Hiring a professional house cleaning service is a game-changer for reclaiming your free time. However, one of the biggest pain points we hear from new clients is the uncertainty about what services actually include. You want to know: Will they move the furniture? Do they clean inside the oven? Why didn’t they tidy up the toys?
Understanding the difference between standard house cleaning and deep cleaning is key to setting the right house cleaning expectations and ensuring you get the most value out of your investment.
Standard vs. Deep Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
When searching for professional house cleaning, it is vital to know that not all cleanings are created equal.
1. Standard (or Recurring) Cleaning: A standard house cleaning checklist is designed for maintenance. This is the service you book on a recurring house cleaning schedule—usually weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The goal is to maintain the level of cleanliness achieved during an initial deep clean.
Typical inclusions in a what does a house cleaner do list for standard service include:
- Dusting all accessible surfaces (tables, shelves, blinds).
- Wiping down kitchen counters, sinks, and appliance exteriors.
- Cleaning and sanitizing bathrooms (toilets, tubs, showers, and vanities).
- Vacuuming and mopping all floors.
- Making beds and changing linens (if linens are provided).
2. Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning vs regular cleaning is a common comparison. A deep clean is a "reset" for your home. It is more thorough and tackles neglected areas that aren't usually addressed in a standard visit. This is often required for a "first clean" or if you haven't hired a cleaner in several months.
What is included in house cleaning (Deep Clean)?
- Do house cleaners clean baseboards? Yes, during a deep clean, we scrub baseboards and remove dust buildup.
- Do house cleaners clean ovens? Deep cleaning usually includes the interior of the oven and refrigerator (upon request).
- Detailed scrubbing of grout lines and shower doors.
- Cleaning inside windows (sills and tracks).
- Dusting behind furniture and on top of high cabinets.
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What House Cleaners Don’t Do
To manage house cleaning expectations, it is helpful to understand the boundaries of most services. A common source of mismatched expectations involves clutter and tidying.
- Do house cleaners do dishes? Generally, cleaners will load the dishwasher or wash a few dishes left in the sink, but they typically do not clean sinks piled high with dirty dishes.
- Tidying up clutter: Professional cleaners clean surfaces, but they do not organize clutter. If your coffee table is covered with mail and toys, the cleaner will wipe around them. To get the best results, you should pick up personal items before they arrive.
- Moving heavy furniture: While we will move chairs or light stools to vacuum underneath, we generally do not move heavy beds or sofas unless arranged in advance.
Why "Pre-Tidying" Matters
You might ask, "What should I do to prepare before they arrive?" You don't need to clean for the cleaners, but decluttering allows them to focus their time and energy on actual sanitation rather than shuffling papers. If you want your cleaner to spend 45 minutes scrubbing the shower grout rather than 15 minutes picking up laundry, a quick pickup beforehand is worth it.
Reliable Service You Can Trust
Reliability and trust issues with services are valid concerns. When looking for reliable house cleaners, look for companies that use house cleaning checklists. A good service will leave a checklist behind after every visit so you can see exactly what tasks were completed.
Ready to experience a stress-free, clean home? Request a Quote to find a plan that fits your budget and schedule.