A Broom Clean Checklist to Complete Your Move-Out Cleaning

Moving out can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially for a first-time mover. Ensuring that your home is left spotless is crucial, whether you're aiming to recover your deposit, make a lasting impression on your landlord, or set yourself up for success with future rentals. Achieving a broom-clean standard means leaving the property free of personal belongings, dirt, and debris. With this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to make the moving process easier and more efficient.

Whether you’re a first-time mover or have gone through the overwhelming process of moving before, this broom clean checklist will help you get it right. And when you need extra help, remember that Linnsey’s Cleaning Services is your go-to expert for Eco-Friendly Solutions and professional move-out cleaning.

Why a Broom Clean Matters

Achieving a broom-clean standard is essential for several reasons:

1. Deposit Refunds: Most landlords require the property to be left broom clean before returning the security deposit.

2. Property Showings: Clean homes and apartments are more appealing to potential buyers or renters.

3. Personal Satisfaction: Leaving a clean space reflects well on you as a responsible tenant and helps make the moving process smoother.

The Comprehensive Broom Clean Checklist

We’ve broken down the detailed tasks of cleaning into manageable steps. Whether you’re cleaning laminate floors, carpets, or lighter surfaces, this checklist ensures that you won’t miss any area in your home.

General Cleaning

Floors:

• Sweep All Hard Floors: Start by sweeping all hard surfaces, such as laminate floors and tile. Focus on hard-to-reach places, like corners and edges, where dust and debris tend to accumulate.

• Mop Floors: Once swept, mop the floors using the appropriate cleaning spray for each surface. For laminate floors, use a cleaner specifically designed to avoid damage. If you have vinyl or tile floors, a multi-purpose cleaner works well.

• Vacuum Carpets and Rugs: Use a carpet cleaner or a vacuum with strong suction to remove dirt from carpets. Make sure to cover all areas, especially high-traffic zones.

Dusting:

• Dust All Surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth to dust surfaces like shelves, window sills, and baseboards. Microfiber cloths trap dust effectively, especially in indoor spaces with limited ventilation.

• Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures thoroughly, as they tend to accumulate dust over time. Use an extendable duster to reach high areas.

• Vents: Clean air vents and returns to prevent dust from circulating through the property.

Windows:

• Clean Windows Inside and Out: Use a glass cleaner to wipe down windows for a streak-free finish. For hard-to-reach places, consider using a squeegee or hose attachment.

• Window Sills and Tracks: Wipe down window sills and tracks using a damp cloth. Vacuum any unwanted items or dirt from the tracks for a smooth window operation.

Kitchen

Kitchens often require a deeper cleaning due to grease and food residue. Following these apartment cleaning steps will ensure the kitchen sparkles.

Cabinets and Drawers:

• Empty Cabinets and Drawers: Remove all items, including unnecessary items that no longer need to be kept.

• Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a mild cleaning spray to wipe down cabinet doors, drawers, and handles. Pay special attention to sticky residue or spills.

Countertops and Backsplashes:

• Clean and Disinfect: Wipe down countertops with a disinfectant cleaner to remove germs. For tougher stains, a baking soda paste is highly effective.

• Scrub Backsplashes: Clean backsplashes using a mixture of vinegar and water to remove food splatters and grease.

Appliances:

• Refrigerator: Empty the fridge, unplug it, and clean all interior shelves and drawers. A mix of baking soda and water will help remove lingering odors.

• Stove/Oven: Clean the stovetop, burners, and oven interior using an oven cleaner for stubborn grease. Don’t forget the knobs and control panels.

• Microwave: Clean the interior and exterior of the microwave. Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices to loosen grime and deodorize the space.

• Dishwasher: Wipe down the interior, remove debris from the filter, and run a cycle with vinegar to eliminate buildup.

Sinks and Faucets:

• Scrub the Sink: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to remove buildup and stains from the sink.

• Polish Faucets: Polish the faucet and handles for a sparkling finish.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms tend to accumulate grime and require a deep clean. Follow these steps for a thorough cleaning:

Sinks and Countertops:

• Scrub and Disinfect: Clean sinks and countertops with a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria.

• Polish Faucets: Polish faucets and handles to remove water spots.

Toilets:

• Clean Thoroughly: Scrub the toilet bowl, ensuring you clean under the rim and down to the base.

• Wipe Down Exterior: Use disinfectant wipes on the seat, lid, and handle to kill germs.

Showers and Bathtubs:

• Scrub Tiles and Grout: Use grout cleaners to remove mildew and buildup from shower tiles and grout.

• Clean Fixtures: Wipe down showerheads and faucets, using vinegar to dissolve any mineral deposits.

Mirrors and Glass:

• Streak-Free Cleaning: Clean mirrors and glass doors with a glass cleaner for a streak-free finish.

Floors:

• Sweep and Mop: Sweep and mop bathroom floors to remove any lingering dirt or stains.

Living Areas

These common areas need a final once-over to ensure everything looks neat.

Dusting and Surfaces:

• Dust and Wipe Down: Dust all surfaces, including shelves and furniture, to remove dust and dirt. Use a damp cloth for effective dust removal.

• Electronics: Dust electronics and screens with a dry cloth. For remotes and high-touch items, use disinfectant wipes.

Doors and Handles:

• Wipe Down Thoroughly: Clean doorknobs, light switches, and doors to remove any grime.

Floors:

• Vacuum and Sweep: Vacuum all carpets and sweep any hard flooring. Use a vacuum attachment to clean along baseboards and underneath furniture.

Bedrooms

Floors:

• Vacuum or Sweep: Ensure floors are free of dust, especially in hard-to-reach places like under the bed and behind furniture.

Surfaces:

• Dust and Wipe Down: Dust all surfaces, including nightstands and dressers, using a microfiber cloth.

Closets:

• Empty and Clean: Clear out all belongings and wipe down closet shelves and rods.

Final Touches and Miscellaneous Tasks

Trash Removal:

• Remove All Trash: Make sure all trash and unwanted items are removed from the property. Ensure trash cans are empty and clean.

Final Inspection:

• Check for Missed Areas: Look for any missed spots, such as smudges or dust.

Minor Repairs:

• Patch Holes and Touch Up Paint: Fill any small holes and touch up paint as necessary to leave the space looking its best for future occupants.

Tips for an Efficient Broom Clean

1. Gather Supplies: Have all your cleaning tools and products, including vacuums, mops, and sprays, ready before starting to avoid the last-minute scramble.

2. Create a Plan: Break down the cleaning into steps, focusing on one room or task at a time to make the overwhelming process easier.

3. Involve Others: If possible, involve family members or roommates to help with detailed tasks.

4. Use Proper Techniques: Follow best practices for specific surfaces, such as using the right cleaners for laminate floors or carpets, to avoid damage.

Achieving a broom-clean status is vital for a smooth home transition, whether you're a first-time mover or preparing a property for new tenants. By following this checklist, you can ensure your space is left spotless, creating a great lasting impression and making the process smoother.

For professional assistance, Linnsey’s Cleaning Services offers top-tier move-out cleaning with Eco-Friendly Solutions. Our team has a track record of helping renters and homeowners leave their spaces immaculate.

Contact us today to schedule your broom-clean service and experience a stress-free move-out!