What is included in move-out cleaning
During move-out cleaning, cabinets and drawers are cleaned inside and out, while walls and ceilings are dry-mopped. Wet cleaning of walls and ceilings is not performed – it can leave streaks on painted surfaces. Your signed agreement sets out the specific scope of the assignment.
During move-out cleaning, cabinets and drawers are cleaned inside and out, while walls and ceilings are dry-mopped. Wet cleaning of walls and ceilings is not performed – it can leave streaks on painted surfaces. Your signed agreement sets out the specific scope of the assignment.
The cleaning also covers surfaces that are not usually included in a regular clean, such as behind and under appliances when you have provided access, windows, baseboards, and vents. The goal is for the home to be ready for handover without any remarks from the landlord or estate agent.
What is done room by room?
The scope follows a set checklist. The exact content may vary slightly based on the size and condition of the home, but this is the standard we work to:
Your signed agreement determines the specific scope. The standard list below applies to move-out cleaning. Additions and deviations, such as cleaning a balcony, storage room, or garage, must be agreed upon separately. If you are in doubt about whether something is included, ask us before the day of the clean.
| Room | What is done |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Inside and outside of cabinets and drawers, countertop, tiles, and extractor fan. The cooker and oven are cleaned to the best of our ability, and the refrigerator is cleaned inside and out. We never move cabinets or heavy items such as furniture and appliances – everything is cleaned where it stands. If you have pulled appliances forward beforehand yourself, we will clean behind and underneath. |
| Bathroom and laundry room | Shower, bathtub, sink, toilet, and taps are descaled. Tiles, grout, mirrors, drains, and vents are cleaned. |
| Living room and bedroom | Baseboards, door frames, doors, switches, outlets, vents, and heating sources are wiped down. Floors are washed, windows are cleaned inside and outside within reach (up to approx. 300 cm). |
| General | All floors are washed. Walls and ceilings are dry-mopped, and we remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners. Wardrobes are cleaned inside, and visible pipes and radiators are cleaned. |
We bring all cleaning products and equipment. If there are special needs, such as natural stone in the bathroom or kitchen, let us know in advance – acidic descaling agents must not be used on marble, granite, or slate.
What does the landlord or estate agent require upon handover?
Most standard contracts require the home to be delivered "tidy and cleaned", and when selling, a separate move-out clean before handover is customary. In practice, the buyer or landlord looks for the same points listed above: clean appliances, a descaled bathroom, cleaned windows, and cabinets that are empty and cleaned inside. Check your agreement for what has been specifically agreed – some contracts specify, for example, cleaning windows externally or cleaning the patio.
What falls outside of move-out cleaning?
Move-out cleaning is cleaning, not renovation or repair. This is not included:
- Wet cleaning of walls and ceilings – this is not performed and cannot be ordered, as it can leave streaks on painted surfaces. Walls and ceilings are dry-mopped instead.
- Cleaning of balcony, storage room, fireplace, and garage, unless agreed upon separately.
- Removal of furniture, rubbish, and personal belongings. Remove all belongings before we arrive; the home should be empty.
- Painting, plastering, or repair of holes, scratches, and damage to surfaces.
- Removal of fixed fixtures, chemical drain unblocking, or work that requires a plumber or electrician.
- External cleaning of roofs, facades, or gardens, unless agreed upon separately.
- Stains that have set over time, such as burn marks, limescale that has hardened for years, or discoloration in grout – we do our best, but some damage cannot be washed away.
Additions priced in the quote
Cleaning of balcony or veranda, storage room, fireplace, and garage is not part of the standard service. They can be added when agreed and priced in writing. Specify the number and type, for example whether the balcony is open or enclosed, when you order. The price stated in the quote or the latest written confirmation from us is the one that applies.
Safety during descaling
Bathrooms and kitchens often require strong agents. A couple of rules we always follow:
- Never mix bleach with anything other than water. Bleach combined with vinegar produces chlorine gas, and with ammonia or salmiak it produces chloramine – both are dangerous to inhale.
- Acids such as vinegar, citric acid, and limescale removers damage natural stone, marble, granite, and slate, and can damage untreated wood. We always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
How does the guarantee work?
If the new owner or landlord does not approve the clean upon handover, we will return and rectify it free of charge until they are satisfied. Notify us via the customer portal with photos of each point before you or others rectify anything yourselves – issues that have already been rectified cannot be inspected. The terms, including the deadline for reporting, are stated in your agreement – please read it before handover so you know what applies.
For a detailed walkthrough of each point before you order, you can find a comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist at blog.vaskeladden.com.