Move-Out Cleaning in Colorado Springs: A Realistic Checklist to Help Get Your Deposit Back
Move-out day comes fast. Between packing, keys, and scheduling your final walkthrough, cleaning is usually the last thing anyone wants to deal with. But in many cases, the condition you leave behind can affect your security deposit and how quickly your move-out inspection is approved.
This guide is a realistic move-out cleaning checklist designed for Colorado Springs homes and rentals. It’s written for tenants, landlords, and property managers who want inspection-ready results without wasting time on low-impact tasks.
What Most Move-Out Inspections Look For
Inspections are often quick, but they focus heavily on areas where dirt builds up and gets missed:
- Kitchens: grease, crumbs, sticky cabinet fronts, oven/stove buildup
- Bathrooms: soap scum, mineral spots, toilet base, mirrors, corners
- Floors: edges, corners, under appliances, stains, hair
- Details: baseboards, vents, blinds, fan dust, fingerprints on doors
Move-Out Cleaning Supplies That Save Time
- Microfiber cloths (several)
- Non-scratch sponge + soft brush/toothbrush
- Vacuum + mop
- Kitchen degreaser
- Glass/mirror cleaner
- Disinfectant (bathroom + high-touch surfaces)
- Trash bags
The Best Order to Clean (So You Don’t Re-Dirty Everything)
- Start high: fans, vents, corners, and dust
- Do kitchens and bathrooms early: let products sit while you clean other areas
- Finish with floors last: vacuum + mop after everything else is done
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (Whole Home)
- Remove all personal items (including cabinets, drawers, closets)
- Dust ceiling corners for cobwebs
- Wipe ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Wipe door frames, doors, and handles
- Dust blinds and wipe window sills
- Wipe baseboards (high-impact inspection item)
- Spot-clean visible wall marks (only if safe for the paint finish)
Kitchen Move-Out Checklist (Where Deposits Get Lost)
Appliances
- Oven: remove baked-on residue, clean racks, wipe door glass
- Stove: scrub burners/grates, clean drip pans, wipe controls
- Fridge: wipe inside, shelves, door seals, exterior handles
- Microwave: clean inside + exterior
- Dishwasher: wipe edges and filter area if accessible
Cabinets, Counters, Sink
- Wipe inside cabinets and drawers (crumbs and dust are common)
- Degrease cabinet fronts near the stove
- Disinfect countertops and backsplash
- Scrub sink and faucet; rinse and dry to prevent spots
Bathroom Move-Out Checklist
- Shower/tub: remove soap scum, rinse thoroughly, wipe fixtures
- Toilet: scrub bowl, wipe base and behind the toilet
- Vanity: disinfect surfaces, clean sink and faucet
- Mirror: streak-free clean
- Floor: clean edges, corners, and behind the door
Bedrooms, Living Room, Hallways
- Dust surfaces, trim, and outlets/switch plates
- Wipe closet shelves and rods
- Vacuum carpets slowly (two passes helps)
- Mop hard floors and wipe edges
Floors: The Final Step That Makes Everything Look “Done”
After you finish all wiping and dusting:
- Vacuum edges first (baseboards and corners)
- Vacuum under appliances if possible
- Mop hard floors last and let them dry fully
5-Minute Final Walkthrough Check
Do this right before you turn in keys:
- Open the oven and fridge: any crumbs, odor, or residue?
- Look at baseboards and vents in bright light
- Check mirrors and faucets for spots/streaks
- Check bathrooms: shower corners, toilet base, and floor edges
- Scan floors for sticky areas and missed corners
Need Professional Move-Out Cleaning in Colorado Springs?
If you're short on time or want a consistent, inspection-ready result, professional move-out cleaning can help reduce stress and help you avoid common deductions.
Request a free estimate: Cleaning With Magic LLC
FAQ
Do I really need to clean inside cabinets and drawers?
In many rentals, yes. Dust and crumbs inside cabinets are one of the easiest things to miss during an inspection.
What is the most common move-out cleaning mistake?
Skipping details: baseboards, vents, and the areas under/behind appliances.
Should I clean before or after moving everything out?
After everything is out is best. That’s the only way to clean edges, corners, and under furniture properly.
Last updated: January 2026
