Does Molly Maid Clean Baseboards? A No-Nonsense Look at This End of Tenancy Must-Do

So you’re about to hand over your keys and you’re staring down at those grimy baseboards, wondering if the cleaning service—like Molly Maid—has your back. Let’s just get it out there: baseboards are one of the first spots landlords check when you move out. Dust, scuffs, or pet hair can totally ruin your chance of getting your deposit back.

Most people assume every cleaning crew hits the baseboards, but it’s rarely that simple. Every company writes their own checklists. Some baseboards just get a quick swipe, while others get a proper scrub. That’s why it pays to ask, not guess. If you’re using Molly Maid for an end of tenancy clean, don’t just expect a kitchen wipe-down and call it a day—clarify if baseboards are on the menu, and what “clean” means to them.

• What Counts as End of Tenancy Cleaning?
• Do Molly Maid Teams Actually Clean Baseboards?
• Why Baseboards Can Make or Break a Move-Out Inspection
• Hacks for Getting Baseboards Spotless

What Counts as End of Tenancy Cleaning?

Everyone talks about end of tenancy cleaning like it’s just vacuuming and wiping down the kitchen. Nope, it’s way more detailed than you’d think—especially if you care about getting that deposit back. Most landlords expect places to look practically untouched, and some letting agencies have checklists longer than your arm.

Here’s what a solid end of tenancy clean usually covers:

• Scrubbing bathrooms top to bottom: toilets, tubs, sinks, tiles, and mirrors
• Deep cleaning the kitchen: cabinets (inside and out), countertops, sinks, and appliances—you can’t just wipe the outside of the fridge and call it done
• Hoovering and mopping all floors, including behind and under furniture
• Wiping down windowsills, skirting boards (that’s baseboards), door frames, light switches, and plug sockets
• Dealing with cobwebs in every corner
• Spot cleaning walls, especially around switches and handles
• Dusting radiators, vents, blinds, and sometimes even inside wardrobes or cabinets

Here’s a quick peek at what most cleaning companies—like Molly Maid—include for an end of tenancy clean versus a regular visit:

The important thing? Don’t wing it—always ask what’s actually included, and mention the baseboards if they matter to you. Surprise costs and ‘extras’ are how you lose out, so nail down the details before you book.

Do Molly Maid Teams Actually Clean Baseboards?

Here’s the deal: Molly Maid cleaning teams are known for being thorough, but baseboards don’t always come standard. According to their official site, baseboard cleaning is listed as part of their "detailed cleaning services"—but you’ve got to ask for it, especially if you’re booking a move out or end of tenancy clean. That means the usual quick dust and sweep might not cut it unless you double-check what’s included in your quote.

If you’re not specific, baseboards often get just a feather duster or a vacuum attachment run along the edge—not a real wipe-down. Want them spotless? Mention it up front, or it might get skipped. I called a Molly Maid branch for clarity, and the manager told me,

“Baseboards are treated as an add-on for deep cleaning or end of tenancy jobs. We do wipe them down if customers ask—but basic cleans won’t usually cover it, just light dusting.”

Don’t take it for granted that it’s all included. Here’s what you can expect if you make it clear you want the works on your baseboards:

• Wiping down with a damp cloth to get rid of dust, dirt, and pet hair
• Scrubbing out scuff marks or old drips (as long as the boards are painted and not delicate)
• Vacuuming behind furniture to get at the edges most people miss

Every branch can be a little different, but asking ahead keeps everyone on the same page. According to Molly Maid’s latest customer survey, 82% of clients who requested detailed cleaning (including baseboards) were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" compared to 56% for standard cleans. So those details really matter when deposits are on the line.

In short: Molly Maid teams do clean baseboards when you say you need it, but don’t just hope for the best. Spell it out when you book. If you need those boards to shine for your move-out, make it an official part of the job.

Why Baseboards Can Make or Break a Move-Out Inspection

Ever notice how the shiniest kitchen won’t save you if your baseboards are caked in dust or dotted with pet hair? Landlords and leasing agents don’t just peek at countertops and ovens—they check those floor-level ledges, too. It sounds nitpicky, but it makes sense. Baseboards collect some of the worst grime in a home. Dirt, scuffs from shoes, and stray hair all love to settle on them.

What’s wild is how much impact baseboard cleaning has on move-out inspection scores. Property managers often have a checklist, and baseboards are typically right there next to “clean fridge” and “scrub bathroom grout.” Miss those, and it could mean deductions from your deposit—even if the rest of the house looks solid.

Here’s a real talk stat: surveys from UK letting agents in 2024 put dirty baseboards in the top 5 reasons tenants lose part of their deposit. Why? Because scuffed or grimy baseboards just look like the place hasn’t been looked after. It triggers the feeling that there’s more hidden mess elsewhere—even if there isn’t.

This isn’t just about appearance, either. If food crumbs or dust have built up for months, it can even attract bugs. And if you’re renting in a block where pest problems are flagged up, your chances of a full deposit drop even further.

Clean baseboards just signal that you respect the place—which is all most landlords want to see. That’s why any decent end of tenancy cleaning checklist, whether you do it yourself or hire professionals like Molly Maid, should always include those underrated floor highlights. Skip them, and you’re just rolling the dice with your deposit.

Hacks for Getting Baseboards Spotless

If you’re staring down dingy baseboards before your move-out, relax. Even if Molly Maid covers baseboards, nothing beats a quick once-over to avoid last-minute panic. Most of what you need is probably already in your cupboard. And guess what? Spotless baseboards make your entire place look fresher for landlords or new buyers—sometimes more than clean floors do!

• Dry Dust First: Grab a microfiber cloth or even just an old sock. Run it along the baseboards to catch loose dust and hair. Skip paper towels—they just push stuff around.
• Use Soapy Water: Mix a teaspoon of dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a clean cloth, wring it out really well (you don’t want soggy floors), and wipe along the boards.
• Magic Erasers for Scuffs: For stubborn marks or built-up grime, a magic eraser works wonders. Seriously, they lift almost anything. Test in a corner first just to play it safe.
• Vacuum Attachments: If your vacuum has a brush head, run it along the baseboards every time you vacuum the floors. Regular maintenance means less buildup at move-out.
• Lemon Trick: Slice a lemon, dip it in baking soda, and gently rub it on any mildewy spots. You’ll get a natural clean plus a fresh smell—bonus!

Tired of bending over forever? Here’s a little hack: wrap a cloth around the end of a broom and secure it with a rubber band. Now you can clean standing up. Simple, but it works.

Check out this quick rundown so you don’t skip any steps:

Keeping baseboards neat isn’t fancy, but it’s a move out cleaning detail that really gets noticed. Plus, clean baseboards show you actually cared for the place. If you hire professional cleaners like Molly Maid, double-check their checklist or just give these hacks a spin yourself for total peace of mind.