Crescent City Home Cleaning8/17/2026
Why a Proper Move-Out Clean Matters
Moving out of a rental is one of the most stressful parts of life in New Orleans. Between packing boxes, forwarding mail, and coordinating movers, the last thing you want to think about is scrubbing baseboards and degreasing the oven. But here's the truth: that full security deposit you paid when you moved in is on the line. A thorough move-out cleaning is the single easiest way to make sure you get every dollar back. And knowing exactly what to clean — and how to do it right — is half the battle.
Your Security Deposit Depends on It
Most landlords and property managers in New Orleans follow a simple rule: the unit must be returned in the same condition you received it, minus normal wear and tear. Cleaning is not considered wear and tear. A dirty oven, grimy bathroom tiles, dusty vents, or sticky cabinet shelves are all reasons a landlord can deduct from your deposit. Some management companies charge flat cleaning fees of $150 to $500, or they deduct an hourly rate from your deposit. The result is the same: you pay for a cleaning either way. The only question is whether you pay your own cleaning service a fair price — or pay a landlord's overpriced fee. A professional move-out clean typically costs $200 to $400 for a standard New Orleans apartment. Compare that to a $1,500 deposit deduction. The math speaks for itself.
Kitchen Checklist
The kitchen is the room landlords inspect most closely. Here's what needs to be spotless: Oven and Stovetop: Remove all racks and soak them. Clean every surface of the oven interior, including the glass door. For gas stoves, lift the burners and clean underneath. The drip pans should be clean or replaced. Refrigerator: Pull out all shelves and drawers. Wash them with warm soapy water. Don't forget the vegetable crisper and the freezer compartment. Wipe down the door seals. Leave the fridge open slightly to air dry after cleaning. Cabinets and Drawers: Empty every cabinet. Wipe down all interior surfaces, shelves, and drawer bottoms. Pay special attention to the top of the cabinets where grease and dust accumulate. Counters and Sink: Scrub all countertops. Clean the sink thoroughly, including the drain strainer. Wipe down the faucet and handles. Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with a cleaning tablet. Wipe down the door seal and the filter at the bottom. Microwave: Place a bowl of water inside and run it for 3 minutes. The steam loosens food residue. Then wipe the entire interior. Floors: Sweep, mop, and pay attention to corners and behind the refrigerator. Landlords often pull appliances out to check.
Bathroom Checklist
Bathrooms need to look and smell clean. Here's the full breakdown: Toilet: Clean the entire bowl, under the rim, and the exterior including the base and the floor around it. Don't miss the flush handle and the hinges on the seat. Shower and Tub: Remove all personal products. Scrub the tub, shower walls, and doors. If there's a glass shower door, remove soap scum with a vinegar solution or a dedicated glass cleaner. Check for mildew in the corners and on the caulking. Vanity and Sink: Clean the sink basin, faucet, and handles. Wipe down the vanity top and the cabinet below. Check for any items left in the medicine cabinet. Mirror: Clean until streak-free. Landlords notice smudged mirrors. Ventilation Fan: Remove the cover and clean it. Dust buildup on the fan reduces its effectiveness and is a common inspection item. Floors: Scrub the floor by hand with a brush around the toilet base and in corners. Mop thoroughly.
Living Areas and Bedrooms Checklist
These rooms need less intensive cleaning than the kitchen and bathroom, but don't skip them: Walls and Baseboards: Spot clean any marks on the walls. Wipe down all baseboards with a damp cloth. This is something landlords check. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Dust ceiling fan blades. If there's a build-up, wipe them with a damp cloth. Clean any light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Windows and Window Tracks: Clean the interior window glass. Use a cotton swab or a small brush to clean the window tracks — this is a hidden area that landlords love to check. Closets: Sweep or vacuum the closet floors. Wipe down shelves. Check that no hangers or personal items were left behind. Blinds: Dust each slat on window blinds. For vertical blinds, wipe them down. Floors: Vacuum and mop, or steam clean carpets if needed. Move furniture to clean underneath. Vents: Remove vent covers and vacuum inside the duct opening. Replace the covers.
The Often-Forgotten Spots That Cost Deposits
These are the spots that most tenants forget and landlords notice: Behind and Under Appliances: The refrigerator and stove trap crumbs, dust, and grime. Pull them out and clean the floor underneath. Light Switches and Door Frames: Fingerprints and grime build up here. Wipe them all down. Inside Kitchen Cabinets: Even if you never used a cabinet, open it. Landlords open every single door. The Top of the Fridge: A greasy dust magnet. Wipe it down. Trash Can Area: If there's a built-in trash cabinet, clean the inside and the floor underneath. The key to passing a move-out inspection is to clean like a landlord inspects: every surface, every corner, and every hidden spot.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Should you do the move-out cleaning yourself or hire a pro? Here's an honest comparison: DIY pros: You save the cost of a cleaning service. You have full control over every surface. Cons: It takes 4 to 8 hours minimum. You need to buy supplies (mops, buckets, cleaners, sponges, glass cleaner, degreaser, etc.). You're already exhausted from moving. And missing a single spot — like a dirty oven or dusty fan — can cost you hundreds in deposit deductions. Professional pros: A trained team can clean a standard apartment in 2 to 3 hours. They bring all supplies and equipment. They know exactly what landlords check. They follow a checklist so nothing gets missed. The cost is typically $200 to $400. Cons: You need to schedule it and pay for it. But compare that to losing $500 to $1,500 of your deposit because of a missed spot. For most people, the pro option is the better deal. It saves your weekend, your back, and your deposit.
Why Crescent City Home Cleaning?
Crescent City Home Cleaning specializes in move-in and move-out cleaning for New Orleans apartments, condos, and houses. Here's what sets us apart: We know the New Orleans rental market. We know what local landlords and property managers check. We follow a detailed checklist for every job. We bring all supplies and equipment. We offer free quotes so you know the cost upfront. We're bonded, insured, and trusted by homeowners across New Orleans. When you book with us, you get a cleaning that's thorough enough to pass any inspection. No missed spots. No surprise deductions. Just a clean home and a full deposit back.
Ready to Get Your Full Deposit Back?
Don't leave your security deposit to chance. Book a move-out cleaning with Crescent City Home Cleaning and we'll handle every surface, every corner, and every hidden spot. We'll send you a free quote, show up on time, and leave your place spotless. Your landlord will be happy — and so will your bank account.