Quick Answer
Move-out cleaning in San Diego typically costs between $250 and $600 for a standard home in 2026. Pricing depends on square footage, whether it’s a deep clean, and any add-ons like inside-oven, inside-fridge, or window cleaning. Studios and one-bedroom apartments usually run $180-$300. Three-bedroom homes typically run $350-$500. Four-plus bedroom homes or luxury properties can run $500-$800. At Mexi Maids, our standard move-out cleaning starts at $250 and includes everything most landlords require to return a full security deposit.
What’s Actually Included in a Move-Out Cleaning
A professional move-out cleaning is significantly more thorough than a regular clean. It’s designed for an empty home, so the cleaner can reach areas that furniture normally covers. A proper move-out clean should include:
- All floors mopped and vacuumed, including under where furniture stood
- All baseboards wiped and scuff marks removed
- All light fixtures dusted, cleaned, and bulbs inspected
- All light switches and outlet covers wiped
- All windows (interior side) and window tracks cleaned
- All doors and door frames wiped, including door tracks
- Kitchen: cabinets cleaned inside and out, appliances degreased, inside microwave cleaned, sink polished, backsplash scrubbed
- Bathrooms: tub and shower scrubbed and de-scaled, toilet fully cleaned including base and behind, mirrors polished, exhaust fans dusted
- Bedrooms: closet shelves and rods wiped, ceiling fan blades cleaned
- Common: cobweb removal from all corners and ceilings, air vents dusted, blinds cleaned
Add-ons that typically cost extra: inside-oven cleaning ($40-$75), inside-refrigerator ($30-$50), full window cleaning inside and out ($100-$250 depending on window count), garage cleaning ($75-$150), balcony or patio cleaning ($50-$100).
San Diego Move-Out Cleaning Pricing by Home Size
Based on our actual 2026 pricing at Mexi Maids for a standard move-out clean in San Diego County. These reflect a two-cleaner team, most jobs completed in 3-5 hours.
| Home size | Typical Range | Mexi Maids Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR apartment | $180 – $300 | $250 |
| 2 BR / 1 BA | $250 – $400 | $325 |
| 3 BR / 2 BA | $350 – $500 | $425 |
| 4 BR / 2-3 BA | $450 – $650 | $525 |
| 5+ BR / large home | $550 – $850+ | $625+ |
Why Move-Out Cleaning Costs More Than Regular Cleaning
A common question we get is why the same square footage costs more for a move-out than for a recurring clean. Three reasons:
1. It’s a full deep clean, not maintenance. Recurring cleaning maintains a home that’s already been deep cleaned. Move-out cleaning is a from-scratch reset that includes areas normally skipped: inside cabinets, inside appliances, all window tracks, all baseboards. It takes 2-3x longer per square foot.
2. Empty homes reveal everything. Once furniture is gone, every scuff on the baseboards, every dust ring on the shelf, every hair in the corner is visible. The bar for “clean” is much higher because there’s nothing to hide behind.
3. The stakes are your deposit. A landlord walk-through is a formal inspection with a financial consequence. Cleaners charge for the extra care and documentation that comes with that responsibility.
How to Get Your Full Security Deposit Back
The most common reasons San Diego tenants lose part of their security deposit have nothing to do with the tenant’s fault. They’re missed cleaning details the landlord catches at walk-through:
- Grease on the stovetop or oven interior
- Soap scum on shower glass or tile
- Dust on ceiling fan blades
- Fingerprints on switch plates and door frames
- Hair in bathroom vents
- Sticky residue on kitchen cabinet interiors
- Uncleaned window tracks and door tracks
- Dust on the tops of doors, cabinets, and moldings
A professional move-out clean catches all of these. If you’re cleaning yourself to save the $250-$500 cost, expect to spend a full weekend on it, and know which items landlords look for first (the list above).
When to Book a Move-Out Cleaning
For most San Diego rentals, the ideal timeline is:
- Book 2-3 weeks in advance for the exact date you want (Fridays and end-of-month dates fill up fast)
- Schedule the cleaning for after everything is moved out, ideally the day before or morning of the walk-through
- Do the cleaning in an empty unit, not with movers still working. Cleaners can’t clean what’s still stacked in boxes
What Sets Mexi Maids’ Move-Out Cleaning Apart
We built our move-out cleaning around what landlords actually look for. Our team includes baseboards, light fixtures, blinds, and the detachable range hood grills as part of the standard checklist, not as add-ons. Those are the four spots landlords check first, and they’re the four spots most cleaning companies rush through.
We’ve completed hundreds of move-outs across San Diego with a 5-star average, and the pattern in our reviews is consistent: our clients get their full deposit back.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does move-out cleaning cost in San Diego?
Between $180 for a studio apartment and $600+ for a large home. Most standard 3-bedroom homes fall in the $350-$500 range for a professional move-out cleaning.
How long does a move-out cleaning take?
For a 3-bedroom home with two cleaners, plan on 3-5 hours. Studios and one-bedrooms can be done in 2-3 hours.
Is move-out cleaning tax deductible?
Not for personal residences. If the home was a rental property you were leasing out, the cleaning may be deductible as a rental-property expense. Check with your CPA.
Should I clean before the cleaners arrive?
No. Move-out cleaning is a full deep clean designed to handle whatever condition the empty home is in. You don’t need to pre-clean, but do remove all personal items, trash, and debris first.
Do you guarantee I’ll get my deposit back?
No professional cleaner can guarantee a deposit refund because landlords also inspect for damage, paint, and repairs. What we do guarantee is a professional clean that meets or exceeds the “broom clean” and cleanliness standard in almost every California residential lease.
Do you clean carpets during move-out cleaning?
Standard vacuuming is included. Carpet shampooing or steam cleaning is a separate add-on. Ask us for the current add-on rate when you book.
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