There is a basic standard that the majority of cleaners will follow.
Everyone likes a clean house, but many people don’t really understand the difference between a general house cleaning and a deep cleaning. It’s an important distinction because when you hire a house cleaning service, you will need to understand what service you are asking for.
The majority of house cleaning companies actually require a deep cleaning for their new customers, while repeat clients can request general house cleaning.
What, then, is the difference between general house cleaning and deep cleaning? Does it matter which one you request from your house cleaning company? It really depends on what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look at the two types of house cleaning.
General House Cleaning
General house cleaning usually costs less than deep cleaning, and is generally reserved for repeat clients who are just looking to get a cleaning touch-up on their house. This general service costs about $100-$150 on average.
Having a general house cleaning done is basically getting a surface cleaning. After you have undergone a general house cleaning, your house will look great and be clean. However, the nooks and crannies, the corners and really deep spots, will not be cleaned.
That is why a general cleaning is a surface cleaning. Cleaning takes place on the surface, but not on a deeper level. Many house cleaning services require a deep cleaning when they clean a home for the first time because they need to ensure that the house is truly clean, including all of the nooks and crannies.
While different house cleaning companies will have different tasks and standards for their cleaning services, there is a basic standard that the majority of cleaners will follow. The typical tasks for general house cleaning include:
Kitchen
- Cobweb removal
- Countertop cleaning
- Sink cleaning, disinfecting, and shining
- Cleaning of the outside of the range
- Cleaning of the top and the front of range
- Baseboard wiping and dusting
- Dishwasher and refrigerator fronts cleaned
- Vacuuming and mopping of floors
- Wiping of table and chairs
- Wiping of microwave
- Dusting
- Drip pan cleaning
Bathrooms
- Cleaning and disinfecting of showers and tubs
- Cleaning and disinfecting of tiles
- Baseboard wiping and dusting
- General dusting
- Trash removal
- Toilet cleaning and disinfecting, including behind and base
- Sinks and vanities cleaned
- Washing and disinfecting of floors, vacuuming of carpets and rugs
- Washing and shining of fixtures and mirrors
- Chemically treatment of mildew
- Cobweb removal
- Towels exchanged
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Make beds
- Emptying trashes
- Dusting of flat surfaces, frames, vents, and more
- Floors vacuumed or swept and mopped
- Washing mirrors
- Wiping window sills and washing windows
- Vacuuming and dusting stairs
- Vacuuming closet floors
- Baseboard dusting
- Cobweb removal
- General straightening
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is a longer, more costly, as well as more proficient, cleaning. It involves specialized cleaning in every little area of your home. Deep cleanings are a great investment, especially for those who have never had their homes professionally cleaned before. It is also useful for those who are preparing for an event, hosting some sort of party or holiday, or if they are moving.
On average, deep cleaning costs between $200-$400, and depends on a few factors including the size of the home. A deep cleaning includes all of the cleaning that is done in a general cleaning, along with a number of detailed extras, including:
Kitchen
- Cleaning the inside of the range
- Cleaning the inside of the oven
- Cleaning behind oven and refrigerator
- Cleaning inside the refrigerator and the dishwasher
- Washing the outside of cabinets
- Cleaning doors and frames
- Cleaning inside of microwave
- Dusting, washing, and wiping individual items
Bathrooms
- Focused, deep scrubbing and cleaning of the shower door
- Scrubbing tile grout
- Cleaning fingerprints from doors and frames
- Sanitizing trash cans
- General cleaning of individual items
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Cleaning and vacuuming under beds and furniture
- Sanitizing trash cans
- Dusting and wiping lampshades and fixtures
- Dusting and wiping ceiling fans
- Vacuuming furniture and upholstery
- Dusting mini-blinds
- General cleaning of individual items
