Move-out cleaning guide
← Back to all guides# Move-out cleaning: Outdoor area (balcony, terrace, entrance area and private outdoor space)
### Practical quality target at move-out
Aim for a result that looks clearly ready for the next occupant:
- Loose dirt such as leaves, sand, soil and cigarette butts removed.
- Railings and fixtures free of obvious grease and fingerprints.
- Glass railings free of major streaks.
- Floors or decking free of clear dirt zones.
- No items left behind unless they are meant to stay.
- Any drain or channel is visibly cleared and not blocked.
## Equipment and products
### Minimum equipment
- Broom and dustpan, preferably also a stiff outdoor brush.
- Bucket and hose or tap access if available.
- Microfiber cloths and a separate cloth for glass.
- Optional squeegee for glass railings.
- Gloves and optional safety glasses.
- Plastic scraper for bird droppings or stubborn dirt on robust surfaces.
- Trash bags.
- Small detail brush.
### Product choices
- Mild all-purpose cleaner for most surfaces.
- Dish soap for grease and fingerprints.
- Glass cleaner for glass railings if desired.
- Outdoor cleaner only if you have heavy embedded dirt and you test first.
## Workflow
```mermaid
flowchart TD
A[Check weather and safety] --> B[Clear the area completely]
B --> C[Dry work: sweep and remove loose dirt]
C --> D[Top-down dust and cobwebs]
D --> E[Spot problems: droppings, grease, algae]
E --> F[Wet cleaning]
F --> G[Glass railings]
G --> H[Drain or runoff area]
H --> I[Outdoor storage if relevant]
I --> J[Odor check and photos]
```
## Time estimate
| Task | Time | Level | Main time factor |
|---|---:|---|---|
| Clearing items and waste | 15–60 min | Easy | How much is stored outside |
| Sweeping leaves and sand | 15–45 min | Easy | Area size |
| Dust and cobwebs on walls and railings | 10–30 min | Easy | Height and corners |
| Bird droppings, grease, algae | 20–90 min | Medium | How embedded it is |
| Wet cleaning of floor | 20–120 min | Medium | Surface type and condition |
| Glass railing cleaning | 15–60 min | Easy–medium | Amount of glass |
| Drain and runoff cleaning | 10–30 min | Medium | Access |
| Outdoor storage room | 15–60 min | Easy–medium | Dust, soil and clutter |
| Final check | 10–25 min | Easy | Thoroughness |
**Typical total:** 1–10 hours depending on size.
## Step by step
1. **Choose the right day**
- Stay above freezing if you need to use water.
- Avoid strong sun on glass because it dries too fast and causes streaks.
- Remember that wet surfaces can become slippery.
2. **Clarify private versus shared responsibility**
- Shared outdoor corridors or stair areas may belong to the housing association rather than the tenant.
3. **Clear the area**
- Remove furniture, cushions, rugs, plant pots and grill equipment unless they are supposed to remain.
- Throw away loose rubbish.
4. **Sweep first**
- Remove leaves, dirt, sand, cigarette butts and small stones.
- Sweep corners and edges carefully.
5. **Dry detail cleaning**
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings, corners, lamps and railing mounts.
6. **Treat spot problems**
- Bird droppings: soften first with water before wiping.
- Grease: use dish soap in warm water.
- Algae or moss: start mechanically with brushing before using chemicals.
7. **Wet cleaning**
- Clean railings, walls and surfaces first.
- Then wash the floor or decking according to the material.
- Avoid flooding timber surfaces.
8. **Glass railings**
- Dust first, then wash and finish with a squeegee or dry cloth.
9. **Drain or runoff**
- Remove leaves and debris.
- Do not push dirt into the drain.
10. **Outdoor storage**
- Sweep or vacuum if relevant.
- Wipe visible shelves and surfaces.
11. **Final check**
- Check for grill odor, rubbish smell or musty storage smell.
- Take overview and detail photos.
## Common mistakes
- Wet cleaning before sweeping, which creates muddy film.
- Forgetting drains or corners with leaves.
- Using overly strong products on the wrong material.
- Letting soapy water dry in the sun.
- Forgetting the underside of railings or cobwebs in corners.
## Stains and surface issues
### Pot marks and soil rings
- Start with brushing and mild cleaner.
- On porous stone the stain may be partly absorbed and difficult to remove fully.
### Grease from a grill
- Dish soap plus time usually works better than aggressive scrubbing.
### Algae and moss
- Mechanical removal first.
- Use chemical treatment only if necessary and with attention to runoff.
## Printable final checklist
- [ ] All items removed unless meant to stay
- [ ] Visible rubbish removed
- [ ] Leaves, sand and soil swept away
- [ ] Cobwebs and dust removed from railings, walls and ceiling edges
- [ ] Railings and fittings wiped clean
- [ ] Glass railing cleaned
- [ ] Floor or terrace washed correctly for the surface
- [ ] Drain or runoff area cleared
- [ ] Outdoor storage cleaned if relevant
- [ ] Waste container emptied if relevant
- [ ] Area looks ready to use and smells neutral
- [ ] Photos taken
## Sources and useful links
- Tenancy Act section 10-2 (Lovdata): https://lovdata.no/nav/lov/1999-03-26-17/kap10
- HTU - Move-out: https://www.htu.no/rettigheter-og-plikter/utflytting
- HTU - Required condition at handover: https://www.htu.no/artikler/i-hvilken-stand-ma-boligen-vaere-ved-tilbakelevering
- HTU - Tenant did not clean properly: https://www.htu.no/vanlige-uenigheter/leietaker-har-ikke-vasket-ordentlig
- Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority - Cleaning work and chemicals: https://www.arbeidstilsynet.no/risikofylt-arbeid/kjemikalier/renholdsarbeid-og-kjemisk-pavirkning/
- Norwegian Environment Agency - Labelling and safety data sheets: https://www.miljodirektoratet.no/publikasjoner/2013/november-2013/vaske--og-rengjoringsmidler-krav-til-merking-og-datablad/
- Helsenorge poison information - Never mix ammonia and bleach: https://www.helsenorge.no/giftinformasjon/produkter-og-kjemikalier/vaskemidler/salmiakk-og-klorin-skal-ikke-blandes/
- FHI - Ventilation and airing out: https://www.fhi.no/sm/luftveisinfeksjoner/nyventilasjon-og-inneklima-og-risiko-for-smitte-av-luftveisinfeksjoner-side/