Room-by-Room Inspection
Move Out Cleaning Checklist
Clean every room to pass the toughest landlord inspection. Focus on the high-deposit impact areas property managers scrutinize most.
Inspection Cleanliness Rating0% Completed
0 of 22 cleaning tasks doneFocus on Kitchen & Bath high-impact items
The $30 Landlord-Proof Cleaning Kit (Buy These First)
Bar Keepers Friend
Removes stubborn sink rust, water stains, and cookware marks without scratching.
Melamine Foam (Magic Eraser)
Erases black shoe scuffs and wall smudges instantly.
White Distilled Vinegar + Dawn Soap
Dissolves bathroom calcium deposits and heavy soap scum effortlessly.
Lightweight Drywall Spackle + 220-Grit Sandpaper
Patches all picture nail holes flush with wall.
Heavy-Duty Degreaser Spray
Breaks down oven grease and stovetop hood range mesh.
Clean interior oven glass, heating elements & side racks
High ImpactPro Tip: Apply baking soda paste overnight or spray commercial foam; baked grease wipes right off without scratching enamel.
Recommended:Heavy-duty oven cleaner / Baking soda pasteScrubbing spongeRazor scraper
Degrease stovetop burners, drip pans & underneath cooktop
High ImpactPro Tip: Most standard electric stovetops lift up like a car hood. Clean the hidden crumbs underneath to prevent a $50 deduction.
Recommended:Degreaser sprayDish soapWire brush
Soak & degrease range hood exhaust filter
medium impactPro Tip: Soak the mesh filter in boiling water with half a cup of baking soda for 10 minutes to dissolve trapped kitchen oil.
Recommended:Boiling waterBaking sodaDish soap
Deep clean refrigerator & freezer (shelves, crisper drawers, door seals)
High ImpactPro Tip: Remove plastic drawers and wash in warm water in the sink. Clean the black rubber magnetic door seals where gunk collects.
Recommended:Warm water + vinegarMicrofiber clothToothbrush for gaskets
Wipe inside & outside of all kitchen cabinets & drawers
medium impactPro Tip: Remove old contact paper shelf liners and vacuum out loose spices and crumbs before wiping.
Recommended:Multisurface cleanerVacuum crevice attachmentClean rags
Sanitize kitchen sink basin, faucet aerator & garbage disposal splash guard
medium impactPro Tip: Clean the underside of the black rubber disposal splash guard—it harbors thick black sludge landlords check with a finger.
Recommended:Bar Keepers FriendLemon rind / Ice cubesToothbrush
Wipe down dishwasher door edges and clean bottom drain filter
low impactPro Tip: Twist the circular filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and rinse trapped food debris.
Recommended:Dish spongeVinegar
Remove soap scum & hard water deposits from shower tiles, grout & tub
High ImpactPro Tip: Spray a 50/50 mix of warm vinegar and blue Dawn dish soap, let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub for effortless shine.
Recommended:Acidic foam shower cleaner / Vinegar + DawnStiff grout brushSqueegee
Descale showerhead nozzles & polish chrome fixtures
medium impactPro Tip: Tie a bag of vinegar over the showerhead for 2 hours to dissolve calcium mineral deposits completely.
Recommended:Plastic Ziploc bagWhite vinegarRubber band
Deep clean toilet (bowl, exterior porcelain, tank lid, base bolts & behind bowl)
High ImpactPro Tip: Landlords inspect the floor and wall directly behind the toilet base. Make sure there is zero dust or discoloration.
Recommended:Toilet bowl disinfectantDisinfectant wipesPaper towels
Clean vanity mirror, sink faucet, overflow hole & drain stopper
medium impactPro Tip: Clear hair from the pop-up drain stopper. Slow-draining sinks trigger avoidable plumbing fee deductions.
Recommended:Glass cleanerMicrofiber clothDrain hair removal snake
Vacuum & wipe bathroom ceiling exhaust fan grill
medium impactPro Tip: Ceiling fans collect a thick layer of humid lint. Pull the spring-loaded plastic cover down and rinse in the sink.
Recommended:Vacuum with brush attachmentDamp microfiber
Dust and wipe all baseboards, door frames & trim
High ImpactPro Tip: Baseboard scuffs can make an entire room look neglected. A melamine foam sponge (Magic Eraser) removes black shoe marks in seconds.
Recommended:Magic EraserWarm soapy waterDry microfiber cloth
Clean window sills, glass panes & vacuum window slider tracks
medium impactPro Tip: Window tracks collect dirt, dead bugs, and condensation grime. Vacuum first, then wipe with damp paper towels.
Recommended:Glass cleanerVacuum crevice toolOld toothbrush
Dust ceiling fan blades (top and bottom) & light fixtures
medium impactPro Tip: Slip an old pillowcase over each blade and slide it off—all dust stays trapped inside the pillowcase instead of falling onto the carpet.
Recommended:Pillowcase methodMicrofiber duster
Wipe all light switch plates, wall outlet covers & door handles
low impactPro Tip: High-touch areas accumulate gray fingerprints that take 30 seconds to wipe clean.
Recommended:Disinfecting wipesMicrofiber cloth
Patch all wall nail holes, screw anchors & touch up paint
High ImpactPro Tip: Fill the hole slightly overfilled, scrape flush with putty knife, let dry 30 minutes, and lightly buff with fine sandpaper.
Recommended:Lightweight spackle pastePutty knifeFine-grit sandpaper (220 grit)
Clean inside bedroom closets, wire shelving & mirrored closet doors
medium impactPro Tip: Closet shelves collect dust on top. Wipe along wire rungs and check the floor corners.
Recommended:Microfiber dusterGlass cleaner
Steam clean carpets or perform deep vacuum with cross-hatch edging
High ImpactPro Tip: Check your lease agreement. Many property managers mandate a receipt from a professional carpet cleaning company to release deposits.
Recommended:Carpet cleaner rental (Rug Doctor) or professional truck mountVacuum
Sweep and mop all hard flooring (wood, laminate, tile)
High ImpactPro Tip: Do this as the absolute last step after everything is loaded into the moving truck so no dirty footprints remain.
Recommended:Hardwood floor cleanerMicrofiber flat mop
Sweep balcony, patio, or garage floor and remove cobwebs
medium impactPro Tip: Check outdoor light fixtures for cobwebs and ensure outdoor light bulbs are functioning.
Recommended:Outdoor broomCobweb duster pole
Check and replace all dead light bulbs with matching color temperature
High ImpactPro Tip: Maintenance contractors routinely charge $10–$25 per burned out bulb. Buy a 4-pack at Home Depot for $6 to avoid this charge.
Recommended:Standard LED bulbs (Soft White 2700K)