Tenant Move-Out & Deposit Recovery Cleaning Cost Calculator
Move-out cleaning in 2026 typically ranges from $320 to $850 depending on home size, oven and refrigerator interior condition, and carpet steam extraction requirements. Configure your property parameters below for an instant planning range, required labor hours, and landlord inspection checklist items.
Configure Project Parameters
Where Does the Money Go in Move-Out Cleaning?
Transparent cost distributions across specialized labor, equipment amortization, chemical consumables, and disposal manifests.
| Cost Component | Share of Budget | Typical Cost Range | Technical Scope & Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detailed Hand Scrubbing (Kitchen & Baths) | 50–60% | $180 – $480 | Sanitizing shower tile, lime descaling, toilet bases, inside all cabinets & drawers |
| Appliance Interior Restoration | 15–20% | $60 – $140 | Oven carbon degreasing, refrigerator shelving, dishwasher filter cleanout |
| Carpet Hot-Water Steam Extraction | 15–22% | $80 – $190 | High-heat rinse extracting deep traffic lane soil and landlord lease compliance |
| Consumables, Microfiber & Inspection Audit | 5–10% | $25 – $60 | Non-scratch melamine pads, acid descalers, turnover photographic inspection report |
Primary Factors Driving Your Final Invoice
Understand the technical drivers that cause bids to vary between low-end estimates and high-end quotes.
Baked-On Oven Carbon & Broiler Grease
Heavy grease baked onto glass doors and heating elements requires 45–60 minutes of intensive chemical dwell time and manual scraper extraction.
Hard Water Mineral Etching in Showers
Calcium, magnesium, and soap scum buildup on glass doors and porous grout lines require multiple acid wash cycles.
Baseboards, Blinds & Cabinet Interiors
Wiping empty pantry shelves, closet corners, and horizontal blind slats adds up to 35% of total turnover labor hours.
Common Questions Regarding Move-Out Cleaning Costs
How much does a move-out clean cost for an average apartment?
In 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment move-out clean typically costs $280 to $420, a 2-bedroom runs $350 to $550, and a 3-bedroom single-family house ranges from $480 to $850. Extra charges apply for carpet steam extraction and heavy pet odor remediation.
Can my landlord deduct cleaning fees if I cleaned the rental myself?
Under most state landlord-tenant laws, landlords cannot charge for reasonable wear and tear. However, if appliances, window tracks, or bathroom grout are left dirty, landlords can legally deduct the documented third-party invoice cost from your security deposit.
What is the difference between a deep clean and a move-out clean?
A standard deep clean focuses on living spaces with furniture in place. A move-out clean is performed in a vacant unit and includes wiping inside every empty kitchen cabinet, drawer, closet, appliance interior (oven and fridge), and hand-scrubbing all baseboards.
Explore Other 2026 Cost Calculators
Select another specialized calculator calibrated to specific residential, commercial, or hazard standards.
Deep House Cleaning
Calculate accurate 2026 whole-home deep cleaning costs. Configure square footage, ceiling fans, blinds, baseboards, and intensive scale removal.
Calculate Cost →Post-Construction
Estimate 2026 post-construction and remodel dust cleanup costs. 3-phase HEPA vacuuming, silica extraction, sticker removal, and HVAC filtration.
Calculate Cost →Carpet Steam Extraction
Calculate 2026 professional steam extraction carpet cleaning costs. Configure room count, fiber type, pet urine treatment, and Scotchgard protection.
Calculate Cost →Airbnb Turnover
Calculate realistic 2026 short-term rental turnover cleaning costs. Configure bedrooms, off-site linen laundry, staging checklists, and same-day turnaround.
Calculate Cost →Commercial Janitorial
Calculate 2026 commercial office janitorial costs. ISSA 612 labor-hour standards, restroom fixture counts, service frequencies, and floor maintenance.
Calculate Cost →Hoarding Cleanup
Estimate realistic 2026 hoarder cleanout costs across Levels 1–5. Configure square footage, biological contamination, and dumpster logistics.
Calculate Cost →