Move-Out Cleaning: Get Your Full Deposit Back

Your security deposit represents a significant sum of money – often equal to one or two months' rent. Landlords legally can withhold portions of this deposit for cleaning costs if the property isn't returned in the same condition as when you moved in (minus normal wear and tear).

Common reasons tenants lose deposit money:

• Insufficient cleaning - Dirt, grime, and stains that require professional cleaning (40% of deposit deductions)
• Carpet issues - Stains or odors requiring replacement or deep cleaning (25% of deposit deductions)
• Wall damage - Nail holes, marks, or scuffs beyond normal wear (20% of deposit deductions)
• Appliance condition - Dirty ovens, refrigerators, or dishwashers (10% of deposit deductions)
• Overlooked areas - Baseboards, light fixtures, windows (5% of deposit deductions)

Thorough move-out cleaning is an investment that pays for itself by protecting your deposit and ensuring positive rental references.

Understanding what landlords look for helps you prioritize your cleaning efforts:

High-Priority Items

• Kitchen cleanliness - Inside and outside of all appliances, especially oven and refrigerator
• Bathroom condition - Grout, caulking, toilet, sink, tub/shower free of soap scum and mildew
• Floors and carpets - Vacuumed, mopped, free of stains or significant wear
• Walls and paint - No holes, marks, or damage; touch-up paint if needed
• Windows and blinds - Clean, functional, damage-free

Commonly Overlooked Items

• Inside closets and cabinets
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Air vents and returns
• Baseboards and door frames
• Window tracks and sills
• Behind and under appliances
• Garage or storage areas

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage

Landlords cannot charge for normal wear and tear:

• Normal: Minor carpet wear in high-traffic areas, small nail holes, light switch discoloration, faded paint
• Damage: Large carpet stains, large holes in walls, broken fixtures, excessive dirt or grime

Start early to avoid rushed, incomplete cleaning. Follow this timeline:

2 Weeks Before Move-Out

• Review your lease for specific cleaning requirements
• Take photos of current condition for documentation
• Gather cleaning supplies
• Start decluttering and packing
• Schedule professional carpet cleaning if needed

1 Week Before Move-Out

• Deep clean kitchen appliances
• Clean bathrooms thoroughly
• Wash all windows
• Clean inside closets and cabinets
• Patch any wall holes and touch up paint

2-3 Days Before Move-Out

• Complete moving out all belongings
• Vacuum and mop all floors
• Clean baseboards and door frames
• Dust all surfaces including high areas
• Final bathroom and kitchen cleaning

Day Before Move-Out

• Final walkthrough with cleaning checklist
• Address any missed spots
• Take final photos for documentation
• Remove all trash and personal items

Kitchen

• Refrigerator - Empty, unplug, clean inside and out, remove shelves and drawers to wash, defrost freezer, clean behind and underneath
• Oven and stove - Remove burner grates and clean, use oven cleaner inside, clean exterior and control panel, clean range hood and filter
• Dishwasher - Run cleaning cycle, wipe interior and exterior, clean filter
• Cabinets and drawers - Empty and wipe inside, clean exterior surfaces and hardware
• Counters and backsplash - Deep clean, remove all residue and stains
• Sink - Scrub sink and faucet, clean drain
• Floor - Sweep and mop, including corners and under appliances

Bathrooms

• Toilet - Clean inside bowl thoroughly, scrub exterior including base and behind
• Shower/tub - Remove soap scum and water stains, scrub grout, clean showerhead and faucet, ensure drain is clear
• Sink and vanity - Clean sink and faucet, wipe inside and outside vanity
• Mirror and fixtures - Clean mirror streak-free, polish all metal fixtures
• Floor - Mop thoroughly, including behind toilet
• Walls - Wipe down walls, especially around tub/shower

Bedrooms and Living Areas

• Patch nail holes and touch up paint if necessary
• Clean inside all closets
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Wipe down all surfaces
• Clean windows, sills, and tracks
• Wipe baseboards and door frames
• Vacuum or sweep thoroughly
• Shampoo carpets or mop floors

Often Forgotten Areas

• Light switch plates and outlets
• Door handles and hardware
• Air vents and returns
• Blinds or window treatments
• Interior doors (both sides)
• Pantry shelves
• Garage or storage space
• Patio or balcony

Carpet Stains and Odors

Prevention: Clean spills immediately during tenancy

Solution:

• Rent or buy a carpet cleaner for DIY cleaning
• Use enzyme cleaners for pet stains and odors
• Hire professional carpet cleaning (often required by lease)
• Get receipt as proof of professional cleaning

Oven and Refrigerator

Why it matters: Dirty appliances are landlords' top complaint

Solution:

• Allow extra time – ovens can take 2-3 hours to clean properly
• Use commercial oven cleaner for baked-on grease
• Remove refrigerator shelves and drawers to wash separately
• Clean refrigerator coils and underneath

Bathroom Grout and Caulking

Why it matters: Mold and mildew appear as neglect

Solution:

• Use grout brush and specialized grout cleaner
• For stubborn mold, use bleach-based cleaner
• Replace caulking if it's moldy or deteriorated
• Ensure good ventilation while cleaning

Wall Damage

What's allowed: Check your lease – some allow small nail holes

Solution:

• Fill nail holes with spackling compound
• Sand smooth when dry
• Touch up with matching paint
• For larger holes, use patch kit
• Clean marks with Magic Eraser before painting

Photo Documentation

Take comprehensive photos to prove condition:

• Before cleaning - Shows starting condition
• After cleaning - Proves thoroughness of your work
• Key areas - Appliances, floors, walls, bathrooms, any pre-existing damage
• Date stamp - Enable date stamps on photos or use dated newspaper in frame

Written Records

• Keep receipts for cleaning supplies and services
• Save professional cleaning service invoices
• Document communication with landlord
• Copy of original move-in inspection if available

Final Walkthrough

• Request walkthrough with landlord if possible
• Address any concerns immediately
• Get written confirmation of condition
• Ask for timeline for deposit return

Professional move-out cleaning may be worth the investment if:

• Your lease specifically requires professional cleaning
• The property is large or requires extensive work
• You're short on time due to work or moving logistics
• There are stubborn issues (grout, carpets, appliances)
• You want guarantee of quality and have proof via receipt
• Your deposit is large and worth protecting

Benefits of Professional Service

• Thorough, reliable results - Experienced cleaners know what landlords expect
• Proper equipment - Industrial cleaners and tools not available to renters
• Time savings - Focus on moving while cleaning is handled
• Documentation - Receipt proves professional cleaning was performed
• Peace of mind - Confidence in getting full deposit back

What to Look For

• Companies specializing in move-out cleaning
• Positive reviews from other renters
• Detailed checklist matching lease requirements
• Insured and bonded services
• Written receipt and satisfaction guarantee

Move-out cleaning is your last responsibility as a tenant and your best opportunity to leave on good terms with your landlord. A thorough cleaning protects your deposit, ensures positive references for future rentals, and provides peace of mind during an already stressful time. The Texas Attorney General's office provides guidance on tenant rights regarding security deposit returns.

For related guidance, read our guide to deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning to understand what level of cleaning your situation requires. Our spring cleaning checklist also provides helpful room-by-room guidance.