Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: Room-by-Room Deep Cleaning Checklist

“Regular” and “deep” cleaning sound similar, but they’re different jobs. A regular clean keeps a home that’s already in good shape fresh. A deep clean goes after the buildup a regular clean doesn’t reach: baseboards, grout, inside cabinets, appliances and the corners that get skipped week to week. This guide explains the difference, gives you a room-by-room deep cleaning checklist and helps you decide which one to book.

Deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning at a glance

In the Cleanster app you can tap what’s included on any clean type to see its full checklist before you book.

When to book a deep clean

• It’s your first clean with a new cleaner.
• The home hasn’t been properly cleaned in a couple of months.
• Seasonally, at least twice a year (spring and before the holidays are popular).
• Before or after hosting, or after an illness in the house.
• You have pets, allergies or a busy kitchen and buildup comes back fast.

Once a deep clean has reset the home, switch to regular house cleaning to keep it there. Moving out or into an empty home? Book a move-out clean instead.

Room-by-room deep cleaning checklist

Every room

• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents and the tops of door frames.
• Wipe doors, door frames, window frames, sills and blinds.
• Wipe light switches, handles and outlet covers.
• Wipe baseboards.
• Vacuum edges and corners, then mop hard floors.
• Empty and wipe out trash bins.

Kitchen

• Degrease the stovetop, knobs, backsplash and range hood.
• Wipe cabinets and drawers inside and out.
• Clean and polish appliance exteriors, including the handles and the top of the fridge.
• Clean inside the oven and the fridge (included in a Deep clean; extras on a Standard clean).
• Scrub the sink, drain and faucet, and wipe counters and the backsplash.
• Clean the microwave inside and out.

Bathrooms

• Deep clean and sanitize the toilet, including the base, hinges and behind it.
• Scrub tub and shower walls, glass and grout, and remove soap scum and mildew spots.
• Clean and polish fixtures and mirrors.
• Wipe the vanity and cabinets inside and out.
• Wipe the exhaust fan cover, then mop.

Bedrooms

• Dust headboards, nightstands, lamps and shelves.
• Vacuum under the bed and along closet floors.
• Wipe closet shelves and doors.

Living areas

• Vacuum upholstery and under cushions.
• Dust electronics, picture frames and decor.
• Vacuum under and behind furniture you can safely move.

Want a local version? See our deep cleaning checklists for Chicago and Dallas.

How long each type of clean takes

A regular clean of a home in good shape often fits in the 2-hour minimum for a small apartment, and takes longer for a larger house. A deep clean covers more ground, so it usually takes longer than a regular clean of the same home. The Cleanster app suggests hours based on your bedrooms, bathrooms and clean type. If it’s been a while since the last clean, add an hour. It’s cheaper than a second visit.

Deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning cost

A 2-hour standard clean starts from $122 and a 2-hour deep clean starts from $126. Prices vary by location, home size and clean type, every booking has a 2-hour minimum, and you see the full price before you book. Deep cleans often need more than 2 hours. See home cleaning pricing for how prices are worked out.

Deep cleaning services from Cleanster, nationwide

• Background-checked cleaners: every cleaner passes a ClearChecks background check and an ID check, and has 3 or more references checked.
• Supplies your way: use your own products, or choose and pay for “Bring your cleaning supplies” when you book.
• Extras: add inside the oven, inside the fridge, inside cabinets, interior windows or laundry.
• 48-hour Happiness Guarantee: tell us within 48 hours with photos if something isn’t right, and we’ll work with you to make it right.
• Support: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time.

Book a deep cleaning for a house, or apartment cleaning for a condo or apartment. Not sure which to pick? Read which cleaning do I need.

Deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning FAQ

What’s the main difference between a deep clean and a regular clean?
A regular clean covers the surfaces you use every day. A deep clean adds baseboards, frames, fixtures, inside cabinets, appliances and grout.

How often should I get a deep cleaning?
At least twice a year, or more often depending on your home and lifestyle.

Do I need a deep clean before regular cleanings?
It’s a good idea if your home hasn’t been cleaned in a while. After that, regular cleans keep it in shape.

Is a deep clean the same as a move-out clean?
No. A move-out clean is for an empty home when you move or a lease ends.

Is there a minimum booking?
Yes. Every booking has a 2-hour minimum.

Book your deep clean

Reset your home, then keep it that way. Open the app to see your price and book.

Download the Cleanster app