Property Management Cleaning Checklist

Free Download (PDF or Excel)

I just got back—literally—from one of my rentals and, as I was walking through, I noticed a few cleaning opportunities that could have been easily overlooked. It hit me how important it is to have a thorough cleaning process in place to ensure everything is spotless and ready for the next tenant or guest. You might be prepping for move-out cleaning, showing a property, or managing a vacation rental, and having a reliable cleaning checklist can save time, reduce stress, and even protect that all-important security deposit.

That’s why I decided to create this Property Management Cleaning Checklist. This can be helpful if you’re dealing with routine cleaning tasks or need a move out cleaning checklist for those tougher deep clean situations. I hope this free resource helps you out. The obvious ones are in the checklist, like vacuuming carpets and dusting ceiling fans. I also added a few that property managers tend to overlook, like wiping down light fixtures and thoroughly cleaning appliances. I even consulted with professional cleaning services to make sure this checklist is comprehensive enough for any property type.

This checklist is perfect as a vacation rental cleaning checklist, move-out guide, or even a general tool for property managers and landlords who want to streamline their cleaning process. Download it now (available in PDF or Excel) and make your property sparkle for the next visitor or tenant.

Download my Free Property Management Cleaning Checklist

PDF, Excel, Google Sheets

Rental Property Cleaning Checklist Example

Checkbox	Task	Description
	Vacuum carpets	Thoroughly vacuum all carpets to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
	Dust and clean light fixtures	Wipe down light fixtures to remove dust and ensure they are clean.
	Clean ceiling fans	Dust and clean the blades of ceiling fans to prevent buildup.
	Clean appliances	Deep clean all appliances, including the oven, refrigerator, and microwave.
	Polish mirrors	Use glass cleaner to polish mirrors for a streak-free shine.
	Clean glass surfaces	Wipe down glass tables, windows, and other glass surfaces.
	Wipe light switches	Clean and disinfect light switches to remove fingerprints and germs.
	Clean windows	Wash windows inside and out for a clear, streak-free finish.
	Mop floors	Thoroughly mop all hard floors to remove dirt and stains.
	Wipe countertops	Clean and disinfect all countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms.
	Remove stains	Spot clean and remove any visible stains from surfaces or fabrics.
	Disinfect countertops	Use disinfectant to sanitize countertops, especially in high-use areas.
	Remove cobwebs	Check corners and ceilings for cobwebs and remove them.
	Clean bathroom sinks	Scrub and disinfect bathroom sinks to remove grime and stains.
	Replace or clean cabinets	Wipe down cabinet surfaces and replace any damaged or worn-out ones.
	Clean bath mats	Wash or replace bath mats to ensure cleanliness.
	Replace light bulbs	Check and replace any burnt-out light bulbs.
	Empty trash bags	Remove all trash and replace with fresh bags.
	Remove leftover food	Clear out any leftover food from the refrigerator or pantry.
	Clean and organize personal belongings	Ensure all personal items are removed or neatly organized.
	Scrub countertops	Thoroughly scrub countertops to remove tough stains or residue.
	Clean hard surfaces	Wipe down hard surfaces like tables, shelves, and countertops.
	Clean dining room areas	Dust and clean dining tables, chairs, and surrounding areas.
	Clean hardwood floors	Sweep and mop hardwood floors to maintain their shine.
	Remove tough or stubborn stains	Use appropriate cleaning products to tackle tough stains.
	Clean exterior areas	Sweep and clean exterior spaces like patios, porches, or balconies.
	Clean laundry room	Clean and organize the laundry room, including wiping down machines.
	Clean swimming pool (if applicable)	Skim, clean, and ensure the pool is ready for use.

Cleaning Process for Property Management Cleaning

This timeline simplifies the cleaning process, ensuring thorough property preparation and tenant satisfaction while efficiently managing tasks and resources.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

1). Stay Organized

• Create a detailed cleaning schedule for routine and move-out tasks.
• Use a vacation rental cleaning checklist or move out cleaning checklist to track tasks.

2). Assess Cleaning Needs

• Conduct an onsite move out inspection to identify areas needing attention, such as dirty floors, damaged furniture, or neglected spaces.
• Note any hard-to-reach areas requiring special tools or techniques.

3). Gather Cleaning Supplies

• Double check to make sure you have essential items like microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, all-purpose cleaners, and paper towels.
• Stock specific products for surfaces such as countertop material or fragile glass doors.

Start the Cleaning Process

1). Execute High-Priority Cleaning Tasks

• Remove clutter and wipe surfaces clean. Focus on eliminating dust, dirt, or grease.
• Clean and sanitize key areas, paying attention to countertops, bathrooms, and high-touch points.

2). Clean Property Interior

• Use all-purpose cleaners to tackle floors, carpets, and shelves efficiently.
• For fragile fixtures like glass doors, use appropriate cleaning tools to avoid scratches.

3). Address Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Wipe appliances/counters to remove stains or odors.

4). Cleanup Priority Messes

• If there are any large messes, such as spills or stains, address them immediately with the appropriate cleaning tools and products.
• Make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all areas of the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Don’t forget about smaller details like doorknobs, light switches, and faucets – these can be hotspots for germs.

Restock Cleaning Supplies

As you go through the cleaning process, take note of any supplies that are running low or empty. Make a list of items that need to be restocked, such as paper towels, scrub brushes, or all-purpose cleaners. It’s important to keep a well-stocked supply of cleaning products on hand to ensure efficient and thorough cleaning in the future. Consider using eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products to reduce harmful chemicals in your home.

Declutter and Organize

Clutter can make a space look messy and also attract dust and dirt. Take some time to declutter surfaces, cabinets, and drawers in your kitchen and bathrooms. Donate or discard any unused or unnecessary items. Organize remaining items in designated spaces for easy access and maintenance.

Clean Air Vents and Filters

Don’t forget about the air quality in your home. Clean air vents and replace filters regularly to ensure proper ventilation. This will help remove dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the air.

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery

Over time, dust and dirt can build up in carpets and upholstery, causing them to look dull and dirty. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service or renting a steam cleaner to deep clean these areas. Alternatively, you can also use DIY methods such as using baking soda and vinegar to freshen up carpets and upholstery.

Don’t Forget the Little Things

There are small tasks that often get overlooked but can make a big difference in keeping your home clean:

• Wipe down light switches, doorknobs, and other frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.
• Clean out the inside of your microwave and oven.
• Wash curtains, bedding, and throw blankets regularly.

Check Back for Updates to our Move Out Cleaning Checklist and Best Practices

Stay ahead of your cleaning duties by subscribing and checking back regularly for updates to our move out cleaning checklist and expert tips. We’re constantly adding new insights on topics like exterior cleaning, creating an efficient cleaning routine, and executing a thorough job to ensure your property is professionally cleaned. If you’re preparing for guest arrival or hoping to save money on professional cleaners, then our updated guides will help you tackle tasks like addressing cabinet repairs, managing cleaning staff, and keeping everything spotless—from garbage dust to those often-overlooked dryer sheets. Plus, following our advice can help secure the full security deposit every time. Don’t miss out—subscribe now to stay organized and stress-free.