Let’s be honest: The last thing you want to do after packing 50 boxes is scrub a toilet. But in Western Washington, where rental deposits can be steep, leaving your place spotless is the only way to get your money back.
We clean homes for move-outs all across Puyallup, South Hill, and Graham, so we know exactly what property managers and private landlords check for. It’s not just about “looking clean”—it’s about the details.
Here is the ultimate move-out checklist to help you secure that deposit refund, plus a few of our favorite “cheat codes” (products) to speed up the process.
1. The “Puyallup Gray” Window Tracks
In the Pacific Northwest, our windows take a beating. Between the rain, the pine pollen, and the inevitable mold that creeps into the corners during winter, window tracks are the #1 thing renters forget to clean.
The Fix: Open the window and vacuum the loose dirt first. Then, use an old toothbrush and a good all-purpose cleaner to scrub the corners.
- Pro Tip: If you have black mold spots on the white vinyl (very common here), don’t scrub for hours. Use a mold stain remover like RMR-86. It melts the mold away in seconds without scrubbing.
2. The Oven & Drip Pans
Nothing says “keep my $500” like a burnt-up oven. Landlords always check inside the oven, and they definitely check under the stovetop burners.
The Fix:
- For the Inside: If you have a self-cleaning mode, run it 2 days before you move (it gets hot and smelly, so keep windows open). If not, use Easy-Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner. Spray it on, wait an hour, and wipe it out.
- For the Burners: If your metal drip pans are black and crusty, don’t waste time scrubbing them. You can buy a brand new set at the hardware store or Amazon for about $15. It’s worth the money to save the hour of scrubbing.
3. The “South Hill” Hard Water Stains
Depending on where you live on South Hill, the water can be surprisingly hard. If your clear glass shower doors look cloudy or white, regular Windex won’t touch it. That mineral buildup is a huge red flag during a move-out inspection.
The Fix: You need an acidic cleaner to eat the calcium. Bio-Clean Hard Water Stain Remover is the professional choice, but plain white vinegar works in a pinch if you let it soak.
4. Walls, Doors & Baseboards
You don’t need to paint the whole house (unless you really messed it up), but you do need to remove the scuffs. High-traffic areas like the hallway, the doorframe to the garage, and the wall behind the trash can usually look a little rough.
The Fix: The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is your best friend here. Dampen it slightly and gently rub scuff marks. It works miracles on:
- Black scuffs from shoes on baseboards
- Fingerprints around light switches
- The “dog nose art” on sliding glass doors
- <a href=”YOUR-AMAZON-LINK” target=”_blank” class=”hb-amazon-btn”>Buy Magic Erasers (Bulk Pack) on Amazon</a>
5. The Refrigerator: Don’t Forget the Drawers
Emptying the fridge isn’t enough. You have to take the drawers out. Crumbs, dried sticky stuff, and bits of produce always find their way underneath the crisping drawers.
The Fix: Pull every shelf and drawer out and wash them in the sink with warm soapy water. While they dry, wipe the inside of the fridge. Don’t forget to wipe the rubber gasket seal around the door—crumbs love to hide in those folds.
The “Don’t Forget” List (Quick Fire)
These are the small things that property managers in Pierce County love to charge for:
- Blinds: Dust them! If they are plastic, you can wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Light Bulbs: Check every fixture. If a bulb is out, replace it. Landlords will charge you a “maintenance fee” of $10+ just to screw in a lightbulb.
- Nail Holes: If you hung pictures, fill the holes with a tiny bit of spackle. You don’t usually need to paint if the hole is small, but filling it makes it invisible.
- The Dishwasher Filter: Yes, your dishwasher has a filter at the bottom. Unscrew it and rinse it out. It’s likely full of old food.
Running Out of Time?
Moving is exhausting. If you are staring at this list and thinking, “I absolutely do not have time for this,” that is exactly why we are here.
H&B Box and Broom specializes in move-out cleanings in Puyallup, South Hill, Graham, and surrounding areas. We know exactly what local landlords require, and we bring all the supplies (and the elbow grease) to get the job done right.
Save your energy for unpacking your new place. Let us handle the old one.