Move-Out Cleaning Cost: Prices, What's Included & Deposit Tips
Average $360 · By home size & bedrooms · Full checklist · How professional cleaning protects your security deposit
$360National average
$120–$420Typical range
$25–$50/hrPer cleaner
$0.20–$0.45Per sq ft
⚡ Quick Answer
Move-out cleaning costs an average of $360, ranging from $120 to $420 for most homes. Professional cleaners charge $25–$50 per cleaner per hour, or $0.20–$0.45 per square foot. A studio or 1-bedroom apartment runs $130–$200; a 3-bedroom house $250–$420. In cities like NYC or LA, prices run 20–30% higher.
💰 The real reason this is worth it: your security deposit
Up to 80% of tenants lose part of their security deposit — and cleaning is consistently the #1 reason for deductions. The average security deposit in the US is $1,200–$2,400. A $300 professional cleaning that recovers a $1,500 deposit is a 5× return. Always get a receipt — it's your paper trail if the landlord disputes anything.
🧹 Move-Out Cleaning Cost Estimator
Estimated Total Cost
Base clean
Add-ons
Duration est.
Move-Out Cleaning Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Standard Clean | Deep Clean | Duration (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / efficiency | $100–$160 | $150–$220 | 2–3 hours |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $130–$200 | $180–$280 | 3–4 hours |
| 2-bedroom apartment / house | $180–$280 | $240–$360 | 4–5 hours |
| 3-bedroom house | $250–$360 | $320–$450 | 5–7 hours |
| 4-bedroom house | $330–$450 | $400–$600 | 7–9 hours |
| 5-bedroom / large home | $400–$600+ | $500–$800+ | 8–12+ hours |
What a Standard Move-Out Clean Covers
Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors
Kitchen — inside oven, stovetop, microwave
Refrigerator interior and exterior
All cabinet interiors and exteriors
Bathroom scrub — tub, shower, toilet, sink
Tile and grout cleaning (bathroom/kitchen)
Wipe all countertops and surfaces
Baseboards and door frames
Light switches and outlet covers
Interior windows and windowsills
Closet interiors swept and wiped
Remove cobwebs and dust ceiling fans
Not included in most standard quotes: carpet shampooing, exterior windows, wall repainting, garage cleaning, junk removal, and appliance repair.
Common Add-On Services & Costs
| Add-On | Typical Cost | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet shampooing | $80–$250 (whole home) | Yes if carpets have stains or pet odors — landlords deduct heavily for this |
| Interior window cleaning | $50–$100 | Yes if windows are visibly dirty — often noticed in walkthroughs |
| Exterior window cleaning | $75–$200 | Usually not required by lease — skip unless requested |
| Oven deep clean | $30–$75 | Yes — ovens are a top deduction item. Often included in standard move-out clean; confirm. |
| Garage cleaning | $70–$200 | Only if garage is in poor condition and included in your lease obligations |
| Junk / furniture removal | $80–$400 | Handle yourself before cleaners arrive — don't pay cleaning rates for removal |
| Wall scuff/spot cleaning | Often included | Confirm upfront — marks left by movers are a common deduction trigger |
| Pet odor enzyme treatment | $50–$150 | Essential if you had pets — standard cleaners won't remove embedded odors |
5 Things That Protect Your Security Deposit
- Book the cleaning after all furniture is out. Cleaners work faster and more thoroughly on empty spaces. Moving furniture for cleaners costs you time and them efficiency.
- Take dated photos before and after. Timestamp your photo evidence. If a landlord claims cleaning damage after you leave, photos are your only defense.
- Get a written receipt from your cleaner. Some states require landlords to provide receipts for any cleaning deductions. Your receipt creates a counter-record.
- Request a walkthrough with the landlord. Many states require landlords to give you the opportunity to fix deficiencies before deducting from your deposit. Use this right.
- Review your lease's specific cleaning standards. Some leases require professional cleaning — meaning DIY may not satisfy the contract even if the result is identical.
💡 Book 48–72 hours before your final walkthrough. This leaves time for touch-ups if the landlord finds anything during inspection, without losing your cleaning investment. Don't book the clean on the same day as the walkthrough.
Find Move-Out Cleaning Services Near You
AN
Angi — Move-Out Cleaning Specialists
All 50 states · Verified, insured cleaners
Search "move-out cleaning" or "end of lease cleaning" by ZIP. Ask specifically whether the quote includes inside appliances — oven and refrigerator are the two most commonly missed items and top deposit deduction triggers.
Marketplace
TT
Thumbtack — Local Cleaning Services
All 50 states · Same-week availability
Specify "move-out" or "end of tenancy" — these are priced differently from standard house cleaning. Provide exact bedroom and bathroom count, and mention any carpets, pets, or special concerns for an accurate quote.
Local
HG
HomeGuide — Move-Out Cleaning Pros
All 50 states · Compare rates instantly
Good for comparing flat-rate vs hourly pricing side by side. For most homes, flat-rate is better — it protects you if the job takes longer than expected. Hourly works in your favor only if the property is already mostly clean.
Marketplace
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Compare local cleaning services — free estimates, fast scheduling.
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Also need upholstery or couch cleaning?
See our Upholstery Cleaning Cost → for sofa, chair, and fabric furniture cleaning prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does move-out cleaning cost?
The national average is $360, ranging from $120 to $420 depending on home size and condition. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $130–$200. A 3-bedroom house costs $250–$420. Professional cleaners charge $25–$50 per cleaner per hour, or $0.20–$0.45 per square foot. Add-ons like carpet shampooing (+$80–$250) and window cleaning (+$50–$200) are usually priced separately.
Is move-out cleaning worth it for your security deposit?
Almost always. Up to 80% of tenants lose part of their deposit, with cleaning being the top deduction reason. The average US security deposit is $1,200–$2,400. A $300 professional clean that recovers a $1,500 deposit is a 5× financial return. Additionally, many leases require professional cleaning — DIY may not fulfill the contract even if the result looks the same.
What's the difference between standard and deep move-out cleaning?
Standard move-out cleaning covers all visible surfaces, floors, bathrooms, and kitchen exterior. Deep move-out cleaning adds inside appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher), inside cabinets, grout scrubbing, baseboards, light fixtures, and sometimes walls. Most landlords require deep cleaning standards for security deposit compliance — always confirm which level your lease requires before booking.