Deep cleaning: what is included and when you need it
Regular cleaning keeps a home tidy. Deep cleaning resets it. Here is what it covers, and how to know when it is time.
Deep cleaning vs regular cleaning
A regular cleaning handles the visible surfaces: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, wiping counters and cleaning bathrooms. A deep cleaning adds time and detail for the places that collect buildup slowly, such as baseboards, vents, tile grout, cabinet fronts, door frames and window tracks.
Room-by-room deep cleaning checklist
Kitchen
- Degrease cabinet fronts, backsplash and the exterior of the range hood
- Clean the stovetop, sink, faucet and appliance exteriors
- Optional: inside the oven, refrigerator, microwave and cabinets
Bathrooms
- Remove soap scum and hard-water stains from tubs, showers and glass
- Scrub grout lines and the base of toilets
- Clean exhaust fans, mirrors, vanity and cabinet fronts
Bedrooms and living areas
- Dust ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures and high shelves
- Clean baseboards, door frames, switches and handles
- Window sills and tracks, plus glass where reachable
- Vacuum under and around furniture that can be moved safely
Signs it is time for a deep clean
- More than three to six months since the last detailed cleaning
- Stains and buildup that regular wiping no longer removes
- Lingering odors, more dust or flare-ups of allergies
- You are hosting a big event, starting a new season, or preparing to sell or rent
How often should you schedule one?
Many households schedule a deep cleaning two to four times a year, often at the change of seasons or before the holidays. Homes with pets, children or allergies may benefit from it more often. After the first deep cleaning, a regular biweekly or monthly plan keeps the home in that condition with lighter work.
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