How is Move Out Cleaning Cost Calculated?

Quotes are primarily based on the Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms and total Square Footage. Kitchens and bathrooms are high-labor areas. "Extras" like inside ovens and fridges are charged separately because they take 30-45 minutes each.

Calculate the Cost Estimate of Move Out Cleaning

Get started by entering your zip code for a localized estimate.

Home Details

Size and condition heavily influence cleaning time.

Deep Clean Add-ons:

Inside Oven Clean
Inside Fridge Clean
Interior Windows
Carpet Steam Cleaning
Balcony / Patio Sweep
Wet Wipe Blinds

Key Factors Influencing Cleaning Rates

Condition

A well-maintained home is "Standard". A home with grease buildup, pet hair, or extensive dust is "Heavy Duty" and costs 30-50% more due to the scrubbing time required.

Carpet Cleaning

Steam cleaning carpets is not standard housekeeping. It requires a specific machine and technician, often adding $100-$300 to the total bill.

Average Cost by Home Size

Home TypeApprox SizeAverage Cost
Studio / 1 Bedroom600 - 900 sq ft$180 – $250
2 Bedroom Apt900 - 1200 sq ft$250 – $350
3 Bedroom House1500 - 2200 sq ft$350 – $500
4+ Bedroom Large Home2500+ sq ft$500 – $800+

How to Estimate Move Out Cleaning Cost Manually

Move-out cleaning is often a flat rate based on home size and bedroom/bathroom count, assuming the home is empty. Extras like carpet cleaning and appliance interiors are added à la carte.

Step 1: Determine Base Size Rate

Use a rate of $0.12 - $0.15 per sq ft for the general living areas (vacuuming, mopping, dusting baseboards).

Step 2: Add Wet Rooms

Kitchen: Included in base, but oven/fridge interiors add ~$75.
Bathrooms: Add $50 per bathroom for scrubbing tub/shower/toilet.

Step 3: Hourly Cap Check

Professional cleaners aim for $50-$60 per man-hour. If your home takes 2 cleaners 4 hours (8 man-hours), the bill should be around $400 - $480.

Step 4: Use the Formula

(Sq_Ft × $0.12) + (Baths × $40) + Extras = Total

Example: For a 1,000 sq ft Apt with 2 Baths + Fridge Clean:
(1,000 × $0.12) + (2 × $40) + $35 (Fridge) = $235.00 Total

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideally, yes. 'Move-out' cleaning assumes all furniture and boxes are gone. If cleaners have to work around items, they may charge a 'Move-in/Occupied' rate which is higher.

Standard vacuuming is included. Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) is a separate service that typically costs an extra $0.20 - $0.30 per square foot.

Interior glass (easy reach) is often an add-on. Exterior window cleaning is almost always a separate job requiring different equipment and insurance.

A professional clean helps significantly, but we cannot guarantee deposit return as landlords may deduct for damages (nails in walls, carpet burns) that cleaning cannot fix.

No. Professional move-out cleaners bring their own vacuums, mops, and commercial-grade cleaning solutions. If you have specific allergy concerns, let them know roughly.

A standard 2-bedroom apartment takes a crew of two about 2-3 hours. A large 4-bedroom home can take a crew of three 5-6 hours (15+ man-hours).

Yes, for a move-out clean, wiping inside empty cabinets and drawers is standard. They must be empty of shelf liner and debris.

Garages are usually 'broom swept' only. Removing oil stains or power washing the floor is a separate pressure washing service.

Most services require 24-48 hour notice. Cancellations made same-day often incur a fee (e.g., $50 or 50% of job) because the crew's slot cannot be refilled.

Yes! Cleaners need electricity for vacuums and lights, and water for mopping/bathrooms. If utilities are off, they cannot guarantee a proper clean.