Moving-out cleaning
A thorough move-out cleaning is the responsibility of the resident. It's done so that the next resident can happily move into a clean new home. Before you move out, please make sure you have done all the cleaning tasks included in this checklist according to the instructions below.
Instructions on moving-out cleaning
- Always use clean cleaning equipment. You need at least cleaning cloths, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a dustpan, a dish brush and dish detergent or a neutral general cleaner. We recommend microfiber cloths and mops for cleaning.
- Remember to clean the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner regularly, to make cleaning easier.
- Always use detergents according to the instructions. Too much detergent can leave surfaces sticky and dirty looking.
- Do not rub too much on sensitive surfaces, such as walls or ceramic hobs.
- You can get rid of unpleasant looking drip marks easily and quickly by drying the cleaned surfaces with a clean cloth.
- You should start cleaning from the cleanest areas and proceed to the dirtiest one.
Wipe all kitchen surfaces and fixtures and remove stains, also on the inside.
STOVE
The moving-out cleaning is easier if you clean the stove, oven and baking trays well in advance.
Oven trays and stubborn stains inside or on the stove should be thoroughly soaked before cleaning. Cleaning the oven is easier when you remove the tray holders from the oven.
Finally, move the stove out of its place and clean behind it. Remember the walls and the outside of the stove, too.
COOKER HOOD / EXTRACTOR FAN
Remove and clena the filter of the cooker hood/extractor fan. You can clean it either in the dishwasher or in the sink.
The greasy filter should be soaked overnight in warm water with some washing-up liquid in it. Allow the filter to dry before putting it back.
The other surfaces of the cooker hood should be cleaned by wiping with a damp microfiber cloth and detergent. Dry the surfaces after cleaning so that they look nice and clean.
Clean the frige and defrost the freezer. Vacuum behind the appliances.
Please note: When defrosting the freezer, always keep an eye on it and dry the meltwater immediately so it doesn’t damage the floor. Lastly, unplug the freezer and leave the doors open. A freezer that has not been defrosted can cause a water damage if a new resident won’t move in immediately and the electricity contract is terminated.
Clean the frigerator and freezer properly inside and out by wiping them with a cleaning cloth. Use a general-purpose cleaner or washing-up liquid. Wipe the walls, door and seals with a damp cloth and dry with a clean cloth after washing.
Wash vegetable boxes and other removable boxes in the sink or bathroom. The removable shelves are easy to wash in the sink. Put the shelves and drawers back in place after cleaning.
Make sure the drain in the fridge is not blocked.
DISHWASHER
If the apartment has a SATO dishwasher, clean it carefully.
The dishwasher can be cleaned with special cleaning agents intended for it or ecologically with vinegar and baking soda:
- Put 2 dl of vinegar on the lower level and place 1 dl of baking soda in a small bowl on the upper level.
- Leave the machine otherwise empty and start a normal cleaning program.
- After running the program, wipe all surfaces of the machine with a microfiber cloth. Remember to also clean the seals.
- Turn off the water.
WORKTOP AND BACKSPLASH
The kitchen worktop and backsplash are cleaned with a general-purpose cleaner. An alkaline cleaner works for really greasy dirt.
The grout between the tiles can be cleaned by wiping with a sponge or cloth dipped in warm water and, if necessary, brushing with a soft brush.
Silicone seams can be cleaned with a sponge and a disinfectant if they are badly stained.
SINK
Clean the sink with general-purpose cleaner or washing-up liquid.
You can also use baking soda, salt and vinegar for cleaning if the general cleaner doesn't do the work:
- Empty the sink and sprinkle baking soda and salt in it.
- Pour over the vinegar.
- Pour hot water into the sink and wipe the surfaces with a cleaning sponge, microfiber cloth or a dish brush.
- Dry the sink and tap after cleaning.
TAPS, SHOWER AND BATHTUB
Clean the taps and shower head with detergent and a microfiber cloth. Spray the detergent on the cleaning cloth, not directly on the surface you're cleaning. Remove limescale if necessary. Dry well after cleaning.
Also clean the bathtub with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Use a soft brush or a non-scratching sponge.
BATHROOM WALLS AND FLOOR
Clean the bathroom walls and floor. Don't forget the shower walls.
Grease stains are most easily removed with baking soda or alkaline detergent. Limescale can be cleaned with a limescale remover or vinegar and citric acid.
A dish brush is suitable for cleaning the grout between tiles. Silicone seams are wiped with a microfiber cloth and cleaning agent, as rubbing can damage them.
SINKS
Clean the sink with general-purpose cleaner or washing-up liquid.
You can also use baking soda, salt and vinegar for cleaning if a general cleaner doesn't do the job:
- Empty the sink, sprinkle it with baking soda and salt.
- Pour over the vinegar.
- Pour hot water into the sink and wipe the surfaces with a cleaning sponge, microfiber cloth or a dish brush.
- Dry the sink and tap after cleaning.
FLOOR DRAINS
The floor drains must be cleaned before moving out of the apartment.
- Open the lid and remove loose debris, hair, etc. with paper towels.
- Wash the floor drain and its lid with a brush and detergent.
- Pour water into the floor well.
Tip: You can improve the cleaning result by first pouring baking soda and vinegar into the floor drain, followed by hot water after a while.
TOILET SEAT
The toilet can usually be cleaned with a general-purpose cleaner and a toilet brush. Vinegar or another acidic cleaning agent is used to clean a toilet bowl with stubborn stains. Let the cleaning agent sit for 1-2 hours and then clean the toilet with a toilet brush. Remember to also clean the foot of the toilet seat, other external surfaces and silicone seams.
MIRROR CABINET
Clean the mirror cabinet carefully also from the inside. Clean the mirror and glass surfaces of the cabinet according to the window cleaning instructions.
SAUNA
Vacuum or sweep the dust. Wet the wooden surfaces with warm water. Wash the wooden surfaces with a weakly alkaline detrgent or disinfectant and a soft brush. Brush in the direction of the grain of the wood. Rinse with cold water. Do not use chlorine-containing detrgents when cleaning the sauna. Finally, clean the floor surfaces and also remember the floor drain and sauna door.
CABINETS
Clean the doors of all cabinets on both sides and also the handles of cabinets and drawers. Use a cleaning cloth dampened with a neutral detergent. Dry if necessary to leave the surface looking nice and clean.
DOORS
Clean all doors on both sides. Also clean the frames, thresholds and door handles.
FLOORS
Vacuum the floors. Wipe the floors with a damp microfiber mop or cloth. Do not use too much water or abrasive scrubbers.
WALLS AND SKIRTING BOARDS
Remove any stains and wall stickers from the walls. The walls and skirting boards are easy to clean by vacuuming the dust. After vacuuming, you can remove any remaining dust and stains with a microfiber cloth.
CEILING
Remove spiderwebs, visible dust and other loose debris from the interior ceiling of the apartment by vacuuming if necessary. Make sure there are no spills on the ceiling. Check especially the kitchen and bathroom ceilings carefully.
LIGHT SWITCHES AND PLUG SOCKETS
Wipe light switches and plug sockets with a damp cloth and detergent. Never use too much water or spray detergent directly on the socket or light switch!
_MIRRORS AND GLASS SURFACES
Wipe all mirrors and glass surfaces according to window cleaning instructions.
Clean the windows and balcony glazing before moving out.
Clean the blinds before washing the windows. Close the blinds and wipe them with a dry or damp cloth.
If you can safely open the windows, clean them from the outside as well.
You can use washing-up liquid, window cleaner or a neutral general-purpose cleaner to clean the windows.
First, remove the dust on the window sills. Clean the windows with a damp cleaning cloth. Be careful not to spill water on the floors or walls. Use a squegee and a clean cloth, buff or kitchen paper for drying. Always dry corners, edges and window sills carefully after cleaning.
RADIATORS
Vacuum the dust behind and around the radiator as well as possible. If necessary, use a duster. Wipe the radiator clean of stains with a damp cloth.
VENTILATION
Clean the ventilation valves. Dusty ventilation valves can first be vacuumed and then wiped with a damp cloth. Remember that neuther the intake or exhaust ventilation valves should never be blocked.
Empty and tidy the balcony and/or yard and storage locker.
BALCONY AND YARD
Remove all your belongings and any carpets or fences you've installed. Sweep the balcony floor.
STORAGE LOCKER
Empty the storage LOCKER of your belongings before you move out. Sweep loose trash on the floor of your storage space.
OTHER STORAGE SPACE
Remember to also empty and clean the walk-in closet as well as all cabinets and cupboards.
FAQ about the moving-out cleaning
if you fail to complete the move-out cleaning according to the instructions, we will have to charge you in full for the cost of a professional cleaning.
If you leave your belongings in the apartment, we will have to dispose of them and charge you in full for the cost of emptying the apartment.
A long term airing of the apartment is not important in moving-out cleaning. Please do not leave windows or balcony door open.
During the influenza and coronavirus outbreaks it is of utmost importance for you to take extra effort in wiping the most touched surfaces like doorknobs, watertaps, light switches, toilet seats, tabletops, and doorbell right before you leave the apartment for the last time. There is no need to use too strong a disinfectant.
If the dishwasher does not belong to SATO and you are taking it with you, remember to plug all the connections (water intake and sewer outlet). Do the same with the washig machine connections. Consult a professional mechanic if needed.
Remember to follow the same waste management guidelines when you’re moving as when living in the building. You must transport any hazardous waste and discarded pieces of furniture and other large items away from the property by yourself and dispose of them in accordance with the municipal waste regulations. You may only put household waste in the waste room containers.
Please make sure you follow these rules as we will deduct any costs arising from extra waste transport from your security deposit payment or invoice them to you.
If you move into a home that has not been cleaned, please contact the Service Manager without delay.
You can find the name of your home building's Service Manager at OmaSATO or by typing your address on Contact details of your home building at Contact us page. The easiest way to contact your Service Manager is via OmaSATO.
Same guide, different language
Finnish/English - Loppusiivouksen muistilista / Move-out cleaning checklist
Swedish - Minneslista för slutstädningen
Russian - контрольный список для генеральной уборки
Estonian - Lõppkoristuse meelespea
Arabic - قائمة الأشياء التي عليك تذكرها عند قيامك بالتنظيف الأخير
Farsi - لیست مسائل مربوط به نظافت نهایی که باید به خاطر داشت
Somali language - Liiska inaad xasuusto nadaafada u danbeysa