Apartment Move Out Cleaning Cost: 9 Key Factors

4. Oven and Appliance Cleaning

The oven is a notorious inspection point. Caked-on grease, burnt food, or smells are red flags during final walkthroughs. Some cleaning services include this in their quote, while others charge extra.

• Oven cleaning: $40–$80
  
  
• Fridge interior: $25–$45
  
  
• Rangehood and filters: $20–$30 (if quoted separately)
  
  

Without deep cleaning, these areas often result in partial bond loss.

5. Wall Marks and Scuff Removal

Walls covered in fingerprints, furniture scuffs, or child drawings often need spot cleaning or even sugar soap washing. Standard packages usually include a light wipe, but full wall washing comes at an additional charge.

• Spot cleaning: often included
  
  
• Full wall washing: $30–$100, depending on room size and wall height
  
  

Apartments with neutral paint may show marks more visibly, which agents flag during final inspections.

6. Balcony or Courtyard Cleaning

Outdoor spaces build up dirt, dust, bird droppings, or mould — especially in high-density buildings with minimal airflow. Balconies are often missed in DIY cleaning and are common sources of bond deductions.

• Pressure washing: $40–$100
  
  
• Glass railing cleaning: sometimes included, sometimes extra
  
  

Sloped or tiled balconies may require scrubbing and degreasing products.

7. Number of Bathrooms

Bathrooms are time-consuming due to grout, tiles, toilets, mirrors, and shower glass. Each additional bathroom adds 45–60 minutes of work. Mould or limescale buildup around taps and glass doors often requires chemical treatment.

Add $40–$80 for each extra bathroom, depending on condition.

8. Building Access and Parking

Towers with limited parking, no lifts, or tricky access can trigger a surcharge. Cleaners need to carry vacuums, steamers, and chemical products — so apartments with difficult entryways or restricted loading zones take longer to service.

• Access or parking surcharge: $10–$50, depending on building design
  
  

Avoid last-minute surprises by providing clear instructions during the booking.

9. Pets and Deodorising Needs

Apartments with cats or dogs usually require extra time for fur removal, carpet deodorising, and general sanitisation. Even if pets were clean, agents may require additional treatment to remove dander or lingering odours.



• Pet surcharge: $20–$60
  
  
• Urine stain treatment (if needed): additional $30–$100 per spot
  
  

If carpets weren’t protected during the tenancy, steam cleaning is typically mandatory.

Real Example: 2-Bedroom Apartment in Sydney

A 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in Sydney with standard wear and tear may cost:

• Base clean: $280
  
  
• Carpet steam cleaning (2 rooms): $160
  
  
• Oven and rangehood: $60
  
  
• Balcony pressure clean: $80
  
  
• Total: ~$580
  
  

If the property includes an extra bathroom, pets, or more than one balcony, the total can exceed $650. Booking early and bundling services often saves 10–15% compared to urgent last-minute quotes.

How to Estimate and Reduce Your Cleaning Cost

There’s no one-size-fits-all price tag, but tenants can estimate costs by checking the number of rooms, level of dirt, and any required add-ons. Before booking, always:

• Declutter and empty bins, fridges, and cupboards
  
  
• Wipe down obvious marks and surface dust
  
  
• Book 4–5 days in advance to avoid surcharges
  
  
• Clarify parking access for the cleaning team
  
  
• Send photos or video for accurate quoting
  
  

Cleaners appreciate transparency and reward it with faster, more efficient jobs — often at a better rate. With a professional team, you can book an office cleaning service to ensure your apartment or property is spotless before handover.

FAQs: Understanding Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Costs

Below are the most common FAQs to help you understand apartment move-out cleaning prices with clarity and confidence.

How much does a move-out clean cost for an apartment in Australia?

Most apartment move-out cleans range from $200 to $450, but the price can rise to $600+ if steam cleaning, appliances, or outdoor areas are added. In major cities, the average for a 2-bedroom unit sits between $280–$400, depending on access, pet history, and property condition.

What’s included in a professional move-out clean?

Typical inclusions are surface dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom sanitation, kitchen benchtop cleaning, internal cupboard wipe-downs, and basic mirror/window polishing. However, oven cleaning, fridge interiors, steam cleaning, and balcony services are usually optional add-ons. Tenants should confirm exactly what’s covered to avoid gaps during the final inspection.

Is move-out cleaning mandatory in Australia?

Legally, tenants don’t need to hire a professional — but leases require the property to be returned in the same condition it was leased in, minus fair wear and tear. Since most people can’t achieve professional-level results, cleaners are often necessary to avoid losing part of the bond.

Can you do the move-out cleaning yourself?

DIY is possible, but it requires time, experience, and equipment. Tenants who try to clean ovens, walls, or bathroom grout without commercial-grade products often fall short of real estate standards. Professional cleaners are trained to follow detailed checklists and leave no room for complaints.

How long does a professional move-out clean take?

A 1-bedroom apartment usually takes 2–3 hours, while a 2-bedroom with carpets and oven cleaning can take 4–5+ hours. Extra bathrooms, outdoor areas, and heavily used kitchens increase the time needed. Hiring a team of two or more cleaners reduces turnaround time significantly.

Understanding Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Costs Helps Protect Your Bond

Apartment move-out cleaning cost isn’t just a number — it’s directly tied to how well your property meets final inspection standards. From carpeted bedrooms to oven grime, every detail influences the final bill and your chance of a full bond return. By understanding the nine key cost factors, renters can avoid last-minute surprises, plan more confidently, and choose the right cleaning service.

Booking early, clarifying inclusions, and prioritising high-impact zones like bathrooms and kitchens can make the difference between a smooth exit and an expensive follow-up. When in doubt, let professionals handle what agents care about most.



Author: Everyday Clean Content Team
Everyday Clean is Sydney’s trusted provider of commercial cleaning solutions, including schools, offices, gyms, and childcare centres. Our licensed professionals use advanced, eco-friendly equipment to deliver safe, compliant, and spotless results across all facilities. With deep experience in the education sector, we help schools maintain hygienic, student-ready environments that staff and families trust.