If you know that your rental unit has seen some things, you better listen up. Between that curry explosion of 2023 and the "creative" way you mounted the TV, getting your security deposit back feels about as likely as your succulent surviving another winter. But before you kiss that cash goodbye, we've gathered 24 cleaning tricks that transform even the most lived-in spaces back to their security-deposit-worthy glory. These aren't just regular cleaning tips; they're financial recovery strategies disguised as housework.
Time to channel your inner forensic cleaner and eliminate every trace of evidence that suggests human habitation. Whether you're battling mysterious wall marks that appeared out of nowhere or trying to convince your landlord that those carpet stains came with the place, each hack helps return your space to that mythical "move-in ready" condition. Because between record-high rents and the current housing market, letting your security deposit slip away isn't just sad – it's fiscally irresponsible.
#1 You Can Easily Make Your Grout Look Good As New With A <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Grout-Pen-Large-White-Restore/Dp/B006mdf3zq?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=43db0d42b98e8397da9acb86cdb3da97&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Grout Pen</Span>

Review: "I painted the grout in my kitchen and it looks great. So clean and polished. Totally recommend this product." - Kindle Customer
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19points
#2 Refresh Your Stovetops To Their Best Version With <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Cerama-Bryte-Cooktop-Cleaning-Cleaner/Dp/B000miwrtm?crid=t43dd5tr5f1v&dib=eyj2ijoimsj9.d0-91ixo5sfrytsxyqmadbjdpbexokvyvlkeaww7mx9-Y2qhtxf-Wkpcckjg1h4uobw4d2i88iljaejbfkbxu1ahdnho2pwwb_vszxm3vtp63ychuufbyibjxrq0dd5uea9zzkcrhhii6s2banvqmq.xym18vbw2vbtjnbxh3fmqq38sqbwhyuwtrlain3uxpo&dib_tag=se&keywords=best+cleaning+products&qid=1715592739&sprefix=best+cleaning+products%2caps%2c767&sr=8-146&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=e0f173e0dd719430ce0b3cc1db896e99&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font: Inherit; Color: #d74b1f;"> Cerama Bryte</Span>

Review: "I wipe/scrub my stovetop every week but no matter what I tried I couldn’t scrape out these tricky burn marks. We’re moving out of our apartment soon after three years and I really wanted to get these out. I left this on overnight and scraped the next morning and it was very satisfying and did the trick great. Definitely recommend for anyone with an electric stovetop." - Rachel
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17points
#3 Beware: Using A <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Flexisnake-Drain-Weasel-Sink-Snake/Dp/B01nb0729g?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=decf6dd0c55759824ee0a01b58989ff4&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Drain Snake </Span> Is Not For Those With A Weak Stomach

Review: "My son gave us one to try since he uses them. We really liked them. Easy to use and very effective. They clear out hair from bathroom drains with ease. Will definitely keep purchasing them. The package has 5 which will last for some time. Great product." - Linda J Boomer
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16points
#4 <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Clean-Hard-Water-Stain-Remover/Dp/B01m7t3d99?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=13eface400386cc09fd3acecc464a10b&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Hardwater Stain Remover</Span> Can Help You Get Your Shower Back To Shining

Review: "I don’t normally write reviews, but this product worked so well I felt like I had to leave a review. I’m ashamed of how dirty I let my shower get, but I had almost given up since no products ever seemed to help with the hard water spots. I finally gave this a try based on reading/watching other reviews and it worked amazing! I highly recommend using an electric drill with a brush head and go slow." - Jarrett Trtek
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14points
#5 Use A <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Runloon-Hand-Held-Cleaning-Conditioner-Keyboard/Dp/B088qvj8ry?crid=1h6rjcva0tsx3&dib=eyj2ijoimsj9.a3sgj-Is9vvoqhroedoldnwn7yzqhnzvz3mhk3z9d_ghhtiweacu6l26qnrsdam5eicb3f76nfwuzxvwluqtclseicqupwdrl3g2cj2lpcxbibamb76lhmdjmvpzyxy8v68fyoiycecimsctidzzfiltyypkmyxm2pmaot0tdfpfxr0bmrj6iczowyxlxmcodoy2wvpvizjkn07ao2z_orl8yh2werttc0sagrtwiirctls6nqwjdt38pp7ginsdkzdjnzfcckvplci9sflvyrcfy2s7iv5z5bxx-Jgjagw.23mcwalayoajdlos1hpu_i0prwbk6aefz8t-Sersdjm&dib_tag=se&keywords=window+ledge+cleaner&qid=1726149088&s=industrial&sprefix=window+ledge+cleane%2cindustrial%2c182&sr=1-5&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=06f05c3f06fe447ec91cd021ed4da7b3&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Window Cleaning Kit</Span> To Get Into All The Nooks And Crannies

Review: "I cleaned the inside of all my windows with this kit and I’m so happy with it. All the different tools make it easy to get all the nooks and crannies. Great deal for the price!" - Taylor B
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13points
#6 Did You Know You Need To Wash Your Washing Machine? Luckily Its As Easy As Dropping In A <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Affresh-Washer-Machine-Cleaner-6-Tablets/Dp/B00c91q86i?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=d309dd43ad04dc8fec2e9c79634a7bfc&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Cleaning Tablet </Span>

Review: "I have a front load washing machine that tends to smell like rotten eggs from time to time. I had tried everything and nothing worked until I got these. Just pop one into the washer, turn to hot or sanitize, and let it do its thing. No more smell. I couldn’t be happier!! Great product!" - Glenda Martin
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13points
#7 Try A <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Guardsman-Water-Mark-Remover-Cloth/Dp/B00lhdwx4k?ie=utf8&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=099c7f41de7639b49c7aa37e6b1ba379&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Reusable Water Mark Remover Cloth</Span> For All Those Mystery Stains That Have Been A Thorn In Your Side

Review: "Uhhh, this thing is a MIRACLE. It works so well. I have repurchased more than once (trying to restore an old table). I do wish it lasted longer but I realise I am using it a lot. Love this. If you have water mark stains on wood furniture, this is the product to get." - Beej
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13points
#8 <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Dawn-Platinum-Powerwash-Bundle-Starter/Dp/B07yd3kq5s?ie=utf8&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=adf43658a2a009c95d9f083bdce8f3f7&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Dawn </Span> Can Help You Remove Old Grease In A Flash

Review: "This thing does everything! No more soaking dishes you just spray it let it sit for a.min and wash. It cuts through grease, baked on foods, even dishes left in the sink overnight." - JenniferJ
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12points
Put down the white-out and step away from the toothpaste wall-filling attempts. The next round of tricks comes straight from the rental recovery playbook, turning seemingly permanent damage into "what damage?" faster than you can say "routine wear and tear."
#9 Did You Even Know You Could Use A <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Dp/B073wjtnh5?ascsubtag=7663726%2c13%2c39%2cd%2c0%2c0%2cbf-Web-Hf%2c900%3a2%3b974%3a1%3b1125%3a2%3b1242%3a1%2c45734353%2c0%2c0%2c0&btn_ref=srctok-Cad0ed85417bfd76&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=f717b0441eceed5a423fe82de258b858&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"> <span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Furniture Touch Up Marker</Span> ?

Review: "I didn’t think these things would work, but I was wrong. I fixed so much of my furniture and it looks like it was never damaged. I’ll be keeping these close by for future damages!" - Amazon Customer
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12points
#10 Bring Back A Streak-Free Shine To Your Floors With A Trusted <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Stardrops-Miracle-Purpose-Cleaner-33-8fl/Dp/B0b4zjr3dl?crid=3hey89afsy7cy&dib=eyj2ijoimsj9.2lvkcxrg9e7l2w4qleuunkztitatcsoy4dnpklig71gials0of4bd4ptsvbnngwzz_1mbwjuw6tsou-7ajo5s_f653gqxogjz8uzrtpyjg0vstimibwzgrjyrlzgpl2dhufzxc5kl4bhuwdfcyigebeiziq4qdr4gcyibywhibsjvukrv6fckdqxal0w4dkqvdzycwoxl1z5sujrwdintxaogqytefa1kiad7dckr8gukmfnnud_gtkai5zalpe9jfy78-9xwyi55pf-Kanltfwd3cuc5iipbjztpdecs_k.bfiov_l-Fvjpcen1baq3iaqfq955ka3y2ccrzpcr86c&dib_tag=se&keywords=floor+cleaner&qid=1726147345&sprefix=floor+clean%2caps%2c204&sr=8-9&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=69eb0791dcf992d5f726e3f53eb682ae&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> All-Purpose Cleaner </Span>

Review: "Used all these products for my home, car and shampooing my carpet. Great value for money, no residue and easy to use. Great smell and no pink color stains but leaves everything streak free and beautifully clean! Performed great for all my needs." - Sand
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10points
#11 <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Drywall-Repair-Putty-Solution-Walls-Also/Dp/B000bucwb4?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=3901922fca1c9db703d9cdbe4ad8bf48&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Drywall Repair Putty</Span> Is Your Saving Grace For That One Late Nate Accident That Left Its Mark

Review: "Amazing product!! It was so easy to patch some holes in the wall. Ya just let it sit overnight and then wipe off spot the next day or when dry with a damp rag... fixed everything I needed it to." - Tatanja
Was that hole already there when you moved in? Check out these 23 Times The *Landlord Special* Shocked Even The People Of Reddit.
Was that hole already there when you moved in? Check out these 23 Times The *Landlord Special* Shocked Even The People Of Reddit.
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10points
#12 Clean Up All Your Pet Hair From Furniture With A <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Pet-Dog-Cat-Hair-Remover-Couch/Dp/B00bagtnaq?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=4e6313ee0042c231e33d7031342a5fb9&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Chom Chom Roller</Span>

Review: "This lint roller is practically magic. It’s soooo much better than the traditional sticky rollers. I’m able to comfortably have a light colored couch because I know that I can remove the pet hair that gets on it." - Kenzie J
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9points
#13 Instead Of Burning Through A Million Swiffer Sheets, Try <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Swiffer-Wet-Pads-Reusable-Mop-Pads/Dp/B087v8jhsd?ie=utf8&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=3af19853d3f6f1e179507c7fc2946be5&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Reusable Pads </Span> Instead

Review: "I am so happy I found these pads. They fit the Swiffer handle very well and I love to throw them in the washing machine for cleaning. I am so happy I'm not adding to the old disposables to the landfill every week." - Kindle Customer
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9points
#14 Make Your Toilet Sparkle Again With <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Out-Li0616pn-16oz-Bathrooms-Kitchens-Appliances-Outdoors/Dp/B0044f9q52?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bpkomodo-20&linkid=24e61e5a639f5cf2298ff0e20e000f95&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Rust Remover </Span>

Review: "We have a ton of iron in our water- it’s not harmful, just isn’t very nice looking. The iron made our toilets look horrible, so I started searching for a cleaner that would work on the iron stains. I really didn’t expect this product to work as well as it did. But check out the before, middle, and after pictures!! Now this was several treatments over a 12 hour period. I used probably 40% of the bottle on our 2 toilets, but it got them both sparklingly clear! These pictures are of the worst of the 2 toilets. We figured once we got a water treatment system, we’d have to replace the toilets because they looked so bad. Now we don’t have to!" - Sara Mc
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8points
#15 <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Therapy-Stainless-Steel-Cleaner-Kit/Dp/B01jzx6k1u?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=7a20ee4e512fc6baf326a87aa1fefe83&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Stainless Steel Cleaner </Span> Will Make Your Appliances Look Newer Than When You Moved In

Review: "Cleaned all my stainless steel products really nicely, and the spray smells really good!" - Stephanie
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8points
#16 Busting Out A <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Holikme-Cleaner-Vacuum-Attachment-Remover/Dp/B08sbqbf2r?ie=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=0603cccd5c9d9fe5dedf0989bcdc3cca&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Dryer Vent Cleaner </Span> More Than Once A Century Is Key To Preventing House Fires

Review: "I can never fit my hand into my lint catcher to clean it. This is a great invention! Now I do not worry about my link cleaner getting too full." - Toni
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8points
Your mission to erase years of questionable living choices marches forward. Arm yourself with these next solutions and watch as mysterious marks, stubborn stains, and that thing you've been hiding behind the fridge disappear like they never happened.
#17 Revive Thirsty Cabinets And Shelves With <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Howard-Products-Fw0016-Feed-N-Wax-Conditioner/Dp/B001bkqygw?ie=utf8&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=fca4f2479270c57254fd9fa151a5e992&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"> <span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Wood Feed </Span>

Review: "I picked product because it could be delivered the same day. I am not disappointed. I applied this to my very dry 30+ year old- cabinets. Unbelievable results. It was fast and easy to use with instant results. I would highly recommend this product. I do not know why I did not find this type of product years ago." - Amazon Customer
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6points
#18 Make Quick Work Of The Most Annoying Chore With This <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Dp/B076slxgnf?ascsubtag=7682859%2c48%2c54%2cd%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c900%3a2%3b974%3a3%3b1125%3a2%3b1338%3a1%2c46934274%2c0%2c0%2c0&btn_ref=srctok-98a754b3c0d79bdb&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=a7fda730b11ca8b55b29fabcc703de7f&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Blind Duster</Span>

Review: "I received these yesterday and tried them as soon as I unpacked them. They're great for getting in the tough spots of Venetian blinds where it's usually hard to clean. The cloth strips will be easy to wash and should last for a long time with their sturdy stitching." - Cheryl Landes
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6points
#19 <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Dp/B01iaioje6?_encoding=utf8&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=a6e820f68b563c15ed5e38da028af1d8&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"><span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Bar Keepers Friend </Span> Becomes A Renter's Friend Too If You Use It Right

Review: "Bar Keepers Friend is some of the best cleaner out there. If you have baked on grease stains on pans or the stove/oven it takes it off like magic. Keep this stuff in our house at all times. I have continually been amazed at how it makes my pots and pans brand new again." - SassaKate11
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6points
#20 You Can Hide Scratches And Dents On Appliances With <a Style="Display:inline;" Href="Https://Www.amazon.com/Dp/B07qqb3w2g?ascsubtag=7599105%2c9%2c40%2cd%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c900%3a2%3b974%3a3%3b1125%3a1%3b1242%3a1%2c42286050%2c0%2c0%2cgoogle&btn_ref=srctok-9fb3ba375b30ec0a&th=1&linkcode=ll1&tag=bppeacock-20&linkid=df31cde89c4b6327687da35385f60559&language=en_us&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" Target="_blank"> <span Style="Font:inherit;color:#d74b1f;"> Adhesive Aluminium</Span>

Review: "I am surprised at how nice this stuff looks. I thought it would be vinyl but it sure seems like actual stainless steel. It looks great and sticks really well. As with any contact paper, you need to take your time and measure your pieces. This stuff is solid! I’m already thinking of new things I can do with it. Maybe I can make my pinto look like a DeLorean. 😉" - James Johnston
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5points


