The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Wilmington Renters
Moving out of a rental is stressful enough without worrying about your security deposit. Landlords and property managers in Wilmington expect units returned in move-in condition—and a thorough cleaning is the difference between getting your deposit back and losing hundreds of dollars.
Whether you're leaving an apartment downtown, a duplex near UNCW, or a beach rental on Wrightsville, this checklist covers everything you need to clean before handing over the keys.
Before You Start
Gather your supplies: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, a mop, vacuum, and trash bags. If you'd rather not spend your last days in the apartment scrubbing grout, this is also the point where you might consider hiring a professional move-out cleaning service.
Take photos of every room before you begin. If there's any existing damage you didn't cause, document it now.
Kitchen
The kitchen is where most deposit deductions happen. Give it extra attention.
Appliances:
Clean inside and outside of the refrigerator, including shelves, drawers, and door seals
Defrost the freezer if needed and wipe down completely
Clean the oven interior, racks, and broiler pan—this is often the most neglected spot
Wipe down the stovetop, drip pans, and knobs
Clean inside and outside of the microwave
Run an empty cycle in the dishwasher with a cleaning tablet, then wipe the door and edges
Clean under and behind appliances if they're movable
Surfaces and storage:
Wipe down all countertops
Clean inside every cabinet and drawer—crumbs collect in corners
Wipe cabinet fronts, especially near handles where grease builds up
Clean the sink and polish the faucet
Degrease the range hood and filter
Don't forget:
Light fixtures and switches
Baseboards
Trash can area
Bathrooms
Bathrooms need to be sanitized, not just wiped down.
Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind
Clean the shower and tub—pay attention to grout, caulk, and soap scum buildup
Wipe down the vanity, sink, and faucet
Clean the mirror
Wash or replace the shower curtain if provided
Clean inside the medicine cabinet and any drawers
Scrub tile floors, especially around the toilet base
Clean exhaust fan cover
Remove any mold or mildew—this is a common deposit deduction
Bedrooms and Living Areas
These rooms are usually easier but still need attention.
Vacuum all carpets, including closet floors
Clean any carpet stains—consider renting a carpet cleaner for heavy traffic areas
Sweep and mop hard floors
Wipe down all baseboards
Clean interior windows and window sills
Dust blinds or wash curtains if provided
Clean closet shelves and rods
Remove all nails and fill holes with spackle if required by your lease
Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
Wipe down doors and door frames
Clean light switches and outlet covers
Often Overlooked
These details separate a good cleaning from a deposit-saving cleaning:
Inside the garage (sweep, remove oil stains)
Patio or balcony (sweep, wipe railings)
Front door (both sides, plus the doorframe)
HVAC vents and returns (dust collects fast)
Laundry area (clean behind washer/dryer, wipe down connections)
Attic access panels (dust and wipe)
Window tracks (use a vacuum and damp cloth)
Doorknobs and handles throughout
Final Walkthrough
Once everything is clean:
Replace any burned-out light bulbs
Replace HVAC filters if required
Make sure all personal items are removed, including from outdoor areas
Take dated photos of every room as proof of condition
Do a final walkthrough with your landlord if possible
When to Call a Professional
Move-out cleaning is time-consuming. A typical two-bedroom apartment takes 4–6 hours to clean properly. If you're short on time, exhausted from packing, or just want the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed clean, professional move-out cleaning is worth considering.
At Intracoastal Cleaning, we handle move-out cleans throughout Wilmington, Leland, and the surrounding area. We know what local property managers look for, and we'll make sure you leave your rental in deposit-ready condition.
[Get a free move-out cleaning estimate.]
Intracoastal Cleaning provides specialty cleaning services including move-out cleans, post-construction cleanup, and deep cleaning for Wilmington-area homes and businesses.