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January 28, 2026 5 min read Checklist

The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Edmonton Renters

A room-by-room guide to ensure you don't miss a spot and maximize your deposit return.

Moving out of your Edmonton rental? Whether you're leaving a cozy Oliver apartment or a family home in Summerside, one thing stands between you and your full security deposit: the move-out inspection.

Under the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act, landlords can only deduct from your deposit for damages beyond normal wear and tear—and for cleaning if the unit isn't returned in the same condition as when you moved in.

We've compiled this comprehensive checklist based on hundreds of move-out cleans across Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and surrounding areas. Print it out, check off each item, and walk into your inspection with confidence.

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Pro Tip: Take Photos!

Before you start cleaning and after you finish, take timestamped photos of every room. This protects you if there's any dispute about the condition of the property.

Kitchen

The kitchen is where landlords look first—and most critically. Grease buildup and appliance neglect are the top reasons for deposit deductions in Edmonton.

Appliances

  • Oven: Clean inside, including racks, glass door (inside & out), and drip pans
  • Stovetop: Degrease burners, clean burner covers, wipe control knobs
  • Range hood: Clean filter, degrease exterior, wipe light cover
  • Refrigerator: Clean inside shelves, drawers, door seals, exterior, and top
  • Freezer: Defrost if needed, clean all surfaces and ice maker
  • Microwave: Clean inside, turntable, exterior, and vents
  • Dishwasher: Clean filter, door edges, interior walls, and run empty cycle

Surfaces & Cabinets

  • Countertops: Clean and sanitize all surfaces, including backsplash
  • Cabinets: Wipe inside and out, clean handles, remove shelf liners
  • Drawers: Empty, vacuum crumbs, wipe clean
  • Sink: Scrub basin, clean faucet, polish fixtures, clean drain
  • Garbage disposal: Run with ice and lemon, clean rubber splash guard

Floors & Walls

  • Floor: Sweep, mop, and clean grout lines
  • Baseboards: Wipe clean, remove grease splatters
  • Walls: Spot clean grease marks and food splatters
  • Light fixtures: Dust and wipe clean

Bathrooms

Mold, mildew, and hard water stains are common in Edmonton bathrooms. Pay special attention to tile grout and exhaust fans.

Toilet

  • Scrub bowl inside, including under the rim
  • Clean seat (top, bottom, and hinges)
  • Wipe exterior, base, and behind toilet
  • Clean tank exterior and flush handle

Shower/Tub

  • Scrub tub/shower floor and walls
  • Clean tile grout (re-caulk if moldy—check with landlord first)
  • Remove hard water deposits from showerhead and fixtures
  • Clean shower door/curtain rod (remove and wash curtain if included)
  • Clean drain and remove hair buildup

Sink & Vanity

  • Scrub sink basin and remove toothpaste buildup
  • Polish faucet and handles
  • Clean mirror (streak-free)
  • Wipe vanity countertop and cabinets inside/out
  • Clean medicine cabinet (if applicable)

General

  • Clean exhaust fan (remove cover and vacuum)
  • Wipe light fixtures and switches
  • Clean towel bars and toilet paper holder
  • Scrub floor and baseboards
  • Wipe door and door handle

Bedrooms

Don't forget closets—landlords check them! Remove all hangers, wipe shelves, and vacuum the floor.

  • Closets: Empty completely, wipe shelves and rods, vacuum floor
  • Walls: Remove all nails/hooks, fill holes with spackle, spot clean marks
  • Windows: Clean inside glass, tracks, and sills
  • Window coverings: Dust blinds or vacuum curtains
  • Light fixtures: Dust ceiling light and clean switch plates
  • Ceiling fan: Dust blades and wipe housing (if applicable)
  • Baseboards: Wipe clean all around the room
  • Doors: Wipe door, frame, and handles
  • Flooring: Vacuum carpet thoroughly or mop hard floors
  • Vents: Vacuum or wipe floor and ceiling vents

Living Room & Common Areas

  • Walls: Remove nails, fill holes, spot clean scuffs and marks
  • Windows: Clean all glass, tracks, and sills
  • Blinds/Curtains: Dust or vacuum thoroughly
  • Fireplace: Clean glass, vacuum hearth, wipe mantle (if applicable)
  • Light fixtures: Dust all fixtures, clean bulbs and shades
  • Outlets & switches: Wipe all cover plates
  • Baseboards: Wipe clean around entire room
  • Flooring: Vacuum carpet (consider steam cleaning) or mop hard floors
  • Stairs: Vacuum treads, wipe handrails and balusters

Laundry & Utility Areas

  • Washer: Clean inside drum, door seal, and detergent dispenser
  • Dryer: Clean lint trap, wipe drum and exterior
  • Laundry sink: Scrub basin and clean faucet
  • Shelving: Wipe all shelves and remove any items
  • Water heater area: Sweep/mop floor around unit
  • Furnace filter: Replace with new filter (keep receipt!)

Garage, Balcony & Exterior

  • Garage: Sweep floor, remove oil stains if possible, clear all items
  • Garage door opener: Wipe remote and leave for landlord
  • Balcony/Patio: Sweep, remove all personal items and plants
  • Storage unit: Empty completely and sweep out
  • Entry door: Wipe down front/back door inside and out

Final Walkthrough Checklist

Before handing over the keys, do one last walk through the entire property:

  • All personal belongings removed from every room and closet
  • All garbage and recycling removed from property
  • All keys, fobs, garage remotes, and parking passes ready to return
  • Nail holes filled and touch-up paint applied (if required)
  • Light bulbs all working (replace any burnt out bulbs)
  • Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors tested
  • Thermostat set to appropriate temperature
  • Final photos taken with timestamp for your records
  • Utilities scheduled for disconnection or transfer
  • Mail forwarding set up with Canada Post

How Long Does This Take?

A thorough DIY move-out clean typically takes:

  • Studio/1-Bedroom: 4-6 hours
  • 2-Bedroom Apartment: 6-8 hours
  • 3-Bedroom Townhouse: 8-12 hours
  • 4+ Bedroom House: 12-16+ hours

*Add time if appliances haven't been deep-cleaned recently or if there's pet hair/damage.

Rather Leave It to the Pros?

We know this checklist is overwhelming. That's exactly why Move Out Cleaning Edmonton Inc. exists. Our professional teams handle every item on this list—so you can focus on your move.

Get Your Instant Quote (587) 974-1940
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