The most common mistakes in move-out cleaning

Almost everyone will sooner or later face a move and, with it, move-out cleaning. Move-out cleaning can sometimes feel stressful because there is a lot to do, the move is often still in progress, and the return of the rental deposit may depend on the quality of the cleaning. If there are clear shortcomings in the move-out cleaning, the costs of additional cleaning may be deducted from the rental deposit.

How should you prepare for move-out cleaning?

The most important thing is to reserve enough time for move-out cleaning. Depending on the size of the home, the cleaning may not even be completed in one day. The more time you reserve for the final cleaning, the more flexibility you have in the schedule. Quite often, there is much more to clean than expected, and time becomes tight.

It is worth emptying the home as much as possible before move-out cleaning. The fewer items there are in the apartment, the easier it is to clean. Removing furniture can also reveal dirt in unexpected places.

Also reserve enough cleaning equipment for thoroughly cleaning the entire home and all the necessary chemicals for removing even difficult dirt. For example, cleaning the stove and oven may require cleaning products intended for grease removal. However, make sure you use the correct chemicals on the correct surfaces, as unsuitable products can damage certain materials.

Clean according to a move-out cleaning checklist

It is worth carrying out move-out cleaning according to the landlord's inspection checklist, because this helps ensure that you clean all the areas that will be checked after the move. A very common mistake is forgetting difficult or hidden areas. Below, we have collected the most common items found on move-out cleaning checklists.

In every room:

• Wipe the walls, doors, radiators, spaces between radiators, and cabinet surfaces inside and outside with a damp cloth.
• Clean ventilation valves, electrical sockets and light switches.
• Wash the windows and glass surfaces, in winter only from the inside.
• Remove all personal belongings from storage spaces and storage rooms.
• Vacuum and wash the floors without forgetting the skirting boards.

In the kitchen:

• Clean the oven and stove thoroughly inside and outside. Move the stove and clean behind it as well, if possible. Also clean the baking trays.
• Clean the refrigerator inside and outside. Wash the refrigerator shelves and defrost the freezer. Also move the refrigerator and clean behind it if possible.
• Clean other fixed household appliances, drawers and cabinets inside and outside. Clean the kitchen worktop and sink, and check that the drain flows properly.

Bathrooms and sauna:

• Clean the toilet thoroughly and also clean the toilet seat and outer surfaces.
• Wipe the washbasin clean, check that the drain flows properly, and wipe the mirror cabinet inside and outside.
• Wash stains from wall and floor surfaces.
• Remove limescale from the washbasin tap and shower.
• Clean the floor drains.
• In the sauna, wipe the benches as well as the other surfaces.

Where can you get help with move-out cleaning?

Extra helping hands are always useful during move-out cleaning. Large pieces of furniture are easier to move, and cleaning is completed faster when there are several cleaners. If your own time and energy are limited because of the move, it may be a good idea to hire a professional to carry out the move-out cleaning for you. Professionals know how to clean your home according to a move-out cleaning checklist, and they have the cleaning equipment and chemicals needed for different surfaces. Many cleaning services, such as PuhdasFix, are also happy to carry out the cleaning while you focus on the move.

Move-out cleaning is a necessary part of changing homes, but it should not be allowed to spoil the beginning in your new home. If you have move-out cleaning ahead and are considering professional help, you can find more information about PuhdasFix's move-out cleaning service here: https://www.puhdasfix.fi/muuttosiivous-oulu. We provide move-out cleaning help in Oulu and nearby areas, also on a short schedule.