Deep Cleaning Your New Home Before Moving In

Kitchen and Bathroom Deep Clean

Start with the kitchen — the room you'll use first. Clean inside every cabinet and drawer before putting anything away. Wipe down the fridge interior with a baking soda and water solution. Run an empty dishwasher cycle with vinegar to flush out old residue. Scrub the stovetop, oven interior, and range hood filter. In Montreal's older apartments, check behind the stove and fridge for dust buildup and any signs of pests.

In the bathroom, scrub the tub, toilet, and sink with a disinfecting cleaner. Clean the exhaust fan cover (remove it and soak in soapy water). Wipe down the medicine cabinet interior and check the grout between tiles — re-caulking the tub surround is a quick job that prevents moisture damage and mould, a common issue in Montreal's humid summers.

Floors, Walls, and Windows

Empty rooms are the easiest to clean — do this before your furniture arrives. Mop all hard floors with a floor-appropriate cleaner. For Montreal apartments with original hardwood (common in the Plateau, Mile End, and Rosemont), use a wood-safe cleaner and avoid excess water. Vacuum carpeted areas and consider renting a carpet shampooer from a Rona or Home Depot near you for a thorough refresh.

Wipe down all walls, baseboards, and light switch plates. Wash windows inside and out if accessible — you'll be amazed at how much more light comes in. Clean window tracks with an old toothbrush and vacuum out debris. Replace furnace filters if your apartment has forced-air heating — the previous tenant's filter is likely overdue for a change.

Supplies and Professional Cleaning Options

Stock up on supplies before cleaning day: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant, baking soda, white vinegar, microfiber cloths, a mop, and a vacuum. A trip to Canadian Tire, Dollarama, or Jean Coutu will cover everything for under $40. For eco-friendly options, Montreal-based brands like Attitude and Nature Clean are widely available at Jean Coutu and Pharmaprix.

If you'd rather hire professionals, deep cleaning services in Montreal run $200–$400 for a typical apartment. Companies like Ménage Total, Mopify, and local cleaners on TaskRabbit offer move-in cleaning packages. Book at least a week in advance, especially around July 1st when demand spikes across the city.