Avoid having your landlord deduct the cost of

Before beginning to clean the apartment, remove all person items. It is much easier to clean in an empty apartment.

Oven

Start by cleaning the oven. Many ovens are self cleaning, but the process does take several hours. If the oven is not self-cleaning, an oven cleaner can be used, this also takes several hours. Follow the manufactures instructions on the oven cleaner's label. Whichever process is used, the oven will need to be wiped down on the inside after cleaning so it is best to start this process as soon as possible so the oven can be cool by the time you are ready to wipe it out.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are possibly the most dirty and grimy part of the apartment, and they will take the most time. Spray the shower with a tub and tile cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. While the cleaner is soaking, wipe down any cabinets, countertops, the toilet, and the sink using an all purpose cleaner. Then, clean the mirror with some window cleaner. Also give any baseboards a quick once over with the damp sponge. Once all that is done, go back to scrub the shower. Using a dry cloth to polish any fixtures gives the room a truly finished look. Finally, sweep and mop the bathroom floor.

Bedrooms and Living Room

Start by wiping down light fixtures, closet shelves, and baseboards with a damp sponge. If necessary, use some carpet cleaner to clean any stains. Finally, you can vacuum the room. If the floors are laminate or hardwood, clean them with a dust mop first and then damp mop.

Kitchen

Use a soapy sponge to wipe down all surfaces. Don't forget to open the cabinets and wipe them down with the damp sponge. Also wipe the cabinet fronts. Most surface areas can be wiped down with the sponge, this includes the outside of the fridge, countertops, the backsplash and stove top. When the soap and water aren't enough to get the job done, use a multi-purpose cleaner to finish the job. Remember not to neglect the refrigerator. Remove the shelves and drawers and wipe them down with a sponge. Then, wipe the inside of fridge. Lastly, sweep then mop the kitchen floor.

By following these simple steps, there shouldn't be any reason for your landlord to withhold your security deposit for cleaning services.