Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Texas Renters

Kitchen

• Clean the inside of the oven, including the racks
• Empty and clean the inside of the fridge and freezer
• Wipe the inside of every cabinet and drawer
• Scrub the sink and faucet
• Wipe the range hood and any built-in microwave
• Run the garbage disposal and wipe the rim
• Wipe the stovetop, backsplash and counters
• Clean the outside of every appliance, including the top of the fridge
• Sweep and mop, including along the edges of the appliances

Bathrooms

• Scrub the tub, shower and tile, including soap scum on the glass
• Clean the toilet inside, outside and around the base
• Clean the sink, counter, faucet and mirror
• Wipe inside the vanity drawers and cabinets
• Wipe the exhaust fan cover
• Clean the mirror edges and the light fixture over the vanity
• Mop the floor

Bedrooms and living areas

• Wipe baseboards, door frames and doors
• Wipe light switches and outlet covers
• Dust ceiling fans and vent covers
• Wipe window sills
• Clear and wipe closet shelves
• Wipe closet doors and sweep the closet floors
• Vacuum and mop every floor
• Take out every bag of trash, including the last one

The move-out cleaning checklist items people forget

These are the spots that get skipped at midnight after the movers leave: the inside of the oven, the top of the fridge, inside the cabinets, the baseboards behind where the couch was, and the light switches. They're also easy things for a landlord to notice. Before you hand back the keys, do one last walk through every room with the lights on and the blinds open, and look at the floors from a low angle.

What you'll need

If you're doing it yourself: an all-purpose cleaner, a degreaser for the oven and stovetop, a bathroom cleaner for soap scum, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, a scrub brush, a vacuum, a mop and bucket, and trash bags. Start at the top of each room and work down, so the dust you knock loose lands on floors you haven't cleaned yet.

Leave yourself more time than you think. A full move-out clean on an empty house usually takes longer than people expect.

Texas deposit basics

Texas landlords generally have 30 days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. They can't deduct for normal wear and tear. Send your forwarding address in writing, because they don't have to send anything until they have it. This is general information, not legal advice, so check your lease too. Keep a copy of your lease, your move-in condition report if you have one, and your photos.

Or hand it to us

Our move-out clean is a deep clean done in an empty home, with the inside of the oven, fridge, cabinets and drawers included in the price. See exactly what's covered on our move-in and move-out cleaning page.

Prices are by square footage: $299 for homes up to 1,200 square feet, $425 for 1,800 to 2,500, and $575 for 3,200 to 4,000. You don't need to be there. Tell us how to get in, and we'll text you photos when we finish. They're handy to keep with your move-out records. Same-day booking adds $50 when we have an opening, and interior windows are a $60 add-on.

One McKinney renter's review: “Used them for a move-out clean in McKinney and got my full deposit back.” We can't promise what a landlord decides, but a clean house gives you the best shot. Book your move-out clean or text (945) 294-3935.