Why Moving Cleans in Houston Are Different
Houston presents a unique set of cleaning challenges for anyone moving in or out. Hard water leaves calcium deposits on faucets and shower doors. Cedar and oak pollen settles into every crevice during spring. Humidity breeds mildew in window tracks and grout lines faster than in most U.S. cities. A generic moving checklist won't catch any of that. This one will.
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Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen
- Clean inside the oven, including racks and broiler drawer
- Wipe inside the refrigerator and freezer; defrost if needed
- Degrease range hood and filter
- Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
- Descale faucets and sink using a hard water remover
- Wipe down all appliance exteriors
- Clean dishwasher interior and door gasket
Bathrooms
- Scrub tile grout — pay extra attention to shower floors where mold accumulates
- Descale shower doors and faucet heads
- Clean inside vanity cabinets and medicine cabinet
- Wipe down exhaust fan covers
- Scrub toilet including underside of rim and base
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Wipe down all baseboards and door frames
- Clean window tracks and sills (prime mildew zones in Houston)
- Wipe down ceiling fan blades
- Patch and spot-clean walls if allowed by lease
- Clean inside all closets including shelving
General
- Vacuum and mop all floors, including under where furniture was
- Clean all light switches and outlet covers
- Wipe down HVAC return vents
- Remove any nails from walls
Move-In Cleaning Checklist
Even a freshly "cleaned" home from a previous tenant should be re-cleaned before you move in. You don't know their standards.
- Deep clean all kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- Run dishwasher and washing machine on cleaning cycles
- Wipe down all interior cabinet and drawer surfaces before placing items
- Sanitize all door handles, light switches, and remotes
- Check and clean HVAC vents throughout the home
- Inspect window tracks and clean any mildew
- Clean refrigerator coils if the fridge was left behind
Houston-Specific Tips
Hard water: Use a calcium-lime-rust remover on all faucets, showerheads, and glass shower doors. White vinegar works in a pinch but a commercial descaler works faster.
Pollen: During cedar and oak season (January–April), dust accumulates rapidly. Wipe down all horizontal surfaces within the first week of moving in.
Pests: Before moving in, check under sinks and around baseboards for signs of roach or ant activity. Clean thoroughly and apply perimeter treatments before boxes arrive.
Humidity: Check under bathroom sinks and inside window tracks for mildew. Treat with a mold-inhibiting cleaner and ensure bathroom exhaust fans are working.