What makes a clean a deep clean
A regular clean keeps on top of visible dirt. A deep clean deals with what builds up slowly over months: limescale, grease, soap scum, dust on high and low surfaces and the dirt behind and underneath things. It's thorough, takes much longer and is usually quoted as a fixed price for the property.
There's no official definition, and task lists differ between companies. The checklist below reflects what's commonly included – use it to compare quotes, not as a promise of what every company does.
Kitchen
The kitchen is usually the most time-consuming room in a deep clean.
- Degreasing cupboard and drawer fronts, handles and plinths
- Cleaning tiles, splashbacks and grout
- Degreasing the extractor hood and, where removable, the filters
- Cleaning the hob, including pan supports and burner caps
- Wiping the outside of appliances, and inside the microwave
- Inside empty cupboards and drawers (if requested or the home is empty)
- Descaling the sink and taps
- Cleaning behind and around movable appliances where safe
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are the other big job, particularly in hard water areas.
- Descaling taps, shower heads, screens and bath or shower trays
- Cleaning tiles and grout, and around sealant
- Cleaning the toilet thoroughly, including the base and behind
- Cleaning mirrors, cabinets and fittings
- Cleaning extractor fan covers
- Treating surface mould on sealant and grout
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Bedrooms, living areas and hallways
Throughout the rest of the home, a deep clean focuses on the surfaces a regular clean skips.
- Skirting boards, door frames, doors and handles
- Light switches, door handles and other touch points
- High shelves, tops of wardrobes and door tops
- Dusting light fittings and lampshades where reachable
- Behind and under movable furniture
- Window sills and internal frames
- Thorough vacuuming, including edges, and washing hard floors
What's often extra
These tasks are frequently priced separately or done by specialists. Ask for them if you want them included: oven cleaning, inside the fridge and freezer, carpet and upholstery cleaning, interior windows (glass), walls, balconies and garages.
If your home has particular problems – heavy mould, pet damage, hoarding or flood damage – say so. Some companies take on intensive cleans; others will refer you to specialists.
