How to Deep Clean a Condo for Move-Out
Moving out of a Toronto condo? Your landlord or property manager will conduct an inspection before returning your last month's rent or deposit, and cleanliness is one of the top reasons for deductions. Here's what to clean, in what order, to leave the unit in condition that meets inspection standards.
What Toronto Landlords Actually Check
Based on what results in deductions most often:
- Oven interior — almost always inspected and commonly not cleaned
- Range hood filter — often missed
- Fridge interior, including under drawers and behind seals
- Bathroom grout, caulk, and exhaust fan
- Inside closets and storage areas
- Balcony or patio — especially if it accumulated debris
- Walls — scuffs and marks, especially in high-traffic hallways
- Floors under appliances and furniture you moved
- Blinds and window tracks
- Light fixtures and switch plates
Recommended Cleaning Order
Work from top to bottom, back to front, dirty to clean:
1. Kitchen
- Range hood: remove and wash the filter in hot soapy water or the dishwasher; wipe the interior and exterior of the hood
- Oven: use oven cleaner (Easy-Off) on a cool oven; leave overnight for best results; wipe thoroughly
- Fridge: remove all drawers and shelves; wash with warm soapy water; dry; wipe interior walls; clean the door seals
- Microwave: heat a bowl of water with lemon juice until steaming; wipe interior while warm
- Dishwasher: run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner; clean the filter and door seal
- Cabinets: wipe exterior fronts and handles; clean interior shelves
- Counters, backsplash, and sink: full scrub
2. Bathrooms
- Toilet: full bowl clean, exterior wipe, clean behind the toilet
- Shower/tub: scrub grout, clean caulk, wipe down walls and door
- Sink and faucet: descale, polish
- Exhaust fan: remove cover, clean blades and cover
- Mirror: streak-free clean
- Cabinet interior: wipe shelves
3. Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Walls: wipe scuffs with Magic Eraser
- Baseboards and door frames: wipe down
- Windows: clean glass inside; wipe sills and tracks
- Blinds: wipe each slat or soak if heavily soiled
- Light fixtures: wipe or wash shades; replace burnt-out bulbs
- Closet interiors: sweep/vacuum, wipe shelves
- Floors: vacuum, then mop
4. Final Checks
- Balcony or patio: sweep, wipe railings
- Entrance: wipe door and frame inside; clean any entry closet
- All light switches and outlet plates: wipe
- Under appliances: vacuum and mop under fridge, stove, washer/dryer
What You Can Leave
Under Ontario's Residential Tenancy Act, you're responsible for returning the unit in the condition you received it, allowing for normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes from hanging pictures, and light carpet wear. You are not responsible for repainting if the paint was already old when you moved in.
When to Hire Professionals
If you're pressed for time or the unit has accumulated significant buildup, a professional move-out clean is worth the cost relative to a deposit deduction. Maidless offers flat-rate move-out cleans across Toronto starting from $249 — book at maidless.ca.