What's included in a move-out cleaning? – Complete checklist

A move-out cleaning (also known as end-of-tenancy cleaning) is significantly more extensive than a regular home cleaning. The entire home must be thoroughly cleaned for the next occupant, including surfaces and spaces that are not normally cleaned regularly.

But what is actually included in a move-out cleaning?

Here we go through the most common tasks and what is good to keep in mind before the cleaning begins.

What is usually included in a move-out cleaning?

A professional move-out cleaning normally covers the cleaning of the entire home.

This includes, among other things:

• vacuuming and mopping of floors
• cleaning of skirting boards, doors, and door frames
• wiping down accessible surfaces
• cleaning of wardrobes and cupboards
• cleaning the kitchen
• cleaning bathrooms and toilets
• cleaning appliances
• cleaning radiators and accessible surfaces behind them
• cleaning of windows and windowsills
• removal of dust and dirt from the home's fixed surfaces

Exactly what is included can vary depending on the home and the cleaning company. Therefore, always check what is covered when you book.

Checklist for move-out cleaning

Here is an overview of the most important parts of a standard move-out cleaning.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often one of the areas that requires the most work.

Common tasks include:

• cleaning of cupboards and drawers, both inside and out
• cleaning of work surfaces
• cleaning of the sink and taps
• cleaning of the stove and oven
• cleaning of trays and racks
• cleaning of the kitchen hood and filter where possible
• cleaning behind and around appliances where they are accessible
• cleaning the fridge and freezer
• cleaning of tiles and other fixed surfaces
• cleaning of floors and skirting boards

The fridge and freezer should normally be emptied and switched off before the cleaning.

Bathroom and toilet

The bathroom needs to be thoroughly cleaned as limescale, soap residue, and dirt easily accumulate on surfaces.

Common tasks include:

• cleaning the toilet
• cleaning the washbasin and taps
• cleaning the shower or bathtub
• cleaning of tiles and clinkers
• cleaning mirrors
• cleaning of bathroom cabinets
• cleaning of floors
• cleaning the floor drain where it is accessible

Bedrooms and living room

When the home is emptied, many surfaces that are otherwise covered by furniture become visible.

Common tasks include:

• vacuuming and mopping of floors
• cleaning of skirting boards
• wiping down doors and frames
• cleaning of wardrobes and storage spaces
• wiping down radiators
• cleaning of windowsills
• cleaning of fixed surfaces

Windows

Window cleaning is an important part of a complete move-out cleaning and is often included in the service.

How long window cleaning takes depends, among other things, on the number of windows, how they are constructed, and how accessible they are.

Always check what applies to window cleaning when you book your move-out cleaning.

What do I need to do before the move-out cleaning?

To allow the cleaning company to perform the work effectively, the home should normally be completely or almost completely empty.

It is also good to:

• empty cupboards and wardrobes
• empty the fridge and freezer
• remove personal belongings
• ensure the cleaning staff can access the surfaces to be cleaned
• inform about any special conditions in the home

The better access the cleaning staff has, the easier it will be to carry out a thorough move-out cleaning.

How long does a move-out cleaning take?

How long a move-out cleaning takes primarily depends on the size, condition, and layout of the home.

A smaller apartment usually takes less time to clean than a large villa, but the amount of dirt, number of windows, appliances, and other details also affect the working time.

Move-out cleaning is significantly more extensive than regular home cleaning and should therefore be planned with plenty of time before the home is to be handed over. Read more in our guide on how long a move-out cleaning takes.

Can you do the move-out cleaning yourself?

Yes, it is possible to do the move-out cleaning yourself.

However, it is an extensive task and often happens at the same time as the move itself, packing, and handing over the old home.

For those who want to do it themselves, a detailed checklist is important so that no areas are forgotten.

Hiring a cleaning company primarily means you avoid spending time and energy on cleaning during a period when much else needs to be completed.

What happens if the move-out cleaning is not approved?

If the cleaning does not meet the expected level, the new occupant, landlord, or other responsible party can point out deficiencies and request that they be rectified.

Therefore, it is important to check what terms and any cleaning guarantee apply when you hire a cleaning company.

Can I use the RUT deduction for move-out cleaning?

Yes, the labour cost for move-out cleaning is normally covered by the RUT tax deduction when the Swedish Tax Agency's conditions are met.

When a cleaning company handles the RUT deduction, the deduction is normally applied directly to the invoice, meaning you don't need to apply for it separately afterwards. Read more about how the RUT deduction works in our price guide.

Move-out cleaning in Gothenburg

City Städ has worked with professional cleaning in Gothenburg since 2007 and helps both private individuals and companies.

With professional move-out cleaning, you can leave your old home clean and at the same time spend your own time on the move itself and your new home.

Do you need help with move-out cleaning in Gothenburg? Get a free quote from City Städ and we will get back to you with a proposal.

Frequently asked questions about move-out cleaning