By Kathy Clean Houston Team · Updated June 2026

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Houston Renters (Deposit-Ready)

A spotless move-out clean is what stands between you and a full deposit return. This is the room-by-room checklist Houston landlords and property managers actually inspect — use it yourself, or hand it to a pro. For full pricing and scope, see our move-in/move-out cleaning guide.

Kitchen

• Inside, outside, and on top of the oven and stovetop; drip pans and racks.
• Inside the refrigerator and freezer (defrosted), plus behind and underneath if movable.
• Inside the microwave and dishwasher.
• Inside and outside all cabinets and drawers.
• Countertops, backsplash, sink, and faucet (mineral deposits removed).
• Floors swept and mopped, including under appliances.

Bathrooms

• Tub, shower, and glass doors — soap scum and hard-water buildup removed.
• Toilet cleaned inside and out, including the base.
• Sink, vanity, mirror, and cabinet interiors.
• Grout scrubbed; exhaust fan cover dusted.
• Floors cleaned and baseboards wiped.

Bedrooms, living areas & throughout

• Closet shelves and floors wiped.
• Baseboards, door frames, and doors.
• Window sills, tracks, and reachable interior glass.
• Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vent covers dusted.
• Switch plates and outlet covers wiped.
• All floors vacuumed and mopped; carpet edges detailed.

Easy-to-miss items landlords check

• Top of the refrigerator and cabinet tops.
• Inside the washer/dryer area and behind the units.
• Patio or balcony swept.
• Garage swept (if included in the lease).
• Cobwebs in corners and around light fixtures.

DIY or hire a pro?

A full move-out clean on a 2-bedroom takes most people the better part of a day — and a missed oven or grout line can cost part of a deposit. A professional move-out clean is flat-rate by home size (starting at $345, the same as a deep clean), covers everything on this list, and we coordinate with your landlord or property manager on request. Areas with heavy rental turnover — like Westchase and the Medical Center area — book this routinely, especially in summer.

Request a free quote with your home size and move date and we'll schedule around it.