Moving out of a rental in Effingham County is stressful enough without worrying about whether you'll get your security deposit back. A professional move-out cleaning covers the areas landlords and property managers check most closely — and the areas most tenants miss.
Here's what a move-out cleaning actually includes, how long it takes, and what you can do to make sure you walk away with your full deposit.
What's Included in a Move-Out Cleaning
A move-out cleaning goes well beyond a regular cleaning. At Effingham Office Maids, our move-out deep clean covers:
Kitchen
- Inside oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher
- Cabinet and drawer interiors wiped down
- Countertops, backsplash, and sink sanitized
- Stovetop and range hood degreased
- Floor mopped including edges and corners
Bathrooms
- Toilet, tub, and shower fully sanitized
- Tile grout scrubbed
- Mirror and glass cleaned
- Vanity cabinet interiors wiped
- Floor mopped including behind toilet
All Rooms
- Baseboards detailed throughout
- Light switches and door frames wiped
- Window tracks and sills cleaned
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans dusted
- Closet interiors and shelves wiped
- All floors vacuumed and mopped
How Long Does It Take?
Timing depends on the size and condition of the space. As a general guide for Effingham-area rentals:
| Space Size | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | 2-3 hours |
| 2-bedroom apartment or home | 3-4 hours |
| 3+ bedroom home | 4-6 hours |
We send a team of cleaners so the work gets done faster — you won't be waiting around all day.
Tips to Get Your Full Deposit Back
- Schedule early. Book your cleaning at least a week before your move-out date. Last-minute slots fill up fast, especially at the end of the month.
- Remove all belongings first. We can clean more thoroughly in an empty space. Leftover items in closets and cabinets slow things down.
- Patch nail holes. This is usually the tenant's responsibility and isn't part of a cleaning service. A small tub of spackle and a putty knife from the hardware store is all you need.
- Document the condition. Take photos after the cleaning is done. If there's ever a dispute about your deposit, you'll have proof the space was left clean.
- Check your lease. Some leases require specific cleaning tasks (like carpet shampooing). Review yours so nothing gets missed.
What We Don't Do
To set the right expectations: move-out cleaning does not include carpet shampooing, wall painting, window exterior cleaning, or repairs. We clean reachable windows from the inside only — no ladder work.
Why Eco-Friendly Products Matter for Move-Outs
The next tenant is moving into whatever chemicals get left behind. We use eco-friendly products with no bleach and no harsh chemicals — no VOCs lingering in the air. That means the space is safe for the next family, their kids, and their pets from day one.
Get a Free Move-Out Cleaning Quote
Call us at (217) 207-3097 or fill out our quote form with your space size and move-out date. We provide same-day quotes and serve all of Effingham County.
Last reviewed: March 2026