You’ve finally boxed up your things, redirected the mail, and maybe even found a pizza place near your new home. But there’s one last mission before you toss the keys—making your rental spotless enough to get that deposit back.
This isn’t just about wiping down counters or giving the bathroom a quick rinse. Landlords expect more than surface shine. They’re looking for a deep clean that shows you respected the space. You miss a few spots, and you might kiss goodbye to a chunk of your deposit.
So, where do you even begin?
Stick around. We’re about to lay out the ultimate end of tenancy cleaning checklist that’ll have you cleaning smarter, not harder. And yes, your security deposit will thank you.
6 Must-Do Tasks on Your End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
1. Clean Inside Appliances and Remove All Food Items
There’s something oddly personal about scrubbing the inside of appliances before you move out. The fridge might still hold that nearly-empty bottle of mustard you meant to toss weeks ago, and your oven likely remembers every pizza night gone wrong. But these forgotten messes can cost you, especially if your landlord does a thorough final inspection.
Use this checklist to make sure your appliances are spotless:
- Remove all food from the fridge and freezer, then clean every shelf and bin with warm, soapy water
- Scrub the oven interior, racks, and stovetop with a non-toxic degreaser or a baking soda paste
- Steam-clean the microwave with a bowl of water and vinegar, then wipe away food residue
- Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle with vinegar and clean the seals and filter afterward
- Disinfect the sink and faucet, scrubbing away soap scum and mineral buildup with a microfiber cloth and cleaning spray
If you're packing up a home in Marietta, the to-do list is already overwhelming, especially when trying to meet lease agreement standards and avoid losing your deposit. For tenants short on time or dealing with deep-cleaning tasks, booking cleaning services in Marietta can be a smart move. Professionals know exactly what landlords look for, and they'll make sure no greasy handle or sticky shelf is left behind.
2. Scrub Bathrooms Thoroughly
Let’s be honest. If there’s one place that really shows how clean a home is, it’s the bathroom. Landlords know it. Inspectors know it. And unfortunately, so do those little corners behind the toilet that love to collect grime. A less-than-sparkling bathroom can instantly turn your final inspection into a failed mission.
This isn’t just about wiping the sink and moving on. It’s about giving every surface the kind of deep cleaning that makes it look untouched. Think of it as hitting the reset button on your rental.
Here’s your bathroom cleaning checklist:
- Scrub the bathtub and shower walls to remove soap scum, mold, and any lingering residue
- Remove limescale and buildup from tiles, taps, and the showerhead using a detail brush and descaling cleaner
- Disinfect the toilet completely, including the bowl, seat, base, and behind the hinges
- Wipe mirrors clean with glass cleaner to avoid streaks or foggy spots
- Clean the sink and the surrounding countertop, polishing faucets and handles
- Sweep and mop the floor tiles, especially the corners where dust and hair love to hide
Give this room extra time and attention. It might just be the deal-breaker between getting your full deposit or not.
3. Wipe Down Baseboards and Clean Window Sills
They may not scream for attention like an unwashed oven or a dirty toilet, but baseboards and window sills can quietly sabotage your end-of-tenancy efforts. These spots are magnets for dust buildup and tend to collect everything from pet hair to forgotten cobwebs. And yes, landlord's notice.
The tricky part is that these areas often get ignored during regular cleaning, which makes their mess all the more obvious during a final inspection. Giving them a quick once-over won’t cut it. You need to be thorough to make a good impression.
Here’s what to tackle:
- Wipe baseboards with a damp microfiber cloth to lift off dust, grime, and scuff marks
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner on window sills to remove buildup and dirt settled in corners
- Spray glass cleaner on windows and wipe down the sills for a streak-free finish
These quiet corners say a lot about how well you’ve maintained the place. Make sure they tell the right story.
4. Clean Air Vents and Light Fixtures
You might not think to look up while cleaning, but your landlord definitely will. Dusty light fixtures and clogged air vents can instantly make a spotless room feel neglected. These are the kinds of details that separate a good cleaning job from a great one.
Most people forget these spots during regular upkeep, which makes them all the more noticeable during a move-out inspection. Giving them attention shows you’ve gone the extra mile—and that can work in your favor when it’s time to return the keys.
Make sure to check off the following:
- Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust from air vents and improve airflow
- Wipe down light fixtures with a microfiber cloth, including bulbs and lampshades
- Clean ceiling fans thoroughly and check for cobwebs around the base
- Don’t skip the light switches or outlet covers, which often show fingerprints and smudges
Little effort here can brighten the entire space, literally and figuratively.
5. Deep Clean Carpets and Floors
Floors take the brunt of everyday life. From muddy shoes to coffee spills and pet hair, they quietly gather evidence of your time in the rental. While they may not shout for attention, dirty carpets or scuffed floors are often the first thing your landlord will notice.
Even if you’ve done a weekly vacuum run, that won’t cut it during move-out. A deep clean is what transforms lived-in floors into inspection-ready surfaces. It’s about removing more than just dust. It’s about erasing the signs of daily wear that built up over time.
Here’s what to focus on before handing back the keys:
- Vacuum carpets with extra attention to corners and under furniture
- Spot-treat stains with a quality carpet cleaner or opt for a full steam clean if needed
- Mop all hard floors using a cleaner suitable for the surface type
- Wipe down edges and baseboards to catch hidden dust and debris
- Polish wooden floors if they have lost their shine
A well-cleaned floor gives the entire place a refreshed feel and helps you avoid last-minute charges on your final bill.
6. Remove Trash and Unwanted Items
You’ve cleaned every surface, polished every floor, and scrubbed the bathroom until it sparkled. But if there’s still a bag of trash by the door or an old chair in the corner, it can undo all your hard work. Leaving anything behind gives the impression that the job wasn’t finished.
Landlords are quick to charge for leftover junk, no matter how small it may seem. Even something as harmless as a forgotten laundry basket or a half-used bottle of detergent can end up on the final bill. Finishing strong means making sure everything is gone.
Before you close the door one last time, make sure to:
- Empty every trash bin and give them a quick rinse if they smell or have residue
- Remove all personal items, including clothing, food, decor, or storage containers
- Take time to check closets, drawers, and cabinets for forgotten items
- Donate or dispose of any large furniture you’re not taking with you
An empty space signals a clean break. It tells the landlord that you respected the rental and followed through on your tenant duties.
Conclusion
Moving out isn't just about packing boxes and forwarding your mail. It's about leaving behind a space that says, "I took care of this place." Whether you're scrubbing behind the toilet or polishing the oven racks, every task on this checklist pulls its weight. These aren’t just cleaning chores—they're your last line of defense against unnecessary deductions.
So before you wave goodbye to your rental, take one last walk-through, checklist in hand. If it smells clean, looks clean, and feels clean, you’re probably in the clear. Leave nothing but memories behind and maybe, just maybe, a landlord slightly impressed.
