🏠🧼💰 The Best Cleaning Products to Use Before an Apartment Inspection
Getting ready for a move-out inspection? Using the right cleaning products can make all the difference between getting your full security deposit back or facing deductions. This guide will cover the most effective cleaning supplies to ensure your apartment meets landlord-approved standards.
🏡 Why the Right Cleaning Products Matter
Landlords expect a rental to be move-in ready at the final inspection. Generic cleaners might not tackle tough stains, odors, or grime, which could result in unnecessary deductions. The right products ensure a deep clean with minimal effort.
🧽 Must-Have Cleaning Products for a Flawless Inspection
✨ 1. Multi-Surface Cleaner
✔ Best for: Countertops, walls, cabinets, appliances
✔ Recommended Product: Method All-Purpose Cleaner or Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner
✔ Why You Need It: Removes grease, dust, and fingerprints in one step.
🏠 2. Magic Erasers (Melamine Sponges)
✔ Best for: Scuff marks on walls, doors, and baseboards
✔ Recommended Product: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
✔ Why You Need It: Erases stains without damaging paint.
🚽 3. Bathroom Disinfectant Cleaner
✔ Best for: Showers, tubs, toilets, sinks
✔ Recommended Product: Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner or Lysol Power Bathroom Cleaner
✔ Why You Need It: Removes soap scum, mildew, and bacteria easily.
🍽️ 4. Heavy-Duty Degreaser
✔ Best for: Oven, stovetop, kitchen backsplash
✔ Recommended Product: Easy-Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner or Krud Kutter Degreaser
✔ Why You Need It: Eliminates tough grease and burnt residue.
🏡 5. Glass & Mirror Cleaner
✔ Best for: Windows, mirrors, glass doors
✔ Recommended Product: Windex or Sprayway Glass Cleaner
✔ Why You Need It: Provides streak-free shine that impresses landlords.
🛏️ 6. Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover
✔ Best for: Carpet stains, couch stains, pet messes
✔ Recommended Product: Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover
✔ Why You Need It: Removes stains without a carpet cleaner.
🧼 7. Floor Cleaner (Wood, Tile, Vinyl)
✔ Best for: Hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl floors
✔ Recommended Product: Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Swiffer WetJet Solution
✔ Why You Need It: Leaves floors shiny and residue-free.
🌬 8. Odor Eliminator & Air Freshener
✔ Best for: Eliminating lingering odors
✔ Recommended Product: Febreze Air Effects or Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber
✔ Why You Need It: Removes odors instead of masking them.
🔥 Bonus Cleaning Tools to Speed Up the Process
- Microfiber Cloths – Lint-free & reusable for streak-free surfaces.
- Vacuum with Attachments – Ideal for deep carpet & corner cleaning.
- Mop & Bucket or Swiffer – Essential for spotless floors.
- Scrub Brushes – Perfect for grout, tile, and stubborn stains.
💡 Final Tips for a Successful Apartment Inspection
✔ Check your lease agreement for specific cleaning requirements.
✔ Use non-damaging cleaners to avoid extra charges.
✔ Take photos of your cleaned unit before handing over the keys.
✔ Air out the apartment to remove chemical smells before the inspection.
🏠🧼💰 With these cleaning products and tools, you’ll leave your rental in top condition and improve your chances of getting your full deposit back! 🏠🧼💰
read our apartment cleaning myths that are wasting your time
📊 Best Cleaning Products Summary Table
| Cleaning Product | Best For | Recommended Brand(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Surface Cleaner | Countertops, cabinets, appliances | Method, Lysol |
| Magic Erasers | Scuff marks, walls, baseboards | Mr. Clean |
| Bathroom Cleaner | Tubs, toilets, sinks | Clorox, Lysol |
| Degreaser | Oven, stovetop, kitchen | Easy-Off, Krud Kutter |
| Glass Cleaner | Windows, mirrors | Windex, Sprayway |
| Carpet Stain Remover | Carpet, upholstery stains | Folex |
| Floor Cleaner | Hardwood, tile, vinyl floors | Bona, Swiffer |
| Odor Eliminator | Removing bad smells | Febreze, Charcoal |