What Does End Of Tenancy Cleaning Include?
Moving out in Edmonton is busy enough without the worry of a security deposit on the line. Property managers across Edmonton and area expect a spotless handover: kitchens free of grease, bathrooms gleaming, and every surface dust-free. That is why end of tenancy cleaning, often called move out cleaning, follows a precise, room-by-room process. It is deeper than a standard tidy. It is a top-to-bottom reset that makes a home look new to the next resident and clears the way for a stress-free inspection.
This article explains what end of tenancy cleaning includes, what landlords in Edmonton commonly check, and how a trusted local team approaches the work. It also covers timelines, special cases like pet homes and furnished suites, and what to expect from professional move out cleaning services Edmonton renters and homeowners book during peak rental turnover.
What landlords and property managers check in Edmonton
Edmonton landlords generally follow a practical checklist during move-out inspections. They look for clean appliances inside and out, no residue in cupboards and drawers, dust-free fixtures, and bathrooms free of soap scum and calcium deposits. Floors must be vacuumed and mopped, baseboards wiped, and walls free of obvious marks. Windows and tracks should look clear, and the entry areas should be tidy, including closets.
From downtown condos near Jasper Avenue to townhomes in Terwillegar, expectations are consistent: if a new resident can move in without needing to clean first, the suite passes. That standard guides every thorough end of tenancy clean.
What a full end of tenancy clean includes room by room
A proper move out cleaning covers every space from ceiling to floor, including the hard-to-reach and easy-to-miss spots that lead to deductions. The order below tracks how professional cleaners approach the work for efficiency and results.
Kitchen: where most deposits are won or lost
The kitchen carries the most cleaning time because grease and food residue collect in layers. A thorough clean includes degreasing the stove top, scrubbing the drip pans or burner caps, and washing the range hood filter so it is free of oily film. The oven needs a full interior clean, including the racks and door glass. Commercial-grade, eco-friendly oven solutions can cut through baked-on residue without harsh fumes, which is safer for small spaces and pets.
The refrigerator gets unplugged, emptied, and cleaned inside and out, including shelves, bins, and the door gasket. If dust has built up on the condenser grill, a careful vacuum lowers noise and improves efficiency for the next resident. Freezer compartments are defrosted where needed and wiped dry to prevent ice buildup. Dishwashers are run on a hot cycle with a cleaning solution, and the filter is removed and rinsed. Microwaves are wiped inside and out, paying attention to vents and the underside above the stove.
Cabinets and drawers are emptied and cleaned inside, outside, and on the tops where dust gathers. Countertops and backsplash tiles are degreased and rinsed. Sinks and faucets are descaled, the drain flange is scrubbed, and stainless steel is polished without streaks. Light fixtures get dusted, switch plates wiped, and vents cleaned. Floors receive a thorough sweep, edge vacuum, and mop, including under the appliances where crumbs and spills hide. If appliances are hard to move, a slim tool and vacuum attachment reach the gaps along the sides and back.
Bathrooms: shine and sanitation
Bathrooms need to look spotless and smell fresh. The shower and tub are scrubbed to remove soap scum, body oils, and limescale. Glass doors are polished to reduce water spots. Tile grout receives focused attention, and caulking is wiped and checked for mold stains. The toilet is cleaned inside and out, including behind the hinges and along the base. Sinks, taps, and counters are sanitized and polished. Mirrors are streak-free, and light fixtures are dusted and wiped. Fans pull in a lot of lint; vents and covers are cleaned so they look tidy and run better.
Cabinets and drawers are emptied, wiped inside and out, and handles are cleaned. Floors are vacuumed and mopped, including tight corners behind doors and beside the toilet. A quick detail around the door stop and baseboards makes a visible difference during inspections.
Living areas and bedrooms: dust, detail, and floors
Living rooms, hallways, dens, and bedrooms build up layers of fine dust. A top-down method prevents repeat work. Ceilings are checked for cobwebs, light fixtures and ceiling fans are dusted, and vents are wiped. Window sills, frames, and tracks collect debris; cleaners brush and vacuum these tracks and wipe the glass inside. If the building allows, exterior glass at reachable heights is cleaned as well.
Closets and shelves are wiped and vacuumed, including the shelf lip that catches dust. Doors, handles, and frames are wiped to remove fingerprints and smudges. Baseboards are cleaned all around the suite. Any removable marks on walls are gently addressed with non-abrasive methods to avoid paint damage. Outlets and switch plates are wiped. Finally, floors are vacuumed with edge tools and then mopped or steam-cleaned as appropriate for the material. For carpet, a careful vacuum with slow passes lifts hair and grit that flatten fibers. Professional teams can arrange carpet shampoo as an add-on if the lease requires it or if stains are present.
Entryways, laundry, and utility spaces
The entry sets first impressions. Doors, knobs, and peepholes are wiped, thresholds cleaned, and any scuffs near the handle are addressed. Coat closets are vacuumed and shelving wiped.
Laundry rooms need lint removal along the dryer door seal, detergent residue cleaned from dispensers, and a wipe-down behind and beside appliances. If safe access is available, dust behind the washer and dryer is vacuumed to reduce musty odors. Utility rooms or furnace spaces in houses are tidied and floors swept and mopped.
Windows, blinds, and extras that help pass inspection
Blinds collect dust fast in Edmonton’s dry months. Wiping slats and vacuuming fabric shades improves air quality and the look of the room. Window tracks trap gravel and dirt, especially after winter; removing that grit is noticeable. If the unit has a balcony, a sweep and quick wipe of the railing can preempt manager comments even if the balcony is not listed on the lease checklist.
Furnished units add duties: wiping and vacuuming furniture, cleaning under cushions, and dusting decor and lamp bases. Mattresses in furnished suites often need a vacuum and a surface refresh. A quick polish on wood tables reduces water rings and fingerprints before the final walkthrough.
How long a proper move-out clean takes
Time depends on size, condition, and add-ons like inside-window cleaning or carpet shampoo. A well-maintained one-bedroom condo in Oliver or Strathcona might take three to five hours for two professional cleaners. A three-bedroom home in Terwillegar, Westmount, or Sherwood Park can run six to ten hours, especially with a large kitchen and multiple bathrooms. If a home has heavy pet hair, post-renovation dust, or neglected appliances, expect more time. Clear access and an empty unit shorten visits and reduce cost.
Clients often ask whether cleaning on the same day as movers is smart. Moving the day before cleaning is ideal. Empty rooms allow faster, more detailed work, and cleaners can reach every baseboard, outlet, and closet.
What tenants should do before cleaners arrive
Simple prep steps make the service smoother and help control the quote:
- Remove all personal items from drawers, cabinets, closets, and shelves
- Unplug and empty the fridge and freezer
- Confirm power and water are on for hot water and vacuuming
- Share building rules for elevator booking or parking
- Flag known trouble spots such as oven buildup or wall scuffs
If patching nail holes is part of the move-out requirement, handle it before the clean so dust can be removed during the visit. For furnished rentals, share an inventory list so cleaners can place items back correctly after wiping.
The difference between standard cleaning and end of tenancy cleaning
A standard cleaning focuses on surface upkeep: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning obvious touch points. End of tenancy work is deeper, more detailed, and covers the inside of appliances, cabinets, and drawers. It also includes areas people rarely reach during routine cleans, like behind the stove, inside the oven, window tracks, and the tops of cabinets. The standard is higher, and the method is slower and more thorough because the goal is a move-in-ready space that stands up to a checklist and a bright daylight inspection.
Common issues that cause deposit deductions
Years of move-outs teach patterns. These are the top causes of deductions in Edmonton:
- Oven residue on racks and glass
- Grease under the range hood filter and on cabinet fronts near the stove
- Soap scum on shower glass and limescale on taps from hard water
- Dust in ceiling fan housings and bathroom fans
- Window tracks with dirt and dead bugs, and blinds with visible dust
Addressing these prevents weak points during a walkthrough. A trained eye spots them early and assigns enough time to resolve them.
Eco-friendly products and why they matter
Green cleaning has real benefits during move-outs. Many end of tenancy cleans happen in condos with limited airflow. Eco-friendly products reduce strong odors and are safer for cleaners and building residents. Non-toxic degreasers work well on kitchen soils when used with heat and dwell time. Citric-acid-based descalers lift hard-water buildup in bathrooms without harsh fumes. Microfibre cloths and HEPA vacuums capture dust more effectively, which helps reduce allergens.
Maid in Edmonton uses eco-friendly options as standard and keeps stronger products on the van for heavy-duty cases like oven carbon or deep mineral deposits. The goal is clean and safe at the same time.
Pricing factors for move out cleaning services Edmonton clients request
Most companies price by size, room count, and scope. Inside appliances and inside cabinets are usually included in a full end of tenancy package. Interior windows, blinds, balcony cleaning, and carpet shampoo are common add-ons. Condition makes a difference: a routinely cleaned home costs less than a long-neglected one of the same size because time is the largest variable.
To give a sense of range: a studio or small one-bedroom in Downtown, Garneau, or Blatchford may sit in the low hundreds depending on add-ons. Larger family homes in St. Albert, Spruce Grove, or Windermere can be in the mid to high hundreds. The most accurate way to price is an instant quote based on square footage, number of bathrooms, and the selected extras.
What a professional, trusted team looks like
Trust is crucial. People hand over keys and expect the job done to a high standard without supervision. Edmonton’s trusted cleaning services protect that trust by using background-checked staff who are insured and bonded. Teams arrive on time in uniform, bring professional-grade tools, and follow a detailed checklist.
A clear service promise matters as well. Maid in Edmonton is locally owned and operated, and the professional team stands behind their work with a satisfaction guaranteed policy. If something was missed, they make it right. That guarantee reduces move-out find move out cleaning services nearby stress and makes scheduling easier under tight timelines between move dates and final inspections.
Special cases and how to handle them
Every move has curveballs. Here are a few that come up often:
Pet homes: Pet hair migrates into corners, under appliances, and into closet tracks. A strong vacuum with a motorized brush head and extra edge passes helps. Enzyme treatments can reduce lingering odours. Share pet details so the team plans for extra time.
Smoker units: Nicotine film can leave yellowing on paint, blinds, and cabinets. Citrus-based degreasers and heavy microfibre rotation help lift residue. Be realistic about walls; paint may still show staining after cleaning, which falls outside standard cleaning scope.
Post-renovation dust: Fine drywall dust travels and settles again after vibration. Two passes may be needed, with detailed attention to vents, outlets, window tracks, and baseboard tops. Ask for a post-reno add-on if the unit was recently patched or painted.
Furnished rentals: Upholstery vacuuming, under-cushion cleaning, and furniture polishing add time. Inventory photos help place decor correctly after cleaning.
Move-outs during winter: Edmonton winters bring salt and grit. Entry floors, boot trays, and baseboards near doors need salt stain removal. Window tracks gather ice granules that melt into dirty water; a wet-dry technique prevents streaking.
DIY versus hiring professionals
Some tenants plan to DIY to save money, then hit snags with the oven, shower glass, or time pressure. A thorough DIY is possible with the right products and a realistic schedule, but it can take a full day or more, especially for two bathrooms and a heavy-use kitchen. Professional cleaners bring heat, dwell-time tactics, pro tools, and repetition that shave hours while improving results.
A frequent pattern is a tenant spending six to eight hours and then calling a team for appliances, bathrooms, and floors. Booking a professional from the start can cost less than the combined price of equipment, products, and a lost day off, especially if an inspection is tight.
How Maid in Edmonton executes a thorough end of tenancy clean
Maid in Edmonton follows a clear process designed for move-outs across Edmonton and surrounding areas, including St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain.
Assessment and quote: Clients share square footage, number of bathrooms, and add-ons. An instant online quote sets expectations. For complex cases, photos help fine-tune time.
Checklist-based clean: The professional cleaning team works top to bottom, room by room. They start with high dusting and fan blades, move to kitchens and bathrooms, and finish with floors. Inside appliances and cabinets are included unless the client requests otherwise.
Eco-friendly products: Standard use of non-toxic cleaners, with access to heavier-duty solutions for stubborn buildup.
Quality check: A final walk-through verifies touch points, inside appliances, and high-visibility surfaces under natural light. Any misses are addressed on the spot.
Satisfaction guaranteed: If the property manager flags something within a short window after service, the team returns to make it right under the guarantee policy.
What is usually not included unless requested
End of tenancy cleaning is detailed, but some tasks fall outside standard scope. Wall washing or repainting, full grout restoration, exterior windows beyond safe reach, and vent duct cleaning are examples. Deep stain removal from carpets is a separate service handled by carpet technicians. If a unit needs odor remediation beyond surface cleaning, ozone or specialized treatments may be required by the landlord.
Clear communication upfront prevents surprises. If your lease lists carpet shampoo or balcony cleaning, add them to the quote. If you are responsible for lawn or garage areas in a house rental, ask for options that include sweeping the garage or clearing porch cobwebs.
How to schedule for a smooth move
One simple rule reduces stress: move first, clean second, inspect third. Book the elevator for both the move and the cleaning team if your building requires it. Keep utilities on until the cleaning is complete. If the landlord needs photos, ask your cleaners to take date-stamped images after the final walk-through. That can help if questions arise later.
For timing, Edmonton’s busiest months for move outs are late spring through early fall. If you are leaving a unit near the University of Alberta or in new builds around Windermere, book at least a week in advance during peak times. Short-notice slots exist, but same-day openings are not always available.
What success looks like on inspection day
A pass is not only about surfaces looking good. It is about the little things that managers check because they indicate the whole suite was cleaned with care. Oven door glass that is clear, sink drains that look polished, window tracks free of grit, and fans that no longer shed dust all tell a manager that the suite is move-in ready. Add neutral, fresh air with no lingering food or smoke smells, and the inspection goes faster.
Clients often share small wins, like a manager commenting on how clean the fridge gasket looks or how bright the shower glass appears. Those details are the difference between a smooth key handover and a callback.
Ready for move-out day in Edmonton?
End of tenancy cleaning is a precise process that protects deposits and reputations. Edmonton renters and homeowners count on reliable move out cleaning services Edmonton managers recognize for consistent results. Maid in Edmonton is locally owned and operated, with background-checked, insured, and bonded professional cleaners who deliver thorough, sparkling results. The team uses eco-friendly products that are safe for kids and pets, works from a customized checklist for your home, and stands behind the work with satisfaction guaranteed.
Get an instant free quote online, choose one-time or recurring options if you want help at your new place, and book your preferred date. From downtown apartments to family homes in St. Albert and Sherwood Park, Maid in Edmonton cleans so your move is simpler and your handover is smooth.
Maid in Edmonton provides residential and commercial cleaning services in Edmonton, AB. Our team handles house cleaning, maid services, office cleaning, deep cleaning, AirBnB cleaning, and post-construction projects. We also provide janitorial services for local businesses. Since 2022, we have focused on reliable cleaning with eco-friendly practices. Whether you need regular home service or a full commercial clean, Maid in Edmonton is ready to help. Maid in Edmonton
14605 118 Ave NW #101 Phone: (780) 885-6243 Website: https://maidinedmonton.com/move-in-move-out-cleaning-service/
Edmonton,
AB
T5L 2M7,
Canada