Major appliances should be pristine, inside and out.

Wipe out oven, stovetop, fridge, dishwasher, and microwave
Clean appliance seals and behind/under appliances if possible
Remove all food, defrost freezer
Sanitize handles and control panels

For challenging stains or odors, consider a professional house cleaning or appliance cleaning service.

Air Vents and Filters: Essential but Easily Forgotten

Dust and wipe air vents and return grilles
Replace or clean HVAC filters if responsible (check your lease agreement)

Properly cleaned vents support better indoor air quality for the next occupants, an essential step supported by infection prevention specialists.

Hidden and High-Touch Areas: The Inspection “Gotchas”

Top of doors and cabinets
Behind toilets and under sinks
Outlet covers, thermostat, and alarm panel surfaces
Utility closets and laundry appliances

These areas are frequently missed but can be key pass/fail points for inspections.

Outdoor and Additional Spaces for Move Out Cleaning

If applicable:

Sweep patios, balconies, front steps, and garages
Remove all trash, recycling, and bulk items
Check outdoor lights and window ledges

Ensuring all spaces associated with your lease are clean helps ensure a full return of your deposit.

Special Facility and Commercial Spaces: Move Out Cleaning Differences

Commercial move out cleaning—such as offices, clinics, or retail settings—includes additional considerations:

More stringent disinfection of shared restrooms, break rooms, and lobbies
Careful cleaning of conference rooms, equipment, and storage areas
Trash and confidential material removal
Detailed attention to floors and high-traffic touchpoints

Industrial and medical spaces may also require compliance with workplace health standards. For more on specialized office cleaning, see the office cleaning page or refer to infection prevention best practices.

Red Flags: Areas Inspectors and Landlords Notice Most

Grease or food debris in stove/oven and behind appliances
Water stains, soap scum, or mold in bathrooms
Carpet burns, odors, or pet stains
Piled up dust on fans, vents, and baseboards
Forgotten trash inside cabinets or closets

Don’t let small oversights cost you your deposit. When in doubt, cross-check against your lease or property exit checklist.

Timing Your Move Out Cleaning: Optimal Order and Scheduling

Finish packing before beginning deep cleaning
Clean room by room, starting with least-used spaces
Book professional services for carpets or specialties early
Schedule your cleaning as close to move-out as possible

If you need extra guidance, see how long move out cleaning takes or the move out cleaning checklist.

Move Out Cleaning for Tenants, Landlords, Airbnb Hosts, and Businesses

The approach to cleaning varies depending on your situation:

Tenants aim to secure deposit returns by meeting lease requirements
Landlords want to offer a pristine space to incoming tenants
Airbnb hosts and property managers focus on faster turnovers and positive guest feedback
Businesses prioritize compliance and professional presentation

QUICK CLEANING tailors cleaning plans for each scenario, ensuring both hygiene and presentation standards are met.

Essential Move Out Cleaning Checklist

Remove all personal belongings and trash
Clean every room, following both obvious and hidden areas listed above
Disinfect high-touch points (switches, handles, controls)
Double-check inside cabinets, drawers, and closets
Leave property empty and ventilated as possible

For a printable reference, try this inspection checklist.

FAQ: Move Out Cleaning Areas

What are the most commonly missed areas during move out cleaning?: Baseboards, window tracks, behind appliances, air vents, and inside cabinets are frequently overlooked but closely checked during inspections.
How clean should an apartment or house be when moving out?: Follow your lease agreement. Generally, the property should be as clean as when you moved in, with all visible and hidden areas free from dirt, debris, and marks.
Is professional move out cleaning required for commercial spaces?: While not always mandatory, commercial leases often stipulate “broom clean” or higher standards, and professional cleaning is recommended for compliance and turnover speed.
What products or supplies are best for tough stains?: Use surface-appropriate cleaning agents; for kitchen grease, try a degreaser; for bathroom mold, use an anti-mildew spray. QUICK CLEANING uses professional-grade products for each surface type.
How can I prove the property was cleaned properly?: Take time-stamped photos after cleaning each area, and consider using a detailed checklist signed by the cleaning provider or yourself.
Why is it important to clean air vents and filters?: Vents and filters trap dust, allergens, and can affect indoor air quality for new occupants. Cleaning shows attention to health and detail.
How soon should move out cleaning be performed?: Ideally, after the property is empty but before the final walk-through with the landlord or manager. This allows you to address any missed areas immediately.
What if I run out of time before moving day?: Consider booking a same-day or emergency cleaning service to meet your deadlines and avoid penalties.
Is move out cleaning different for Airbnbs or short-term rentals?: Yes—turnover cleanings must be extremely thorough, as guests rate cleanliness. Follow platform-specific hygiene guidelines and focus on details like linens, bathrooms, and entryways.
Can deep cleaning remove all stains or odors?: While deep cleaning addresses most issues, some longstanding stains, marks, or odors may require restoration or specialty services.

Next Steps: Making Move Out Cleaning Stress-Free

Move out cleaning is detail-intensive, but with the right plan and checklists, you can confidently pass inspections and protect your deposit. If the process feels overwhelming or if you’re under time pressure, consider reaching out to cleaning specialists.

QUICK CLEANING provides flexible cleaning schedules, high standard protocols, and transparent pricing for all types of move out scenarios. Need help with large spaces, challenging stains, or commercial properties? Visit our Move Out Cleaning Service or explore specific solutions for Airbnb cleaning, deep cleaning, or office cleaning with our trained team.

About QUICK CLEANING

QUICK CLEANING helps households and businesses in Chicago, Illinois and nearby areas keep their spaces clean and healthy. With a team of trained professionals, advanced cleaning products, and a checklist-driven approach, we specialize in recurring house cleaning, deep cleaning, move out cleaning, office cleaning, and facility cleaning. We prioritize detailed work, hygiene, transparent communication, and long-term client relationships.

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