The Full Breakdown of Move Out Cleaning Service Exclusions

Moving to a new home is often considered one of life's most stressful events. There's the packing, the paperwork, the emotional goodbyes, and the physical exhaustion of getting everything from one place to another. Amidst the chaos, one task that needs to be completed is cleaning the old home. While many people may try to clean the home themselves before moving out, others prefer to hire professionals to handle it. This is where move-out cleaning services come into play.

A move-out cleaning service ensures that your old residence is spotless and ready for the next occupant, whether renting or selling your home. These services can range from a basic cleaning to a deep clean that covers everything from top to bottom. However, it's essential to understand what is typically included in these services and, just as importantly, what is not. This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of move-out cleaning service exclusions and help you better prepare for your cleaning needs.

Understanding Move-Out Cleaning Services

Before diving into the exclusions, let's explore what move-out cleaning services usually entail. A move-out cleaning service is designed to thoroughly clean a home once the occupant has moved out and the space is empty. The goal is to leave the home in pristine condition, typically to meet the expectations of landlords, property managers, or future tenants.

Professional cleaners are often hired to perform deep cleaning in areas overlooked during regular cleanings. The tasks included are typically more comprehensive than what most people would do during a routine cleaning.

A general move-out cleaning service might include:

Kitchen cleaning: Deep cleaning of kitchen appliances (stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator), wiping down countertops, cleaning inside cabinets, and sanitizing sinks.

Bathroom cleaning: Scrubbing of toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers, along with sanitizing mirrors, tiles, and floors.

Dusting and wiping down surfaces: Dusting furniture, baseboards, door frames, and windowsills.

Floors: Sweeping and mopping hardwood or tile floors and vacuuming carpets.

Window cleaning: Cleaning of windows inside and out and cleaning glass doors and mirrors.

Although this list covers the primary tasks included in most move-out cleaning services, some things typically need to be included. Understanding these exclusions is essential to managing expectations and ensuring your cleaning service meets your needs.

What is Not Included in Move-Out Cleaning Services?

When hiring move out cleaning services what not included are tasks like significant repairs, personal belongings removal, hazardous material handling, deep carpet cleaning, and exterior cleaning. These services focus on general cleaning; additional professional help may be needed for other requirements.

Heavy Duty Cleaning or Major Repairs

Heavy-duty cleaning and repairs are among the most significant move-out cleaning service exclusions. A move-out cleaning service focuses on cleaning rather than repairing or restoring the property to its original condition.

For example, while move-out cleaning services may clean the floors, dust the furniture, and wipe down surfaces, they will not fix structural problems, broken appliances, or plumbing issues. Major cleaning tasks like mold removal, deep carpet cleaning, or wall painting are outside the scope of a typical move-out cleaning service.

Suppose you notice significant damage, such as broken windows, large holes in the walls, or water damage. In that case, these issues should be addressed before your cleaning service arrives, or you may need to hire a separate contractor to handle the repairs.

Personal Items Removal

When preparing for a move-out, there's often a lot of cleaning. One common misunderstanding is that move-out cleaning services will handle the removal of personal items or trash left behind. This is typically not included in the cleaning service.

You will need to ensure that the house or apartment is entirely cleared of all personal belongings, including:

• Furniture

• Clothes

• Boxes

• Trash

If large items, like old appliances or furniture, need to be disposed of, you must make separate arrangements for their removal. Professional cleaners only handle junk removal or heavy lifting if specified as an additional service.

Exterior Cleaning (Unless Specified)

While many cleaning services focus on the home's interior, exterior cleaning is often only included if specifically mentioned. This includes tasks like:

Power washing the house's exterior or driveway.

• Cleaning gutters
• Landscaping or yard work
• Cleaning the exterior windows

If you want to make sure that the outside of your property is also spotless, you may need to arrange for a different service provider. For example, you can hire a company specializing in power washing, gutter cleaning, or yard maintenance.

Deep Carpet Cleaning

Another common move-out cleaning service exclusion is deep carpet cleaning. While professional cleaners usually vacuum carpets and remove surface dirt, deep carpet cleaning, such as steam or stain removal, is generally not included in most move-out cleaning services.

If your carpets are heavily stained or have absorbed odors over time, you may want to hire a separate carpet cleaning company. This specialized service can ensure that your carpets are restored to their best condition before you move out.

Hazardous Material Cleanup

Move-out cleaning services also typically do not include hazardous material cleanup. This includes:

Mold: Mold removal requires specialized cleaning and treatment to ensure it is safely and wholly removed from the property.

Lead paint: Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, which is considered hazardous, and must be handled carefully.

Asbestos: Asbestos removal is another dangerous process that requires professional abatement services.

Chemical or biological waste: If your property has been affected by hazardous chemicals or biohazards (e.g., blood spills), you must hire a specialist to deal with the issue.

Standard cleaning companies are not licensed to deal with these hazardous materials. It's essential to hire a certified professional if you suspect the presence of such materials in your home.

Cleaning in Hard-to-Reach Areas

While cleaning services will typically handle most areas of the home, some places may need to be more challenging to reach or unsafe for the cleaning team to access. These areas may include:

High ceilings and ceiling fans.

Behind large furniture or appliances: If furniture is left in place, cleaners may not be able to clean underneath or behind these items.

Attics or basements: These areas may only be included if the cleaning service covers them.

If you're concerned about these areas, you can move furniture in advance or request that they be included in the cleaning package for an additional fee.

Pest Control

If your home has an infestation of pests, whether ants, rodents, or insects, move-out cleaning services will not address this issue. Pest control requires specific training and specialized treatments. A regular cleaning service will need the tools to eliminate pests or prevent infestations.

If you suspect a pest problem, contact a pest control company before scheduling your move-out cleaning. They can assess the problem and take the necessary steps to treat it.

Odor Removal

While move-out cleaning services will sanitize surfaces and remove surface dirt, they typically do not address odors. For instance, if there are lingering smells due to pets, smoke, or mold, standard cleaning may not eliminate these odors.

Some cleaning companies offer odor-neutralizing treatments, but this service is often an add-on and may not be included in the base price. If you have specific odor concerns, ask about these services before booking your cleaning.

Post-Cleaning Touch-Ups

While professional cleaners will do their best to clean your home thoroughly, they may miss a spot or two. If some areas need additional attention after the cleaning is completed, move-out cleaning services generally only include post-cleaning touch-ups if previously agreed upon.

Doing a final walkthrough after the cleaning is an excellent way to check for missed spots. If you spot any areas that need attention, you can either address them yourself or request that the cleaning company return to fix them for an additional charge.

Deep Clean for Heavy Pet Damage

Pet owners need to know that pet-specific cleaning can be an additional cost. Regular move-out cleaning services will vacuum and clean surfaces, but if there are pet stains, hair, or odors, those issues may require specialized treatments.

For example, pet urine stains on carpets, furniture, or floors may need enzyme-based or steam-cleaning solutions. Pet hair removal from carpets, upholstery, or vents can also be challenging and may need to be fully covered by standard cleaning services.

If you have pets, inform your cleaning service beforehand so they can provide recommendations or offer specialized cleaning for pet damage.

Conclusion

Understanding the exclusions of move-out cleaning services is vital to having a smooth and stress-free transition from your old home to your new one. While professional cleaning services can handle the heavy lifting regarding cleanliness, specific tasks like repairs, hazardous material removal, and deep carpet cleaning are typically not included.

To ensure you get the best value for your money, it's crucial to:|

• Clear the home of personal belongings and trash

• Discuss your specific needs with the cleaning company

• Ask about any exclusions or additional services before booking

Whether you're looking for the best maid service in Jacksonville, FL, or a nationwide company, always communicate your requirements clearly to avoid surprises. Doing so lets you rest easy knowing your move-out cleaning is handled and your old home is ready for its next occupant.