How Much Does It Cost to Deep Clean a House?
Regular house cleaning helps your home maintain its current condition, whether you clean it yourself or have it professionally cleaned. But when you want a more thorough cleaning, reaching all the deep crevices and getting into and behind appliances, you need a deep clean. Deep cleans are performed once or twice a year or before you begin regular, weekly professional cleanings. They vary depending on the size and layout of your home, as well as what types of materials and appliances you have. They also have a range of costs, depending on the service and level of grime in your home. Costs of a deep clean for a 2,000 sq.ft. home range from $250 to $500, with most homeowners paying around $325 for the service.
Deep Cleaning House Cost
| Deep cleaning costs | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $325 |
| Average range | $250 - $500 |
| Minimum cost | $200 |
| Maximum cost | $600 |
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Deep Cleaning House Cost by Project Range
General House Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
General house cleaning is a service that maintains your home at a level of cleanliness. Depending on whether you do it yourself or hire someone, general cleaning may be done daily or weekly and covers most surfaces in the house. Deep cleaning is different, going after the deep grime and dirt in the home and is usually done once every six months to once a year. Both cleanings typically cover every room of the house, but the level of cleaning varies.
Bathroom
| General clean | Deep clean |
|---|---|
Clean and disinfect the shower Walls cleaned and disinfected Wipe and clean baseboards Trash removed General dusting Clean and disinfect the toilet and the area behind it Wipe down the sink and countertop Mop the floor Clean mirrors and fixtures | Special attention to the shower door/descaling Grout scrubbed Clean and wet wipe doors and door frames Wastebaskets sanitized Individual items dusted Clean the bathroom fan/vent Clean the vanity doors and door handles Clean cobwebs from corners Clean caulk and treat mildew |
Kitchen
| General clean | Deep clean |
|---|---|
Clean the outside of the range hood] Clean the top of the range and front of the oven Wipe and clean baseboards Clean the front of the refrigerator and dishwasher Sweep and mop floors Clean tables and chairs Wipe down the microwave exterior Clean countertops and sinks Wipe down window sills and surfaces | Clean the interior of the range hood Clean the interior of the oven Clean behind the refrigerator and large appliances Clean inside the refrigerator and dishwasher Clean the cabinets and hardware Clean doors and door frames Clean the microwave interior Remove cobwebs from corners Clean the backsplash and walls |
Bedrooms and Living Spaces
| General clean | Deep clean |
|---|---|
Beds made Empty trash cans Dust flat surfaces Vacuum readily accessible flooring Clean and wipe mirrors Dust picture frames Wipe down window sills and ledges General dusting Vacuum stairs and closets Dust baseboards | Vacuum underneath beds Sanitize trash cans Clean lamp shades Clean carpet edges Clean ceiling fans Clean and vacuum upholstery and furniture Clean blinds Dust individual items Clean vents Remove cobwebs from corners |
Signs You Need a Deep Clean
Even if you have your home cleaned regularly, there may be times when a deep clean is needed. If you, your family, or your guests experience frequent allergy symptoms, this could be a sign that you need a deep clean. Dust and grime often lurk in cracks and crevices that can trigger allergies.
If someone in your home has been ill or become immunocompromised, then having your home deep cleaned helps kill viruses and other germs so that your home can be healthier for those living in it.
Other signs you may need a deep clean include cobwebs in corners, large amounts of dirt or dust behind appliances and under furnishings, and a large number of fingerprints on doors and door frames.
Deep Cleaning Costs by Size
Cleaning companies use different methods to determine the cost of a deep clean. Some charge by the hour, per cleaner, while others charge per square foot. Some start with the basic cost of a general clean, then add on specific costs for individual deep cleaning services. In general, you can get an idea of your deep cleaning service cost by the size of your home:
| Size | Time to clean | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| <1,000 sq.ft. | 1.5 - 3 hours | $150 - $175 |
| 1,000 - 1,200 sq.ft. | 2 - 3 hours | $175 - $195 |
| 1,500 sq.ft. | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | $195 - $215 |
| 1,700 sq.ft. | 3 - 4 hours | $225 - $275 |
| 2,000 sq.ft | 3.5 - 4.5 hours | $300 - $400 |
| 2,500 sq.ft. | 4 - 5 hours | $350 - $450 |
| 3,000 sq.ft. | 4.5 - 5.5 hours | $450 - $500 |
| 3,500 sq.ft. | 5 - 6 hours | $550 - $600 |
| 4,000 sq.ft. | 6.5 - 7.5 hours | $600 - $650 |
For larger homes, companies may send several people to do the cleaning so that it takes less time. This will still have a higher cost, however, because each person is paid by the hour.
Before the Cleaning
Before the cleaners arrive to deep clean your home, it is best to take steps to ensure that the areas you want cleaned are ready and accessible. This includes picking up items off the floors, clearing clutter from countertops, and washing any dirty dishes you have in the sink. This frees up the cleaners to focus on the deeper cleaning.
Labor Costs for Deep Cleaning
Deep cleans are generally done by a team of cleaners rather than a single cleaner. This way, they can spread out through the home and tackle more spaces at once. This is partly why costs of a deep clean are higher than a standard clean. More workers are needed for the job, and the rate is usually calculated by the hour for each cleaner. The normal hourly rate is $40 - $60 an hour. If you have two cleaners, it will be $80 to $120 an hour, but two cleaners will get the job done more quickly than one cleaner.
For a 2,000 square foot home, you will usually have 2 to 3 cleaners for a cost of between $300 and $400 on average.
Deep Cleaning for New Clients
When you start a weekly cleaning service, most companies require you to have a deep clean first. This is because the weekly service will be more effective at maintaining a clean home if you begin with a cleaner home. So when you contract with a cleaning company, you will usually start with a one-time, longer deep clean at a higher rate, and then move to a shorter, weekly clean at the standard rate.
Green Cleaning
If you or your family are bothered by traditional cleaning chemicals, you can sometimes request a green clean where the cleaners use green, lower toxic, and healthier cleaners that are often made of natural products. While traditional cleaners are designed to cut quickly through dirt and grime, individuals who are sensitive to chemicals may be bothered by them, with irritations to the eyes and lungs. Green cleaners are usually less harsh and may be a good alternative.
Some companies offer green cleaning as a service with an additional fee of around $10 to $15 per visit.
Moving Furniture
If you need furniture to be moved to make cleaning easier, keep in mind that not every company includes this in their basic estimate. Some companies will not move furniture at all, and in this case, you may want to move it ahead of time to give them access. Other companies charge a fee per piece of furniture moved, usually around $10 - $20, depending on the size. This is added to your final cost.
Additional Costs and Considerations
- The amount of time it takes to deep clean your home depends on the square footage, number of rooms, and number of bathrooms you have.
- Bathrooms and kitchens usually take longer than other rooms because they are more frequently used and may require additional disinfecting.
- In addition to deep cleans, you can also schedule a spring clean or bi-annual deeper clean to get rid of cobwebs and extra dust from the home.
- When you move, it is generally recommended to get a deep clean done on the property, particularly if you rent, so that you receive your full deposit back.
- Always ask for a checklist of areas that your cleaner will cover with a deep clean. You want to compare the scope of work they did with it to ensure it was done to your satisfaction.
- Some cleaning companies have a transportation fee as part of their costs, particularly if they transport equipment.
- Always ask who provides the cleaning products and equipment. Many cleaners offer their own, but if you have products you want them to use, you may be able to deduct their cost.
FAQs
- What is included in a deep house cleaning?
A deep clean includes all general area cleaning plus special attention to bathrooms, behind appliances, under furniture, and areas like blinds and cobweb removal.
- How long should a deep house cleaning take?
This depends on the size of the home and number of cleaners, but expect it to take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours.
- What is the fastest way to deep clean a house?
Hiring a team of two to three people helps complete the process more quickly than by a single person.
- When cleaning a house, where do you start?
The general rule is to start from the top and work down in each room. Remove clutter first, then clean surfaces starting with shelves and cabinets and work down to the floor.
How much does it cost to deep clean a house in my city?
Cost to deep clean a house varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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