top of page
Writer's pictureEd Arellano

Get Your Security Deposit Back: The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for PBC Services Clients in Murrieta, CA

Moving to a new place can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between packing up all your belongings, coordinating movers, and trying to remember everything on your to-do list, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important tasks: cleaning your old home before you hand over the keys. Whether you’re selling your home in Murrieta or moving out of your apartment, a thorough move-out cleaning is essential. Not only does it help ensure that the new occupants walk into a fresh, clean space, but if you’re a renter, it could be the key to getting your security deposit back in full.




At PBC Services, we understand that move-out cleaning can feel like just another daunting task on your already long list. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate move-out cleaning checklist, packed with expert tips to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. So, grab your cleaning supplies (or better yet, book us to do the heavy lifting for you), and let’s dive into every nook and cranny of your old place to leave it spotless.


1. Prioritize High-Impact Areas


Moving is a massive undertaking, and cleaning can feel like an additional burden. The key to tackling your move-out cleaning effectively is to focus on the areas that will have the biggest impact. These are the spots that new occupants or potential buyers will notice first, and where a little extra effort will make a big difference.


Kitchen Appliances and Cabinets


The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and it’s also one of the areas that gets dirtiest. Start by cleaning the insides of all appliances—oven, microwave, fridge, and dishwasher. Remove any crumbs, food spills, and grime that have accumulated over time. Don’t forget the interior of your cabinets! Wipe them down thoroughly, inside and out, and ensure that no old food particles or residue are left behind. A clean kitchen makes a powerful first impression and can go a long way in making your home feel welcoming.


Bathrooms


Bathrooms are another high-impact area that needs your attention. Scrub down the shower, tub, sinks, and toilet. Make sure to remove any soap scum, mold, or mildew. Clean the mirrors and shine the faucets to give the bathroom a polished look. Don’t forget to wipe down the cabinets and drawers here as well.


Clean Windows

2. Give Your Carpets Some Love


Carpets can hold onto dirt, dust, and stains that have accumulated over the years. If you’ve had pets or kids, your carpets might need some extra TLC. While vacuuming is a good start, it might not be enough to get your carpets truly clean.


Professional Carpet Cleaning


Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service to deep clean your carpets. Professionals have the tools and expertise to remove even the most stubborn stains and odors, leaving your carpets looking and smelling fresh. If you decide to do it yourself, start by vacuuming to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, use a carpet cleaning machine with a high-quality cleaning solution to deep clean the carpets. Be sure to spot-treat any stains before running the machine, and allow plenty of time for the carpets to dry completely before moving any furniture back in.


Check for Black Lines


If you notice a black line along the edges of your carpets, this could indicate poor air circulation in the home. These lines are often caused by soot buildup from air that isn’t moving sufficiently through the property. If this is the case, your air ducts might be due for a cleaning. It’s a good idea to address this issue before moving out, as it could also improve the air quality in your new home.


3. Sort Through Your Clothes


Moving is a great opportunity to declutter your wardrobe and get rid of clothes you no longer wear. It’s also a step that can save you time and space during your move.


Organize by Season


Start by organizing your clothing by season. This will make it easier to pack and unpack later. Separate your clothes into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. If you haven’t worn an item in the past year, it might be time to let it go.


Use Space-Saving Techniques


To conserve space, vacuum seal your packed clothing. This not only reduces the volume of your belongings but also helps protect your clothes during the move. For more delicate items, consider using poly bags or garment bags from your local dry cleaner to keep them safe and wrinkle-free.


4. Clean Your Windows Inside and Out


Windows are like the eyes of your home—they let in light and offer a view of the outside world. Clean windows can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels.


Start with the Frames and Sills


Before you clean the glass, take the time to dust or vacuum the window frames and sills. These areas can accumulate a surprising amount of dirt and cobwebs, especially if they haven’t been cleaned in a while.


Wash the Glass


Next, use a high-quality window cleaning solution and a squeegee to clean the glass. Work from top to bottom to avoid drips and streaks. For a streak-free finish, use a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper to buff the glass. Don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside of the windows for maximum clarity and light.


Sparkling Appliances

5. Refresh the Exterior


First impressions matter, especially if you’re selling your home. The exterior of your house is the first thing potential buyers or new occupants will see, so it’s worth taking the time to make it shine.


Pressure Washing


Pressure washing is an effective way to remove dirt, grime, and other debris from your home’s exterior surfaces. Focus on high-traffic areas like walkways, driveways, and patios, as well as any spots where mold or mildew might be growing. A clean exterior not only looks better but can also help to increase your home’s curb appeal and overall value.





Roof Cleaning


Don’t overlook your roof. A dirty roof can be a major turn-off for potential buyers. Consider hiring a professional to clean your roof before putting your home on the market. A clean roof can make your home look well-maintained and can help to prolong the life of your roofing materials.


6. Take Your Time with the Cleaning


Move-out cleaning is not a task to rush through. Even though your furniture and belongings might be out of the way, you’re now faced with cleaning areas that were previously hidden, and that can take more time than you’d expect.


Plan Ahead


Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need for the cleaning process. Start early and tackle one room at a time. This will help you stay organized and ensure that no detail is overlooked.


Don’t Forget the Walls and Ceilings


When your furniture is moved out, you might notice scuff marks, dust, or cobwebs on the walls and ceilings. Take the time to dust and wipe down these areas, as they can make a big difference in the overall cleanliness of your home.

Outdoor Cleaning

7. Pay Attention to the Fridge


The refrigerator is often one of the most overlooked areas during a move-out cleaning, but it’s one of the most important. No one wants to move into a home and find a dirty, smelly fridge.


Empty and Clean the Interior


Start by removing all the food from the fridge and freezer. Discard any expired items and pack up anything you plan to take with you. Then, use warm water and a mild detergent to wipe down the shelves, drawers, and interior walls of the fridge. Pay special attention to any sticky spots or spills.


Clean the Exterior


Don’t forget to clean the outside of the fridge as well. Wipe down the doors, handles, and sides with a damp cloth. If your fridge has a water and ice dispenser, make sure to clean that area too, as it can accumulate grime over time.


8. Sanitize High-Touch Areas


In today’s world, cleanliness and sanitation are more important than ever. High-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and cabinet handles are often neglected during regular cleanings, but they should be a priority during a move-out cleaning.


Use Disinfectant Wipes


After you’ve cleaned these areas, go over them with a disinfectant wipe to kill any lingering germs and bacteria. This is especially important if the new occupants are concerned about hygiene and cleanliness.


Don’t Forget the Stair Railings


If your home has stairs, make sure to sanitize the railings as well. These are often touched but rarely cleaned, making them a potential hotspot for germs.


9. Pay Attention to Your Baseboards


Baseboards are another area that can be easily overlooked, but clean baseboards can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels.


Use a Soft-Bristled Brush


Start by using a soft-bristled brush, like a clean paintbrush, to loosen any dust or dirt from the crevices of the baseboards. Then, wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Make sure to clean any stubborn stains, and finish by using a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.


10. Clean Your Cabinets Thoroughly


The inside of kitchen and bathroom cabinets are often overlooked during regular cleanings, but they can accumulate dust, crumbs, and even remnants of old toiletries or food. When you’re moving out, it’s essential to leave these spaces spotless for the next occupants.


Vacuum and Wipe Down


Start by removing all items from the cabinets and drawers. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suck up any loose debris, crumbs, or dust from the corners and edges. Pay special attention to the back corners, where dirt tends to accumulate.


Wipe with a Damp Cloth


Once the loose debris is removed, take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down the interior surfaces of the cabinets and drawers. If you come across any sticky spots or stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning solution to remove them. Make sure to clean both the shelves and the walls of the cabinets. Don’t forget to wipe down the cabinet doors—both inside and out— as well as the hardware, such as handles and knobs.


Don’t Forget the Tops and Bottoms


The tops of cabinets, especially in the kitchen, can accumulate a lot of grease and dust over time. If possible, use a step stool to reach the tops of the cabinets and give them a thorough cleaning as well. Similarly, the bottoms of the cabinets, especially the toe kicks, can gather dust and dirt that should be wiped clean.


Leave Cabinets Open to Air Dry


After wiping down the cabinets, leave the doors open for a few minutes to allow them to air dry completely. This helps prevent any lingering moisture from causing mold or mildew, ensuring that the cabinets are fresh and clean for the new occupants.


By taking the time to clean your cabinets thoroughly, you’ll leave your old home in excellent condition, ready for the next residents to move in and make it their own.


11. Remove Hard Water Stains in the Bathroom


Hard water stains can be tough to remove, especially if they’ve been building up for a while. However, leaving them behind can make your bathroom look dirty and neglected.


Use an Acidic Cleaner


To remove hard water stains, use an acidic cleaning solution like Gel Scrub. Apply the solution to the stained areas, agitate it with a hard-bristled brush, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Your glass shower door might end up looking so clean that it’s nearly invisible!


12. Don’t Overlook Your Dishwasher


The dishwasher is another area that can be easy to forget during a move-out cleaning, but it’s important to clean it thoroughly.


Clean the Interior


Start by removing any debris or food particles from the bottom of the dishwasher and the drain. Then, run a cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack to eliminate any residue or odors. After that, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another cycle to remove any remaining residue and refresh the scent.


Wipe Down the Exterior


Don’t forget to clean the dishwasher door and controls with a damp cloth or sponge. This will remove any smudges or fingerprints and leave the appliance looking clean and shiny.


13. Clean Every Nook and Cranny


When it comes to move-out cleaning, the saying “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t apply. It’s important to clean every nook and cranny to ensure your home is truly move-in ready.


Focus on Hard-to-Reach Areas


Make sure to clean areas like window panels, blinds, sliding tracks, trim and ledges, ceiling fixtures, and fan blades. These spots can accumulate a lot of dust and dirt, especially if they haven’t been cleaned in a while.


Clean Behind and Under Appliances


Don’t forget to clean behind and under appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer. These areas can be hotbeds for dirt, dust, and even pests if they’re not cleaned regularly.


HVAC System


Finally, make sure your HVAC system is clean. Change the filters and dust the vents to ensure that the air quality in the home is fresh and clean.


14. Don’t Forget to Sanitize


After all the cleaning is done, it’s important to go back and sanitize the high-touch areas one more time. This includes doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and cabinet handles. By sanitizing these areas, you’re not just cleaning—you’re also ensuring that the home is safe and healthy for the new occupants.


15. Call the Pros if You Need Extra Help


Let’s be honest: move-out cleaning can be exhausting. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to call in the professionals. Hiring a professional cleaning service like PBC Services can take a huge weight off your shoulders and ensure that your home is left in pristine condition.


What We Offer


At PBC Services, we specialize in move-out cleanings. We know what landlords and new homeowners expect, and we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right. From deep-cleaning carpets to scrubbing every corner of your kitchen, we’ll leave your home spotless and ready for its next chapter.


Book Your Move-Out Cleaning Today


Ready to make your move stress-free? Book our move-out cleaning service today and leave the dirty work to us! Call or text us at 951-877-8788 or visit PBC Services to schedule your appointment. Let’s get your old place looking as good as new!

コメント


bottom of page