Tenants left house very dirty

[Nicholas S.]

I will need to pay a professional crew to clean it up. They didn't damage anything, beyond normal wear and tear, but it's just really dirty. Bathtub is black, fridge disgusting, etc.

I outlined clearly what was expected, and they didn't follow it. Must of been in a hurry. Can I pay for a Molly Maids type professional cleaning with their security deposit money or not? They claim they did clean it. I have pictures to prove they didn't, or at least not well at all.

Also second question. For nearly 20 years every tenant has agreed to have the carpets professionally cleaned upon leaving, or would allow me to do it for them at their cost. These guys also agreed to that, but now don't want to let me use their deposit.

They basically want the full deposit back or are threatening to sue me for it.

NOTE: I would have to travel thousands of miles to deal with this as I live in another state.

What advice do you guys have for me?  Just eat this?