Whether you’re handing off apartment keys or selling your home in Orlando, your next move could hang on one major decision—DIY or professional move-out cleaning. For local renters hoping to reclaim that deposit, or sellers prepping for inspections, the stakes are real. Let’s dig into the real-time, cost, and result differences between doing it yourself and trusting the pros.
Overview – DIY or Professional? What’s at Stake When Moving Out
Cleanliness can mean the difference between getting your full deposit back—or not. In Orlando’s competitive rental and real estate market, leaving a spotless unit is not optional.
Why move-out cleaning matters for Orlando renters & homeowners
High humidity means mold, and heavy traffic adds grime—both major turnoffs to landlords and buyers. A proper turnover clean eliminates hidden buildup and presents the home in move-in-ready condition.
Lease requirements, deposit risk, and turnover standards
Most leases in Florida include clauses requiring “broom clean” or “professionally cleaned” conditions. Failing to meet this standard risks deductions upwards of $300 from security deposits.
Case Study Preview: Orlando apartment cleaned DIY vs by All Great Cleaner
We compared a 2BR College Park unit cleaned DIY over 2 days vs. the same floor plan handled by All Great Cleaner‘s pro crew in 3 hours. The difference? Time saved, depth of clean, and confidence in getting the deposit back.
Time & Effort Comparison – DIY vs Pro
Move-out cleaning eats time. The difference between handling it yourself and hiring help is night and day.
DIY: Hours of work, fatigue, task list breakdown
Expect anywhere from 6–12 hours depending on size and condition. Tasks include:
- Degreasing appliances
- Scrubbing tile grout and tubs
- Dusting blinds, vents, and fan blades
- Cleaning windows, baseboards, and floors
Kitchen appliances, blinds, vents, baseboards – and what gets forgotten
Most DIYers forget oven drip pans, dryer lint traps, bathroom ceiling fans, and closet shelves—common deduction points during inspections.
Professional: Crew time, one-day turnaround, convenience
Experienced teams complete a full 2BR unit in 2–3 hours with no stress on your move day.
Typical timeline for a 1BR, 2BR, 3BR Orlando unit
- 1BR: 1.5–2 hours
- 2BR: 2–3 hours
- 3BR+: 3–5 hours depending on condition
What pros bring: tools, technique, trained staff
All Great Cleaner crews arrive with commercial-grade vacuums, steamers, safe disinfectants, and detailed checklists for every surface.
Cost Comparison – Breaking Down the Real Price
What seems “cheaper” initially may cost more in time or deposits not returned. Here’s the full picture.
DIY: Supplies + value of your time = real costs
Dollar costs (cleaning sprays, sponges, tools)
Expect $40–$80+ in supplies for a deeper clean including degreasers, glass cleaner, mop heads, gloves, and odor eliminators.
Time as money: evenings/weekend stress cost more than you think
If your time is worth $20/hr and move-out cleaning takes 10 hours, that’s $200 value—not including stress, fatigue, or missed spots.
Pro Cleaning: What you pay for in Orlando (average rates by square footage)
All Great Cleaner rates average:
- 1BR: $175–$225
- 2BR: $225–$300
- 3BR: $300–$375+
Packages, deals, and hidden costs to watch for
Look for flat-rate quotes that include appliances and blinds. Avoid upsells for “premium” basics like oven cleaning or fridge wipeouts.
Cleaning Quality & Results – Who Does It Better?
What you clean isn’t just about what you see—it’s what property managers notice and put on checklists.
DIY: Risk of missed spots, failed inspection, and YouTube-only skills
Even the most motivated DIYer can overlook fingerprint smudges, soap scum behind faucets, or sticky cabinet interiors. These easily cost your Orlando deposit.
Professionals: Experience, systems, and satisfaction guarantees
Pros follow tested routines, high-grade products, and local standards for turnover-level cleaning.
What All Great Cleaner includes in a standard move-out clean
- Full wall-to-wall floor cleaning
- Bathroom sanitization
- Inside/outside fridge, microwave, oven
- Dusting all vents, blinds, and baseboards
Sanitizing touchpoints, deodorizing, vent cleaning, floor refresh
Especially relevant as post-2025 health expectations rise, All Great Cleaner includes disinfection of high-touch surfaces—switch plates, handles, and thermostat panels.
What’s Included / What’s Not with Pros
Knowing what’s covered avoids surprises on cleaning day.
Typical inclusions: kitchen, bath, blinds, baseboards, and floor care
Standard move-out cleaning includes all surfaces, appliances, cabinetry interiors, mirrors, floors, and common allergens (dust, dander).
What’s not covered: biohazard cleaning, heavy furniture shifts, pest control
Hazard cleanups (e.g., pet waste, pest infestations), extensive mold, and furniture moving often require specialized services.
When DIY Makes Sense vs. When to Hire
Both options have merit—depending on your space, timing, and skill level.
Good fit for DIY: small spaces, low stress timeline, previous maintenance
If your studio has been well-maintained and you have flexible time, DIY might work—especially using our move-out cleaning checklist.
Best fit for pros: large units, tight deadlines, security deposit goals
For 2BR+ units or weekend moves, pros help you make the deadline and pass inspections the first time.
Timing tip: Orlando end-of-month moving surge = book early!
Orlando’s rental turnover spikes at end of month—book pro cleaners 2–3 weeks in advance to guarantee your spot.
Tips for Successful DIY Move-Out Cleaning
Done right, DIY cleaning can work—but only with a plan.
Checklist by room: what landlords look for
Use a detailed Orlando move-out checklist to ensure key items are handled.
Best products for grease, soap scum, odor
- Degreaser: Dawn or Krud Kutter
- Soap scum remover: CLR or Bar Keepers Friend
- Deodorizer: Arm & Hammer Carpet Powder + open windows
Common misses: under appliances, closet shelves, fan blades
Inspectors often check for dust and debris in out-of-sight areas—include them in your checklist.
How to Choose a Cleaner in Orlando You Can Trust
Not all cleaners are created equal. Here’s how to avoid red flags and find a local pro team.
Questions to ask: insurance, checklists, supplies, flexibility
- Are you insured for move-out jobs?
- Do you bring your own supplies?
- Do you offer flexible scheduling for move day?
Red flags: no contract, no local reviews, vague scope
Be wary of services without defined pricing, online credibility, or a written scope of work.
Why locals choose All Great Cleaner – Orlando’s stress-free post-move partner
Trusted across the Orlando metro for reliable results, transparent pricing, and friendly teams that get the job done right the first time.
Conclusion – Finding the Right Fit: Stress vs Savings
Summary table: Cost, Time, Quality – DIY vs Pro
- DIY: Cheaper up-front, longer time, lower reliability
- PRO: More cost, high-quality clean, fast & inspection ready
Final word: Know your situation, plan ahead, and prioritize peace of mind
If your goal is getting your Orlando home move-out ready without playing cleaning roulette, weigh your time, stress, and inspection goals realistically.
Ready to book a trusted move-out clean? Get a free quote here or call us directly at (321) 315-9177 to reserve your move-out service today.
Recommended Reading
- Mold Prevention Guide for Homes in High Humidity Areas
- Marshall Fire MAT Report (P-2320) Revised April 2025
- Agenda | The Experience Conference and Exhibition
- DHS Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Terms (DAAT) List
- Indoor Air Quality Study 2025 – Amherst Research
FAQ
- Is it better to clean myself or hire professionals when moving out?
If you have time, tools, and a small space, DIY may work. For larger units, tight schedules, or deposit returns, hiring a pro ensures better results with less stress. - How much time does DIY move-out cleaning take vs a pro?
DIY cleaning often takes 6–12 hours across multiple days. Professional crews can finish the same space in 2–5 hours depending on size and condition. - Will hiring a move-out cleaner increase my chances of getting the deposit back?
Yes. Pros know what landlords inspect—cleaning high-value areas like appliances, baseboards, vents, and bathrooms thoroughly helps secure deposit returns. - How much can I save by doing move-out cleaning on my own?
DIY may save $150–$300 in service fees but could cost more in time, missed areas, and reduced deposit returns if standards aren’t met.
