Tips for cleaning an apartment prior to moving out?

Question

The cleaning services ive looked at have been over my budget, although im getting professiinal carpet cleaning. Any tips on specific cleaners especially with my bathtub, windows? also my bathtub now takes a long time to drain..i dont want to use anything that will damage the surface.

I have a blemish on my bathroom wall from hair dye splatters that i tried to wipe off with soap and water. Tried the Mr Clean Magic eraser that doesn't work. How worried should I be that my landlord will take out my entire deposit to pain it over. Or does he have to get the apt repainted anyway??

Answer 1

Hopefully you have cleaned the place while living there. Just use those cleaning supplies.

Answer 2

I've lived in many apartments over a lot of years and what I've been expected to do when I move out is to 1) remove everything, 2) run the vacuum (although usually they replace the rug) 3) clean the stove (top and oven) 4) clean the tub, sinks and potty. They never expected me to clean the windows, and you don't need to have the rug scrubbed.
If you have a problem with the drain just get a piece of wire half the size of a metal hanger and curve both ends (one goes into the drain to drag out the built up junk and the other end you bend down the hook and put a wide nylon strong on it so you can tug on it. But, they can clean out the drains too, you don't need to do it.

Wiping everything off with windex will do nicely.

Answer 3

I've moved out of many apartments...my best advice is to use Comet or Softscrub to clean your bathroom. They're pretty strong and can get everything up without damaging any surfaces. Basically, any run-of-the-mill bathroom cleaner that has "Bathroom cleaner" in the title will get the job done. For your tub, get some Drain-o and follow the directions on the bottle. It'll take care of a slow drain most of the time. It's the fastest way to go without damaging your tub.

Other quick tips: use a magic eraser on any marks on the walls, put toothpaste (white) in any holes in the wall (it works like plaster but is cheaper!) and make sure to wipe down your kick boards and woodwork. Clean your over with a good oven cleaner and sponge too...I've always done all of that and always gotten my deposit back! Good luck!

Answer 4

Windows are cleaned satisfactorily with White Vinegar (Cane Vinegar) not those expensive ones. You can dilute this with water, like 3 parts vinegar to 2 parts water and wipe or spray on if you have a spray bottle and dried off. If bathtubs are regularly cleaned, they should not need any special cleaning just a regular wash. The outlet, however could be clogged with hair, if you use your shower or bath for hair washing, a hair pin or paper clip opened, could help to remove hairs plus accompanying muck. Some baking soda left in for a while will froth up and loosen the stuff and maybe a kettle full of hot water can dissolve the remainder of the "clog".
Happy Cleaning !

Answer 5

You don't have to clean the carpets. And be "CAREFUL" not to use Comet on your bathtub if it's a fiberglass tub. If that is the case use baking soda, it acts like a cleanser but will not scratch the delicate surface.
Just make sure the apartment is empty, and clean in general. the landlord will paint the walls and clean the carpet before re-renting it. If you have drywall do NOT use toothpaste, it only works on plaster walls. For any small holes in the wall use the smallest can of drywall plaster/lightweight, it's like a foam, costs only a couple of dollars, and you can go over holes without sanding, it's wonderful. But do make sure the oven is clean, that's where the deposit is usually applied. Any normal wear and tear is to be expected. And take pictures before you leave, trust me they are the best proof there is.

Answer 6

Go to the store and buy some cheap bleach a few gallons.. At night before you go to bed.. Fill your tub with really hot water and pour bleach in tub... Let it sit overnight... You can also put some down the toilet and kitchen sinks... Just remember in the morning to flush toilet before you use it or toxic fumes will happen.... I have a spray bottle that I use diluted bleach/water spray the surround of the tub/shower.. Let that sit... Work top to bottom..dust the walls, clean the windows, dust and then finally vacuum... You can use basic household cleaning supplies for all the necessary cleaning.. Just work top to bottom and you won't have to reclean everything... Also, spray your kitchen countertops/appliances while you do everything else so the cleaner has time to work.. Good luck

Answer 7

My ex husband did apartment maintenance and one of the things he had to do was clean an apartment when some one was moving out. Save your time and money and let someone else do it.

Answer 8

Before you hire a carpet cleaner, make sure your landlord isnt going to have it done when you move out anyway. As far as cleaning, clean the place like you always do, pay special attention to the nooks and crannys that might often get missed when you have furniture in the room.

Answer 9

don't worry too much about getting the place sparkling clean just don't leave anything behind and you should get your deposit back.
as far as the drain a great way to get that sucker moving is use some baking soda and vinegar.
pack some baking soda down your drain, then pour some vinegar over it (it will bubble up, don't worry)
then put a plug over the drain and let it sit for about 10 min.
after that time put some boiling water down the drain.
hope this helps

Answer 10

Prof. carpet leaner-excellent! Before that is done, get is scheduled, and clean your place, top to bottom. Window-windex is good. With paper towels, or newspaper if you need to. Scrubfree is great for the tub cleaning, or softscrub.
Please consider wiping down the walls, and yes, the inside of your cupboards, as well as the outside of the cupboards. Clean out your fridge/freezer with baking soda and water. If you have baseboard heaters, please wipe them down with a damp rag, to get rid of the dust, etc.
As for the slow draining of your tub, it's probably from when you wash your hair. Please use draino, or liquid plumber or a product like that to clear the drain. The directions are pretty easy to follow.
Also, before the prof. carpet cleaners arrive, please vacuum your carpet. That helps. They should do a really good job. And they will. Take care.