Key Takeaways
Move-out cleaning runs $150 to $500 in published national ranges, depending on size and condition.
Smaller apartments sit toward the low end while 3-bedroom houses sit toward the top.
Professional move-out cleaning typically pays for itself by preventing security deposit deductions.
Most services include a guarantee -- if the landlord finds cleaning issues, the company returns to address them at no charge.
Book 1-2 weeks before move-out for best scheduling -- last-minute bookings may incur rush fees.
Average Move-Out Cleaning Costs
Industry Baseline Range
| What is being priced | Published national range |
|---|---|
| Move-out cleaning | $150 to $500 |
Source: HomeGuide, "Move-Out Cleaning Cost" national cost guide.
These are industry baseline ranges for planning only and may not reflect Otesse's price. Otesse pricing is calculated for your specific home and ZIP code, so enter your ZIP in the price box on this page for your instant price.
Current Market Reality
Bedroom and bathroom count, condition, and whether the unit is empty move a quote within this range and sometimes past it.
Quotes for professional move-out cleaning services usually assume the unit is empty of personal belongings -- cleaning around furniture and boxes adds time and cost.
| Pushes the price up | Pulls it down |
|---|---|
| More bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage | A smaller home |
| A long gap since the last professional clean | Steady upkeep between visits |
| Add-ons such as the inside of the oven, fridge, or cabinets | A standard scope with no add-ons |
| Heavy buildup, pet hair, or clutter to work around | Clear surfaces and a picked-up home |
Every home is different, so the real number depends on size, condition, and what you want covered. Enter your ZIP in the price box on this page for your instant price.
Cost by Unit Size
Square footage affects pricing, but bedroom and bathroom count matters more:
Each additional bedroom adds to the base price
Each additional bathroom adds more than a bedroom (bathrooms are the most labor-intensive rooms)
Large kitchens with double ovens, extra appliances, or pantries add a little
Basements and garages -- if included -- add cost depending on size and condition
What Is Included in Move-Out Cleaning
A standard move-out cleaning service in Oregon typically includes:
Kitchen
Inside oven, stovetop, range hood and filter
Inside refrigerator and freezer (all shelves and drawers)
Inside dishwasher
Inside microwave
All countertops, backsplash, and sink
Cabinet fronts and inside all cabinets and drawers
Floor -- sweep and mop
Bathrooms
Toilet -- inside, outside, base, and behind
Tub/shower -- walls, fixtures, drain, glass doors or curtain rod
Vanity, sink, mirror, and all fixtures
Inside medicine cabinet and drawers
Floor -- sweep and mop
All Rooms
Dust all surfaces, shelves, and fixtures
Clean all light switches, outlet covers, and door handles
Clean interior windows and window sills
Clean baseboards and trim
Inside all closets -- shelves, rods, floor
Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hard floors
Common Add-On Services
| Service | Relative cost | When to Add |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet steam cleaning | Higher | Stained carpets or lease requires it |
| Interior window washing | Lower | Visible grime on windows |
| Wall washing | Moderate | Scuff marks, crayon, cooking grease on walls |
| Garage cleaning | Moderate | If garage is part of the rental |
| Exterior window washing | Moderate | If lease requires clean exterior windows |
Check your lease agreement -- some Oregon landlords require professional carpet cleaning with a receipt as a condition of full deposit return, regardless of carpet condition.
The Security Deposit Math
Professional move-out cleaning is an investment that typically returns more than it costs:
Oregon security deposit: often about one month's rent
Cleaning deduction when a tenant self-cleans: often a meaningful share of the deposit
Professional move-out cleaning cost: $150 to $500 in published national ranges
Cleaning deduction after a professional clean: usually little or none
The math is straightforward: a professional clean often costs less than the deduction it prevents. Plus, most professional services offer a landlord satisfaction guarantee.
For more on protecting your deposit, see our guide on cleaning tips for rental properties.
DIY vs Professional Cost Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Supplies cost | A modest supply bill | Included |
| Time investment | 6-12 hours | 0 (they do it) |
| Service cost | None | $150 to $500 in published national ranges |
| Deposit deduction risk | Medium-High | Low |
| Guarantee | None | Most offer landlord guarantee |
| Total real cost | Supplies + your time + potential deductions | The service price |
If your time is worth much at all, professional cleaning is almost always the better financial decision for move-out. Learn more in our DIY vs professional cleaning comparison.
Choosing a Move-Out Cleaning Service
When hiring a move-out cleaner in Oregon, ask these questions:
Do you offer a landlord satisfaction guarantee? -- the most important question. If the landlord is not satisfied, the company should return to fix issues at no charge
What is included in the base price? -- get a written list to avoid surprises
Do you clean inside appliances? -- some budget services skip the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher interior
Can you provide a receipt? -- you may need this for your landlord as proof of professional cleaning
Are you insured? -- liability insurance protects you if the cleaner damages the property
For a complete move-out task list, our move-out cleaning checklist covers every item landlords check during inspections. Check our pricing page for current Oregon rates.
