June 4, 2025
What Does a Move-Out Cleaning Include?
Kotihandi Blog
What Does a Move-Out Cleaning Include?
What Does a Move-Out Cleaning Include? Don’t Forget These Spots – Use Our Complete Checklist
Move-out cleaning ensures that the home is left clean and ready for the next tenant. A thorough cleaning should be done after the apartment is completely emptied, but some areas—like the range hood or oven—can be cleaned earlier.
A poorly done or completely missing final cleaning can result in losing your security deposit. In this article, we list common spots that tenants often forget during move-out cleaning.
Read Kotihandi’s expert tips for moving! We’ll explain what move-out cleaning includes and provide a complete checklist of everything that needs to be cleaned.
4 Places Tenants Often Forget to Clean During Move-Out
If you receive a bill from your old landlord for an incomplete move-out cleaning, it’s often due to one of these forgotten areas. Remember, move-out cleaning means a deep clean—a quick wipe-down isn’t enough.
1. Cleaning Floor Drains
Leaving floor drains dirty can cost you, even if the bathroom and toilet are otherwise cleaned thoroughly. Wash the floor drains, grate, and water trap inside and out. Remove any hair or built-up grime.
2. Cleaning Behind the Oven
The oven must be cleaned both inside and out. If it’s a freestanding model, you can pull it out of place. Wipe down the oven sides and vacuum any debris that has fallen behind it.
3. Dusting on Top of Cabinets
During regular cleanings, the tops of cabinets and doors are often missed. Over time, thick layers of dust can build up, especially in the kitchen where grease may mix in. Wipe cabinet doors and clean the tops.
4. Cleaning Dishwasher Filters
Dishwashers have several filters to catch food particles. The inside of the dishwasher should also be cleaned using a dishwasher cleaner. Check the brand and determine which filters can be removed and cleaned. Wash the base filter and clean the spray arms of any food residue.
What Does Move-Out Cleaning Include? Full Apartment Cleaning Checklist
Move-out cleaning must be done thoroughly using the right cleaning products. Check product compatibility with surfaces and avoid abrasive chemicals that may damage finishes. Remember to pack cleaning supplies separately so they’re easy to access, and you don’t have to dig through boxes in your new place.
Kitchen Cleaning
- Clean the stove, oven, oven racks, and trays. You can wash trays in the dishwasher.
- Remove and wash the range hood filter. If it’s greasy, soak it overnight in the sink. Wipe the hood itself too.
- Empty and clean the trash cabinet and storage bins thoroughly.
- Clean the sink and faucet.
- Wipe all drawers and cabinets inside and out. Don’t forget handles and door edges.
- Defrost the freezer and clean both the fridge and freezer inside and out. Always supervise defrosting and protect the floor.
- Clean the dishwasher and other built-in kitchen appliances.
- Wipe down kitchen backsplash tiles.
Bathroom and Sauna Cleaning
- Clean taps, shower heads, and the bathtub. Use vinegar or descaler for limescale.
- Thoroughly clean the toilet and sink. Use a general cleaner and also scrub the exterior of the toilet. Let cleaner sit in the bowl for several hours if needed.
- Clean and wipe down tiles and floors. Pay special attention to the backsplash and shower walls.
- Clean all cabinets inside and out.
- Clean mirrors and glass shower walls.
- Scrub sauna benches using sauna cleaner.
- Clean floor drains.
Doors, Walls, and Floors
- Clean doors, door handles, and thresholds.
- Wipe dust off baseboards and vacuum all floors.
- Remember to clean ventilation duct covers.
- Finish by mopping all floors. Do this last before handing over the keys.
Window Cleaning (If Needed)
- Wash windows if they’re dirty. To save time, you can book window cleaning from Kotihandi.
Dust and Stains
- Dust radiators, built-in furniture, power outlets, and light switches. Never use water on electrical outlets.
- Remove stubborn stains, for example on floors or other surfaces.
- Clean all cabinets inside.
Balcony and Storage Units
- Vacuum the balcony and clean the balcony glass. Remove all loose items such as mats, privacy screens, and debris.
- Empty the storage unit. Landlords may charge a fee if anything is left behind.
Don’t Forget to Use a Move-Out Cleaning Service – Get Your Deposit Back Hassle-Free
Moving into a new home is easier when you don’t have to worry about cleaning the old one. Let Kotihandi’s professional cleaners handle your final cleaning – we’ll take care of everything.
Kotihandi’s competitively priced move-out cleaning is also ideal if you only need specific areas cleaned. You can choose extra services like oven back cleaning or floor drain washing.
Explore our move-out cleaning service and make your move easier.
Home cleaning
You may also be eligible for a household tax deduction on move-out cleaning. Kotihandi’s move-out cleaning starts at €45/hour – or only €29.25/hour after the deduction!
In addition to cleaning, you can also order moving services from us – so you don’t need to carry heavy items or rent a moving van.
