You’ve finally decided to book that deep house cleaning you’ve been putting off for months, but as you browse service options, a question emerges: What exactly is included in a deep house cleaning, and what might cost extra? 

It’s a common source of confusion—and occasionally disappointment—when homeowners discover that certain cleaning tasks they assumed were part of the package actually carry additional fees.

Understanding the distinction between standard inclusions and premium add-ons is essential for setting realistic expectations and budgeting appropriately. 

This guide will clarify exactly what professional deep house cleaning typically entails, what services usually cost extra, and how to determine which cleaning package best suits your needs.

Understanding Deep House Cleaning: The Basics

Deep cleaning goes significantly beyond your regular tidying routine or even standard professional cleaning services. 

While regular cleaning maintains a baseline level of cleanliness by addressing visible dirt and everyday messes, deep cleaning targets built-up grime, hidden dirt, and areas that don’t require frequent attention.

Think of standard cleaning as maintenance and deep cleaning as restoration. A deep clean reaches those forgotten or difficult-to-access areas where dust, bacteria, and grime accumulate over time—behind appliances, inside ovens, along baseboards, in grout lines, and other overlooked spaces.

Deep cleaning is typically necessary:

• Seasonally (especially spring and fall)
• Before or after moving
• Following home renovations or construction
• When preparing for special events
• In homes with allergy sufferers, pets, or young children
• If it’s been more than 6 months since your last thorough cleaning

A professional deep cleaning service will typically take 2-3 times longer than standard cleaning because it involves more detailed work, specialized techniques, and comprehensive coverage of your home’s surfaces and hidden areas.

What’s Typically Included in Professional Deep House Cleaning

When you book a professional deep cleaning service, you should expect a comprehensive cleaning that addresses those often-neglected areas that accumulate dirt and grime over time. 

While offerings may vary between companies, here’s what’s typically included in a basic deep cleaning package:

Kitchen Deep Cleaning Inclusions:

The kitchen often receives the most attention during deep cleaning, as it’s prone to grease, food residue, and bacterial buildup. Standard inclusions typically cover:

• Appliance exteriors and interiors: Cleaning inside microwaves, refrigerators (without removing food), and ovens
• Cabinet fronts and handles: Degreasing and sanitizing
• Countertops and backsplashes: Removing stains and sanitizing surfaces
• Sink and fixtures: Descaling, polishing, and disinfecting
• Floor deep cleaning: Mopping and addressing corners and edges
• Range hood: Removing grease buildup
• Small appliances: Wiping down coffee makers, toasters, etc.
• Trash cans: Cleaning and disinfecting

Bathroom Deep Cleaning Inclusions:

Bathrooms harbor moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, and soap scum buildup, making them prime candidates for deep cleaning:

• Shower and tub surfaces: Removing soap scum and water stains
• Shower doors/curtains: Cleaning glass or washing fabric curtains
• Toilet deep clean: Including base and behind the toilet
• Tile and grout scrubbing: Removing embedded dirt and discoloration
• Sink and fixtures: Descaling and polishing
• Mirror and glass: Streak-free cleaning
• Floor detailed cleaning: Including behind the toilet and in corners
• Trash can sanitizing: Disinfecting inside and out

Living Areas Deep Cleaning Inclusions:

Living spaces collect dust in often-overlooked places that standard cleaning might miss:

• Ceiling fan blades: Dust removal from all sides
• Light fixtures: Basic dusting and cleaning
• Baseboards and door frames: Detailed dusting and spot cleaning
• Window sills and tracks: Dust and debris removal
• Furniture: Vacuuming upholstery and underneath cushions
• Under furniture: Vacuuming areas typically missed during regular cleaning
• Vents and registers: Surface dust removal
• Wall spot cleaning: Addressing visible marks or spots

Bedroom Deep Cleaning Inclusions:

Bedrooms benefit from deep cleaning to improve air quality and remove allergens:

• Under bed cleaning: Vacuuming hard-to-reach areas
• Mattress vacuuming: Surface cleaning to remove dust mites and allergens
• Lamp shades: Dusting and lint removal
• Detailed dusting: Including headboards, dressers, and nightstands
• Closet floors: Vacuuming accessible floor areas

These inclusions form the foundation of most home cleaning services when you book a deep clean. However, it’s important to communicate with your cleaning service about specific areas of concern to ensure they’re addressed properly.

Common “Extra” Services Not Typically Included in Basic Deep Cleaning

While deep cleaning is comprehensive, certain specialized tasks often require additional time, expertise, or equipment. These services typically aren’t included in base packages and may carry additional fees:

Window Cleaning:

• Full interior window washing: Cleaning glass and frames
• Exterior window cleaning: Especially for second-story windows
• Detailed blind cleaning: Dust removal from each slat
• Curtain or drapery cleaning: Vacuuming or washing treatments
• Window track deep cleaning: Removing accumulated dirt and debris

Specialized Floor Treatments:

• Carpet shampooing or steam cleaning: Deep extraction cleaning
• Hardwood floor polishing or waxing: Restoring shine and protection
• Tile and grout sealing: Adding protective coating after cleaning
• Stone floor special treatments: Polishing marble or sealing natural stone

Organization Services:

• Inside cabinets and drawers: Removing items, cleaning, and reorganizing
• Closet organization: Sorting and arranging clothing or items
• Refrigerator organization: Removing all items, cleaning, and reorganizing
• Pantry sorting: Discarding expired products and reorganizing items

Special Surface Cleaning:

• Chandeliers and crystal fixtures: Detailed piece-by-piece cleaning
• Antiques and collectibles: Specialized gentle cleaning
• Wall washing: Cleaning entire wall surfaces, not just spot cleaning
• High ceiling cleaning: Reaching areas requiring special equipment

Exterior Elements:

• Patio or deck cleaning: Power washing or detailed scrubbing
• Outdoor furniture cleaning: Specialized treatments for various materials
• Garage cleaning and organizing: Major clearout and organization
• Exterior window sills and frames: Detailed cleaning outside the home

Pro tip: When requesting quotes, specifically ask, “What’s not included in your deep cleaning service?” This question often reveals more information than asking what is included.

The Deep Cleaning Process: What to Expect

Understanding the process helps set realistic expectations for your deep cleaning service:

1. Initial assessment: Many companies offer a pre-cleaning consultation (in person or virtual) to evaluate your home’s specific needs and customize the service.
   
2. Preparation: Before cleaners arrive, it’s helpful to pick up loose items, clear countertops of small appliances, and remove valuable or fragile items. This allows cleaners to focus on actual cleaning rather than tidying.
   
3. Systematic approach: Professional cleaners typically work top-to-bottom and room-by-room, starting with ceiling fans and high surfaces before moving to floor-level cleaning.
   
4. Professional equipment: Deep cleaning requires specialized tools beyond standard vacuum cleaners and mops. Expect steam cleaners, extension dusters, specialized brushes, and professional-grade cleaning solutions.
   
5. Verification process: Quality cleaning services conduct a final walkthrough to ensure all areas have been properly addressed.
   
6. Time expectations: A thorough deep cleaning of an average-sized home (2,000-2,500 sq ft) typically takes a team of 2-3 cleaners about 5-8 hours, depending on the home’s condition.
   

Unlike a standard cleaning which focuses primarily on maintaining surfaces, deep cleaning addresses built-up residue and those areas that typically get missed during routine cleaning.

How to Determine What You Need: Standard vs. Deep Cleaning

Not sure whether you need standard or deep cleaning? Consider these assessment questions:

• When was your last thorough cleaning? If it’s been more than 3-6 months, you likely need deep cleaning.
• Can you see dust buildup in less accessible areas? Check baseboards, ceiling fans, or behind furniture.
• Are there visible stains on grout, shower doors, or inside appliances? These typically require deep cleaning.
• Do you notice lingering odors in your home? Built-up grime can cause persistent smells.
• Does anyone in your home suffer from allergies or respiratory issues? Deep cleaning removes accumulated allergens that regular cleaning might miss.

For optimal home maintenance, many cleaning professionals recommend:

• Deep cleaning: 2-4 times per year
• Standard cleaning: Every 2-4 weeks between deep cleans

Special circumstances that typically warrant deep cleaning include:

• Moving into a new home (even if it appears clean)
• After renovation or construction (to remove fine dust and debris)
• Following a long absence from your home
• After hosting major events or holidays
• If you’re preparing to sell your home

While deep cleaning costs more than standard cleaning, the investment prevents more expensive problems like mold growth, permanent staining, and premature wear of surfaces and fixtures.

Deep Cleaning for Special Situations

Certain life events call for specialized deep cleaning approaches:

Move-In/Move-Out Deep Cleaning:

Whether you’re a tenant hoping to recover your security deposit or a landlord preparing for new occupants, move-out cleaning is particularly thorough. It typically includes:

• Cleaning inside all cabinets and drawers
• Removing all nails and filling holes
• Detailed cleaning behind where furniture stood
• Complete appliance cleaning, inside and out
• Removal of any lingering odors

Landlords often have specific checklists of cleaning expectations, so be sure to request these in advance if you’re moving out of a rental property.

Post-Construction Deep Cleaning:

Construction creates fine dust that settles everywhere and can damage HVAC systems if not properly removed:

• HEPA filtration vacuuming for fine dust particles
• Detailed cleaning of all horizontal surfaces
• Removal of adhesive residues and paint specks
• Air duct cleaning consideration
• Window track and sill detailed cleaning

This specialized cleaning often requires multiple steps and specific tools to effectively remove construction residue.

Allergy and Health-Focused Deep Cleaning:

For households with allergy sufferers, certain cleaning protocols provide greater relief:

• Dust mite treatment for mattresses and upholstery
• HEPA vacuum filtration
• Focus on fabric surfaces that trap allergens
• Special attention to curtains and soft furnishings
• Consideration of non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaning products

These cleanings often take longer as they require more meticulous attention to potential allergen sources.

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Service

Selecting a professional cleaning service requires careful consideration:

• Verification: Ensure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured
• Screening: Ask about their employee background check processes
• Experience: Look for companies with specific experience in deep cleaning
• Products: Inquire about cleaning products used, especially if you have sensitivities
• Reviews: Check online reviews, particularly those mentioning deep cleaning
• Clear pricing: Request itemized quotes that clearly distinguish between included services and add-ons
• Guarantee: Ask if they offer a satisfaction guarantee

Laveen’s trusted cleaning professionals should be willing to answer these questions and provide references upon request.

When communicating with potential cleaning services, be specific about your expectations and priorities. Photos of problem areas can help ensure you receive accurate quotes and appropriate service.

Conclusion

Deep house cleaning goes well beyond the surface clean of regular maintenance, addressing those forgotten spaces and stubborn buildup that accumulate over time. Understanding what’s typically included—and what might cost extra—helps you budget appropriately and avoid disappointment.

While the line between standard inclusions and premium add-ons varies between cleaning companies, this guide provides a framework for asking the right questions and setting realistic expectations. Remember that a truly comprehensive deep clean often requires some customization based on your home’s specific condition and your particular concerns.

For a home that not only looks clean but feels deeply refreshed and sanitized, professional deep cleaning services offer expertise, equipment, and attention to detail that’s difficult to achieve on your own. The investment pays dividends in extended longevity of your home’s surfaces, improved indoor air quality, and the unmatched feeling of walking into a thoroughly clean home.

Ready to experience the difference a professional deep cleaning can make? Contact SPECK Cleaning at 480-608-0323 to schedule your comprehensive deep cleaning service. 

Our experienced team will customize a cleaning plan that addresses your home’s specific needs—with clear communication about what’s included and what options are available for truly transformative results.