Situational Cleaning Playbooks

Pre-built cleaning plans for specific situations. Each playbook is designed to help you tackle major cleaning events efficiently with clear priorities and realistic time estimates.

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Moving In/Out

Comprehensive move-out cleaning focused on landlord inspection priorities and security deposit recovery.

Time Needed:4-6 hours
Priority Focus:High-visibility areas and landlord inspection points

1. Kitchen - Critical for Deposit (1.5-2 hours)

  • Deep clean oven interior (remove all grease and baked-on residue)
  • Clean stovetop burners, drip pans, and range hood filter
  • Scrub inside and behind refrigerator (including coils)
  • Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
  • Degrease cabinet fronts and handles
  • Clean countertops, backsplash grout
  • Scrub and polish sink, faucet
  • Mop floors and baseboards

2. Bathrooms - Inspection Focus (1 hour per bathroom)

  • Scrub toilet bowl, tank, base, and behind toilet
  • Deep clean shower/tub tile and grout
  • Remove all soap scum and hard water stains
  • Clean mirrors streak-free
  • Wipe down all cabinets inside and out
  • Clean light fixtures and exhaust fan cover
  • Scrub floors including corners and edges
  • Check and touch up caulking if needed

3. Living Areas & Bedrooms (30 min per room)

  • Patch nail holes and touch up paint (if allowed)
  • Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans
  • Wipe down all walls, especially light switches and doorknobs
  • Clean windows inside and tracks
  • Vacuum carpets thoroughly (consider professional cleaning)
  • Mop hard floors
  • Clean baseboards and remove scuff marks
  • Clean inside all closets

4. Often-Forgotten Deposit Items (45 min)

  • Clean all door frames and doors (both sides)
  • Dust and wipe down all blinds/window treatments
  • Clean air vents and replace HVAC filters
  • Wipe down washer/dryer exterior
  • Clean garage or storage area if applicable
  • Remove all personal items from outdoor spaces
  • Check for and remove any stickers or adhesive residue
  • Test that all lights and appliances work

Pro Tips

  • •Take photos BEFORE and AFTER cleaning for your records
  • •Focus on what the landlord can see during a walkthrough - high-visibility items matter most
  • •Clean oven and refrigerator first - they take the longest
  • •Hire professional carpet cleaning and keep receipt for dispute protection
  • •Schedule move-out inspection with landlord present to address concerns immediately

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