Best Move-Out Cleaning in Kentucky Ranked

Moving out of a rental property in Kentucky is a significant task, and ensuring the home is left in pristine condition is crucial for getting your full security deposit back. A thorough move-out clean goes beyond regular tidying; it's a deep, detailed restoration of the property to a "move-in ready" state that meets or exceeds your landlord's expectations. This guide explains what Kentucky landlords typically require, provides a detailed checklist, and outlines your options-from DIY to hiring professionals-so you can plan effectively and protect your deposit.

Scrub Lou

1860 Mellwood Ave #269, Louisville, KY 40206

Scrub Lou is a house cleaning company based in Louisville, KY, offering a range of residential cleaning services. Their expertise includes deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning, serving clients throughout Louisville and surrounding areas. The company is known for thorough cleaning that covers all surfaces, including baseboards, light fixtures, and vents. Scrub Lou also provides specialized cleaning for Airbnb properties and restaurant spaces. Customers frequently praise their detailed and comprehensive approach to cleaning. While the business history is not explicitly stated, Scrub Lou has built a strong reputation in the Louisville area for dependable and detailed cleaning services.

5.0

231 Reviews

ecomaids of Lexington-Richmond-Nicholasville

322 W Water St Suite A, Richmond, KY 40475

ecomaids of Lexington-Richmond-Nicholasville is a locally owned cleaning company serving Lexington, KY, and nearby areas including Richmond, Nicholasville, Berea, and Lancaster. They specialize in eco-friendly house cleaning, deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, and post-construction cleaning using 100% natural, Green Seal® and EPA Safer Choice® certified products. Their trained in-house team follows a detailed Green Clean Routine to ensure thorough cleaning of all areas while prioritizing health and environmental safety. The company emphasizes safer cleaning methods free from harsh toxins and harmful chemicals.

5.0

222 Reviews

Cleaning Pros

901 Tea Olive Way, Lexington, KY 40515

Cleaning Pros is a house cleaning company based in Lexington, KY, offering deep cleaning and move-out cleaning services. They provide recurring and one-time cleaning options tailored to residential needs. Known for detailed and efficient cleaning, they specialize in thorough home cleanings that include all areas such as floors, bathrooms, and appliances. Customers have relied on Cleaning Pros for about two years, appreciating their customizable service and attention to detail.

5.0

115 Reviews

Top Mops Cleaning Service

216 E Reynolds Rd, Lexington, KY 40517

Top Mops Cleaning Service is a house cleaning company based in Lexington, KY, specializing in residential cleaning including recurring and deep cleaning services. They serve Central Kentucky cities such as Lexington, Georgetown, Nicholasville, and Versailles. Their offerings include weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and one-time cleaning options, with a focus on eco-friendly cleaning solutions to maintain a less toxic environment. Established for over 10 years, Top Mops is bonded and insured, and conducts background checks on all employees to ensure safety and professionalism. They also provide move-in and move-out cleaning services tailored to client needs.

4.9

474 Reviews

Super Cleaning Service Louisville

louisville

Super Cleaning Service Louisville is a house cleaning company based in Louisville, KY, offering deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, and post-construction cleaning services. They provide thorough cleaning for homes, including specialized deep cleans and move-out preparations. The company is known for handling extensive cleaning tasks such as removing construction dust and detailed baseboard cleaning. Customers frequently mention their ability to schedule quickly and accommodate last-minute requests. Super Cleaning Service Louisville has built a reputation for comprehensive home cleaning solutions in the Louisville area.

4.9

399 Reviews

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What Landlords in Kentucky Expect

In Kentucky, as in most states, your lease agreement likely requires you to return the property in the same condition you received it, accounting for normal wear and tear ¹. The goal of a move-out cleaning is to make the home look like it did the day you moved in ². Landlords and property managers conduct a final walk-through with a critical eye, checking for cleanliness and damage. Failure to meet their standards can result in deductions from your security deposit for cleaning fees, which can be substantial ³.

Landlords generally expect a professional-level clean, focusing on areas that accumulate grime over time. This isn't just about vacuuming and wiping counters; it involves deep cleaning appliances, sanitizing bathrooms, dusting often-overlooked areas like baseboards and light fixtures, and ensuring floors are thoroughly cleaned ^{3 4 5}. Having a clear understanding of these expectations is the first step to a successful move-out.

The Complete Kentucky Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Use this room-by-room checklist to ensure you cover every detail. It's compiled from landlord requirements and professional cleaning standards ^{3 4 6 5 7}.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often the most scrutinized room. Landlords will check inside and behind appliances.

• Appliances: Deep clean the oven (including racks and interior glass), stovovetop, and drip pans. Defrost, empty, and wipe down the interior and exterior of the refrigerator and freezer. Clean the inside and outside of the microwave.
• Cabinets & Drawers: Wipe down the interior and exterior of all cabinets and drawers. Remove any shelf liners or debris.
• Countertops & Sink: Sanitize all countertops, the backsplash, and the sink. Polish the faucet.
• Floors & Windows: Mop the floor, moving appliances if possible. Clean the inside of windows and sills ^{3 4 5}.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms must be sanitized and free of mold, mildew, and soap scum.

• Fixtures: Scrub the toilet (inside bowl, under rim, base, and tank), shower, bathtub, and sink. Polish all faucets and fixtures to a shine.
• Surfaces: Clean mirrors, wipe down medicine cabinets and any shelving, and sanitize countertops.
• Floors & Vents: Mop the floor and clean the exhaust fan/vent cover.
• Details: Empty trash bins and wipe them out ^{3 6 7}.

All Rooms (Bedrooms, Living Room, Dining Room)

• Dusting: Dust all surfaces, including shelves, furniture (tops and sides), window sills, ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, baseboards, and door frames.
• Walls & Windows: Spot-clean walls and doors for marks or smudges. Clean the interior of all windows and tracks.
• Floors: Vacuum all carpets and rugs thoroughly. Mop all hard surface floors.
• Closets: Empty completely and wipe down shelves and rods. Sweep or vacuum the closet floor ^{4 5 8}.

General Areas & Final Touches

• Remove all personal items, trash, and debris.
• Wipe down all door handles, light switches, and plates.
• Remove any cobwebs from corners and ceilings.
• Ensure all trash and recycling bins are empty and clean.

Optional but Highly Recommended Services

Some leases may require these, and they greatly increase the likelihood of a full deposit return:

• Professional Carpet Cleaning/Shampooing: Especially for high-traffic areas or longer tenancies.
• Interior Window Washing: For a streak-free, sparkling finish ^{3 5}.

Cost of Move-Out Cleaning in Kentucky

The cost to perform a move-out clean in Kentucky varies widely based on your approach, the home's size, and its condition.

• DIY Cleaning: The cost is essentially "free" aside from your time and the purchase of cleaning supplies. However, the effort required for a deep, deposit-protecting clean is significant, often taking a full day or more for a single person.
• Professional Cleaning (Hourly): Professional cleaners in Kentucky typically charge between $25 and $50+ per cleaner, per hour ^{9 10}. The total depends on how many cleaners come and how long the job takes.
• Professional Cleaning (Flat Rate): Most companies prefer to quote a flat rate based on the home's square footage and number of bathrooms. Average flat-rate costs in Kentucky are:
  • Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment: Approximately $150 - $300
  • 2-3 Bedroom House: Approximately $300 - $750+ ^{3 4 10}

Key factors that influence the final price: The home's size is the biggest factor. Other variables include the number of bathrooms, the level of dirt or neglect, and any required add-on services like carpet cleaning, interior window washing, or cleaning behind heavy appliances ^{3 9 10}.

How to Ensure You Get Your Full Deposit Back

A strategic approach can make the deposit recovery process smoother.

1. Get Requirements in Writing: Before you start cleaning, ask your landlord or property manager for their specific move-out cleaning checklist. This aligns your efforts directly with their inspection criteria ^{1 11}.
2. Opt for a Flat-Rate Quote: If hiring professionals, seek a flat-rate quote instead of an hourly estimate. This provides cost certainty and protects you from surprises if the job takes longer than expected ⁴.
3. Request a Professional Invoice: If you hire a cleaning service, ask for a detailed, professional invoice or receipt. Many landlords view this as proof of a professional-standard clean, which can be invaluable during the deposit reconciliation process ^{3 6}.
4. Focus on Deep-Clean Areas: Pay special attention to the areas landlords check most: inside ovens and refrigerators, baseboards, behind toilets, and the tops of cabinets and ceiling fans. These are commonly missed in DIY cleans ^{4 6 11}.
5. Conduct a Pre-Walkthrough: If possible, do a walkthrough with the landlord before your official move-out date. This allows you to address any last-minute concerns they may have.

Frequently asked questions

Sources