By a previous property management business owner.

Tap here to view and print the cleaning checklist we gave to our tenants. 

Move-out cleaning St. George

Moving out of a rental in St. George can be pretty overwhelming and then there are all the arguments. I know. I’ve moved at least a dozen times.

When doing a move-out cleaning St. George, or Washington you so much to do. Then you might have to deal with the landlord. Getting your rental deposit back adds even more to your burden.

Move-out cleaning is the last hassle anyone needs at that point.
It just makes sense to have a pro do your move-out cleaning (Like our company although we might be a bit biased. We’ve done move-out cleans in apartments by Dixie State, homes in Sunriver or Little Valley we have handled all kinds of situations.

I’ll even be honest with you. Doing move-out cleanings can even stress out the pros. Really.

Facebook post from White Rabbit Cleaning on move out cleaning stress for the cleaning company: 

New Policy for Move-Out Cleans (Because Apparently This Needs to Be Said)

After this happening not once, but twice, we’ve decided it’s time for a couple new policies regarding move-out cleans.

1.  Same Week Move-Out Cleans
If you call and want a move-out clean the same week… the answer is absolutely not.

Unless we had a cancellation and the cleaning gods are smiling down on you, it’s just not happening.

More...

Why Move Out Cleaning Matters (Unless You Enjoy Losing Your Deposit)

The St. George rentals have become really expensive. Unfortunately the higher the rent, the higher the security deposit is.

I think a lot of renters don't realize how much move-out cleaning can mess with your security deposit.. Under Utah law, if the place you’re moving out of isn’t t clean enough, property managers and landlords can take money out of your deposit for that. That can sting.

After having done dozens of after the fact move-out cleanings for a local property manager I know the price of that cleaning can be high: $200 on up to $1,000. But, if you hire a pro you can work with them to control the costs.

Think about the person who had $1,000 taken from their security deposit. I’m sure they regretted it big time.

From Reddit, r/tenant

Moved out and Landlord is charging us for a professional cleaning.

Hello we moved out of a appartment to our first house. After one week we were invited to do a walkthrough with the landlord. He started talking about how he needs to get the place professionaly cleaned because "it smells like cats". We have two cats and before signing paper work we ask if the cats were okay and would we need to do a pet deposit. The landlord said "not needed". There was no mess left behind and the "cat smell" wasnt really there when we were walking through the apartment again. The landlord got a quote for around $450 dollars for the cleaning so my wife and I are fighting it because it seems a little crazy. Do we have any ground to stand on?

Why Move-In Cleaning Matters in St. George (Start Fresh… Not “Kinda Fresh”)

When you first move into a place in St. George even a 12,000 SF home in Stone Cliffs you want all traces of the previous occupants removed.

I think even if the last people tried to clean (Did they really?), it’s enjoyable to feel that home is freshly cleaned. You know, everything cleaned and sanitized (Darn germs, anyway).

Move in cleaning covers the same stuff as when you’re moving out of a place.

Honestly it is actually easier for us because the place is already been cleaned. Not clean, clean but we make it cleaner.

So what do we clean?

•   In the kitchen we clean the fridge to look new again.
•   Then we clean behind and under the fridge and the stove.
•   In the bathrooms, everything that’s no paint is cleaned and sanitized.
•   The windows are cleaned to look new again (If you can see the glass, the windows aren’t clean enough.
•   We clean inside and outside all the drawers and cabinets.
•   The kitchen counter is cleaned to within an inch of its life (I.E. really, really clean).
•   There’s too much for me to go over all of the cleaning here. When we meet we’ll talk.

Video link: WATCH PROFESSIONALS DEEP CLEAN AFTER A TENANT MOVES OUT. (opens in a new tab)

IMPORTANT: You want to have the move-in cleaning done as soon as possible before moving in. Booking 1 month or more in advance is smart, unless you like scrambling to find a good cleaner who isn’t busy.

Move-out cleaning of your apartment is non-negotiable (Unless you don't mind losing a chunk of your security deposit)

Move-out cleaning to meet the expectations of your landlord can be a bit tough. There are two things you can do to help make things work right.

1. Get a copy of the move-out cleaning checklist from your landlord. If they don’t have one, get one off the net.

2. Do a pre move-out inspection. This is where you (probably pay) the landlord to meet you at the rental you’re moving out of. You go over, together, what still remains to be done. This will ensure that when you’re done with the finally inspection the landlord won’t take out money for cleaning.

The Impact of Moving

Moving is inherently messy. Messy, messy, messy. Boxes shed fibers (What kind boxes are you buying if they're shedding? Boxes made from animal hides?).

Your furniture reveals years of concealed dust. It’s like you’re getting ready for a dust convention. A move-out clean tackles these "blind spots," while a move-in clean ensures your new place is pristine before you unpack.

Landlord & Property Manager Expectations

Professional managers check more than just the floors. They put on their white glove and inspect:

•   Appliances: Inside ovens, fridges, and microwaves.
•   Deep Details: Window tracks, baseboards, and ceiling fans.
•   Storage: The interiors of all cabinets, drawers, and the garage.

Above Before a professional move out cleaning. Below: After

Under Utah law, you aren't charged for "normal wear and tear," but dirt and stains are your responsibility. To protect yourself, request a cleaning checklist and take photos of the finished result.

Timing Your Cleaning

As mentioned before schedule your cleaning at least a month in advance. Time it so the cleaning crew arrives after you have completely vacated the property.

Cleaning while still living in the home is ineffective, as high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms will quickly become soiled again. Do your regular cleaning when you’re living in the place and we’ll do the move-out cleaning after you’ve skedaddled.

Common Misses When doing a DIY Move-out Cleaning

Avoid these frequent deposit-killers:

•   Hard Water: St. George’s water leaves stubborn spots on shower glass. Even worse from my perspective is the buildup on the metal parts of the shower door.

•   Ovens: Cleaning ovens is easy peesy.

•   Take out the racks, then take them outside and spray them front and back with Easy Off.

•   Next run the self-cleaning cycle of your oven.

•   After leaving the racks overnight, spray them off with a garden hose. Use a towel to dry them and get extra left over gunk off. Put them back in the oven.

•   Tracks & Vents: Dust and red dirt accumulate in window tracks and air vents.

Reddit post: r/landlord

We’ll Help Your Protect Your Refund

For expert help throughout the St. George metro area (Washington, St. George, Ivins, Santa Clara, and Hurricane), contact First Impressions Home and Office Cleaning at (435) 879-1239. We charge $40 per person-hour. It’s well worth it.

Our head cleaner, Krisandra, doing a move-out cleaning

Need help moving: American Van Lines® Movers | Long Distance Moving Company