Short answer: book carpet cleaning for after the furniture is out and before the keys are handed over, ideally a day ahead so the carpet is fully dry for the walk-through. Empty rooms are faster to clean, stains are easier to reach, and you hand over a unit that looks cared for.
When to book
- Move the furniture out first. Cleaning around furniture means you miss the areas that show wear when it leaves.
- Clean the carpets next, ideally the day before the walk-through.
- Leave windows cracked or the heat or air conditioning on so the carpet dries.
- Do the final walk-through with dry, fresh carpet.
Tips for tenants
- Check your lease for any cleaning terms, and ask your landlord what they expect at move-out.
- Take dated photos of the carpets after cleaning.
- Keep your invoice as a record that the carpets were professionally cleaned.
- Point out pet areas and stains when you book, so they are treated.
Tips for landlords and property managers
- Book cleaning between every tenant to extend carpet life.
- Schedule it after any painting and repairs, so paint dust is cleaned up too.
- Combine carpet, upholstery and tile cleaning in one visit to reduce vacancy days.
- Consider duct cleaning between longer tenancies or after renovations.
Common move-out problems
- Furniture dents: often lift with hot water extraction and grooming.
- Traffic lanes: pre-treated and rinsed, usually with a big improvement.
- Pet urine: needs odour treatment below the surface. Read how to get pet urine out of carpet.
- Bleach spots: colour loss cannot be cleaned out, though it can sometimes be colour-repaired.
What your lease may say about carpets
Read your lease before you book anything. Some leases ask for professional carpet cleaning at move-out, others only ask that the unit be left clean and in the same condition apart from normal wear. In Ontario, a landlord generally cannot keep a damage deposit for cleaning, because deposits are limited to last month’s rent and a key deposit, but they can pursue a tenant for damage beyond normal wear and tear. If you are unsure what applies to you, check with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Either way, a cleaned carpet and an invoice make the walk-through much easier.
A move-out order that saves time
- Move all furniture and boxes out.
- Patch and paint walls, and sand any repairs.
- Clean ducts or dryer vents if they are part of the handover.
- Vacuum the whole unit.
- Have carpets, stairs and any upholstery cleaned.
- Clean tile and grout in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Do a final wipe of baseboards, sills and floors once the carpet is dry.
Buying or selling a home
Sellers often book carpet cleaning before listing photos are taken, because clean carpet photographs brighter and makes rooms look newer. Buyers often book it the day they get the keys, before their own furniture arrives, so the house starts fresh. Ducts and tile and grout are easy to add to the same visit, since an empty house is the best time to reach every room.
Book move-out or move-in cleaning
UltiClean is open 24 hours and cleans empty houses, condos and townhouses across Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket. Call (647) 676-0576 or see carpet cleaning and tile and grout cleaning.
Move-Out Carpet Cleaning FAQs
How long before the walk-through should I book?
A day ahead is ideal. Most carpet is dry within a few hours, but a day gives you margin.
Can you clean on the same day as the move?
Yes, if the furniture is out early enough. Tell us your timeline when you book. We are open 24 hours.
Do you clean empty condos?
Yes. Book the service elevator and confirm parking with your building.
Can you clean before we move in instead?
Yes. Many buyers book cleaning the day they get the keys, before furniture arrives.
How much does move-out carpet cleaning cost?
It depends on the number of rooms, stairs and the condition. See how much carpet cleaning costs in Toronto, then call for a written quote.
Moving in or out in Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora or Newmarket? Call UltiClean at (647) 676-0576 or see carpet cleaning.
Ready for a deep clean?
Carpets, air ducts and tile and grout across Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Vaughan and Toronto.
Written by
Carpet, air duct and tile cleaning specialist at UltiClean
Seyedamir (Amir) Vafamand has 12 years of hands-on experience cleaning carpets, upholstery, air ducts, dryer vents and tile and grout in homes across Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket. This guide is based on that work.
- 12 years of experience
- 1,100+ jobs completed on Jiffy
- 98% approval rating
- $2M liability insurance
UltiClean Air Duct & Carpet Cleaning Services
54 Limeridge St
Aurora, ON L4G 7X9
(647) 676-0576, open 24 hours, 7 days a week