When moving in or out, the tenancy agreement likely requires that you return the place and the kitchen in a clean & hygienic condition. In a kitchen that frequently accumulates food residue, grime, and grease during and after cooking, where should you start with the move-in or move-out cleaning?
If you plan to get the whole deposit by avoiding penalties & deductions, leave a good impression by cleaning your kitchen thoroughly.
This comprehensive kitchen cleaning checklist, or guide if you will, can help you achieve your moving-out goals. Follow the step-by-step procedure to ensure every corner sparkles.
Why is Kitchen Move-Out Cleaning Essential?
A kitchen inspection is always on the list by landlords and property managers during the move-out property walkthrough. Cleanliness of the kitchen is where deductions happen from security deposits, especially for greasy ovens, dirty fridges or floors, and stained countertops.
Cleaning out these areas into a pristine condition is not only a good reflection of you, but it also helps new occupants maintain hygiene. As a result, you greatly increase your chances of receiving the full deposit back as per your rental agreement. Hence, never neglect the move-in and move-out cleaning of the kitchen wherever you go.
Essential Supplies for Kitchen Move Out Cleaning
Neither professional kitchen cleaning service providers nor expert tenants start kitchen cleaning until they have these necessary supplies.
Core Supplies for Move-Out Kitchen Cleaning
- Rubber gloves
- All-purpose cleaner
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponges
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- Trash bags
Optional Move-Out Kitchen Cleaning Supplies
Some kitchen areas will need extra effort to clean thoroughly. These items can help with that.
- Oven cleaner
- Grout cleaner
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Degreaser
- Toothbrush
After you have acquired the essential kitchen cleaning items for deep cleaning during move-out, you are ready to declutter.
Yes. The preliminary step is to organize your cleaning materials and remove items from the counters, drawers, cabinets, and appliances. This process clears the area, allowing for more effective cleaning.
Step-by-Step Move-Out Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
- Clear the Kitchen
Take out and remove any food, utensils, and appliances. Next, empty the drawers, cabinets, and the fridge. Removing these items will prevent obstructions and offer you full access to every surface for a deep clean.
- Clean the Cabinets & Drawers
Wear rubber gloves and use a microfiber towel to wipe clean the inside and outside of each drawer and cabinet. Be sure to vacuum any debris, dust, and crumbs, alongside using a safe and appropriate cleaner for a streak-free job.
- Clean the Refrigerator
Defrost the refrigerator if you haven’t, and then unplug it to be left with its doors open.
Once the ice has melted and any water has drained, carefully take out the removable shelves, compartments, drawers, and trays for deep cleaning.
Wear your rubber gloves and mix baking soda with water. Then, gently wipe the surfaces and walls to neutralize any odors.
- Clean the Oven & Stove
The oven and stovetop are the dirtiest appliances in any kitchen unless you deep clean them after each use. Anyways, remove all the grates and burners to soak them in soapy water to loosen the grease.
Use either an oven cleaner or a baking soda paste to scrub the oven interior with a soft brush. Remove the grease thoroughly, and repeat the process with stove knobs, stove control panel, oven grates, and burner.
Lastly, wipe the oven interior with dry paper towels.
- Clean the Countertop & Backsplash
Another area you should never miss to deep clean in the kitchen when you move in and move out is the kitchen countertop. Lather some non-abrasive cleaner on all the countertop surfaces and the backsplash to then wipe down everything.
Use baking soda paste to eliminate the stubborn stains and grout lines. Do not scratch or break the countertop with the exerted force during cleaning.
- Clean the Sink & Faucets
Get some mild abrasive cleaner on a scrubbing brush with gloves on to clean away the faucets and the sink. Pay attention to stains or buildup surrounding the faucet base and follow it by cleaning the drain free of debris.
- Clean the Carpet & Floor
In kitchen cleaning and move-in and move-out cleaning services, many won’t include carpet or rug cleaning. But you can ask the move-out & kitchen cleaning company near you in BC to offer it within the deal.
Nonetheless, you are now finally ready to sweep & mop the floor. Please pay attention to corners and areas under appliances for stains and residue marks.
Tip: Use a steam mop, a floor-special cleaner, or both to obtain the extra shine.
Additional Kitchen Cleaning Areas To Focus On
- Cleaning Microwave & Smaller Appliances
Unplug and gather up the small kitchen appliances, like the microwave, toaster, and blender.
To safely wipe down their interior and exterior surfaces, heat a bowl of water with vinegar. Next, dab the microfiber cloth into the solution and wipe the interiors to loosen the stuck food and grime marks.
- Walls & Ceiling
Most deep cleaning and move-in and move-out or kitchen cleaning guides will tell you to clean from top to bottom. But since you have already cleaned the floor, firstly apply a tarp on the floor.
Now, use a gentle cleaner to wipe down walls, particularly behind the stove and sink, to remove splatters and stains.
Remove cobwebs and dust from the ceiling, if any, and never use a damp cloth to wipe the ceilings.
- Light Fixtures & Air Vents
The kitchen cleaning showdown is incomplete until you also dust/wipe the light fixtures, air vents, and ducts. Often, these areas go unnoticed while they already gather dust and dirt regularly, resulting in a less-than-clean aesthetic.
Clean them safely by wearing rubber gloves to prevent cutting your fingers and palms.
Final After-Cleaning Kitchen Inspection Tips
Now, you can bring out the inspection drums or better refocus your attention to go through the cleaning checklist again. Ensure each area is thoroughly clean, and check whether you have missed any spots.
You know what to do if you find any signs of dirt or oils anywhere, including on high-touch areas like doorknobs, cabinet handles, etc.
Conclusion
It is always essential to deep clean the kitchen before moving out to leave a positive impression and to secure your deposit. Your landlord & next occupants may also thank you for following this detailed checklist that covers cleaning all kitchen areas well.
Alternatively, you can contact Vancity Cleaning Services for the best kitchen and move-in & move-out cleaning near you in Surrey, BC, and surrounding provinces. Score great deals, and get a hassle-free experience that delivers full satisfaction for easily securing your deposit money!
Check out our other resources to gain more knowledge about cleaning tasks and checklists, or reach us at info@vancitycleaningservice.com.