When moving out of an apartment, one of your main priorities should be to follow all rules required to get your deposit back. While this may mean giving ample notice and returning keys, it’s also likely to require deep cleaning. If you want to tackle this task yourself to save some money, then keep the tips below in mind. These mover tips will help simplify the process so you can get your place looking like new again.
1. Clean the Cabinets
Once you’ve emptied your cabinets and have your belongings packed away, go through each with a vacuum. A wand attachment will help you eliminate extra crumbs and debris that have fallen into the crevices over time. If you notice any stains or drops of liquid, clean those up with a scrubbing sponge.
Once you’ve cleaned the inside of the cabinets and drawers, wipe down the outside with a damp microfiber cloth. If there are particularly tough stains that won’t come out, use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean them without causing damage. Last but not least, wipe off the cabinet pulls so they don’t have any food particles stuck on them.
2. Clean the Oven
It’s easy for an oven to become dirty over time with spilled and burnt foods. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to clean this debris off. However, you can handle it with a scrubbing sponge, oven cleaner, and some time. To make things easier, you can use your vacuum to take out crumbs and food particles quickly.
3. Clean Your Floors
Deep cleaning floors, whether by mopping or vacuuming is a surefire way to make your apartment look as clean as possible. To enhance your efforts, even more, don’t forget to clean off the baseboards as well. This step will require dusting as well as wiping down with a wet cloth, especially in areas that have gotten stains over time.
4. Dust
If you have shelving in your apartment, dust each area with a damp microfiber cloth. It’s also important to dust off the top of appliances and fan blades to make sure all hard-to-reach areas are clean. It’s easiest to do this after you’ve packed, so you don’t have to move things around as you go.
5. Clean the Windows
Cleaning the inside of the windows should be done before you leave. To start, wipe off the ledges and vacuum the interior of the window sill. After this, use a squeegee or microfiber cloth combined with a window cleaner to wipe the glass off. If there are blinds in front of the windows, use a cloth to wipe those down as well.
6. Clean Walls
Wipe down your walls with a damp towel to get off any dust, dirt, and possible spills. If you have any areas where holes were present from nails, fill these in and paint over them with the same color of paint.
7. Deep Clean Bathroom
When you clean your bathroom, wipe down the entire toilet and don’t forget to clean off the mirrors. You should also vacuum out the inside of the cabinets/drawers and scrub the shower/bathtub, so no stains are left behind.
Avoiding Surprises with an Inspection
Once you’ve deep cleaned your apartment, make sure to take a picture of the results. From there, it’s recommended to have an inspection with the landlord before you leave. This inspection will help you avoid surprises and ensure you get your deposit back before you move.