Get matched with top house cleaners in Salinas, CA

You should declutter first, then clean, especially when sorting through an entire estate. Decluttering reduces the number of items to clean and clears space to make cleaning easier. Once all items, such as large furniture, are relocated, you'll be able to clean efficiently. You can also hire a move-out cleaner to do a professional deep clean before you sell the home.

Apartment kitchens and bathrooms take the longest to clean. Bacteria and other dirt build up the fastest in these wet areas. They need more attention to ensure they remain clean and sanitary. If your apartment has two bathrooms, expect to pay a premium for professional cleaning.

The cost of move-out cleaning averages $360 and can increase to $500, depending on the extent of the cleaning involved. The cost factors that vary move-out cleaning include home or apartment size, the level of cleaning, how many professionals it takes to clean, and the location. Add-ons include cleaning carpet, windows, fridge, oven, hardwood floors, tile and grout, garage, and junk removal.

Cleaning your trash cans lightly once per week and then disinfecting and doing a deep clean at least once per month is the best way to prevent trash can odors. You can also invest in some garbage can deodorizers to combat odors or lay down a dryer sheet or a thin layer of baking soda in the bottom of the can under the bag. Replace the deodorizer once every month or every other month, depending on how well it works over time.