Expert Spotlight: Q and A Interview with Our Lead Cleaner Maria Torres on Secrets to a Flawless Move‑Out

At Karen’s Green Maids, I’ve spent 40 years building a company rooted in trust, precision, and real care. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best results come from the best people—and our Lead Cleaner Maria Torres is a shining example of that. With 15 years under her belt and more than 2,300 move-out jobs completed across Chicago, Maria has mastered the art of transforming homes from lived-in to inspection-ready.

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Maria through a candid Q&A where she shares her go-to strategies, the most commonly overlooked spots, and her personal secrets for getting homes to pass even the strictest walk-through.

Meet Maria Torres: Award-Winning Lead Cleaner and Trusted Face of Our Move-Out Crew

Maria joined Karen’s Green Maids in 2009 and quickly became one of our most-requested cleaners. In fact, she’s so trusted that property managers in Lakeview and Gold Coast often request her by name. In 2023, she was recognized as a “Top 10 Cleaning Professional” in the Chicago Home & Service Awards, and her client satisfaction rate has consistently stayed above 97%.

Maria is certified in eco-friendly cleaning through the Green Cleaning Institute, and she helps train our new hires using the same methods she’s perfected over the years. She’s fully licensed, bonded, and insured—as is our entire team.

We’ve cleaned over 5,200 homes across Chicago, and thanks to cleaners like Maria, we’re proud to hold more than 300 five-star reviews on Google and Yelp combined.

Q&A with Maria Torres: The Real Tricks to a Spotless Move-Out Cleaning

Q: What’s the one area people always forget to clean during move-out?

Maria: Easy—baseboards and trim. People don’t realize how much dust and grime build up there. If you’re moving out of a downtown apartment with white trim, that buildup is even more noticeable. Property managers will dock your deposit over it every time.

Q: What’s your personal checklist when tackling a move-out job?

Maria: I always start with the “invisible” things—air vents, outlet covers, cabinet interiors. Those areas are skipped most often, so I hit them first. Then I tackle the kitchen appliances—especially ovens and fridges. I’ve seen people lose $400 from their deposit just because of a greasy stove.

Q: What advice do you give people trying to do it themselves?

Maria: Don’t underestimate how long it’ll take. A studio might seem small, but deep cleaning every inch still takes hours if you want it done right. If you’re short on time, prioritize high-touch surfaces like light switches, fridge seals, and window tracks. And don’t forget to vacuum the edges of the carpet.

Move-Out Cleaners Like Maria Save Time, Stress, and Security Deposits

In actuality, the majority of landlords employ a thorough move-out checklist, and if yours resembles ours, it has more than fifty things. Details like cleaning the blades of ceiling fans and disinfecting the area around toilets are important.

At Karen’s Green Maids, our “Flawless Finish” package includes everything from degreasing stove burners to wiping down closet shelves. And our team always performs a final walk-through with the client or landlord to ensure no thing is missed.

Using Eco-Friendly Products That Are Tough on Dirt but Gentle on Homes

One of the things Maria is most proud of is our commitment to eco-friendly cleaning. As she puts it, “You shouldn’t have to trade safety for cleanliness.” We use Green Seal–certified products that are free from harsh chemicals but powerful on built-up grime.

A recent survey by the American Cleaning Institute found that 97% of Americans believe cleaning and hygiene are important for public health, and 74% have changed their cleaning habits to improve health. This underscores the growing awareness of the critical role that professional cleaning plays in promoting both physical and mental well-being .  

One Final Tip from Maria: Book Early and Trust the Pros

Q: If someone’s moving out next month, what should they do today?

Maria: Call now! Seriously—don’t wait. Peak moving season in Chicago is June through September. That’s when our schedule fills up weeks in advance. Booking early gives you better availability, and often, better pricing too.

Chicago Move Out Cleaners You Can Count On—Backed by 40 Years of Experience

At Karen’s Green Maids, we’re not just in the business of cleaning—we’re in the business of helping people move on with confidence. Whether you’re leaving a condo in Lincoln Park or an apartment in South Loop, we’ve got the tools, the team, and the experience to make it easy.

If you’re searching for trusted move out cleaners with an eye for detail and a heart for service, our team is just a call away. Let Maria and the rest of our dedicated crew help you leave your space looking better than when you moved in.