Move-Out Cleaning Supplies and Equipment: What Do I Need?

Importance of Using the Right Move-Out Cleaning Supplies

Completing a detailed move-out cleaning is essential to getting your security deposit back. In fact, many landlords require that you hire a professional cleaning service as a part of your lease before you move out.

If you’re able and decide to do your move-out cleaning yourself, it’s important to have the right tools to make sure the job is done properly and efficiently. You probably wouldn’t try to hang a picture frame with an Allen wrench or a circular saw. Similarly, you need the proper supplies to ensure your move-out cleaning is done well.

That said, you don’t need to buy top-of-the-line products and equipment to get your home move-out ready.

The right supplies for your move-out cleaning will help you:

• Work quicker so you have more time to organize and pack your belongings
• Stay within your move-out budget or even save money
• Leave your home in excellent condition for the next tenants
• Get your security deposit back

Below, learn our suggestions for must-have and supplemental move-out cleaning supplies.

Must-Have Move-Out Cleaning Supplies

With a DIY move-out cleaning, it’s important to set yourself up for success. Even if your lease doesn’t require a professional cleaning when you move out, it’s still likely that your home will be assessed with high standards by your landlord to determine whether you can get your security deposit back.

The best way to perform a thorough move-out cleaning is by using the proper tools and supplies. You’ll need chemical cleaners for the various surfaces in your home, as well as items to apply the cleaners, such as sponges, scrub brushes, and microfiber cloths.

Here is a complete list of essential move-out cleaning supplies:

• Broom
• Bucket
• Dish soap
• Dustpan
• Microfiber cloths
• Mop
• Multipurpose cleaner
• Rubber gloves
• Scrub brush
• Sponges
• Spray bottle
• Toothbrushes
• Vacuum
• Window cleaner

It’s likely that you already have the majority of these move-out cleaning supplies available in your home. If not, you can purchase them from your local supermarket.

These supplies will provide a solid foundation for an exceptional move-out clean. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our move-out cleaning guide for tenants to know exactly how to complete your move-out cleaning.

Optional Move-Out Supplies for Deep Cleaning

The gadgets below aren’t necessary for a move-out cleaning, but they will make your work easier and quicker. Not to mention, you’ll be able to use these tools for years to come during your normal household cleaning.

Optional move-out cleaning supplies include:

• Cordless carpet cleaner
• Cordless vacuum
• Magic Erasers
• Powered scrubber
• Spin mop
• Steam cleaner
• Steam mop

These devices will minimize the elbow grease needed to make your home spotless before move-out.

What to Expect With Your Move-Out Cleaning

Move-out cleaning is similar to deep cleaning, requiring several hours and difficult labor. Expect to spend about 6-12 hours for your move-out cleaning, depending on the size of your home.

During your move-out cleaning, you’ll be dusting, scrubbing, and sanitizing many areas in your home that probably don’t get much attention. For example, you likely don’t clean your dishwasher or baseboards all that often. But these are important tasks when cleaning before moving out.

As you’re deep cleaning, remember to be patient, utilize the right supplies, and ask for help when needed.

Pro Tip: Split the Workload

If you don’t want to or don’t have time to do your move-out cleaning all in one day, you can split it up over a few days. This will allow you to spend 2-3 hours each day cleaning one area of your home at a time. You can also recruit family members or friends to help the cleaning go by quicker.

If you’re splitting the workload, start with the most difficult to clean areas in your home first. For many, this is the kitchen and bathroom. Then, finish the simpler tasks last, such as cleaning the living room and bedrooms.

Having this structure in place will help your work seem more manageable.

Short on Time? Hire a Move-Out Cleaning Service

If you don’t have the time to clean your home before moving, or if you’d just rather hire a professional, many top cleaning services offer move-out cleaning to help save you time and energy.

Although it will cost you a bit to hire a cleaning service, they will have a better idea of how to complete a move-out cleaning. This professional touch will leave you with a cleaner, better-looking property and give you a better chance at getting your security deposit back. Plus, you won’t have to have your own supplies.

That said, not all cleaning services offer move-out cleaning, so make sure to check their website or give them a call before hiring them. If you have an idea of what should be included in a move-out cleaning, you’ll know if a cleaning business is right for your home.

Visit Moveout.com to hire a move-out cleaning service in your area.