Deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning can be confusing to many people. Most people clean their houses regularly, but unfortunately, they do not understand the difference between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning.
They also do not know why professional cleaners charge more and take a longer time doing a deep cleaning than when doing a regular cleaning. This post will explain the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning.
What is the Difference
Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning a house
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is a more intensive type of cleaning that focuses on thoroughly sanitizing and disinfecting every corner, crevice, and surface of your home.
It often involves cleaning areas that are only accessible with the help of specialized cleaning tools, supplies, and equipment, such as a step ladder or a doca pole.
When doing a deep clean, you pay more attention to hidden areas in the house, such as behind, under, and above appliances, furniture, cabinets, baseboards, fans, the interiors of windows, and blinds, which you do not do regularly.
A deep clean is usually done periodically, such as before or after a move-in / move-out. Some people prefer doing it once or twice a year.
Deep Clean Checklist involves
- Vacuuming and mopping the entire floor
- Dusting and cleaning the exterior of cabinets and drawers
- Cleaning behind and under appliances and furniture
- Washing the interior of windows and window frames
- Cleaning the exterior of the refrigerator and oven
- Dusting and Cleaning Ceiling Fans
- Dusting interior walls and dusting around corners to remove cobwebs
- Scrubbing and disinfecting toilets and showers
- Cleaning the exterior of small appliances
- Washing curtains and drapes
- Dusting and wiping down all surfaces, including baseboards, light fixtures, door frames, Crown moldings, windowsills, and blinds
A deep cleaning Checklist for different areas in a home
Deep Cleaning Checklist
1. Living Areas
– Vacuum under furniture
– Dust the crown moulding, fans, walls, and corners to remove cobwebs
– Dust windows and window sills
– Dust blinds and curtains
– Dust and clean the fireplace
– Dust the entertainment areas, electronics, and gadgets
-Dust upholstery, eg, sofas and chairs.
– Dust and wet wipe baseboards and door trims
-Vacuum /sweep /mop floors
2. Kitchen
– Clean the interior and exterior parts of your kitchen appliances, such as the oven, stove, and refrigerator
-Clean small appliances, e.g., coffee maker, toaster, and microwave.
– Sanitize high-touch areas such as light switches, door and cabinet handles
– Wet wipe cabinets and high-touch door handles
– Clean behind and underneath appliances
– Organize pantry and cabinet shelves
-Clean sinks and faucets
– Clean countertops
– Empty the trash can and replace the garbage bag.
– Vacuum and mop.
3. Bathrooms
– Dust the light fixtures, air vents, and walls
– Dust and wipe down mirrors
– Deep scrub shower/tub and grout
– Disinfect all surfaces
– Clean and descale faucets and sinks
– Clean and disinfect the toilet
– Wash bathroom mats and curtains
-Clean the counters, vanity, and cabinets
– Clean the baseboards
-Empty and sanitize the trash can
– Sweep / vacuum and mop the floors
4. Bedrooms
– Rotate and vacuum mattresses (optional)
– Wash bedding and pillow protectors
– Dust crown molding, ceiling, fans, and light fixtures
– Dust windows, curtains, window sills, and Blinds
– Organize closet and storage areas
– Dust and wipe down any vanities and cabinets in the bedroom
– Wet wipe the baseboards
– Vacuum / sweep and mop the floors
5. Hallway
– Dust and tidy up surfaces
– Spot clean any fingerprints on the wall
– Declutter and organize any cluttered items
– Vacuum/sweep or mop floors
6.Laundry / mad room
– Wipe down cabinets and drawers.
– Dust and clean the exterior of the washer and dryer machine
– Wipe down the baseboards,
– Wipe down high-touch areas such as light switches and door handles
– Declutter and organize the laundry supply cabinets
– Empty the trash can and replace the bag
7. Home office
– Dust ceiling fans, crown molding, and walls
– Dust the windows, sills, blinds, and curtains
– Dust and wipe down surfaces, e.g, tables and shelves
– Wipe down high-touch areas such as light switches and door handles
– Wipe down baseboards
– Sweep / vacuum or mop the floors.
How often should you deep clean your home?
Deep cleaning your house depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of occupants, and their individual cleaning habits.
However, a general guideline is to clean your house deep at least every three to six months. This can help maintain a clean and healthy living environment.
Regular / Standard Cleaning
Standard cleaning refers to the regular maintenance of a home’s interior and exterior. This type of cleaning is done on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.
It typically involves vacuuming, dusting, mopping, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, and wiping down easily accessible surfaces. It is not so involving, and in most cases, you do not need special equipment, tools, or cleaning supplies to do it.
Standard Cleaning Checklist involves
- Vacuuming and mopping all floors
- Dusting and wiping down all surfaces you can easily reach
- Cleaning bathrooms and toilets
- Washing windows and window frames
- Dusting and wiping any smudges on walls or any high touch areas such as door knobs
- Dusting curtains , drapes and blinds
- Dusting furnitures and upholstery
- Cleaning the exterior of appliances
- Dusting baseboards.
- Dusting cabinets and cupboards
- Dusting the entertainment center
A regular Cleaning Checklist for different areas in a home
Regular Cleaning Checklist
1. Living Room
– Dust surfaces (shelves, electronics)
– Wipe down furniture
– Organize cushions and clutter
-Sweep / vacuum or mop floors
2. Kitchen
– Wipe countertops and surfaces
– Clean exterior of refrigerator, stovetop, and microwave
– Sweep and mop floors
– Take out the trash
3. Bathrooms
– Wipe down sinks and counters
– Clean mirrors
– Scrub and wipe down showers/grout, and faucet
– Scrub the toilet
– Sweep and mop floors
4. Bedrooms
– Make beds
– Dust surfaces
– Vacuum or sweep floors
– Organize clothes and clutter
5. Other Areas
– Empty trash bins
– Dust light fixtures and fans
– Tidy up entryways or hallways
How often should you do a general cleaning?
Just as the name suggests, a general cleaning should be done on a regular basis to maintain a clean and healthy living or working environment.
Depending on the size of the house / space, the frequency of cleaning can vary. However, the general guideline is to do a general cleaning at least once a week for common areas such the kitchen, living rooms and bathrooms. Bedrooms may require less frequent cleaning such as every two weeks. It is a good idea to dust, mop and vacuum frequently depending on the specific needs of the space and the lifestyle of the occupants.
What tools and supplies do I need for deep cleaning vs standard Cleaning?
Having the right cleaning supplies makes both regular and deep cleaning much more efficient and effective. Here are the essential supplies you’ll need for each type of cleaning.
Supplies for Regular Cleaning
1. General Supplies
All-Purpose Cleaner: Versatile homemade or commercial cleaning solution for various surfaces.
Microfiber Cloths: Great for dusting and wiping without leaving streaks.
Broom and Dustpan: For sweeping and collecting dirt on hard floors.
Mop and Bucket: For mopping hard surfaces.
Vacuum Cleaner: Essential for carpets and upholstery.
2. Room-Specific Supplies:
Glass Cleaner: For cleaning windows and mirrors in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Disinfectant Wipes or Spray: Quick disinfection for high-touch areas such as light switches and doorknobs.
Bathroom Cleaner: Specific cleaners for sinks, tubs, and toilets.
3. Additional Items:
Trash Bags: For disposing of waste.
Scrub Brushes: For more demanding cleaning tasks, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.
Sponge: For scrubbing surfaces without scratching them.
Dusters: For dusting surfaces.
Supplies for Deep Cleaning
For a deep cleaning task, you may need all the supplies mentioned in the general cleaning section, in addition to those listed below.
1. General Supplies:
Heavy-Duty All-Purpose Cleaner: Stronger formulation for tackling buildup and tough grime.
Dusters: For dusting Surfaces.
Scoop Dustpan: For easier collection of debris.
Steam Cleaner or Carpet Cleaner (optional): Ideal for deep cleaning grout, carpets, and upholstery.
2. Room-Specific Supplies:
Oven Cleaner: For deep cleaning dirt and grime buildup in the oven.
Grout Cleaner: Specially formulated to clean bathroom tiles and grout effectively.
Wood Cleaner or pH-neutral Floor Cleaner: For cleaning wooden furniture and floors.
Heavy-Duty Disinfectant: For thorough sanitization, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Additional Items:
Extension Duster or doca pole: For reaching high places and corners.
A bucket with a Division or a spin mop bucket and mopheads: For separating different cleaning solutions (e.g., one for soapy water and one for rinsing).
Stiff Scrub Brush / an electric drill brush: For tougher surfaces that require scrubbing, such as tile and grout.
Crevice Brush: For reaching hard-to-reach areas such as corners in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Laundry Bags: For cleaning curtains and larger fabrics.
Protective Gear: Gloves and masks for safe handling of strong chemicals.
A ladder: For reaching high areas such as the crown molding and ceiling fans.
You can use these tools interchangeably, depending on the type of cleaning you intend to do. Make sure you use the correct tools for their intended purpose to save time, energy, and prevent damage.
Not sure of which one to start with- a deep clean vs Regular cleaning?
When hiring a professional house cleaning service for your house for the first time, it is best to request a deep cleaning service. Get to know what they cover when doing a deep clean.
A deep cleaning helps to remove most of the dirt and grime that has accumulated over a long time thereafter you can request regular / standard cleaning weekly or bi-weekly to maintain your house. Understanding deep cleaning vs regular cleaning will help you understand and decide which type of cleaning is suitable for your needs.
