I am moving out of a rental home and need deposit back. Cleaning HELP!!?

Question

I am moving out of a rental home and I need to get as much of my deposit back as possible, so I need to clean. Any tips on things that absolutly should be done rather than things that don't really need to be done?
HELP!!!

Answer 1

Things that absolutely need to be done to get your deposit back -

Repair (major) holes in the walls and clean walls
Mop floors
Clean oven and stove
Clean fridge *twitch*
Shampoo carpet (yes, it's sort of ridiculous since they're only going to shampoo it anyway)
Clean bathtub and toilet

I think that's about it. I know it seems like a lot to do, but it's worth it to get your deposit back.

Answer 2

Kitchen: Appliances should be empty and clean, inside & out. Also cabinets and drawers.

Bathroom: No scum in tub or toilet, clean medicine cabinet and sink. Wipe floor.

Is the furniture going with you? If so, make sure you check under the furniture for spots, stains, etc. Lift or move the furniture and vacuum/clean all carpets, or do this last after all furniture is out.

Walls: Did you leave any gaping holes? Toothpaste will do a quick fill-in if you did, or you can be nice and actually use a dab of putty.

Walk around the house like a stranger. Would *you* want to move in there? That's the test. Good luck getting the deposit back!

If you have any questions on how to clean any of the stuff you run across, try www.eHow.com -- great site for all kinds of cleaning questions.

Answer 3

If you have the time, spray Easy Off Oven cleaner into a cold oven. Leave for 20-40 minutes and the wipe clean. It will look 100% better (even if not perfect. I would also wipe out the inside of the fridge.

I would also wipe down the walls around the front door and in the bathroom. You want the place to look as clean as possible without having to wash all the walls, paint or rent a carpet cleaner. (Unless you have to)

Pretty much the deposit is for people who trash stuff. If you've looked after the place, they'll accept "normal" wear & tear on the place.

Answer 4

They are going to focus on the main things that will cost them money to clean/fix. But you should do a once over on the whole house.

Walls - are there holes from pictures, furniture, or anything like that? And wipe down any visible marks. Remove Cobwebs.
Carpet - Make sure there aren't stains on it and no odor. Clean it if necessary. Then vacuum
Kitchen - stove/oven is a big thing. Scrub it down good. All of it. Same goes for the fridge.
Bathroom - scrub the whole thing.
Windows - Can you see through them or are there hand prints all over the place?

Make the job easier by investing in some good supplies. If you have hard water get cleaners that's for hard water. (like Kaboom, The Works, or CLR) If you have a greasy stove get Fantastic. Vinegar works great on both hard water and grease. Bar Keepers Friend is good for Stainless Steel sinks and ceramic sinks.

Answer 5

I'd focus on the bathroom and kitchen. They'd have to be spotless. I'd also make sure the cabinents are cleared out and cleaned, or repapered if necessary. Also, make sure all the floors are clean. Use a carpet stain remover on high traffic areas. You may also want to rent a carpet cleaner if the carpets need it. (Usually about $20 for a day.) Make sure any dusty areas are cleaned too: ceiling fans, window sills, etc.

Answer 6

If you want your deposit back; you need to clean it ALL up; just like it was when you moved into it. Skip things, and it will be taken out of your deposit and also go on your reference as a renter.

Answer 7

ensure your appliances are spotless, including oven and elements. pull out stove, fridge, washer, dryers and dishwasher and clean behind. ensure that all your bathroom fixtures shine and the floor, especially around the toilet are clean. All windows inside and out and the walls are clean or holes filled and repainted. Ensure the carpet is clean and shampooed. if you have rented in that house for more than 5 years, its normal wear and tear on the walls and carpets...
ensure all the drapes and shades are clean...clean out cupboards and drawers are cleaned out and relined...

Answer 8

Clean everything. Includeing your yard. Make sure the floors are mopped, shower scrubbed, walls cleaned, vacuumed, dust the ceiling...The stove...dont forget the oven...everyone does....Wipe out all cupboards, and clean the refridgerator, if there is one.

Answer 9

just clean the whole place top to bottom! I would also check the walls for any damage from hanging stuff etc & maybe even get the carpets cleaned.

Answer 10

Take all the tape off the walls, put white toothpaste in holes to hide them, replace range/burner drip pans(those round things), wipe off everything(walls, bathroom bits, kitchen appliances, vinyl floors), vaccuum, sweep