Move-out cleaning built around the landlord's walk-through
With most of Houston's homes rented, lease endings run year-round. An empty apartment shows every crumb and fingerprint, and the walk-through is where deposits are kept or returned. We clean to that inspection.
A move-out clean is the most thorough clean we do, because the home is empty and every surface is on show. It includes everything in a deep clean and the insides of everything that opens: every kitchen and bathroom cabinet and drawer, the refrigerator and freezer, the oven and broiler drawer, the dishwasher door and gasket, closet shelves and rods, and the washer and dryer if they stay with the unit. Walls are spot-cleaned for marks (not repainted), blinds are dusted slat by slat, light fixtures are cleaned, and the floors are done last on the way out the door.
Timing is everything. Most Houston leases end on the last day of the month, apartment managers schedule walk-throughs within a day or two, and the movers rarely leave on time. Book as early as you can, tell us the walk-through date, and we will schedule the clean for after the last box is out and before the inspection. If your lease or move-out packet includes a cleaning checklist, send it to us; we will work from it.
Move-in cleaning is the same job from the other side: the new keys are in your hand, the place looks clean enough, and you want it actually clean before your things go in. It is the easiest time to wipe inside cabinets and drawers, and the only time the floors will be completely bare.
On the checklist
- Inside everythingcabinets, drawers, closets, pantry shelves wiped inside and out
- Appliances insiderefrigerator, freezer, oven, microwave, dishwasher door and filter area
- Bathrooms to inspection standardscale, soap scum and grout addressed, toilets base to tank
- Walls and trimmarks spot-cleaned, baseboards, doors, frames, switch plates
- Blinds and fixturesblinds dusted slat by slat, light fixtures and fan blades
- Floors lastvacuumed, mopped, closet floors included
Houston price ranges for 2026
| Job | Typical range | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1 bedroom apartment | $180 – $290 | Condition of the oven and bathroom |
| 2 bed / 2 bath apartment | $240 – $380 | The most common move-out |
| 3 bed / 2 bath house | $300 – $480 | Garage sweep-out extra |
| 4+ bed house or 3-story townhouse | $420 – $700 | Stairs and extra baths |
| Move-in clean (same sizes) | Usually 10–20% less | When the unit was cleaned at move-out |
| Same-day or Sunday booking | Quoted | Subject to crew availability |
Move-out prices assume the home is empty. Belongings left behind, heavy grease, smoke residue or pet accidents in carpet are priced separately once we see them.
From recent visits
Questions about move-out cleaning
Will a move-out clean get my deposit back?
We clean to the standard landlords inspect for, and many customers use our checklist to prepare. We cannot promise a landlord's decision: deposits can also be held for damage, carpet wear or unpaid rent.
Should the carpets be cleaned too?
Many Houston leases require professional carpet cleaning at move-out. Check your lease, and book carpet cleaning on the same day if it is needed.
Do I need to be there?
No. Leave a key or arrange access with the leasing office and we text you photos when the clean is done.
How far in advance should I book?
Two weeks is comfortable. The last few days of each month book up first.
Can you clean while the movers are still working?
We prefer to start after the last box is out, because the floors and closets cannot be finished until then. We can start kitchens and bathrooms while movers finish the bedrooms.
Do you do move-in cleaning for new construction?
A brand-new home usually needs a post-construction clean instead, because of the fine dust builders leave behind.