Key takeaways
- Standard cleaning = surface maintenance. A standard clean focuses on visible surfaces: counters, floors, bathrooms, light dusting, and quick kitchen cleanup. It keeps things “company ready” but doesn’t tackle built-up grime.
- Deep cleaning = detailed, top-to-bottom reset. Deep cleans go after hidden dirt: baseboards, inside appliances, grout, behind furniture, light fixtures, and more. It’s more time‑intensive and usually costs 2–3x a standard visit.
- Typical costs (per visit): Standard clean: about $80–$200+ for an average home. Deep clean: about $200–$500+, depending on size, condition, and add-ons.
- How often: Many homes do standard cleaning weekly or biweekly, with a deep clean 2–4 times per year or before/after major events (moving, holidays, renovations).
- You can mix and match. You might book a deep clean for the whole house once, then stick with standard cleans plus occasional “deep” add-ons in heavy-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Clarity matters more than labels. Different companies define “deep” and “standard” differently, so always ask for a written checklist of what’s included.
- Get multiple quotes. Prices and checklists vary widely. Comparing 2–3 local pros through a directory like Home Services Scout can help you find a good fit for your budget and expectations.
Typical price range
All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges for residential house cleaning. Actual quotes will depend on your home’s size, layout, how long it’s been since the last clean, and local labor rates.
Common scenarios
- Standard clean – small apartment (1–2 bed, 1 bath): $80–$150 per visit
- Standard clean – average house (3–4 bed, 2–3 bath): $120–$220 per visit
- Deep clean – small apartment: $150–$300
- Deep clean – average house: $250–$500+
- Move-in / move-out deep clean: $250–$600+, often more detailed than a regular deep clean
- Add-ons (per visit, typical):
- Inside oven: $20–$50
- Inside fridge: $20–$50
- Interior windows (not exterior): $3–$8 per window or $25–$80+ as a bundle
- Blinds or shutters: $5–$15 per window or included in a premium deep clean
- Inside cabinets (empty): $30–$100+ depending on kitchen size
- Hourly rates (if not flat fee):
- Standard cleaning: typically $25–$60 per cleaner per hour
- Deep cleaning: often $35–$75 per cleaner per hour due to more detail work
What tends to push costs lower
- Smaller space, fewer bathrooms. Bathrooms and kitchens are the most labor-intensive; fewer of them usually means a lower price.
- Regular maintenance. If you clean often (or have regular service), there’s less built-up grime, so deep cleans take less time.
- Decluttered surfaces. Clear counters, floors, and furniture surfaces make cleaners more efficient.
- Simple add-ons or none at all. Sticking to the base checklist keeps the visit shorter and cheaper.
- First-floor or easy access. No elevators, gated communities, or special parking requirements can reduce time and hassle.
What tends to push costs higher
- Long time since last clean. Heavy buildup on showers, ovens, baseboards, and floors means more scrubbing time.
- Lots of stuff. Knickknacks, toys, piles of paper, and cluttered counters slow down dusting and wiping.
- Pets. Pet hair, odors, and accidents add time and sometimes require special products.
- Special surfaces. Natural stone, specialty flooring, or high-end fixtures may need extra care and slower methods.
- High ceilings or hard-to-reach areas. Tall windows, ceiling fans, or ledges often require ladders and extra time.
- Custom requests. Organizing closets, doing dishes, laundry, or cleaning inside every cabinet can push the visit into a higher price tier.
Deep clean vs. standard clean: how to decide
Instead of “repair vs. replacement,” your main decision is when a standard clean is enough and when a deep clean makes sense.
What’s usually included in a standard clean
Every company is different, but a typical standard cleaning checklist might include:
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General areas & bedrooms
- Dusting reachable surfaces (tables, shelves, TV stands)
- Light dusting of picture frames and decor
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Sweeping and mopping hard floors
- Emptying small trash cans
-
Bathrooms
- Cleaning and disinfecting sinks, counters, and faucets
- Cleaning toilets (inside and out)
- Wiping mirrors
- Quick scrub of tubs/showers (not heavy soap scum removal)
- Sweeping and mopping floors
-
Kitchen
- Wiping counters and backsplash (surface level)
- Wiping appliance exteriors (fridge doors, stove top, dishwasher front)
- Cleaning sink and faucet
- Spot-cleaning cabinet fronts (light fingerprints)
- Sweeping and mopping floors
Standard cleans are maintenance-focused—they keep things tidy and sanitary but don’t dig into buildup or hidden areas.
What’s usually included in a deep clean
A deep clean typically includes everything in a standard clean plus more detailed work, such as:
-
General areas & bedrooms
- Detailed dusting (baseboards, door frames, window sills, vents)
- Wiping light switches and outlet covers
- Cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures within reach
- Edge vacuuming along baseboards
- Cleaning under or behind easily movable furniture
-
Bathrooms
- Scrubbing tile and grout (within reason)
- Removing heavy soap scum and hard water stains (as much as possible)
- Detailed cleaning around fixtures, behind toilets, and along edges
- Polishing fixtures and glass shower doors
-
Kitchen
- Deep scrub of stovetop and burner grates
- Cleaning inside microwave
- Cleaning backsplash and cabinet fronts more thoroughly
- Degreasing around stove and range hood (exterior)
- Optional add-ons: inside oven, inside fridge, inside cabinets (often extra)
Think of a deep clean as a “reset”—it gets your home to a cleaner baseline so that standard cleans can maintain it.
Simple rules of thumb
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Choose a standard clean when:
- Your home is already in decent shape, just dusty or lightly dirty.
- You’ve had a professional clean within the last month or two.
- You’re on a tight budget and mainly want visible areas refreshed.
-
Choose a deep clean when:
- It’s been 3+ months since a thorough clean, or never had a pro clean.
- You’re moving in or out, hosting a big event, or listing the home for sale.
- You see buildup: soap scum, grease, sticky floors, dusty baseboards, pet hair in corners.
A concrete example
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Scenario A: Standard clean
- 3-bed, 2-bath home, generally tidy, cleaned regularly.
- Standard clean cost: around $150 every 2 weeks.
- Over a month: 2 visits x $150 = $300.
-
Scenario B: Deep + standard
- Same home, but hasn’t been professionally cleaned in a year.
- Initial deep clean: around $350 (extra time to reset everything).
- Then standard clean: about $150 every 2 weeks.
- First month: $350 + (2 x $150) = $650, but future months are back to $300.
In many cases, paying for a one-time deep clean and then switching to regular standard cleans strikes the best balance between cost and comfort.
Efficiency and long-term costs
Cleaning isn’t just about a single visit; it’s about how often you need service and how much time each visit takes.
How regular cleaning saves money over time
- Less buildup = shorter visits. Grease, soap scum, and dust are easier to remove when they’re fresh. That means less labor time and potentially lower costs per visit.
- You may need fewer deep cleans. With weekly or biweekly standard cleans, you might only need a deep clean once or twice a year instead of every few months.
- Surfaces last longer. Regular gentle cleaning can help protect grout, finishes, and flooring from long-term damage, which can save on repairs and replacements later.
When paying more upfront can be worth it
- Initial deep clean before regular service. A more expensive first visit can make future standard cleans faster and more effective.
- Targeted deep cleaning in problem areas. Paying extra to deep clean kitchens and bathrooms (where grime builds fastest) can stretch the time between whole-house deep cleans.
- Quality over frequency. A thorough monthly clean by a reputable pro may be more cost-effective than cheaper, rushed weekly visits that never quite get the home truly clean.
What to expect from a visit or project
Before the pro arrives
- Confirm the checklist. Make sure you have a written list of what’s included in a standard vs. deep clean, plus any add-ons you’ve requested.
- Discuss access and pets. Decide how the cleaner will get in and whether pets will be crated, confined, or out of the home.
- Do a quick declutter (if possible). Picking up toys, clothes, and paperwork helps cleaners focus on actual cleaning instead of tidying.
- Secure valuables and sensitive items. Put away cash, jewelry, and important documents for peace of mind.
Typical standard cleaning visit (1.5–3 hours for an average home)
- Arrival and walkthrough (5–10 minutes)
- Quick tour of the home.
- Confirm focus areas (e.g., “extra attention to the kids’ bathroom”).
- General dusting and surfaces (20–40 minutes)
- Wipe down surfaces, dust furniture, clean mirrors.
- Bathrooms (20–40 minutes)
- Clean toilets, sinks, counters, mirrors, and tubs/showers.
- Kitchen (20–40 minutes)
- Wipe counters, appliance exteriors, sink, and floors.
- Floors throughout (20–40 minutes)
- Vacuum carpets and rugs; sweep and mop hard floors.
- Final check (5–10 minutes)
- Quick walk-through to ensure agreed areas are done, empty trash, gather supplies.
Time can be longer or shorter depending on home size, number of cleaners, and how much tidying is needed.
Typical deep cleaning visit (3–6+ hours for an average home)
- Arrival and detailed walkthrough (10–15 minutes)
- Review deep-clean checklist and any add-ons.
- Point out problem areas (grimy grout, greasy stove, etc.).
- Top-to-bottom dusting (45–90 minutes)
- Ceiling fans, light fixtures (reachable), vents, baseboards, window sills, door frames.
- Detailed kitchen work (45–120 minutes)
- Degreasing stove and backsplash.
- Cleaning inside microwave; possibly oven and fridge if included.
- More thorough cabinet front cleaning and sink scrubbing.
- Deep bathroom cleaning (45–90 minutes)
- Scrubbing tile, grout, and glass doors.
- Removing soap scum and hard water stains where possible.
- Furniture and edges (30–60 minutes)
- Vacuuming under cushions, along baseboards, and under/behind movable furniture.
- Floors and final touches (30–60 minutes)
- Thorough vacuuming and mopping, including corners and edges.
- Final walkthrough if you’re home.
Deep cleans often involve more than one cleaner to keep the total time reasonable.
DIY vs. hire a pro
Reasonable DIY tasks
- Day-to-day maintenance
- Wiping kitchen counters and tables after use.
- Quick bathroom wipe-downs between showers.
- Sweeping or vacuuming high-traffic areas.
- Light “mini deep cleans”
- Cleaning inside the microwave.
- Wiping baseboards in one room at a time.
- Scrubbing a single shower or oven on a weekend.
- Basic organizing
- Decluttering surfaces, closets, and drawers so pro cleaners can work more efficiently.
For many households, a good rhythm is DIY light cleaning weekly plus a professional standard or deep clean on a set schedule.
When it’s better to hire a pro
- Whole-house deep cleaning. Doing a true top-to-bottom deep clean yourself can take an entire weekend or more; pros can do it faster and often more thoroughly.
- Heavy buildup or neglected areas. Thick soap scum, greasy kitchens, or very dirty bathrooms may need stronger products and more experience.
- Physical limitations or health concerns. If bending, lifting, or exposure to cleaning chemicals is difficult or risky for you, a pro is safer.
- Time constraints. If your schedule is packed, paying for cleaning can be a practical trade-off to reduce stress and free up your time.
Professional cleaners also tend to bring commercial-grade tools and products, which can be more effective than what most homeowners have on hand.
Questions to ask potential pros
- “What exactly is included in your standard clean vs. deep clean?” Ask for a written checklist for each service type.
- “How do you price—flat fee or hourly, and what’s your estimate for my home?” Clarify how they handle jobs that take longer than expected.
- “What add-ons are available and how much do they cost?” For example, inside oven, inside fridge, interior windows, or inside cabinets.
- “Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?” If so, ask about the types of products and vacuums they use.
- “Can you use green or low-odor products if needed?” Important if you have kids, pets, or allergies.
- “Are you insured and, if applicable, bonded?” This protects you if something is damaged or a cleaner is injured on your property.
- “Will the same person or team come each time?” Consistency can improve quality and comfort.
- “How long will the visit take, and how many cleaners will be here?” Helps you plan your day and understand the value.
- “Do you guarantee your work or offer re-cleans if something is missed?” Ask how quickly they can come back if there’s an issue.
- “What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?” Know how much notice is required to avoid fees.
- “Do you run background checks on your staff?” Many homeowners find this reassuring.
Quick FAQ
How often should I schedule a deep clean?
Most homes do well with a deep clean 2–4 times per year, plus regular standard cleans. If you have pets, kids, or a lot of cooking and entertaining, you might want deep cleans more often, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Can I switch between standard and deep cleans?
Yes. Many people start with a deep clean, then move to weekly or biweekly standard cleans, and add another deep clean before big events or seasonally. Just let your cleaning company know so they can schedule enough time.
Is a move-out clean the same as a deep clean?
They’re similar, but a move-out clean often includes inside empty cabinets, drawers, and closets, plus more attention to walls, doors, and appliances. Always confirm the checklist, especially if you need to meet a lease or sale requirement.
Do cleaners move furniture during a deep clean?
Most cleaners will move light, easily movable furniture (like chairs or small tables) but not heavy items like large sofas, beds, or appliances for safety reasons. If you want areas under big pieces cleaned, ask what’s possible and whether there’s an extra charge.
Wrap-up and next steps
Choosing between a standard clean and a deep clean comes down to your home’s current condition, how long it’s been since a thorough cleaning, and your budget. A deep clean is ideal for a full reset—especially if it’s been a while or you’re moving, hosting, or selling—while standard cleans are designed to maintain that freshness on a regular schedule.
For the best value, many homeowners:
- Start with a one-time deep clean to get everything to a solid baseline.
- Follow up with weekly or biweekly standard cleans to keep things manageable.
- Add targeted deep cleaning in high-use areas a few times a year.
Because checklists and pricing vary, it’s wise to get 2–3 quotes, compare what’s included, and choose the option that fits your comfort level and budget. A neutral local-pro directory like Home Services Scout can make it easier to compare cleaning services in your area side by side.
With the right plan—and the right pro—you can keep your home feeling consistently clean without overpaying or overworking yourself.