A deep clean before you move in is worth doing because an empty property is the only time you can reach every cupboard, corner and surface easily, and you rarely know how thoroughly the last occupants cleaned. Start with the kitchen and bathroom, clean inside every cupboard and appliance, then work through the rest of the home from top to bottom before the furniture arrives.
This guide gives you a practical order of work, a room-by-room checklist and tips for fitting it into a busy move.
Why clean before you move in
- Access. Empty rooms and cupboards take a fraction of the time to clean properly.
- Hygiene. Kitchens and bathrooms may look fine but still have grease inside cupboards, limescale on taps and grime around seals.
- A known starting point. If you are renting, check the property against the check-in inventory. If it was meant to be professionally cleaned and isn’t, raise it with the landlord or agent straight away, with photos, before you clean.
- Allergies and pets. Previous occupants’ pet hair and dust can linger in carpets and vents.
Before you start
- Take dated photos of each room, especially if you are renting.
- Check that hot water, electricity and ventilation are working.
- Gather supplies: microfibre cloths, a vacuum with attachments, a mop and bucket, washing-up liquid, a limescale remover, a degreaser, a multi-purpose cleaner, gloves and bin bags.
- Open windows as you go.
The right order of work
Work top to bottom and finish with the floors, so dust and drips are picked up at the end. Clean the kitchen and bathroom first while you have the most energy, as they take the longest.
Kitchen checklist
- Wipe inside and outside every cupboard and drawer, including the tops of wall units.
- Clean the oven, racks, hob and extractor hood, and replace or wash the extractor filter.
- Clean inside the fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher, including seals and filters.
- Run an empty hot maintenance wash on the washing machine and clean the drawer and door seal.
- Descale the sink and taps, and clean the plughole.
- Degrease worktops, splashbacks and tiles.
- Pull out appliances where you can and clean behind and underneath.
Bathroom checklist
- Descale the showerhead, taps, screen and tiles.
- Clean and disinfect the toilet thoroughly, including under the rim, the seat hinges and the base.
- Clean the bath, basin and overflows.
- Check the silicone sealant for mould, and treat or have it replaced if needed.
- Wipe the extractor fan cover, mirrors and cabinets inside and out.
Safety note: never mix bleach with ammonia or with acidic products such as limescale removers or vinegar. Keep the room ventilated and wear gloves.
Bedrooms and living areas
- Dust ceilings, coving, light fittings and the tops of doors and wardrobes.
- Clean inside wardrobes and built-in storage before you hang anything.
- Wipe skirting boards, door frames, handles, switches and sockets.
- Clean internal windows, sills and frames, and vacuum window tracks.
- Wipe radiators and vacuum behind them.
Floors and carpets
Vacuum thoroughly, including edges and under radiators, then mop hard floors. If carpets look tired or smell of pets or smoke, now is the best time for a professional carpet clean, while the rooms are empty and can dry. We use steam (hot-water extraction), which needs hot water on site. Most stains lift well, but not every stain can be guaranteed to come out.
Move-in clean priorities at a glance
| Priority | Area | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| High | Kitchen and appliances | Food hygiene, grease inside cupboards |
| High | Bathroom | Germs, limescale and mould |
| Medium | Cupboards and wardrobes | Easiest to clean before they are filled |
| Medium | Carpets and floors | Rooms are empty, so drying time isn’t a problem |
| Lower | Walls, switches, windows | Finishing touches for a fresh start |
Should you hire a professional?
A full move-in clean can take a day or more for a family home, which is hard to fit in alongside packing, van hire and key collection. A professional deep clean means you arrive to a home that is ready to unpack into.
Based on real totals from our jobs in the last 12 months, deep cleans across the UK averaged £363, with the cheapest tenth coming in from £177. Prices by property size are on our prices page. Products and equipment are included, every room and item is listed on your itemised quote, and if anything is missed and you report it in writing within 3 days, we come back and re-clean it free of charge. See our guarantee for details.
Move-in clean vs end of tenancy clean
A move-in clean prepares a home for you. An end of tenancy clean prepares it for the next occupant and is carried out to the standard of the check-in inventory to protect a deposit. Both are quickest and most thorough when the property is empty.
FAQs
Should the landlord have cleaned before I moved in?
Usually the property should be clean at the start of a tenancy, and the inventory should record its condition. If it isn’t clean, report it in writing with photos so it is on record before you clean it yourself.
How long does a move-in deep clean take?
It depends on size and condition. A small flat may take several hours, while a larger house can take a full day with a team.
When is the best time to book it?
Between getting the keys and your furniture arriving. Even a day’s gap makes a big difference.
Can you clean at weekends?
Yes. We work Monday to Sunday, 8am to 7pm.
Moving soon? Get Free Quote for an itemised price, or Book Online to fix a date before your furniture arrives.