Between packing boxes, scheduling movers, and updating your address, it’s easy to forget about one critical task of San Francisco move-out cleaning: leaving your kitchen spotless. Whether you’re handing over the keys to a landlord or prepping for a home sale, cleaning the kitchen properly is one of those non-negotiables that can make or break your final walkthrough.
Kitchens are notorious for hiding grime. Grease clings to cabinets, crumbs collect in drawers, and spills behind appliances often go unnoticed—until move-out day. That’s why it pays to do more than a quick once-over. A deep kitchen clean is part hygiene, part respect, and part making sure you get that full security deposit back.
If you’re not sure where to begin or what’s expected, don’t worry. This guide walks you through the best practices to ensure your kitchen looks move-out ready and landlord-approved.
How do you clean a kitchen before moving out?
Cleaning your kitchen for a move-out isn’t the same as your weekly wipe-down. It’s a full-scale reset that should make the space look like you were never there. Here’s how to tackle it step-by-step.
1. Clear out everything first
Before you lift a sponge, remove all food, dishes, and shelf liners. Empty the fridge, freezer, cabinets, drawers, and pantry. Toss anything expired or donate what you can’t take with you. The more clutter-free the space is, the easier it is to spot messes.
2. Start with the appliances
- Fridge & freezer: Unplug and defrost if required. Remove all shelves and drawers, soak them in warm soapy water, and scrub the interior. Don’t forget to clean door seals and the crumb-catching drip pan.
- Oven & stovetop: Use a heavy-duty degreaser or baking soda paste. Let it sit overnight for stubborn grime. Scrub burner trays, knobs, and the oven door.
- Microwave: Heat a bowl of water and lemon slices for five minutes to loosen residue, then wipe clean.
- Dishwasher: Run it empty with white vinegar or a cleaning tablet, and wipe around the gasket and filter.
3. Scrub the sink & disposal
Use baking soda and vinegar to deodorize and disinfect the sink and garbage disposal. Don’t skip the faucet and around the edges—grime loves to hide there.
4. Wipe down all surfaces
This includes:
- Countertops
- Backsplash
- Cabinet doors and handles
- Inside drawers and shelves
Use a disinfectant or degreaser where needed. For wooden cabinets, a mild soap solution works best. Be thorough—landlords check for sticky spots and grease smears.
5. Clean behind & under appliances
If it’s safe to move them, slide out the fridge and stove. You’ll likely find crumbs, dust bunnies, and maybe even a lost utensil. Vacuum, then mop the area before sliding them back.
6. Dust the high spots
Dust the tops of cabinets, the range hood, light fixtures, and exhaust fans. These areas collect grease and dust over time and are easy to overlook—until someone points them out during inspection.
7. Floors come last
Always save the floor for last so you’re not redoing your work. Sweep first, then mop with an appropriate floor cleaner. Focus on corners and under-cabinet toe kicks where gunk can gather.
8. Best practices & extra tips
- Use the right products: Degreasers for oily messes, baking soda and vinegar for odor control, and a good multi-surface disinfectant for everything else.
- Go green if needed: If you’re leaving the home for new owners, chemical-free cleaners might be a thoughtful touch.
- Don’t forget the trash area: Clean inside the trash bin and disinfect the space where it sat.
- Dry everything: Moisture leads to mildew. Wipe down all surfaces and appliances after cleaning.
Which company specializes in San Francisco move-out cleaning?
Whether you’re located close to the Panhandle or near the shore, Adriana’s House Cleaning is the leading maid service in your area. We specialize in all types of residential cleaning, from move-in makeovers for new tenants to top-to-bottom seasonal cleanups.
If you want to pick up time-tried moving cleaning pointers or make sure to avoid typical move-out cleaning errors and recoup your deposit, give us a call, and we’ll use our know-how and experience to help you out. We employ discreet and vetted pros and use tried-and-tested solutions to bring freshness into the homes of people across SF. Looking to move out in style? Reach out to us today!