Top Move-Out Cleaning in Vancouver, Washington Ranked

Moving out is a busy time, and ensuring your former home is spotless is a critical final step to secure your full security deposit. Move-out cleaning, also known as end-of-lease or vacancy cleaning, is a comprehensive deep clean that returns a property to "broom clean" or "entry condition" standards as defined in most lease agreements. This guide explains what this specialized cleaning entails, typical costs in Vancouver, and how you can connect with local professionals who understand landlord expectations to help you pass your final inspection with confidence.

CottageCare Lake Oswego & Milwaukie

4160 SE International Way D107, Milwaukie, OR 97222

CottageCare Lake Oswego & Milwaukie is a house cleaning company serving Portland, OR, and nearby areas including Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, and Clackamas. With over 30 years of experience, they offer comprehensive, eco-friendly cleaning services tailored to homeowners' needs. Their services include regular housekeeping, move-out cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning, all performed using non-toxic, environmentally safe products. CottageCare is known for its detailed cleaning capabilities such as kitchen and bathroom cleaning, surface dusting, upholstery vacuuming, and hand washing of floors. The company has a long-standing commitment to green cleaning practices dating back to the 1970s.

5.0

610 Reviews

Maid To Shine Cleaning

205 SE Spokane St suite 318, Portland, OR 97202

Maid To Shine Cleaning is a house cleaning company based in Portland, OR, offering eco-friendly residential cleaning services tailored to various needs. Their services include deep cleaning, move in/out cleans, post-construction cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning. They serve Portland and surrounding areas such as Happy Valley, West Linn, and Beaverton. The company uses natural, non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for families and pets. With 17 years of experience, Maid To Shine Cleaning emphasizes chemical-free methods and a well-trained, vetted cleaning team.

5.0

142 Reviews

The Maids of Forest Heights

2127 NW Miller Rd, Portland, OR 97229

The Maids of Forest Heights is a house cleaning company serving Portland, OR, specializing in deep cleaning and move-out cleaning services. Established in 1995, this family-operated business employs a full-time, professionally trained staff who use an exclusive 22-step cleaning method to ensure thorough and health-enhancing results. Their services include detailed kitchen and bathroom cleaning, general tidying, and HEPA filtration vacuuming to improve indoor air quality. The Maids of Forest Heights operates with full insurance and bonding, emphasizing safety and reliability in their work.

5.0

126 Reviews

Nite Owlz LLC

3055 NW Yeon Ave, Portland, OR 97210

Nite Owlz LLC is a house cleaning company based in Portland, OR, offering deep cleaning and move-out cleaning services. They provide 24-hour cleaning tailored to client needs, using natural and eco-friendly products. Their team is known for thorough cleaning, including steam cleaning and detailed tasks like oven and fridge scrubbing. Nite Owlz also supports community initiatives and operates a clothing line inspired by hard work and perseverance.

5.0

117 Reviews

Clean Affinity

portland

Clean Affinity is a family-owned house cleaning company serving Portland, OR, specializing in residential cleaning including deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, and post-construction cleaning. The company holds the House Cleaning Technician (HCT) certification from the IICRC, ensuring scientifically informed and effective cleaning methods. They use all-natural disinfectants safe for people and pets and maintain high standards of sanitation and hygiene. Clean Affinity offers flexible scheduling and emphasizes thorough training for their cleaning teams to provide consistent results.

4.9

631 Reviews

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What is a Professional Move-Out Clean?

Unlike standard weekly housekeeping, a move-out clean is a top-to-bottom, detailed restoration of a property. It's designed to meet the specific checklist that landlords and property managers use during a final walk-through. The goal is to address every area a tenant is responsible for, eliminating all dirt, grime, and evidence of habitation to justify the full return of your security deposit. Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning services are systematic, using checklists to ensure no baseboard, switch plate, or appliance interior is overlooked.

The Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

A thorough departure cleaning covers every room and surface. Here's a breakdown of what professional services typically include, which aligns with landlord expectations in Vancouver^{1 2}.

Kitchen Deep Clean

The kitchen often requires the most intensive work. Professionals focus on:

• Appliances: Deep cleaning the oven (interior, racks, door), defrosting and sanitizing the refrigerator/freezer (interior and exterior), and cleaning the microwave inside and out.
• Cabinets & Storage: Wiping down the interior and exterior of all cabinets and drawers to remove grease and food residue.
• Surfaces: Degreasing stovetops, cleaning backsplashes, scrubbing sinks and faucets, and disinfecting countertops.
• Details: Cleaning light fixtures and switches, wiping baseboards, and mopping floors thoroughly^{1 3 4}.

Bathroom Scrub-Down

Bathrooms must be sanitized and free of mold and mildew stains.

• Fixtures: Scrubbing and disinfecting showers, tubs, toilets, and sinks. Removing hard water stains and soap scum.
• Surfaces: Cleaning mirrors, wiping down all shelves, medicine cabinets, and vanities.
• Floors & Vents: Mopping floors, cleaning exhaust fans, and wiping baseboards and door handles^{5 6}.

All Living Areas and Bedrooms

A whole-home reset involves attention to every surface.

• Dusting: Removing dust from all surfaces, including ceiling fans, light fixtures, window sills, shelves, and door frames.
• Walls & Details: Spot-cleaning walls for marks, wiping down all light switches, door handles, and baseboards throughout the home.
• Cobwebs: Removing cobwebs from corners, ceilings, and light fixtures^{6 7}.

Floors and Windows

• Floor Care: All floors are thoroughly vacuumed, swept, and mopped. Note that carpet cleaning is often a separate requirement in leases for deposit return and may be handled as an add-on service^{5 3}.
• Windows: Cleaning interior windows, window tracks, and sills⁴.

Final Touches

• Trash Removal: Ensuring all personal trash and cleaning debris is removed from the premises.
• Outdoor Areas: Checking the lease for requirements on patios, balconies, or entryways, which may need a sweep or wipe-down³.

Understanding Move-Out Cleaning Costs in Vancouver

The price for a professional move-out clean in Vancouver depends on the size of your home and its condition. While you can tackle it yourself, hiring experts saves time, ensures compliance with lease terms, and can often pay for itself by securing your full deposit.

Pricing Structures

Local cleaning services typically offer two main pricing models:

• Hourly Rates: Professional cleaning crews often charge between $40 and $65+ per hour^{8 9}. The total time depends on the home's size and how much cleaning is needed.
• Flat Rate Estimates: Many companies provide flat-rate quotes based on the number of bedrooms, which can be easier for budgeting. These are estimates and can vary based on the home's condition^{8 9}.

Estimated Flat Rates by Home Size

• Studio or 1-Bedroom Home: $150 - $350+
• 2-Bedroom Home: $300 - $450+
• 3-Bedroom or Larger Home: $400 - $600+^{8 9}

What Influences the Final Cost?

Several factors can cause these estimates to vary:

• Home Size and Layout: Square footage and number of bathrooms directly impact time and cost.
• Level of Dirt and Grime: A well-maintained home will cost less than one requiring extensive degreasing or stain removal.
• Scope of Work: Deep cleaning appliances (oven, fridge), interior windows, or detailed cabinet cleaning are standard in move-out cleans but affect pricing.
• Add-on Services: Carpet cleaning, interior window washing, or cleaning a garage are often additional services^{8 9}.

Why Landlord Standards Matter for Your Deposit

The ultimate purpose of a move-out clean is to meet the specific standards outlined in your rental agreement. Landlords and property managers expect the property to be returned to its original condition, as documented on your move-in inspection report, accounting for normal wear and tear^{1 2}. A professional, detailed cleaning is the strongest evidence you can provide to justify the full return of your security deposit. Overlooking "small" items like dusty baseboards, greasy cabinet tops, or a dirty oven can lead to deductions⁷.

Common Move-Out Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, tenants often miss key areas that landlords check. Being aware of these can help you whether you clean yourself or vet a service provider.

• Ignoring Appliances: The interior of the oven and refrigerator are top inspection points. A simple wipe-down is not sufficient⁷.
• Forgetting Vertical Surfaces: Dust on ceiling fans, light fixtures, and cobwebs in corners are easily seen by inspectors.
• Overlooking "Touch Points": Light switches, door handles, and thermostat covers accumulate grime and are frequently checked.
• Neglecting Floors Under Appliances: Moving the stove and fridge to clean underneath and behind them is often required.
• Skipping the Details: Baseboards, window sills, and inside cabinets are all part of a professional checklist^{6 7}.

Frequently asked questions

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