
Moving homes is stressful. Between packing, organizing, coordinating logistics, and saying goodbye to your old place, the last thing you want is the burden of cleaning. Professional move-in and move-out cleaning takes this task off your plate, ensures your deposit is returned fully, and gives you a fresh, clean start in your new home. This guide explains move-in/move-out cleaning costs across Ireland, what inspectors look for, and why professional cleaning protects your financial interest during the move.
Professional move-out and move-in cleaning in Ireland costs €350–€900+ depending on property size and condition. A 1-bed apartment: €300–€450. A 2-bed house: €400–€600. A 3-bed house: €500–€750. A 4+ bed house: €700–€900+. Move-out cleaning is typically €50–€100 more than move-in because it involves removing years of accumulated dirt and preparing the property for inspection. Landlord requirements may affect final cost.
| Property Size | Move-Out Cost | Move-In Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Apartment | €350–€450 | €300–€400 | 3–4 hours |
| 2-Bed House | €500–€650 | €400–€550 | 4–5 hours |
| 3-Bed House | €650–€800 | €500–€700 | 5–6 hours |
| 4+ Bed House | €800–€1,000+ | €700–€900+ | 6–8 hours |
All rooms vacuumed, all floors mopped and stripped, all surfaces wiped, bathrooms sanitized including grout areas, kitchen degreased and appliances cleaned, light fixtures dusted, doors and frames wiped, baseboards cleaned.
Professional move-out cleaning meets landlord expectations. Home is presented as "broom-clean." Minor wall marks, normal wear-and-tear permitted. Deep stains, sticky residue, or odours will cause deposit deductions.
Carpet shampooing: €30–€50/room (essential if stained). Oven deep-clean: €75–€120. Window cleaning: €50–€150. Grout sealing: €50–€100. These add-ons protect your full deposit return.
All rooms cleaned, bathrooms sanitized, kitchen surfaces wiped, floors cleaned, trash removed, basic dusting. Prepares property for your move-in. €400–€600 typical for 3-bed house.
Everything + appliance interiors, oven cleaning, grout treatment, carpet shampooing (all carpeted rooms), all baseboards detailed. €600–€900 for 3-bed. Recommended if previous occupants left the home poorly maintained.
Short tenancies (under 1 year): standard rates. Long tenancies (3+ years): expect accumulated grime, +20–30% cost. Tenancy length signals how much buildup the cleaner will encounter.
Well-maintained rentals: standard rates. Poorly maintained homes: +30–50%. Pet damage, stains, or odours: +50–100% or additional visits required.
Some landlords have specific cleaning lists or professional certification requirements. Discuss requirements upfront. Professional cleaning service documents work, protecting both you and the landlord.
Move-out cleans often scheduled tight: end of tenancy deadline may be strict. Rush bookings or same-week scheduling may incur 15–20% premium. Book early to avoid rush fees.
Landlords often withhold deposits for insufficient cleaning. Professional move-out cleaning ensures standards are met and documented. You receive a cleaning report detailing work completed. If landlord disputes the return, documentation supports your case. Professional cleaning typically costs €400–€700. Losing deposit due to poor cleaning costs €500–€1,500. The insurance value is clear: professional cleaning protects your financial interest in the move.
Bathrooms (grout, fixtures), kitchen (appliances, grease), floors (marks, stains), light fixtures, doors and frames. These areas most commonly trigger deposit deductions.
Inside cupboards, behind appliances, baseboards, light switches, window sills, ceiling corners (cobwebs), under stairs, storage areas. Landlords check these carefully.
Thought I'd save money by cleaning my own move-out. Spent 2 weekends and missed spots. Landlord deducted €300 from deposit for bathroom grout and kitchen grease. Should've hired professionals for €500—would've been €300 cheaper.
– Thomas, GalwayBooked professional move-out clean, got their report documenting everything. Landlord couldn't deduct anything because the cleaning was documented and professional. Worth it for the protection alone.
– Joanne, Dublin

