Move Out Cleaning Cost Calculator: What You’ll Really Pay in 2025

An Examination of Move-Out Cleaning Costs and Performance Metrics in the United States

Wondering what it really costs to have your place professionally cleaned before handing back those keys? You're not alone.

flowchart TD
    A[Move-Out Cleaning\nStandards Sources] --> B{Universal\nStandards?}
    B -->|No| C[Industry Practices]
    B -->|Limited| D[Specialized Standards]
    
    C --> E[Lease Agreements]
    C --> F[Property Management\nBest Practices]
    C --> G[Professional Cleaning\nService Checklists]
    
    D --> H[IICRC Standards\nfor Carpet Cleaning]
    D --> I[ASTM Standards for\nCleaning Products]
    D --> J[EPA Guidelines for\nEnvironmental Safety]
    
    E --> K[Primary Source\nof Requirements]
    F --> L[Supplementary\nGuidelines]
    G --> L
    
    H --> M[Task-Specific\nStandards]
    I --> M
    J --> M
    
    K --> N[Final Cleaning\nRequirements]
    L --> N
    M --> N
    
    classDef primary fill:#f9d5e5,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px;
    classDef secondary fill:#eeeeee,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px;
    classDef tertiary fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px;
    classDef decision fill:#fff8e1,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px;
    classDef outcome fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px;
    
    class A,N primary;
    class B decision;
    class C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J secondary;
    class K,L,M tertiary;

This report digs into the dollars and cents of move-out cleaning services across the United States. We've analyzed established industry publications and authoritative sources to give you a data-driven overview of what to expect—both for your wallet and your timeline.

What we found might surprise you. Professional move-out cleaning costs vary dramatically, primarily based on your property's size and condition. The price range spans from a modest $110 for a small, well-maintained studio to an eye-opening $1,350 for larger homes needing intensive attention.

Time commitments follow a similar pattern. A professional team might transform a studio apartment in just 1.5 hours, while larger houses could require 8+ hours of elbow grease.

Specific tasks add their own costs to the bill. Deep carpet cleaning, appliance interiors, and wall washing all contribute to the final tally.

Here's something to consider: if you hire professionals, cleaning supplies are typically included in the quoted price. Going DIY? You'll need to factor in those materials separately.

The return on investing in professional move-out cleaning is substantial. Beyond the satisfaction of leaving a clean space, it significantly increases your chances of getting your full security deposit back while potentially boosting the property's appeal for future rental or sale.

Interestingly, despite how common this service is, we found no universally adopted standards from major organizations like ISSA or EPA specific to residential move-out cleaning. Instead, the industry relies on lease agreements and established best practices to define what "clean enough" really means.

Move-Out Cleaning Costs by Property Size

Ever wondered why move-out cleaning quotes vary so wildly? It's not just about different companies setting different prices.

The financial side of move-out cleaning services reflects a complex interplay of factors. Your property's physical dimensions—measured in square feet and room count—play the starring role in this equation. But the condition of your space acts as a powerful multiplier. That gleaming apartment you've maintained meticulously? It'll cost significantly less than an identical one that's seen better days.

For apartments, cleaning companies typically organize their pricing by bedroom count. This makes intuitive sense—more bedrooms usually mean more space and complexity.

Studio apartments (the cozy ones) typically run between $80 and $250 to clean professionally. One-bedroom places generally fall in the $100 to $350 range, with variations based on additional bathrooms or particularly intricate layouts.

As bedroom count increases, so does the price tag. Two-bedroom apartments typically command between $120 and $450, while three-bedroom spaces can range anywhere from $180 to $630. Each additional room represents more surfaces, more corners, and more time required to restore everything to move-in condition.

For houses, square footage becomes the primary measuring stick. Small spaces under 500 square feet (think tiny homes or very small apartments) typically cost between $80 and $130 to clean.

Houses between 500 and 1000 square feet generally see cleaning costs of $120 to $450, while those between 1000 and 1500 square feet range from $120 to $675. Medium-sized houses spanning 1500 to 2000 square feet usually incur costs between $180 and $900.

The price climbs steadily with size. Larger houses between 2000 and 2500 square feet can range from $240 to $1125, while substantial properties between 2500 and 3000 square feet might cost anywhere from $300 to $1350 to clean professionally.

Across these property sizes, you're typically looking at $0.15 to $0.45 per square foot for move-out cleaning. But this per-square-foot metric only tells part of the story.

Certain areas demand more intensive attention than others. Kitchens and bathrooms typically require specialized cleaning products and techniques, potentially increasing costs regardless of their size. Some companies simplify this complexity by charging an hourly rate per cleaner, commonly between $25 and $50, especially for smaller jobs with unpredictable scopes.

Is there consistency in pricing? Somewhat. When we analyzed costs reported by reputable sources like This Old House, HomeAdvisor, and HomeGuide, we found remarkably similar price ranges. That said, the considerable span within these ranges highlights why personalized quotes matter. Your specific property's features can place you at either end of the spectrum.

Interestingly, the cost per square foot tends to decrease slightly as properties get larger. This suggests economies of scale at work—the fixed costs of travel and setup get distributed over a greater area in larger homes.

What drives these costs fundamentally? Space equals time, labor, and supplies. Larger properties inherently demand more of all three, directly translating to higher service fees.

One final consideration: the figures we've provided represent national averages. Your local cost of living dramatically impacts what cleaning companies charge in your area. High-cost metropolitan areas typically command premium pricing compared to rural locations.

Average Move-Out Cleaning Costs by Property Size

Time Estimates for Move-Out Cleaning by Property Size

How long until your lived-in space transforms into a pristine, ready-for-inspection property? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might hope.

graph TD
    A[Property Assessment] --> B{Property Size?}
    B -->|Studio/Small| C[1.5-4 Hours]
    B -->|1-2 Bedroom| D[2.5-8+ Hours]
    B -->|3+ Bedroom| E[5-8+ Hours]
    
    C --> F{Condition?}
    D --> F
    E --> F
    
    F -->|Well Maintained| G[Lower End of Time Range]
    F -->|Standard| H[Mid-Range Time]
    F -->|Neglected| I[Upper End of Time Range]
    
    G --> J[Single Cleaner]
    G --> K[Cleaning Team]
    H --> K
    I --> K
    
    J -->|Takes Longer| L[Full Property Cleaning]
    K -->|More Efficient| L
    
    style A fill:#f9f9f9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#e1f5fe,stroke:#0288d1,stroke-width:2px
    style C fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#388e3c,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#f57c00,stroke-width:2px
    style E fill:#ffebee,stroke:#d32f2f,stroke-width:2px
    style F fill:#e1f5fe,stroke:#0288d1,stroke-width:2px
    style G fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#388e3c,stroke-width:2px
    style H fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#f57c00,stroke-width:2px
    style I fill:#ffebee,stroke:#d32f2f,stroke-width:2px
    style L fill:#f3e5f5,stroke:#7b1fa2,stroke-width:2px

Estimating cleaning time involves a complex web of variables that extends well beyond square footage. The number and types of rooms matter enormously. So does your property's current condition. Is it relatively tidy, or has it accumulated years of neglect? How much clutter needs addressing before cleaning can even begin? What level of detailing does your lease require?

Given these variables, consider the timeframes below as helpful starting points rather than guarantees.

For apartments, bedroom count offers a reasonable proxy for time estimation. Studio apartments typically require around 1.5 to 2 hours for professional cleaners to restore to move-in condition.

One-bedroom apartments generally demand between 2.5 and 3 hours of professional attention. Two-bedroom units usually require 4 to 5 hours of thorough cleaning. Larger three-bedroom apartments or smaller houses might need approximately 5 to 6 hours of focused work.

When we shift to houses categorized by square footage, the time estimates expand accordingly. Properties under 1000 square feet might take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to clean properly.

Homes between 1000 and 2000 square feet generally require between 4 and 8 hours (or sometimes more) for a comprehensive move-out clean. Larger houses between 2000 and 3000 square feet can demand anywhere from 5 to 8+ hours, particularly if deep cleaning becomes necessary.

One crucial insight: these timeframes represent averages that can fluctuate dramatically based on your specific circumstances.

Did you maintain regular cleaning throughout your tenancy? If so, the move-out process will likely fall on the shorter end of these ranges. Conversely, a property that's been neglected or subjected to heavy use will inevitably require more extensive cleaning efforts and significantly more time.

Professional cleaning companies typically deploy teams rather than individuals, which substantially reduces the overall time needed. A job that might take a single person 6 hours could be completed by a team of three in just 2 hours.

Why such wide ranges in the time estimates? Cleanliness itself is somewhat subjective. What constitutes "clean enough" varies between landlords, property managers, and cleaning companies.

There's also a direct relationship between cleaning time and cost, especially when companies charge hourly. Longer cleaning durations invariably translate to higher expenses.

Specific cleaning tasks dramatically impact the total time required. Deep-cleaning bathrooms, addressing built-up kitchen grease, or tackling neglected ovens can add significant time to the process.

Before plugging numbers into a calculator, honestly assess your property's condition and any specific cleaning requirements your lease stipulates. If your home has seen better days, expect cleaning times—and costs—to land toward the upper end of these ranges.

Estimated Move-Out Cleaning Time by Property Size

Cost Implications of Specific Cleaning Tasks

Think the base move-out cleaning cost is the whole story? Not quite. Certain cleaning challenges can significantly bump up your final bill, even in smaller properties.

Beyond square footage and room count, specific cleaning tasks can dramatically affect what you'll pay. These specialized services often target areas requiring intensive attention or specialized equipment that standard cleaning doesn't cover.

Deep Carpet Cleaning

Those plush carpets that felt so wonderful underfoot? They're holding onto years of dust, allergens, and maybe a few spill memories.

Professional deep carpet cleaning typically costs between $40 and $100+ per room. For an entire home, expect to pay between $75 and $400, with the national average hovering around $360.

What drives this price variation? Several factors come into play: carpet condition (those mystery stains and pet odors add complexity), total carpeted area, your geographic location, labor intensity, and whether you're bundling carpet cleaning with other services.

Interior Appliance Cleaning

Remember that pizza explosion in the microwave three months ago? Or the slow buildup of grime in your refrigerator? Landlords certainly notice these details during final inspections.

Cleaning inside appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves typically adds $10 to $50 per appliance to your move-out cleaning bill. Some services offer kitchen appliance packages at a slightly discounted flat rate.

For seriously neglected appliances requiring intensive degreasing and deep cleaning, costs escalate quickly. Expect to pay upwards of $200 for revival cleaning of severely neglected kitchen appliances.

Cabinet interiors and exteriors represent another often-overlooked area. Cleaning both inside and outside kitchen and bathroom cabinets typically adds $20 to $50 per cabinet set to your total.

Wall Washing

Those seemingly clean walls actually hold onto cooking vapors, dust, fingerprints, and subtle grime that becomes apparent only during final inspections.

Wall washing pricing follows two common structures: Some companies charge by square footage ($0.45 to $0.65 per square foot, averaging $0.50 to $0.60). Others simplify with a flat fee per room, typically between $70 and $90.

For an entire home, wall cleaning costs average between $169 and $464, but can jump to $1250+ for larger properties or those with special circumstances. Factors affecting wall cleaning costs include the wall material (drywall, plaster, painted surfaces, or wallpaper), ceiling height, level of soiling, and local labor rates.

Kitchen walls deserve special mention. Years of cooking creates a sticky film of grease and food particles that requires specialized degreasers and extra elbow grease, often triggering additional charges.

These task-specific costs reveal how individual cleaning needs contribute to your total move-out expense. A property with heavily soiled carpets or neglected kitchen appliances faces substantially higher cleaning costs than an identical property where these areas have been maintained.

Many cleaning companies offer bundled packages that include combinations of these specialized services, potentially at better rates than selecting each individually. Before selecting add-on services, carefully review your lease obligations and honestly assess your property's condition.

The right combination of cleaning services directly impacts your deposit return potential. Strategic investment in professional cleaning for problem areas often pays for itself many times over in returned security deposits.

Material Costs for Cleaning Supplies

Thinking about tackling move-out cleaning yourself? The supplies aren't free—and they add up faster than you might expect.

DIY move-out cleaning comes with its own price tag beyond just your time and energy. When cleaning independently, expect to spend between $50 and $150 on supplies alone.

This budget needs to cover all-purpose cleaners, bathroom-specific products, kitchen degreasers, floor cleaners, dusting supplies, sponges, scrub brushes, mops, and potentially equipment rentals if you don't already own items like a vacuum or carpet cleaner.

Equipment rental adds another layer of expense. Renting a carpet cleaner? That'll cost you an additional $25 to $125 per day, depending on the machine's quality and your location.

By contrast, professional cleaning services build all necessary supplies and equipment costs into their quoted prices. When you hire pros, you're not responsible for providing any cleaning products whatsoever.

How much of a professional cleaning bill actually goes toward supplies? While exact breakdowns are rarely published, broader cleaning industry data suggests consumable supplies typically account for 6.75% to 11% of a cleaning contract's total cost.

This percentage fluctuates based on the cleaning job's size and specific requirements. Some companies charge extra for eco-friendly or green cleaning products, potentially adding $5 to $20 to your total service cost.

The DIY versus professional cost structure reveals a fundamental difference in approach. DIY cleaning requires direct investment in supplies, while professional services incorporate these costs into their overall pricing, which primarily reflects labor and overhead.

Labor remains the dominant cost factor in professional cleaning services. While supplies represent a relatively small fraction of your total bill, the hours of skilled cleaning work comprise the lion's share.

Choosing professional cleaning eliminates the need to purchase, store, transport, and eventually dispose of cleaning supplies—an often overlooked convenience factor when deciding between DIY and professional services.

When weighing your options, look beyond the obvious supply costs. Consider the significant time investment and physical effort required for DIY cleaning, particularly after the exhaustion of packing and moving. Sometimes, the convenience of hiring professionals justifies the additional expense, especially when your security deposit hangs in the balance.

Return on Investment (ROI) of Professional Move-Out Cleaning

Is professional move-out cleaning worth the price tag? Let's do some practical math.

When you invest in professional move-out cleaning, you're purchasing more than just a clean space—you're buying financial protection and peace of mind. This return on investment materializes in two key areas: security deposit recovery and property marketability.

Security Deposit Return

Let's talk dollars and sense. Professional move-out cleaning dramatically increases your chances of getting your full security deposit back.

Most landlords maintain exacting standards for property condition upon move-out. Professional cleaners understand these standards intimately and know exactly what property managers look for during final inspections.

How significant is this? Consider that cleaning-related disputes represent one of the most common reasons for security deposit deductions. By investing in professional cleaning, you substantially reduce the risk of these disputes and avoid potential deductions for inadequate cleaning.

The legal landscape favors this approach, too. Many states and municipalities have laws specifying that landlords can only deduct "reasonable" cleaning expenses necessary to restore the property to its pre-tenancy condition, excluding normal wear and tear.

Professional cleaning helps ensure your property meets this legal standard. At a cost typically ranging from $110 to $650, professional cleaning often represents a fraction of your total security deposit—making it a high-return investment for tenants aiming to maximize their refund.

Impact on Property Rental Times and Value

For property owners and landlords, professional cleaning between tenants delivers substantial returns beyond just cleanliness.

A professionally cleaned property significantly reduces vacancy periods by attracting higher-quality prospective tenants more quickly. First impressions matter enormously in real estate—and nothing creates positive first impressions like immaculate cleanliness.

For properties on the sales market, professional cleaning enhances curb appeal and perceived value, potentially accelerating the sale process and attracting more competitive offers. The investment in cleaning often returns multiples of its cost through faster transactions and better offers.

There's a preservation aspect, too. Regular professional cleaning, including thorough move-out services, prevents premature deterioration of surfaces and fixtures, preserving your property's long-term value. This preventative maintenance aspect represents a significant but often overlooked return on your cleaning investment.

Clean properties also foster higher tenant satisfaction and retention rates, creating more stable and positive landlord-tenant relationships. Happy tenants tend to stay longer and treat properties with greater care, reducing turnover costs.

The financial advantages extend well beyond the immediate security deposit return. Professional move-out cleaning represents a core component of effective property management, contributing to sustained property value and potentially accelerating sales processes.

For tenants, there's another hidden benefit: consistently leaving rental properties professionally cleaned builds a positive reputation with previous landlords, potentially leading to glowing references that open doors to premium rental opportunities in the future.

Rather than viewing professional move-out cleaning as just another moving expense, consider it a strategic investment with tangible returns—whether through recovered deposits, reduced vacancy periods, or enhanced property value.

Industry Standards for Thorough Move-Out Cleaning

What exactly constitutes "clean enough" when moving out? The answer might surprise you.

While move-out cleaning is universally recognized as essential, there's a curious gap in the industry: no specific, universally adopted standards exist from major organizations for residential properties. This absence of standardization has important implications for both tenants and landlords.

ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association)

You might expect the leading cleaning industry association to provide clear guidelines for move-out cleaning. ISSA indeed promotes best practices within the cleaning and sanitation industry, including through its ISSA Residential program focused on the residential cleaning market.

However, ISSA's standards development has primarily targeted commercial, institutional, and healthcare settings rather than residential move-outs. They've created detailed standards for measuring cleaning effectiveness in educational facilities (using ATP meters to detect biological residue), but haven't published equivalent standardized guidelines specifically addressing residential move-out processes.

This doesn't mean ISSA resources aren't valuable—their educational materials and training programs certainly inform professional cleaning companies' approaches—but they haven't codified specific residential move-out protocols.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

The EPA's role in cleaning standards focuses primarily on environmental safety and specific contamination issues rather than routine cleaning protocols.

Their guidelines address specialized cleaning scenarios like mold remediation and lead-safe practices for pre-1978 housing renovations. They also promote safer chemical products through their Safer Choice program. However, the EPA hasn't established specific guidelines for standard move-out cleaning procedures in residential settings.

Other Relevant Organizations and Best Practices

Despite the absence of universal move-out standards, other industry organizations provide standards for specific cleaning aspects relevant to move-outs.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers detailed standards for carpet cleaning (ANSI/IICRC S100-2021) that many professional cleaners follow during move-outs. Similarly, ASTM International has developed standards for cleaning product performance testing (ASTM D4488-95) and cleaning specific materials like stainless steel (ASTM A380/A380M).

In practical terms, the industry relies heavily on best practices and comprehensive checklists developed by professional cleaning companies and property management associations. These resources typically provide detailed, room-by-room cleaning tasks expected to satisfy landlord requirements.

This standardization gap explains why expectations can vary significantly between properties and landlords. Without universal standards from major industry bodies, move-out cleaning relies on a combination of professional norms, standards for specific tasks, and—most importantly—the specific terms outlined in individual lease agreements.

The absence of formal, widely adopted standards potentially contributes to the inconsistent expectations that sometimes lead to disputes between tenants and landlords about cleaning adequacy.

For clarity on what's expected, your lease agreement remains the primary reference point. Additionally, reviewing checklists from reputable cleaning services can provide valuable insights into the typical scope considered necessary for thorough move-out cleaning in your area.

Conclusion

Move-out cleaning costs reflect your property's unique story. Studio apartments typically run $80-$250, while larger homes can reach $1,350 depending on condition and size.

The time investment scales similarly—from a quick 1.5-hour refresh for studios to full-day intensive cleaning for larger homes.

Specialized tasks add meaningful costs: carpet cleaning ($360 average), appliance interiors ($10-$50 each), and wall washing ($70-$90 per room) can significantly impact your final bill.

The return on professional cleaning extends beyond cleanliness. It substantially increases your chances of full deposit recovery while enhancing property appeal for future rental or sale.

Despite the industry's maturity, no universal standard exists from organizations like ISSA or EPA. Your lease agreement remains the ultimate reference point for what "clean enough" really means.