Taking that cleaning to the next level and switching houses or apartments? I am so excited that this is our last rental house ever, but that still leaves the move. Like most people, we had to put down some cash for a damage deposit, and I fully intend to get all that cash back. Here’s my comprehensive checklist of how to clean your whole house. Here we go.

Fix Major Problems

• Spackle holes in the walls.

• Repaint, if you have to.

Kitchen

• Clean and wipe down all the cabinets, inside and out.

• Clean and wipe down countertops.

• Scrub refridgerator, in and out.

• Scrub the oven, inside and out.

• Pull out the refridgerator and stove and sweep behind them.

• Clean out the microwave.

• Clean the sink and faucet.

• Sweep and mop the floor.

Bathroom

• Scrub and bleach the shower/bathtub.

• Clean toilet, including the actual porcelain. Don’t forget behind the seat!

• Clean out all drawers or other storage areas and wipe down.

• Clean sink and counters.

• Sweep and mop the floor.

• Clean the mirrors.

All Other Rooms

• Dust or clean the light fixtures.

• Dust and wash around windows and on windowsills.

• Clean window glass.

• Wipe down doors and door knobs.

• Wash walls.

• Wash baseboards.

• Vacuum, sweep, mop floors.

Garage, Outside

• Mow the lawn.

• Pull weeds.

• Hose off any outdoor stairs.

• Sweep out an empty garage!

  
  

  I want that samage deposit back, and we’re going to get it. Although, like, you could always just hire a cleaner, if you have the budget for it.