You’ve packed the boxes. You’ve hired the movers. You’ve changed your address. But before you can close the door on your old apartment or rental house, there is one massive hurdle left: the move-out clean.
For renters, the security deposit is a significant amount of money. Landlords are notorious for deducting steep cleaning fees for things you might not even notice. At SLMP Cleaning Services, we specialize in Move-In/Move-Out turnovers. We know exactly what property managers look for. Here is your guide to getting your money back.
The kitchen is the number one place where deposits are lost. It requires more than a simple wipe-down.
Inside the Appliances: This is the most common “gotcha.” You must clean the inside of the oven (remove that burnt cheese), the microwave, and the refrigerator. Don’t forget to pull the drawers out and wash underneath them.
Cabinets: Landlords open every door. Vacuum out crumbs from the corners of the drawers and wipe down cabinet fronts to remove sticky fingerprints.
The Range Hood: Run your finger over the hood above your stove. If it’s sticky, it needs degreasing.
Bathrooms must be sanitized, not just rinsed.
Limescale: If you have glass shower doors or chrome fixtures, remove white cloudy spots using vinegar or a specialized cleaner.
The Toilet: Clean behind the toilet base. This area collects dust and hair and is often overlooked by tenants, but always checked by inspectors.
You might not look at your baseboards often, but they collect years of dust.
Remove Scuff Marks: Use a gentle sponge to remove marks from hallways and high-traffic areas.
Dusting Baseboards: Damp wipe all baseboards. If they are gray with dust, it makes the entire room look dull.
Light Switches: Wipe these down. Over time, they accumulate oils from hands and begin to darken. A quick wipe makes the room feel instantly refreshed.
If natural light can’t shine through, the space feels unclean.
Blinds: Dust each slat. If they are plastic or vinyl, they may need a damp wipe.
Window Sills & Tracks: Dust and debris accumulate in window tracks. Vacuum and wipe these areas thoroughly.
Can you do this yourself? Yes. Do you want to? Moving is exhausting. By the time the boxes are gone, most people are physically drained. A proper move-out clean can take 6–10 hours of detailed labor.
When you hire SLMP for a Move-Out clean, we provide a checklist aligned with landlord standards. If an issue arises with something we cleaned, we return and address it. It’s added protection for your deposit and peace of mind during an already stressful time.
Leaving your old home spotless is not just about the money—it’s about closing a chapter with integrity. Whether you grab a bucket and do it yourself or hire the "Shine Like Magic" professionals to handle it for you, make sure you leave the space ready for its next story.
Our teams are strategically located to provide reliable, insured service in two major markets. We cover the Metro Atlanta and Jonesboro, GA. Check our map to see if our vetted professionals are in your neighborhood today.
See Where We Shine
SLMP Cleaning Services provides professional residential cleaning across Georgia. Our vetted team uses eco-friendly products to make your space 'Shine Like Magic'—safely and reliably.
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