Top Five Move Out Cleaning Mistakes Other Cleaning Companies Make And How Karen’s Green Maids Avoids Them

When I started Karen’s Green Maids, I made a commitment not only to cleaning homes but to building trust. After 40 years in the industry, I’ve seen it all—especially when clients come to us after disappointing experiences with other cleaning companies. Whether it’s missed corners, harsh chemicals, or unreliable service, the same move-out cleaning mistakes keep popping up. That’s why I built our training and service model to do things differently—better.

In this post, I’ll share the five most common mistakes I see from other companies and exactly how we avoid them to provide consistently high-quality results that Chicago renters, homeowners, and property managers have come to rely on.

Cleaner wiping baseboards during a move-out cleaning process.

Mistake #1: Rushing Through Kitchens and Bathrooms Instead of Deep Cleaning Like It Matters

I can’t count how many times I’ve seen move-out cleans where companies give a quick wipe-down in the kitchen or swish a toilet brush and call it a day. These are the two most scrutinized areas during any walk-through—and for good reason.

At Karen’s Green Maids, we deep clean every surface—from behind the fridge to the inside of the oven. We remove grime from tile grout, polish fixtures, and disinfect every corner. We’ve earned over 2,500 five-star reviews and have been honored with the Chicago’s Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Company award—because people notice when you do the job right.

Mistake #2: Using Strong Chemicals That Smell Harsh and Damage Surfaces

Many cleaning companies rely on harsh ammonia-based cleaners or bleach, which not only smell awful but can strip sealants and leave behind unsafe residues. As someone who prioritizes the health of my team and our clients, I knew there had to be a better way.

That’s why we only use non-toxic, biodegradable products that are certified green. We’re Green Seal Certified and OSHA compliant, and every product we use is pet- and kid-safe. We’ve even had customers say they rebooked us just because their space smelled fresh instead of chemically.

A crew member cleaning a bathroom sink and mirror during a move-out clean.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Easily Missed Spots That Property Managers Always Check

You’d be surprised how often light switches, baseboards, or vents are left untouched. These are some of the first places landlords look when deciding if a tenant gets their security deposit back.

We built our move-out checklist to make sure nothing gets skipped. Our cleaners are trained to clean the tops of cabinets, the space behind appliances, and even the corners of closets. This attention to detail is one reason over 60 Chicago real estate agents regularly refer us to their clients.

Mistake #4: Sending Out Untrained Staff That Deliver Inconsistent Results

Let’s be honest—some companies don’t invest in training. They hire fast, send teams out without much direction, and hope for the best. But you can’t deliver five-star quality without investing in people.

Every member of our crew goes through a hands-on training program that I helped develop myself. Our training includes real move-out simulations, weekly quality audits, and ongoing coaching. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured—because Professional apartment cleaning means more than just showing up with a mop.

Eco-friendly cleaning supplies used for a move-out cleaning service.

Mistake #5: Showing Up Late or Not at All—And Not Communicating Along the Way

Moving is stressful enough without wondering if your cleaners will show up on time. One of the most common complaints I hear from people switching to us is about unreliable communication and scheduling.

That’s never been acceptable to me. My team confirms every appointment, texts when we’re en route, and sends before-and-after photos. Our punctuality and professionalism are why we’ve maintained long-term partnerships with building managers and Airbnb hosts across the city.

Why Chicago Families, Renters, and Realtors Choose Karen’s Green Maids Over Anyone Else

  • 40+ years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning

  • 2,500+ five-star reviews across Yelp, Google, and Facebook

  • Certified green, fully licensed, bonded, and insured

  • Award-winning local business honored for sustainability and customer service

  • Trusted by over 100 property managers and realtors

We also offer custom move out cleaning packages based on your property’s square footage, surface types, and schedule. Whether you’re leaving a studio apartment or a three-bedroom condo, we tailor our service to your needs.

According to Modern Maids, hiring a professional cleaning service offers benefits like time savings, professional-grade cleaning, and a healthier living environment.

A professional cleaner deep cleaning a kitchen using eco-friendly products.

Reflecting on a Journey Filled with Lessons and Achievements in the Business World

Over the years, I’ve cleaned thousands of homes and trained dozens of amazing cleaning professionals. And through all of it, one thing has remained constant: our dedication to doing things the right way. Not the fastest, not the cheapest—but the most reliable, thoughtful, and thorough.

So if you’re moving out soon and want peace of mind that it’ll be done right the first time, give Karen’s Green Maids a call. We’ve got the experience, team, and heart to deliver the kind of clean that earns trust—and deposits—every time.

Madison GreenKaren's Green Maids