Moving out of a rental can be stressful. You want it spotless. A clean apartment isn't just nice – it can help you get your security deposit back & keep your landlord happy. This is helpful if you need a reference for your next place. So, let's roll up our sleeves and jump into some cleaning that'll make your move-out easy!
Baking soda is like a miracle tool for cleaning. It's cheap, natural, and pretty powerful. Here are some ways it can help:
Oven Cleaning: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it all over the oven (avoid heating elements) and leave overnight. In the morning, wipe with a damp cloth. If spots are stubborn, a little scrubbing helps.
Carpet Stains: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, let it sit for hours (overnight if it's bad), then vacuum. It'll absorb odors and lift the stain.
Sink and Bathtub Shine: Mix baking soda with water to make a paste, apply to the sink or tub, let it sit, then scrub and rinse. They'll look shiny and new!
Pro tip: For tough stains or odors, mix baking soda with vinegar for fizzy-clean action.
If baking soda's the miracle tool, vinegar is its sidekick. This tangy liquid tackles lots of jobs:
Window Cleaning: Mix equal parts water & white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray windows & wipe with lint-free cloth or newspaper for streak-free shine.
Shower Head Descaling: Tie a plastic bag with vinegar around your shower head and soak overnight. In the morning, remove & run the shower to rinse. Voila! Better water pressure.
Hard Water Stains: Apply vinegar directly to hard water stains in sinks or tubs. Let it sit an hour, then scrub & rinse. Stubborn marks? Gone like magic.
Remember: Never mix vinegar with bleach – toxic fumes alert! Safety first!
Microfiber cloth? They're a game-changer when comes to cleaning. These soft & highly absorbent cloths, made from a mix of polyester and nylon fibers split into tiny, have a huge surface area that practically grabs dirt, dust, and grime like a magnet.
What’s super cool about microfiber cloths is they clean without harsh chemicals. Just damp the cloth with a bit of water. That’s often enough to pick up dust, smudges, light spills – making them eco-friendly and cost-effective for everyday tasks.
When using microfiber cloths, have a system. Use different colors for different jobs—one for dusting, another for mirrors and glass, and another for bathrooms. This way you don’t mix germs and your surfaces stay truly clean.
For dusting, lightly dampen the cloth and gently sweep over surfaces. It attracts and traps dust particles, leaving everything spotless. For mirrors and glass? Use a dry cloth and buff in circles for a streak-free shine.
Moving out means facing stubborn stains that built up over time. Red wine on carpet? Grease on the kitchen counter? Mystery marks on upholstery? No worries! There are tried-and-true ways to beat even the toughest stains.
For carpet stains, first blot up any extra liquid with an absorbent cloth. Then sprinkle salt over the stain and let sit for a few hours. The salt soaks up the stain making it easier to remove. Once done, vacuum & use carpet cleaner or warm water with dish soap.
Upholstery stains can be trickier. Grease or oil? Sprinkle baking soda on it and leave it for hours before vacuuming. For tougher stains, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide & dish soap; gently dab onto the stain with a clean cloth.
Cleaning appliances can be tough but with some household items, you can make them sparkle in no time.
Start with the oven: Mix baking soda & water into a paste; spread it inside the oven. Let it sit overnight. In the morning wipe away with a damp cloth – grime will come off easily.
For refrigerators: Remove shelves and drawers & scrub them with warm soapy water. Wipe down walls inside with equal parts vinegar & water—this cuts through built-up grease and grime.
Microwaves can be tricky too: Mix equal parts water & vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on high for about 5 mins. Steam loosens food particles so you can wipe them away easily with a damp cloth.
Cleaning the bathroom can be super tricky, especially when moving out. But don’t worry! With the right tips, you can make it shine. For the toilet, start by pouring a good amount of vinegar into the bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes. The vinegar’s acidity helps to break down tough stains and mineral buildup.
After that, sprinkle some baking soda into the toilet and scrub well with a toilet brush. The combination of baking soda and vinegar makes a strong cleaner that will make your toilet look brand new.
For showers & bathtubs, mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Put the paste on the surfaces and let it sit for a bit before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
This gentle but effective method removes soap scum, mildew, & grime without damaging anything. If some stains are being extra stubborn, try using a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda—it can lift even the toughest dirt.
The kitchen often gathers lots of grease, grime, & food stains. But with the right tricks, you can get it spotless. For surfaces like countertops and cabinets, make a degreasing solution using equal parts vinegar and water.
Spray or wipe this mix onto the surfaces & let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean with a microfiber cloth. Vinegar’s acidity cuts through grease & grime, leaving everything shiny.
For stubborn grease on stovetops or in ovens, make a paste from baking soda and water. Spread this paste over the greasy areas and leave it for at least 15 minutes.
Baking soda’s abrasiveness will help lift the grease while water softens it up. After waiting awhile, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub away the paste and reveal a clean surface beneath.
These tips should help you tackle both bathrooms & kitchens with ease!
Walls and baseboards get pretty dirty over time, huh? But don't worry, you can them shine again. For painted walls, start by dusting or vacuuming to get rid of loose dirt. Then, mix a bit of mild detergent with warm water. Use a microfiber or a sponge to gently clean the walls. Do it section by section.
Baseboards might need a bit more effort. Mix baking soda & water to form a paste. Use an old toothbrush or a small scrub brush to get the paste into the corners of the baseboards. The baking soda will scrub away grime, while the water softens it up. After scrubbing, wipe the baseboards clean with a damp cloth.
Always test your cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first to make sure it doesn't damage or change the color of your walls & baseboards.
After finishing the big cleaning tasks, give your rental property one last look before handing over the keys. This last check makes sure everything is spotless.
Having a checklist can be super helpful here. Go through each room carefully and mark off things as you check them. Don’t forget spots like baseboards, window tracks, and behind appliances. It’s also smart to have a friend or family member look around—they might see things you missed.
During this final check, tidy up any spots that need it. A quick wipe-down of surfaces, spot-cleaning carpets, or an extra dusting can make everything look perfect.
As an extra tip, you might want to use essential oils to make the rental smell fresh and inviting. They not only smell great but also have natural cleaning powers.
Lemon & tea tree oils are great because they fight bacteria and get rid of bad smells. Put a few drops in a spray bottle filled with water and spray it on surfaces, curtains & carpets. Or place a few drops on cotton balls and tuck them into corners or behind furniture for a lasting scent.
Moving out can be tough, but these top 10 cleaning hacks will help you leave your rental looking spotless. From dealing with tough stains to giving one last check-over, these tips will make cleaning as a tenant easier & help ensure you get your security deposit back.
Leaving your rental in great shape shows respect for your landlord and sets up good vibes for future tenants. So roll up those sleeves, grab your cleaning supplies & make your rental shine like new again!
