A move-out cleaning checklist covers every room of an empty home: the kitchen inside and out, bathrooms, closets, cabinets, window tracks, baseboards and floors. Clean top to bottom, room by room, after the furniture is out. In Maryland, a clean unit also makes the final walk-through easier when your landlord reviews the security deposit.
Quick answer
- Wait until the home is empty so every surface is reachable.
- Work top to bottom: shelves and fixtures first, floors last.
- Don’t skip the inside of cabinets, the oven, the fridge and window tracks.
- In Maryland, landlords have 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit or send an itemized list of damages.
- Short on time? Book a move-out cleaning.
What should a move-out cleaning checklist include?
Go room by room. This is the list we use as a starting point for a vacant home:
Kitchen
- Wipe the inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers
- Clean countertops, backsplash, sink and faucet
- Clean the inside of the oven, fridge and microwave
- Wipe the outside of all appliances, including the hood
- Sweep and mop, including under the edges of appliances
Bathrooms
- Scrub the toilet, tub, shower and tile
- Clean the sink, faucet, mirror and medicine cabinet (inside too)
- Wipe light fixtures, switches and the exhaust fan cover
- Mop the floor and wipe the baseboards
Bedrooms and living areas
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Wipe closet shelves and rods
- Wipe doors, door frames, knobs and switch plates
- Clean interior windows, sills and tracks
- Hand-wipe baseboards
- Vacuum and mop all floors
When should I do the move-out cleaning?
After everything is packed and moved out, and before the final walk-through. Boxes and furniture hide dust and marks, so cleaning an occupied home twice is common. If you need the cleaning on a specific date, book it as soon as you know your move date.
Will a clean home help me get my security deposit back?
It helps, but it isn’t the only factor. Under Maryland law, landlords can only deduct for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and they must return the deposit or send a written list of damages within 45 days after the tenancy ends. Tenants can also ask for a final inspection by certified mail at least 15 days before moving out. Check your lease and the Maryland People’s Law Library for the details that apply to you.
What isn’t part of a move-out cleaning?
Repairs and painting, hauling away furniture or trash, and exterior windows. Carpet steam cleaning is usually a separate add-on. If your lease requires professional carpet cleaning, plan for it.
Moving out in Silver Spring or the DMV? Our move-in / move-out cleaning covers empty homes top to bottom, including inside cabinets and closets. Supplies are included and estimates are free.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a move-out cleaning take?
It depends on the size and condition of the home. An empty apartment takes less time than a full house with a finished basement. Photos help us give you a realistic estimate.
Should I clean before or after the movers come?
After. Once the rooms are empty you can reach baseboards, closets and floors, and you won’t have to clean twice.
Do I need to clean inside the fridge and oven?
Yes, landlords and new owners usually check them. Empty and wipe the fridge, and clean the oven interior.
How long does a Maryland landlord have to return a security deposit?
45 days after the tenancy ends, either with the deposit or with a written, itemized list of damages and costs.
Can Ana’s Cleaning Services do my move-out cleaning?
Yes. We clean vacant homes in Silver Spring and across the DMV. Call or text (240) 350-6404 or request a free estimate online.
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Let us handle the move-out cleaning
Tell us about your space and we’ll send a free estimate. You can call, text or fill out the quote form, and attach photos if you like.
- Phone / text: (240) 350-6404
- Email: contact@anas-cleaningservices.com
- Hours: Mon–Sat 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · Sunday closed
- Service area: Silver Spring, MD and the DMV area
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