Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Ontario
Moving out is stressful enough without worrying about whether your place will pass inspection. Whether you’re a tenant eager to get your deposit back or a landlord preparing a unit for new tenants, ensuring your space is spotless is crucial. But, how do you know where to start?
Do you want to ensure your move-out inspection goes smoothly?
Are you unsure about what to clean to get your deposit back?
A move-out cleaning checklist can be a game-changer. It breaks down everything that needs to be done, making the process easier, faster, and more organized.
If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your apartment or house before moving out, don’t worry! We’ve created a detailed guide for move-out cleaning in Ontario, complete with room-by-room tasks and tips for making your move-out stress-free.
What’s Included in Move-Out Cleaning?
In Ontario, move-out cleaning goes beyond just sweeping the floors and removing trash. Landlords have specific expectations about the condition of their property when you move out. Whether you’re dealing with a rental apartment in Oakville, Burlington, or Mississauga, ensuring the property is cleaned to meet these standards can save you time, money, and frustration.
Do you want to avoid losing your security deposit over minor cleaning issues? By understanding what is expected during a move-out cleaning, you can ensure that you meet all landlord requirements and even exceed expectations.
Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) provides a framework for acceptable cleaning. It includes everything from cleaning appliances to wiping down baseboards. However, landlords can also have their own set of standards that you must meet.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to clean:
Room-by-Room Checklist
Living Room & Common Areas
Your living room is likely where the most dust and dirt accumulate over time. Make sure to do the following:
- Dust all surfaces: Shelves, baseboards, light fixtures, vents, and window sills.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs: Pay close attention to corners and edges, where dust can build up.
- Clean windows and blinds: Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and other residue.
- Wipe down all furniture: Don’t forget under chairs and couches, where dust and debris collect.
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the hardest room to clean when moving out. To ensure you pass your inspection, you’ll need to do a deep clean:
- Clean appliances: Wipe down the fridge, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Clean behind and underneath the refrigerator and oven.
- Clean countertops and cabinets: Remove crumbs, sticky spots, and grime.
- Deep clean oven and fridge: Use an oven cleaner to remove grease and spills. Defrost the refrigerator and clean inside.
- Clean sink and faucet: Use vinegar and baking soda to remove stains and odors.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms need a lot of attention, especially if there is hard water buildup or soap scum. Here’s what to clean:
- Scrub shower and bathtub: Remove soap scum, mildew, and stains with a heavy-duty cleaner.
- Clean toilet: Clean the inside, outside, and behind the toilet. Don’t forget to clean the tank.
- Wipe down mirrors and counters: Remove toothpaste splatters, soap marks, and water stains.
- Clean tiles and grout: Scrub grout lines and tiles with a cleaner designed for this purpose.
Bedrooms
Make sure to leave each bedroom in great shape:
- Dust furniture: Dressers, nightstands, tables, and even ceiling fans.
- Vacuum the floors: Ensure no dust, dirt, or pet hair is left behind.
- Wipe down baseboards: Often overlooked, but essential for a thorough clean.
Hallways & Staircases
Don’t forget these high-traffic areas. Clean thoroughly, especially if there is heavy dust accumulation:
- Vacuum or sweep: Ensure no dust or dirt is left behind.
- Wipe handrails and light fixtures: This ensures the entire area is clean, not just the floors.
Supplies & Tools for Effective Cleaning
To avoid running around looking for cleaning supplies or making unnecessary trips to the store, it’s best to gather everything in advance. Here’s a list of supplies and tools you’ll need for a successful move-out cleaning:
- Microfiber cloths: Great for dusting and wiping down all surfaces.
- HEPA vacuum: Ideal for removing pet hair, dust, and other allergens.
- Baking soda: Works wonders as a natural deodorizer and cleaner.
- Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that cleans surfaces, removes stains, and deodorizes.
- All-purpose cleaner: For surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, and other rooms.
- Scrub brush: Essential for scrubbing tough stains, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Sponges: Good for cleaning sinks, tubs, and countertops.
- Gloves: To protect your hands while cleaning.
What other tools do you need? For a 2-bedroom apartment, you can expect to spend around 4-6 hours cleaning thoroughly. If you’d rather save time, consider booking a professional cleaning service to handle the hard work.
How Long Does Move-Out Cleaning Take?
How much time do you want to spend cleaning? For most tenants, cleaning an apartment before moving out can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property.
- For a 2-bedroom apartment, expect to spend a good chunk of the day cleaning.
- For larger homes, cleaning can take even longer, especially if there’s a lot of furniture and carpets to scrub.
Hiring a professional cleaning service like Tidy Up North can save you time if you have a tight schedule. We’ll handle the entire cleaning process, ensuring every detail is covered and leaving you with a spotless property.
Landlord Expectations
Ontario landlords generally expect tenants to leave their properties in broom-clean condition. This means the property should be free of personal belongings and any visible debris. Do you know what’s required in a move-out inspection?
Here are some key expectations:
- Clean floors: No visible dirt, dust, or stains on carpets or hardwood.
- Appliance cleanliness: All appliances should be wiped down and free of food residues.
- No personal belongings left behind: Ensure you’ve taken everything with you.
- General cleanliness: A well-maintained, dust-free property is the goal.
Meeting these expectations increases your chances of getting your full security deposit back.
Common Misses in Move-Out Cleaning
If you’re cleaning yourself, here are a few areas that tenants often miss:
- Baseboards: Dust and grime accumulate here, especially in corners.
- Fridge & Oven: People often forget to clean the spaces behind and under the appliances.
- Light Fixtures: Dust and fingerprints can make a big difference in the final inspection.
- Air Vents: Dust can build up inside air vents and should be cleaned for air quality.
- Window Tracks: Over time, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate in these tracks.
Do you want to ensure you don’t miss any details?
Use our free downloadable checklist to cover every inch of the property.
Free Printable: Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
We know cleaning can feel like a never-ending task. To help, we’ve created a free, downloadable move-out cleaning checklist that includes everything you need to do to ensure you meet Ontario’s move-out standards.
When Should You Book a Professional Move-Out Clean?
Timing is everything when it comes to move-out cleaning. When should you schedule your cleaning service? It’s best to book your cleaning service 1-2 days before your move-out date to give yourself time for last-minute tasks.
Booking early ensures that:
- You won’t be rushed before your inspection.
- Professional cleaners can address every detail of your move-out.
- You can focus on other aspects of the move.
Conclusion: Take the Stress Out of Moving
Are you ready to make your move-out easier? Cleaning doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. You can clean your entire property quickly and effectively with the proper planning, the right tools, and a checklist to guide you.
Download the free checklist to keep track of your tasks and book your professional cleaning service with Tidy Up North. We’re here to make your move-out cleaning seamless and stress-free.
Ready to get started?
Book your move-out cleaning now and ensure a smooth inspection and a perfect finish to your moving process.
Book Now, Let Us Handle Your Move-Out Cleaning
FAQ Section (People Also Ask)
- What is included in move-out cleaning in Ontario?
A complete move-out cleaning includes cleaning appliances, deep cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, wiping down baseboards, and vacuuming or mopping floors. - How long does move-out cleaning take for a 2-bedroom?
Typically, a 2-bedroom apartment will take 4 to 6 hours to clean thoroughly. - Do I need to steam-clean carpets when moving out?
If the carpets are heavily stained or dirty, steam cleaning may be required, especially by landlords who expect a spotless property. - What supplies do I need for move-out cleaning?
You’ll need supplies such as microfiber cloths, vinegar, baking soda, all-purpose cleaner, and a HEPA vacuum to get the job done. - How clean does an apartment have to be when you move out?
It must be in broom-clean condition, meaning it should be free of personal belongings and debris, with all appliances cleaned and floors swept or vacuumed. - Should I clean or paint nail holes before moving out?
Yes, it’s recommended to patch and paint any holes from nails to avoid extra charges from your landlord. - What areas are most commonly missed in move-out cleaning?
Baseboards, fridge, oven, and light fixtures are often overlooked. Make sure to clean these areas to avoid deductions from your deposit. - When should I book a professional move-out clean?
It’s best to book your cleaning service 1-2 days before your move-out date, ensuring ample time for the cleaners to work thoroughly.