Most Bangkok tenants lose 30–50% of their deposit to cleaning deductions they could have avoided. Landlords don't want dust — they want surfaces that look the way they did at move-in. Here's the exact checklist that gets 100% deposit returns.
The landlord inspection mindset
Bangkok landlords are looking for one thing: whether the unit can be re-let as-is to the next tenant. Anything that requires work before the next viewing comes out of your deposit — at their hourly rate, not yours.
The checklist below mirrors what most condo juristic offices and property management firms actually inspect. Follow it in order and photograph every room when you're done.
Kitchen — the most common deduction
- Degrease the inside and outside of the oven and microwave
- Pull out the refrigerator, clean behind and underneath it
- Scrub grease from the range hood filter (remove and soak it)
- Wipe inside every cabinet and drawer — crumbs, rings, sticker residue
- Descale the kitchen sink and drain
- Polish countertops to remove water marks and food stains
Bathroom — the second most inspected room
- Remove limescale from taps, showerhead, and glass doors
- Scrub grout lines with bleach or oxygen cleaner (not acid on stone)
- Deep clean the toilet bowl, base, and behind it
- Wash the exhaust fan cover and check the filter
- Clean the drain hair traps
- Polish the mirror — no streaks, no toothpaste specks
Bedrooms and living areas
- Wipe all baseboards — a frequently skipped area that instantly shows effort
- Clean inside wardrobes and closets
- Dust every light fixture and ceiling fan blade
- Vacuum upholstery and under cushions
- Clean window tracks (a cotton swab works)
- Wipe down door handles, light switches, and outlet covers
The balcony and aircon — easily forgotten
Landlords almost always check aircon filters and balcony drains because clogged units are expensive to service. A quick clean here prevents a 500–1,500 baht deduction.
- Remove aircon filters, wash, dry, reinstall
- Clear the balcony drain of leaves and hair
- Mop the balcony floor — bird droppings and rainwater leave marks
- Wipe balcony railings
Document everything
Take photos of every room after cleaning, with timestamps. If the landlord later claims damage, your photos shift the burden of proof. Share the photo album with them on move-out day and ask for a written deposit agreement on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a move-out clean take in Bangkok?
For a 1-bedroom condo, expect 5–6 hours solo. A professional 2-person team completes most 2-bedroom units in 3–4 hours with guaranteed landlord-inspection standards.
What does a professional move-out clean cost in Bangkok?
CLEANROVA's move-out deep cleaning starts at ฿1,499 (studio) and goes to ฿3,499 (3-bedroom+). Most clients who hire pros recover 2–3× the cleaning cost in returned deposit.
Do I need to be there during the clean?
No. Most Bangkok cleaning services work with juristic office access or a spare key. You can even book the clean for after you've moved out, as long as power and water are still active.
Want a guaranteed deposit return? CLEANROVA's move-out deep cleans meet every Bangkok landlord inspection standard — free re-clean if they reject any area.
