Key takeaways
- Start with the kitchen and bathrooms, which landlords and buyers inspect first.
- Clean inside cabinets, closets and appliances once they are empty.
- Do floors last, so you are not walking on a clean surface.
- Photograph each room when you are done.
Kitchen
Wipe inside cabinets and drawers, clean the stovetop and oven, empty and wipe the refrigerator and freezer, scrub the sink and clean the dishwasher filter. Degrease cabinet fronts and the backsplash.
Wipe the tops of cabinets and appliance exteriors. These are the areas people forget and the ones inspectors check.
Bathrooms
Scrub the tub, shower and toilet, clean mirrors and fixtures and wipe inside vanities. Descale glass and faucets and clean exhaust fans.
Check grout for mildew and treat it, and wash the floor last.
Bedrooms, living areas and floors
Dust blinds, ceiling fans, vents and light fixtures, wipe baseboards, doors and window sills and clean inside closets. Vacuum carpet and mop hard floors.
Do floors last, working toward the exit, and take photos of each room for your records.
When to call a professional
If time is short or the home is large, a move-out cleaning team can do the whole list in a single visit. We clean empty homes in Nashville and the surrounding cities for tenants, landlords and sellers.
Quick answers
Do I need to clean carpets before I leave?
Many leases ask for professional carpet cleaning. Check your lease and keep a receipt.
Should I clean before or after the movers?
After. Clean once everything is out so you do not have to repeat work.
