Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by Kravelv
If you’re a renter leaving your place, one of the principal concerns is getting your security deposit back. The return of a renter’s security deposit depends on the condition of the rented place. Below, we offer some useful move-out cleaning tips to ensure you get your security deposit back in full!
Wipe Down All Surfaces
A good place to start with your deep cleaning is by wiping down every surface you can find. We’re not exaggerating when we say all surfaces either—if you can see it in your place, you should wipe it down with something to remove dirt, dust, grime, and whatever else. The surface areas you need to wipe down include:
- Windows
- Doors and door knobs
- Walls and baseboards
- Cabinets and liners
- Light switches and outlets
Deep Clean the Carpets
If your rented place has carpets, you’ll most likely want to deep clean the carpets before you go. Your carpet will likely have a few stains or issues after years of living with it, but you’ll want to get it to look as good as new when you leave it, and vacuuming alone won’t do it.
A deep cleaning is the best way to eliminate long-standing pet odors. You can save money by doing it yourself and renting a carpet cleaner from a nearby hardware store like The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Don’t Forget To Clean the Fridge
A move-out cleaning tip you don’t want to forget to get your security deposit back is to clean the fridge. We don’t often think of our fridges as dirty places, but if you’ve only cleaned yours a few times, you’ll want to give it a deep clean before leaving.
Take out all of the food and drink in your fridge, including everything in drawers or on the shelf, and then remove the shelves and drawers. Clean every inch of the fridge vigorously with hot, soapy water.
Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda for Stovetops
Another common area where landlords ding renters for neglect is the stovetop. If you have an electric stove top, you can understand how magnetic it is for stains, and it’s not so easy to clean as wiping it with a sponge.
The best solution for cleaning a stovetop is with a solution of vinegar and baking soda and a hot, damp towel. Coat the stove top with the vinegar and sprinkle the baking soda over it. Then, place the hot, damp towel over it and let it rest for 10 minutes before scrubbing the stovetop clean.
We hope our tips prove helpful in earning back your security deposit. Clean every bit of your apartment or rented home as much as you can to ensure there’s no excuse to withhold your security deposit!