A Step by Step Plan for a Truly Clean

The two most expensive potential charges against your damage deposit are cleaning charges and carpet damages.  Regardless of what your apartment looked like when you moved in, it is expected to be clean when you move out.  Here are helpful tips to avoid these charges spend a little extra time preparing for your final walk-through inspection.  

As required by your lease, you will be responsible for the cost of carpet cleaning which will be performed after you move out by a carpet cleaner of the Landlords choosing.  Please follow the guidelines and get most of your damage deposit returned!

PLEASE BE SURE THE FOLLOWING AREAS ARE THOROUGHLY CLEANED:  

General Areas

1. Wipe and clean light fixtures, ceiling fan blades and sweep ceiling around the fan  
2. Sweep and mop all floors; vacuum all carpets and wipe down baseboards  
3. Clean inside all windows, window sills, and tracks and wipe down all blinds  
4. Clean all vents  
5. Remove any hooks, mounted mirror, posters, etc. That you have installed  
6. Inside washer and dryer  

Kitchen  

1. The oven should be completely cleaned, including broiler drawers  
2. Clean stovetop, back panels, dials, front and sides of the stove  
3. Drip pans must be cleaned including area under drip pans (you can lift up the stove top)  
4. Remove all grease and dirt on exhaust fan or micro-hood; if you have standard microwave must clean inside and out  
5. The refrigerator should be cleaned inside and out; including shelves and under the crisper drawers, and the top of the refrigerator.  Don’t forget that refrigerator should be unplugged and doors left open.  
6. The dishwasher should be wiped out including around the inside of the door and the side of the door  
7. Cabinets and drawers should be completely emptied and wiped down inside and out; remove any grease outside of cabinets  
8. Clean all countertop surfaces  
9. Clean sink and faucet fixtures  
10. Sweep and mop kitchen floor  

Bathroom(s)  

1. Vanity and medicine cabinet should be cleaned, including shelves and mirror  
2. Shower doors, if applicable, should be cleaned so all of the soap scum is removed  
3. The bathtub, shower walls, and fixture should be cleaned and free of soap scum  
4. Thoroughly clean toilet inside and out, including around the base  
5. Wipe down walls and ceiling; should be free of hair and hairspray  
6. Wipe down light fixtures, electrical outlet covers, and light outlet covers  
7. Sweep and mop floor  

Living Room  

1. Vacuum sofa including under the cushions  
2. Wipe down coffee table, end tables, dining table, and dining table chairs  
3. Wipe off blinds and clean inside windows  
4. Clean light fixtures and covers  
5. Clean walls, ceilings, and corners  
6. Wipe down the front door and around the door frame  
7. Wipe down electrical outlet covers and light switch covers  

Bedroom(s)  

1. Wipe down baseboards  
2. Clean walls, ceilings, and corners  
3. Clean out closets and wipe down shelves  
4. Wipe off desk and dresser; clean out and wipe out all drawers  
5. Vacuum under bedframes  
6. Wipe down light fixtures  
7. Wipe off blinds and clean inside of windows  

Patios/Balconies  

1. Remove all trash, debris, furniture, doors, concrete blocks, etc. from the patio/balcony, and dispose of properly