Moving out is stressful enough without worrying about your security deposit. A thorough move-out clean is one of the simplest ways to protect it. Here is a room-by-room checklist we use as a starting point, plus a few things Washington renters should know before handing back the keys.

What Washington law says about your deposit

Under Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18.280), your landlord has 30 days after you move out to return your deposit or give you a full and specific written statement of why any part of it is being kept.

The law also says a landlord cannot keep money for wear from ordinary use, like light scuffs or carpet that has worn down over time. Charges for damage beyond that need to be backed up, for example with estimates, invoices or receipts. That is why a clean, well-documented unit matters: it leaves less room for disagreement.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check your lease and contact a tenant resource or attorney if you have a dispute.

Before you start

Move everything out first. Cleaning around boxes always misses spots.
Read your lease and any move-out instructions from your landlord.
Find your move-in inspection report and photos so you can compare.
Gather supplies: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, degreaser, microfiber cloths, a scrub brush, a vacuum and a mop.

Kitchen

Empty, wipe and dry the inside of every cabinet and drawer.
Clean the fridge inside and out, including shelves, drawers and door seals. Pull it out if you can and sweep behind it.
Clean the oven, stovetop, burner pans and range hood filter.
Wipe the microwave inside and out.
Scrub the sink and faucet, and run the disposal with ice and a little dish soap.
Wipe backsplash, countertops, cabinet fronts and handles.

Bathrooms

Scrub the tub, shower walls, glass doors and grout.
Clean the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it.
Wipe the vanity, sink, faucet, mirror and inside the drawers.
Clean exhaust fan covers, which collect a surprising amount of dust.
Mop the floor and wipe the baseboards.

Bedrooms and living areas

Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and the tops of door frames.
Wipe light switches, outlet covers and doorknobs.
Clean window sills, tracks and the inside of the glass.
Spot-clean scuffs on walls where your lease allows it.
Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including closet floors and along the edges.
Wipe closet shelves and rods.

Floors and final walk-through

Vacuum and mop all hard floors, finishing at the front door.
Check behind doors and inside every closet one last time.
Take clear photos and a short video of every room after cleaning.
Leave the keys and any remotes where your landlord asked.

When it makes sense to hire help

If you are juggling a move, a new job or kids, a professional move-out clean can save a full day of work. Our move-in and move-out cleaning covers inside cabinets and closets, kitchens, bathrooms and floors in an empty home, with supplies included.

We clean apartments and homes across the area, including Everett, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Seattle. Request a free quote or call or text 425-362-0671.