Move-Out Cleaning Cost: Standard vs Deep Clean Pricing

Q: How much does move-out cleaning cost per square foot?

$0.20–$0.45/sq ft. 1,000 sq ft: $200–$450. 2,000 sq ft: $400–$900. Hourly: $40–$80/hr.

Q: What does a deep move-out clean include that standard doesn't?

Inside oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, all cabinet interiors, grout scrubbing, baseboard wiping, light fixtures, behind appliances, and wall spot cleaning.

Standard $120–$420 · Deep clean $200–$600 · What landlords actually inspect · DIY checklist

$120–$420Standard clean

$200–$600Deep clean

$0.20–$0.45Per sq ft

$40–$80/hrHourly rate

⚡ Quick Answer

A standard move-out cleaning costs $120–$420. A deep clean — which is what most landlords actually expect — runs $200–$600. The difference: standard cleaning covers surfaces and floors; deep cleaning adds inside appliances, cabinet interiors, grout scrubbing, and baseboards. Most leases require deep-clean standards, so confirm before booking a standard service.

Standard vs. Deep Move-Out Clean: What's Different

✅ Standard Move-Out Clean — $120–$420

Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors
Wipe all visible surfaces and countertops
Clean bathroom — toilet, sink, tub/shower exterior
Kitchen wipe-down — stovetop exterior, counters
Clean interior windows and sills
Dust furniture and ceiling fans
Remove cobwebs
Empty and wipe closets

🔵 Deep Move-Out Clean — $200–$600

Everything in standard, plus:
Inside oven (scrub grime and burnt residue)
Inside refrigerator and freezer
Inside dishwasher
Inside all cabinets and drawers
Grout scrubbing (tile bathrooms and kitchen)
Baseboards and door frames
Light fixtures and ceiling fans (wipe blades)
Behind and under appliances
Wall scuff removal (spot cleaning)

⚠️ Most leases require deep-clean standards — not standard cleaning. The word "professionally cleaned" in a lease typically means deep-clean level. Booking a basic clean and having a landlord call it insufficient is a common deposit dispute. Ask your landlord or property manager to specify their standard before you book.

Move-Out Cleaning Cost by Square Footage

Home Size	Standard Clean	Deep Clean	Per Sq Ft Rate
Under 500 sq ft	$100–$150	$150–$220	$0.25–$0.40
500–1,000 sq ft	$130–$220	$190–$320	$0.22–$0.38
1,000–1,500 sq ft	$180–$300	$240–$420	$0.20–$0.35
1,500–2,000 sq ft	$240–$360	$300–$520	$0.20–$0.32
2,000–3,000 sq ft	$300–$450	$400–$650	$0.18–$0.28
3,000+ sq ft	$400–$600+	$550–$900+	$0.16–$0.24

What Landlords Actually Inspect (In Order of Priority)

Based on the most common security deposit deduction triggers — focus here first, whether you DIY or hire.

Oven and stovetop. Burnt-on grease is the single most cited cleaning deduction. An oven that wasn't regularly maintained can take 1–2 hours to clean professionally.
Refrigerator. Interior shelves, drawers, and door seals. Mold or spills left behind are immediate deduction triggers.
Bathroom grout and caulk. Pink or black mold in shower grout is visible and expected to be clean at move-out.
Carpet condition. Stains and pet odors that don't respond to standard vacuuming will be deducted. Professional carpet cleaning is often specifically required in leases.
Walls and baseboards. Scuff marks from furniture moving, crayon, or sticky residue.
Windows. Interior windows with significant grime or streaks are noted during walkthroughs.

📋 DIY Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Oven — scrub interior, racks, door glass

Refrigerator — shelves, drawers, door seals

Microwave interior and exterior

Dishwasher interior and door seals

All cabinet interiors and exteriors

Countertops and backsplash

Bathroom tub/shower — grout and caulk

Toilet bowl and exterior

Bathroom sink and faucet

All floors swept, mopped, or vacuumed

Baseboards wiped

Light switches and outlets wiped

Interior windows and sills

Walls — scuff marks spot-cleaned

Closets swept and wiped

Trash cans emptied and cleaned

All light bulbs working

Take dated photos of entire property

💡 DIY works if — and only if — you have 6–10 hours and the right supplies. Oven cleaner (not spray — foam or gel), enzyme-based pet odor remover, grout scrub brush, and a steam cleaner or magic eraser for walls. Skip the DIY if you have significant carpet stains, heavy grout mold, or an oven that hasn't been cleaned in over a year. Those three items account for the majority of deposit deductions and require professional equipment.

Find Move-Out Cleaning Services Near You

Angi — Move-Out Cleaning

All 50 states · Insured, background-checked

Specify "move-out deep clean" not just "move-out cleaning" to get the right service level. Confirm the quote includes inside appliances — this is the most commonly omitted item in standard packages.

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Thumbtack — Local Cleaning Services

All 50 states · Fast booking

Ask each cleaner specifically: "Does your quote include inside the oven, refrigerator, and all cabinet interiors?" If any cleaner says no, that's your first filter to eliminate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does move-out cleaning cost per square foot?

Move-out cleaning costs $0.20–$0.45 per square foot for most homes. A 1,000 sq ft apartment runs $200–$450. A 2,000 sq ft house costs $400–$900. Larger homes get a lower per-sq-ft rate. Hourly pricing ($40–$80/hr) can be cheaper for very small or very clean units; flat-rate pricing protects you if the job runs long.

What does a deep move-out clean include that standard doesn't?

Inside the oven, inside the refrigerator and dishwasher, all cabinet interiors, grout scrubbing, baseboard wiping, light fixture cleaning, behind and under appliances, and wall spot-cleaning. These areas are exactly what landlords inspect during a walkthrough — standard cleaning skips most of them.