Moving out can be stressful, but ensuring your walls are spotless doesn’t have to be. To clean walls before moving out, start by dusting, then spot-clean stains, and finally, wash with a gentle cleanser and water. Ready to make your move out cleaning services a breeze? Dive into our comprehensive guide for expert tips and tricks!
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Is It Necessary to Clean Before Moving Out?
In most cases, yes, it is necessary to clean before moving out of a rental property. There are two main reasons for this:
- Security deposit: Many leases include a clause stating that the renter will receive their security deposit back in full, minus any deductions for cleaning or repairs. If you leave the place dirty, the landlord may withhold some or all of your security deposit to pay for cleaning services.
- Legality: In some places, there are laws that require renters to leave the property in a clean and sanitary condition. If you don’t comply, your landlord could take legal action against you.
Even if you are not required to clean by law or your lease agreement, it’s still a good idea to do so out of courtesy to the next tenant and the landlord. A clean apartment is more likely to rent quickly and for a higher price. Leaving a mess could also damage your reputation as a renter, making it harder to find a new place in the future. So make sure to have a complete move out cleaning checklist to ensure a smooth transaction with your landlord.
How to Clean Walls Before Moving Out?
To clean walls before moving out is an important part of ensuring you get your security deposit back. Here’s how to tackle it from our Sureclean experts:
Supplies:
- Bucket
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap (like Dawn) or castile soap
- White vinegar (optional)
- Soft sponges or microfiber cloths
- Drop cloths (optional)
- Spray bottle (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
- Step stool or ladder (optional)
Steps:
- Check the Walls: Before cleaning, walk around the room and inspect the walls for any marks, scuffs, or stains. Landlords are usually understanding about minor wear and tear, but you’ll want to focus on cleaning anything noticeable.
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill your bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or castile soap. For tougher grime, you can add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the mix.
- Test in an Inconspicuous Spot: Always test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall first, like behind a door or in a corner of a closet. This will help you ensure the solution doesn’t damage the paint.
- Clean the Walls: Dip your sponge or microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution, wring it out well so it’s damp but not dripping. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down in sections. Use gentle circular motions to avoid scrubbing the paint. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
- Clean Stubborn Stains: For tougher marks, you can make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub it off with a damp cloth.
- Dry the Walls: After cleaning a section, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the wall dry. This will help prevent streaks and water damage.
- Clean Light Switches and Outlets: Don’t forget to wipe down light switch plates and outlet covers with a damp cloth.
Additional Tips:
- If you’re cleaning walls with flat paint, be extra careful and avoid using too much water.
- For textured walls, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove cobwebs and dust from the crevices before wiping them down.
- If you’re dealing with greasy fingerprints or crayon marks, a magic eraser might be helpful, but test it in an inconspicuous spot first as it can be abrasive.
- If the walls are really dirty, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
By following our steps, you can clean your walls before moving out and ensure a smooth handover with your landlord.
How to Clean House Fast Before Moving Out?
Here’s our strategy to clean your house fast before moving out:
Preparation is Key:
- Declutter ruthlessly: The less stuff you have, the less you’ll need to clean around. Sort your belongings into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and trash. This minimizes cleaning around furniture and maximizes cleaning efficiency.
- Gather cleaning supplies: Make a list and stock up on all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, sponges, microfiber cloths, trash bags, a mop, and a bucket.
- Work from top to bottom: Dust settles, so cleaning from high surfaces down ensures you don’t have to re-clean anything.
Kitchen:
- Clear counters and appliances. Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
- Empty the fridge and freezer, defrost if needed. Clean shelves and drawers with hot soapy water.
- Tackle the oven (baking soda paste works wonders!). Clean stovetop and microwave.
- Don’t forget the sink, garbage disposal (if applicable), and floor.
Bathroom:
- Scrub toilets, showers, and bathtubs with disinfectant cleaner.
- Clean mirrors, cabinets, and countertops.
- Wipe down faucets and showerheads.
- Sweep and mop the floor.
Bedrooms and Living Areas:
- Dust furniture, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and window sills.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly.
- Wipe down baseboards and doors.
- Make beds and straighten furniture.
- Spot-clean walls with a damp microfiber cloth (avoid excessive water).
General Tips:
- Work in sections: Focus on cleaning one room completely before moving to the next.
- Turn on music: Upbeat tunes can make the cleaning process more enjoyable and motivating.
- Multitask when possible: Clean blinds while waiting for the oven cleaner to work.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Recruit friends, family, or hire a cleaning service for a faster turnaround.
Bonus Time Savers:
- Laundry basket trick: Toss lightweight curtains and throw pillows in a laundry basket and shake them vigorously outside to remove dust.
- Lint roller magic: Use a lint roller on lampshades and furniture to quickly pick up dust and pet hair.
- Floor cleaner sheets: Pre-moistened floor cleaner sheets can save time compared to mopping with a bucket.
By following these tips and prioritizing tasks, you can significantly reduce your cleaning time and ensure a sparkling clean house for your move-out. Remember, speed is key, so focus on the essentials and prioritize the areas your landlord will inspect most thoroughly.
How Much Does Professional Move Out Cleaning Cost?
Professional move in move out cleaning service Singapore can save you a lot of time and hassle during a stressful move. Prices start at just $250, which is a steal considering the effort it takes to do a thorough job yourself. These cleaning services will ensure your place meets your landlord’s standards, maximizing your chances of getting your full security deposit back. Whether you’re short on time or just want some peace of mind, hiring professional cleaners is a smart option.
Ready to get a free quote and reclaim your weekends? Sureclean offers top-rated move out cleaning service at competitive prices. Our experienced cleaners will ensure your property is spotless and ready for your landlord’s inspection. Contact us today to schedule your cleaning!