Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Houston Apartments

Moving out of a Houston apartment comes with a long to-do list — and cleaning is the one item that directly affects how much money you walk away with. Most Houston landlords and property management companies, from Greystar-managed communities in Midtown to independent complexes in the Heights and Westchase, specify a "broom-clean" or "professionally cleaned" condition in their lease. If the unit falls short during the final walkthrough, they will deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit — and those charges add up fast.

Under the Texas Property Code (Section 92.103), your landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit after you vacate. If cleaning deductions are taken, you are entitled to an itemized statement explaining them. The easiest way to avoid that conversation entirely is to leave the unit spotless. This room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist will walk you through everything inspectors look for in Houston apartment turnovers.

Kitchen

The kitchen is almost always the most scrutinized room during a move-out inspection. Grease buildup and food residue are the top reasons cleaning charges get levied.

• Clean inside, outside, and under the stove and oven — including burner grates, drip pans, and the oven drawer
• Degrease the oven interior and wipe down the broiler
• Clean the range hood filter and wipe down the hood exterior
• Wipe down all cabinet faces, handles, and interiors
• Clean inside the refrigerator, including shelves, drawers, and door seals; defrost the freezer if needed
• Run the dishwasher on a cleaning cycle and wipe down the door gasket
• Scrub the sink, faucet, and garbage disposal
• Wipe all countertops, backsplash tiles, and light switches
• Mop the floor, including behind and under appliances if accessible

Bathrooms

Houston's humidity means soap scum and mildew build up faster here than in most cities. Give bathrooms extra attention.

• Scrub the toilet bowl, seat, base, and behind the tank
• Clean the shower or tub — remove soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains from tiles and grout
• Wipe down the shower door or curtain rod and clean the track
• Clean the sink, faucet, and drain
• Wipe down all cabinet surfaces inside and out
• Clean the mirror and any light fixtures above the vanity
• Scrub the floor, including corners and behind the toilet
• Empty and wipe down medicine cabinets
• Replace any burned-out light bulbs

Bedrooms

• Remove all nails, screws, and wall anchors; patch and lightly sand holes if required by your lease
• Wipe down baseboards, window sills, and door frames
• Clean closet interiors — shelves, rods, and floors
• Dust ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
• Wipe down light switches and outlet covers
• Vacuum carpet thoroughly or mop hard floors; treat any stains
• Clean window tracks and wipe blind slats

Living Areas and Dining Room

• Dust and wipe down all baseboards, crown molding, and door frames
• Clean windows inside — glass, tracks, and sills
• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and any built-in shelving
• Wipe down walls for scuffs and marks
• Vacuum or mop all flooring, including under furniture if still present
• Clean the interior of any coat closets or storage spaces

General and Whole-Unit Tasks

• Replace all burned-out light bulbs throughout the unit
• Clean the front door — both sides — and the door frame
• Wipe down the HVAC vent covers (dusty vents are a common inspection flag)
• Check the laundry closet or hookups — wipe the washer/dryer pans and surrounding walls if applicable
• Empty all trash and remove every item you own from the unit
• Do a final sweep with a flashlight — check under appliances, inside cabinets, and corners inspectors frequently check

When to Schedule Your Cleaning

The best time to book a move-out cleaning is 1 to 2 days before your final walkthrough. This gives you a buffer to handle anything the cleaning team flags, touch up any spots you missed, and hand over keys with confidence. Booking same-day or on the morning of your walkthrough leaves no margin for error.

DIY vs. Professional Move-Out Cleaning

If you have the time and energy after a full move, DIY cleaning is an option — but it is easy to underestimate how thorough a landlord inspection really is. Many Houston tenants lose $150–$400 in deposit deductions for items they thought were clean: a greasy oven interior, mildew in a shower grout line, or a forgotten mess under the refrigerator.

Hyper Clean TX offers professional move-out cleaning for Houston apartments starting at $119. Our standard clean covers every area on this checklist. For units with heavy buildup — especially ovens, refrigerators, or bathrooms with significant soap scum — we offer a deep clean add-on that goes further on the toughest surfaces. Most clients find that the cost of a professional clean is far less than the deposit deductions they avoid.

Whether you are leaving a studio near the Galleria or a two-bedroom in Midtown, a thorough move-out clean is one of the best investments you can make on the way out the door.