The True Cost of Overlooking Baseboards & Trim in Your Chicago Move‑Out

After 40 years in the cleaning industry, I’ve seen it all—from sparkling countertops to forgotten grime in the most unexpected places. One of the most common (and costly) oversights I see renters make during move-outs? Ignoring their baseboards and trim. It might seem minor, but leaving these areas dusty, dingy, or scuffed can lead to big deductions from your security deposit—and even tension with your landlord or property manager.

Baseboards and Trim Collect More Than Dust—They Collect Judgment, Too

When you’ve spent days packing, sorting, and moving boxes, it’s easy to assume the big stuff—floors, appliances, bathrooms—should take priority in your move out cleaning. But landlords and property managers in Chicago pay close attention to baseboards, trim, and molding. Why? Because those areas silently signal whether a space has been thoroughly cared for.

Scuffed trim, dust-lined grooves, or pet hair clinging to baseboards immediately raise red flags during a final walk-through. And in a competitive rental market like Chicago, where over 55% of residents are renters, landlords have no trouble finding the next qualified tenant. That means any reason to keep part of your deposit is a win for them—and a loss for you.

Real Numbers: What Skipping the Details Could Cost You

A recent survey by the Illinois Tenants Union showed that 28% of renters lost between $150 to $400 of their security deposit due to cleaning-related deductions. One of the top cited issues? Neglected trim and baseboards.

We’ve worked with hundreds of clients in neighborhoods from Lincoln Park to Hyde Park, and we hear the same feedback over and over: “I didn’t realize the trim mattered so much.”

Unfortunately, property managers do. Even worse, poor attention to detail in these areas can give the impression that the rest of the home hasn’t been cleaned well either.

Why Clean Trim Matters to Realtors and New Buyers, Too

If you’re not a renter but a seller prepping your home for the market, baseboards and trim are just as crucial. A clean, crisp room reads as “move-in ready” to potential buyers. On the flip side, a beautifully staged space with dingy trim or gray-edged baseboards tells a different story.

Realtors in Chicago often recommend professional cleaning as part of their home-staging process—and that includes detailed trim and baseboard cleaning. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, a clean home can help boost perceived home value by 5% to 10%. That’s a big ROI for just a few extra hours of cleaning.

How We Handle Baseboards and Trim—Without Missing a Spot

At Karen’s Green Maids, we treat your baseboards and trim as part of the essential structure of a clean home. Our trained professionals use eco-friendly solutions and microfiber cloths to gently lift dirt without damaging paint or finish. We’re bonded, licensed, insured, and certified in green cleaning practices—so you can trust we’ll do the job safely and thoroughly.

In fact, our move-out specialists follow a 50-point checklist that includes hand-wiping all trim, doors, and molding. We’ve earned a 4.9-star average across hundreds of online reviews and were recently awarded “Top Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service in Chicago” by the Green Living Council.

Chicago’s Trusted Move-Out Team—With a Proven Track Record

We’ve proudly served over 8,000 Chicago homes across the last four decades. Our clients range from young professionals moving out of River North lofts to families upgrading from condos in Lakeview. We’ve also formed long-standing partnerships with local property managers and realtors who know our crews by name—and trust us to deliver on every job.

Just last year, we helped a client in Logan Square recover their entire $2,000 deposit simply by targeting overlooked details, including deep cleaning the baseboards throughout their 1,500-square-foot apartment. It’s a small touch that makes a major difference.

Eco-Conscious Cleaning That Doesn’t Cut Corners

We know more people today care about what’s being used in their homes. That’s why all our cleaning products are biodegradable, plant-based, and safe for both kids and pets. In fact, 73% of our clients specifically request eco-friendly options when booking their move out cleaning.

Our team is trained not just in cleaning efficiently, but responsibly. We recycle packaging, avoid harsh chemicals, and even offer reusable cloth systems to reduce waste. It’s part of our promise to clean your home—and protect the planet in the process.

Staying on Top of Small Habits Can Protect You from Unexpected Large Expenses

If you’re preparing to move, don’t make the mistake of ignoring your baseboards and trim. These little details can make or break your deposit return—or even slow down a sale.

Let our team handle the hard work. With decades of experience, proven attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to green cleaning, Karen’s Green Maids is your go-to solution for a spotless move-out.