The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Ottawa Renters

Moving out is stressful enough without worrying about whether your landlord will hold back your deposit for cleaning. Whether you're leaving a downtown Ottawa apartment or a suburban home in Kanata, this checklist will help you cover every corner.

Kitchen

• Oven and stovetop — Remove all grease and burnt-on food. Pull out the oven racks and soak them.
• Refrigerator — Empty it completely, defrost if needed, and wipe down every shelf, drawer, and seal.
• Dishwasher — Run an empty cycle with vinegar, then wipe the door edges and filter.
• Cabinets — Wipe inside and out, including the tops (landlords check).
• Countertops and backsplash — Degrease and scrub. Don't forget behind the toaster.
• Sink and faucet — Descale and polish. Clean the drain.
• Floor — Sweep, then mop. Move the fridge and stove to clean behind them.

Bathroom

• Toilet — Scrub inside the bowl, around the base, and behind the tank.
• Shower / tub — Remove soap scum and mildew from grout, doors, and fixtures.
• Vanity and mirror — Streak-free glass, clean inside the cabinet.
• Exhaust fan — Remove the cover and vacuum dust buildup.
• Floor — Scrub tile grout and mop.

Living Areas & Bedrooms

• Walls — Wipe down scuff marks with a magic eraser. Patch any nail holes.
• Baseboards — Wipe along every wall.
• Light fixtures and switches — Dust fixtures, wipe switch plates.
• Closets — Vacuum inside, wipe shelves and the rod.
• Windows — Clean glass inside and out (if accessible), wipe sills and tracks.
• Blinds — Dust each slat or wipe with a damp cloth.
• Floors — Vacuum carpets (steam clean if required in your lease), mop hard floors.

Throughout the Home

• Doors and door frames — Wipe handles, hinges, and frame edges.
• Electrical outlets — Wipe cover plates.
• Air vents — Remove covers, vacuum dust, and wipe.
• Smoke detectors — Dust them and make sure batteries are fresh.
• Garage / storage — Sweep out completely.

Don't Have Time?

Most Ottawa landlords require a professional-level clean for deposit return. If you're short on time or want to guarantee results, get a free quote from our team. We handle hundreds of move-out cleans across Ottawa every year — Barrhaven, Orléans, Nepean, Gloucester, and everywhere in between.