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Move-Out Cleaning Cost by Apartment Size (Studio to 3BR)

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Otesse

Otesse Team

March 19, 20266 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Move-out cleaning in Oregon costs $120-$475 depending on apartment size, condition, and location.

  • Studios and 1-bedrooms range from $120-$250, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units run $200-$475.

  • Kitchens and bathrooms drive the biggest cost differences because they require the most detailed scrubbing and sanitizing.

  • A professional move-out clean is the best way to protect your security deposit — landlords in Oregon can deduct cleaning costs if the unit is not returned in reasonable condition.

  • Booking at least 5-7 days before your lease ends gives you time for a re-clean if anything is missed.


What Is Move-Out Cleaning?

Move-out cleaning is a thorough, top-to-bottom clean designed to return a rental unit to the condition it was in when you moved in. It goes well beyond regular cleaning. Expect inside-appliance scrubbing, baseboard wiping, window sill detailing, and full bathroom sanitizing.

In Oregon, landlords have 31 days after you move out to return your security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. Cleaning charges are one of the most common deductions. A professional move-out clean helps you avoid that.

Most cleaning services in Oregon offer move-out cleaning as a standalone package. Pricing depends on the size of your apartment, how long you lived there, and the overall condition of the unit.

Move-Out Cleaning Cost by Apartment Size

Here is what Oregon renters can expect to pay for professional move-out cleaning in 2026:

Apartment Size Bathrooms Cost Range Time Estimate
Studio 1 $120-$200 1.5-2.5 hours
1 Bedroom 1 $150-$250 2-3 hours
2 Bedroom 1-2 $200-$350 3-4.5 hours
3 Bedroom 2 $300-$475 4-6 hours

These prices assume the apartment is empty or mostly empty. Furnished units cost more because cleaners have to work around or move furniture.

Studio Apartments ($120-$200)

Studios are the most affordable to clean because everything is in one main room plus a bathroom. The open layout means less wall space, fewer corners, and usually a smaller kitchen area. Most cleaning crews can finish a studio in under 2.5 hours.

Expect the price to be on the higher end if your studio has a full-sized kitchen with a dishwasher and full oven, or if the bathroom has both a tub and a separate shower.

1-Bedroom Apartments ($150-$250)

A 1-bedroom adds a separate sleeping space with a closet, which means more floor area, an additional door and door frame to wipe down, and closet shelving to clean. The price jump from a studio is typically $30-$50.

Portland 1-bedrooms tend to land at the higher end of this range, while apartments in Salem, Eugene, and Corvallis usually fall in the $150-$200 range.

2-Bedroom Apartments ($200-$350)

Two-bedroom units are where pricing starts to vary more. The biggest factor is whether you have one bathroom or two. Each additional bathroom adds $40-$70 to the total because bathrooms are the most labor-intensive rooms to clean.

Older apartments in Portland's east side or in college towns like Eugene and Corvallis may have outdated tile and grout that takes extra time to scrub. If your grout is heavily stained, ask your cleaner upfront if they charge extra for grout treatment.

3-Bedroom Apartments ($300-$475)

Three-bedroom apartments are the largest standard rental units, and the price reflects the square footage. Most 3-bedroom units have two bathrooms, a larger kitchen, and more closet space.

At this size, many cleaning companies send a two-person crew to keep the job under 6 hours. That is better for your schedule and often means a higher quality clean since the team can divide and conquer.

What Is Included in a Move-Out Clean?

A standard move-out cleaning package in Oregon covers:

Kitchen

  • Inside oven, stovetop, and range hood
  • Inside refrigerator and freezer
  • Inside dishwasher
  • Inside microwave
  • Countertops, backsplash, and cabinet fronts
  • Sink and faucet descaled and polished
  • Floor mopped and baseboards wiped

Bathrooms

  • Toilet inside and out
  • Tub and shower scrubbed and descaled
  • Vanity, sink, and mirror
  • Inside medicine cabinet
  • Tile and grout scrubbed
  • Floor mopped and baseboards wiped

All Rooms

  • Dust all surfaces including shelves, ledges, and light fixtures
  • Clean window sills and tracks
  • Wipe light switches and outlet covers
  • Wipe doors, door frames, and closet interiors
  • Vacuum all carpet or mop all hard floors
  • Spot clean walls for marks and scuffs

Not Usually Included

  • Deep carpet shampooing (separate service, $75-$150 per room)
  • Window exterior cleaning
  • Garage or storage unit cleaning
  • Mold remediation
  • Wall painting or patching

Factors That Raise the Price

Condition of the Unit

If you have not cleaned regularly during your tenancy, expect to pay 20-40% more. Heavy grease buildup in the kitchen, soap scum layers in the bathroom, and dust accumulation all add time.

Pets

Pet households typically add $30-$75 to the cost. Cleaners spend extra time on hair removal, odor treatment, and spot cleaning around litter boxes or feeding areas. If your pet had accidents on the carpet, that is a separate carpet cleaning charge.

Hard Water Stains

Oregon's water varies by city. Portland has relatively soft water, but areas around Salem, Bend, and Southern Oregon can have significant mineral deposits on fixtures. Descaling adds time and may require specialized products.

Appliance Condition

Inside-appliance cleaning is included in a standard move-out clean, but extremely neglected appliances (burned-on oven spills, moldy refrigerator drawers) may incur an upcharge of $25-$50.

Cost by Oregon City

City Studio 1-Bed 2-Bed 3-Bed
Portland $150-$200 $180-$250 $250-$350 $350-$475
Eugene $120-$175 $150-$225 $200-$300 $300-$400
Salem $120-$175 $150-$220 $200-$300 $300-$400
Bend $140-$190 $170-$240 $230-$330 $325-$450
Corvallis $120-$170 $145-$210 $195-$290 $290-$390
Medford $115-$165 $140-$200 $190-$280 $280-$375

Portland commands the highest prices due to demand and cost of living. Bend is close behind because of limited cleaning company availability and a high cost of living. Smaller cities offer the most competitive rates.

How to Save Money on Move-Out Cleaning

  • Do light cleaning yourself first — wipe down surfaces, sweep floors, and remove trash. The less the pros have to do, the lower the bill.

  • Empty the apartment completely — cleaning an empty unit is faster and cheaper than cleaning around your stuff.

  • Book early — end-of-month dates fill up fast. Book your move-out clean 2-3 weeks in advance for the best availability and pricing.

  • Bundle with carpet cleaning — many companies offer a discount when you add carpet cleaning to a move-out package.

  • Get your landlord's checklist — some landlords provide a specific cleaning checklist. Share it with your cleaner so nothing gets missed.

  • Compare at least 3 quotes — prices vary significantly between companies. Make sure you are comparing the same scope of work.

Is It Worth Hiring a Professional?

In most cases, yes. The math is straightforward. If your security deposit is $1,000-$2,000 (common in Portland) and a professional move-out clean costs $200-$350, the return on investment is clear. Landlords often charge more for cleaning than a professional service would, because they hire at retail rates or use their own time.

Beyond the financial side, a professional clean saves you hours of work during one of the most stressful weeks of your life. Moving is exhausting. Handing off the cleaning lets you focus on packing, logistics, and getting settled in your new place.

For a full comparison of apartment cleaning options, check out our guide to apartment cleaning cost by service type. If you are considering a full deep clean rather than a standard move-out package, our deep cleaning cost breakdown explains the difference in pricing and scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does move-out cleaning cost for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oregon?

Move-out cleaning for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oregon typically costs $150-$250. Portland is on the higher end at $180-$250, while cities like Eugene, Salem, and Corvallis range from $150-$225. The price depends on the condition of the unit and whether you have pets.

Can my landlord charge me for cleaning if I hire a professional?

Oregon law allows landlords to deduct reasonable cleaning costs from your security deposit if the unit is not returned in the same condition as move-in (minus normal wear and tear). If you hire a professional and keep the receipt, it gives you strong documentation that you fulfilled your cleaning obligation.

Should I be there during the move-out cleaning?

You do not need to be present, but it helps to do a walkthrough with the cleaning crew before they start. Point out any areas your landlord is particular about, and let them know about any damage that was there when you moved in.

How far in advance should I book move-out cleaning?

Book at least 5-7 days before your lease ends. This gives you a buffer in case something needs to be re-cleaned. End-of-month weekends are the busiest times, so booking 2-3 weeks out is ideal.

Is move-out cleaning the same as deep cleaning?

Move-out cleaning and deep cleaning overlap significantly, but move-out cleaning specifically focuses on returning the unit to move-in condition. It includes inside-appliance cleaning, closet interiors, and detailed bathroom work that even some deep cleaning packages do not cover.


Updates Log

Date Change
2026-03-19 Initial draft created

About the Author

OT

Otesse

Otesse Team

Otesse provides professional cleaning, junk removal, and carpet cleaning services across Oregon's I-5 corridor. We share expert tips, cost guides, and industry insights to help homeowners and businesses make informed decisions.

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