Tenants
7 Common Move-Out Cleaning Mistakes – and How to Avoid Extra Costs
When moving out of a rental, a proper move-out cleaning is required. While this may seem obvious, many people underestimate how thorough the cleaning needs to be. This often leads to complaints from the next tenant or landlord and, in some cases, additional charges.
Here are 7 common move-out cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.
What is included in a move-out cleaning?
A move-out cleaning is much more detailed than regular cleaning. The goal is to leave the home in a condition where the next person can move in without needing to clean anything.
Common questions people ask:
- What does move-out cleaning include?
- How thorough does it need to be?
- What happens if the cleaning is not approved?
In short: everything needs to be cleaned, including areas that are not immediately visible.
7 common move-out cleaning mistakes
1. Not cleaning behind the stove
Wiping the stovetop is not enough. You need to pull out the stove and clean:
- The sides
- The back
- The wall behind
Grease buildup is very common here.
2. Skipping cabinets and drawers
All kitchen cabinets should be cleaned:
- Inside and outside
- On top and underneath
Don’t forget shelves and drawers.
3. Incomplete window cleaning
Many people forget to clean between the window panes.
In some cases, you need to open the window to access this area.
4. Ignoring radiators and areas behind them
Dust easily accumulates behind radiators.
Make sure to:
- Clean behind them thoroughly
- Turn them off before cleaning
5. Forgetting pipes in the bathroom
Visible pipes under sinks, bathtubs, or showers also need to be cleaned.
This is a detail often checked during inspections.
6. Not cleaning the floor drain
This is one of the most common misses.
Even though it is unpleasant, it is required.
Tips:
- Use gloves
- Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage pipes
7. Leaving walls and ceilings dusty
Move-out cleaning also includes:
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Baseboards
Use a slightly damp cloth and be careful with wallpaper.
What happens if your move-out cleaning is not approved?
If the cleaning does not meet the required standard, you may need to:
- Pay for a new cleaning service
- Cover additional costs
- Handle complaints after moving out
Cleaning issues are one of the most common causes of disputes in rentals.
Want to avoid the stress? Book a professional move-out cleaning
Doing everything yourself takes time and comes with the risk of missing important details.
With a professional cleaning service, you get:
- A complete cleaning according to industry standards
- Lower risk of complaints
- More time to focus on your move
At Samtrygg, you can book move-out cleaning whether you are a customer with us or not. It is an easy way to make sure everything is done correctly from the start.
Book your move-out cleaning with Samtrygg here: https://www.samtrygg.se/flyttstadning
Avoid the uncertainty of what is included and whether your cleaning will be approved.
Summary
A proper move-out cleaning is all about the details. The most common mistakes happen in areas that are not immediately visible but are always checked.
If you want to avoid extra costs and uncertainty, it is often worth getting professional help.
Updated 1/4-2026
