St. Louis Metro Move-Out Cleaning Checklist to Save Your Security Deposit

Moving out of a home or apartment in the St. Louis metro area can be overwhelming. Between packing, coordinating movers, and setting up your new space, cleaning is often the last thing on your mind—but it could be the one thing standing between you and your full security deposit. Landlords and property managers across South County, Mid-County, and even Metro East Illinois are quick to charge fees for dusty baseboards, missed fridge spills, or bathroom grime. With the right checklist, you can walk away with your deposit and your reputation intact.

Why Cleaning Matters Before You Leave

Most lease agreements require tenants to return the unit in the same condition it was received—minus normal wear and tear. That means:

• No dust on ceiling fans or blinds
• No crumbs or grease in the kitchen
• No lingering pet smells or carpet stains
• A spotless bathroom from mirror to tile grout

If a property manager has to call in cleaners, they’ll deduct it from your deposit—and often at a higher rate than you’d pay to do it yourself or hire your own pro.

The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Whether you’re leaving an apartment in Affton, a rental home in Maplewood, or a loft downtown, use this list to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Whole Unit

• Dust ceiling fans, baseboards, blinds, and vents
• Clean light fixtures and switch plates
• Wipe walls, doors, and doorknobs
• Vacuum all carpets and mop hard floors
• Patch small nail holes (if required)

Kitchen

• Clean inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers
• Scrub sink and faucet
• Degrease stovetop and hood
• Clean oven interior and racks
• Wipe down refrigerator (inside and out)
• Clean dishwasher filter and edges

Bathroom

• Scrub toilet bowl, seat, base, and tank
• Clean shower walls, tub, and curtain/door
• Remove any mildew or hard water stains
• Wipe vanity, mirror, and faucet
• Empty and wipe drawers

Bedrooms & Living Areas

• Clean closet shelves and rods
• Remove all personal items, stickers, nails, etc.
• Dust behind and under appliances and furniture
• Check corners for cobwebs

Extras That Make a Difference

• Steam-clean carpets if required by lease
• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Remove trash and recycling completely
• Wipe down windows and window sills
• Leave air vents open and unobstructed

When to Hire a Pro

If you’re tight on time, dealing with stubborn stains, or simply want peace of mind, hiring a residential cleaning company like St. Louis Cleaning Team can be worth every penny. We’ve helped renters across South City, Mehlville, Brentwood, and Belleville move out without a hitch—and with full deposits returned.

Professional cleaners know what landlords check and often have specialized equipment to get tile, grout, or fridge interiors sparkling clean. Many tenants find the cost of hiring pros is less than what their landlord would deduct for similar cleaning services.

Final Tips for a Smooth Exit

• Take before-and-after photos to document the condition of the property
• Schedule your clean after movers leave, not before
• Confirm trash pickup timing so no garbage is left behind
• Walk through with your landlord if possible to address any concerns on the spot

Moving Out Soon?

Don’t leave your deposit up to chance. A spotless exit leaves a lasting impression—and could save you hundreds. Whether you’re wrapping up a lease in Webster Groves or handing over keys in South County, let St. Louis Cleaning Team help you finish strong.

Book a move-out clean today and move with confidence.