In this guide

Deep Cleaning Price per Square Foot​

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. On average, you’ll pay around $0.20 to $0.30 per square foot to deep clean your home. In general, you can get an idea of your deep cleaning service cost by the size of your home:

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.

Deep Cleaning Cost per Hour

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.

To give you an appropriate price, companies provide a free of charge estimate before the deep cleaning appointment. At the estimate, the cleaners look at the overall size of the home and determine the amount of time the space will take to clean. For instance, a neglected home will be at the higher end of the pricing spectrum. For a 2,000 square foot home, you will usually have 2 to 3 cleaners for a cost of between $320 and $410 on average.

House Deep Cleaning Prices per Room

The type of home you own factors the most into how much you’ll pay to deep clean from top to bottom. Most properties can be deep cleaned at a cost from $250 to $650. Companies can estimate how long workers will take to clean the house based on total bedrooms and bathrooms. For example, a company may be able to deep clean a studio apartment within two hours, while a larger home may need a full eight hours to clean with a team of two or more housekeepers. The following are the averages you’ll pay when you hire a company for a deep cleaning of a home.

Average Cost to Deep Clean a House by Location

The rooms you need to have a housekeeper tackle in the home affect the cost of the job. Bathrooms and kitchens take longer than other rooms because they are more frequently used and require additional disinfecting. Before receiving a quote from a cleaning service, companies want to know the total number of certain rooms such as bathrooms and bedrooms. On average, each room will cost between $25 and $120 to deep clean. The following are the average cost by room that a housekeeper charges.

Deep Clean Laundry Room

Laundry rooms tend to be one of the messier rooms in the home. However, since the room is usually compact, deep clean pricing starts at $25 to $40. The laundry room may have doubled as a mud room, causing caked dirt to collect on the flooring and walls. During a deep cleaning, the flooring and walls would be cleaned. The appliances may be pulled out to get rid of dirt and debris behind the machines. The company also cleans baseboards and corners in the laundry room during the visit.

Bedroom Deep Cleaning

Each bedroom costs around $35 to $60 each to clean, with the final price determined by the size of the room and how many pieces of furniture are located in the space. A bedroom deep cleaning involves the housekeeper moving furniture pieces around to get rid of dust bunnies. For general cleaning of a bedroom, only visible surfaces are cleaned by the service provider. With a deep cleaning, the professional moves furniture pieces around to vacuum and mop the area. The cleaner vacuums under the bed to remove any dirt and debris. Also, cobwebs will be removed from corners, and the edge of carpets will be cleaned. Blinds and ceiling fans are dusted during the visit. Vents may be cleaned to remove dust buildup.

Deep Clean Living Room

A deep cleaning of a living room is moderately priced between $40 and $70. With living rooms and dens, the housekeepers rearrange furniture to clean under couches and chairs. Television stands may be pulled away from the wall to clean any debris behind. Upholstery can be vacuumed and scrubbed. Cobwebs in the corners will be dusted away, and the cleaners will focus on removing dirt from molding and baseboards. Extra dusting will be done during a deep clean of a living room. Lampshades are dusted as well as any vents. Any picture frames and knick-knacks will be individually cleaned. Window treatments like blinds are cleaned during the visit.

Deep Clean Basement

A basement deep cleaning is customizable to the type of basement you have in the home but will usually range between $45 to $100. For example, a finished basement may be deep cleaned in a similar way to a living room. For a finished basement deep cleaning, all flooring would be scrubbed or vacuumed with extra attention paid to corners. Furnishings in the room may be vacuumed. Surfaces would be wiped down and sanitized. Furniture may be moved if needed. An unfinished basement deep cleaning will be similar to a deep cleaning in the garage. Storage solutions may be considered. You may want to hire a company that handles junk removal at an extra cost of around $250. Flooring can be swept and mopped. Windows in the basement may be cleaned.

Bathroom Deep Cleaning Price

Bathrooms are typically one of the more expensive rooms to clean and range around $55 to $75 each. The reason is because of the number of fixtures that need deep cleaning and sanitation. During a deep cleaning, special attention is paid to toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs. Shower doors may be descaled, and the grout ¹ scrubbed to remove grime and mildew. Caulk around the tub and toilet may also be cleaned to remove any mildew stains. During the deep clean, neglected areas will be targeted, such as light fixtures and vent fans. All permanent and non-permanent fixtures will be disinfected in the bathroom, including toilets, wastebaskets, and countertops. Hard to reach areas will be cleaned during the visit, including behind the toilet and around any vanities.

Kitchen Deep Clean Prices

Deep cleaning the kitchen in a home is costly since it requires a housekeeper to scrub multiple appliances. The cost of deep cleaning a kitchen ranges between $65 and $105. Refrigerators are notorious for taking a significant amount of time to clean due to hidden cracks and crevices. Removing grease and grime from ovens and range tops are part of a deep kitchen clean. One of the most expensive parts of deep cleaning a kitchen involves accessing areas behind your appliances. Housekeepers pull out your refrigerator and oven as a way to get to the area behind it and remove all dirt and dust collected there. Surface areas are wiped down during a general kitchen cleaning. Housekeepers deep clean kitchen floor and cabinets. The company focuses on cleaning any dirt and stains from the backsplash ² and walls.

Garage Deep Cleaning

A garage deep cleaning is a specialized task that costs around $70 to $120. Depending on what you want to be done, reach out to the cleaning company to discuss potential service options. For instance, you may want to hire a junk removal company for approximately $250 instead of a typical housekeeping service. Contractors may be hired to seal cracks or make small repairs to the walls and flooring. For a traditional deep cleaning, a professional removes any clutter and helps you organize items. The floor may be swept and scrubbed to remove dirt and debris. If you have any appliances in the garage, such as freezers or refrigerators, they may also be cleaned.

Deep Cleaning House Cost by Frequency

One time deep cleaning cost will always be at a higher price point than other visits. Since the housekeeper is only visiting one time, the expectation is that the professional will spend a larger amount of time getting rid of any dirt and dust buildup. Also, a monthly deep cleaning service contract will have a discount since you agree to use the company on a routine basis. Weekly deep cleaning can be considered. In this type of contract, the housekeepers tackle one or more deep cleaning jobs weekly in addition to general cleaning duties.

Move In and Move Out Deep Cleaning Cost

When you move, it is generally recommended to get a deep clean done on the property, particularly if you rent, to receive your full deposit back. Moving out cleaning may also be part of your real estate contract. Most home purchases require that the home be cleaned before vacancy and before the new buyers perform a walkthrough. Also, you may want to hire someone to deep clean a house before moving in. Some sellers may have just done basic cleaning without tackling heavy-duty projects such as appliance cleaning and bathroom sanitation.

During a move out and move in deep cleaning, all surface areas will be wiped down and sanitized. Walls and baseboards are scrubbed to remove any stains and smudges. Light fixtures will be dusted. The inside of appliances, including ovens and refrigerators, will be deep cleaned. Cobwebs in the corners of the rooms will be dusted away.

The good news is that the cost to deep clean an empty house will be less than a deep clean of a fully-furnished residence. A move in deep cleaning cost is similar since the space should be empty too. Move in and move out cleanings start at $125 for an apartment and go up to $375 for a larger single-family home.

Deep Cleaning Add-on Costs

Each company may have add-ons you can consider for your deep cleaning project. At the time of hire, the company provides you with a list of included tasks. The following jobs may come standard with a deep cleaning job. However, you should always confirm with the company beforehand to ensure you won’t be subject to a higher bill. The following are the approximate costs of add-on services for a deep cleaning job.

Deep Cleaning Home Cost by Cleaning Company

Franchise cleaning companies typically have set rates for deep cleaning, ranging from $70 to $100 per hour. The benefit of using a franchise is that all staff are insured and bonded. Another benefit of using a franchise is that the housekeepers stick to a strict task checklist to confirm that your home is thoroughly cleaned. The following are the three most well-known deep cleaning companies nationwide and the average hourly cost for each.

The Cleaning Authority

The Cleaning Authority pricing averages between $70 and $90 per hour. The Cleaning Authority focuses on deep cleaning select areas of the home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Deep cleaning service from the Cleaning Authority includes a free estimate with booking. Housekeepers start in the kitchen during a deep clean visit before moving on to the bathrooms. Most of the visit is dedicated to the kitchen and bathroom since these rooms tend to be the least clean.

Molly Maid Deep Clean

On average, expect to pay Molly Maids between $75 and $95 each hour. Molly Maids provide set pricing based on home size, condition, and frequency of service. First-time cleanings are typically more expensive because they are categorized as a deep cleaning. Included with the deep cleaning will be a free home inspection and visit by Molly Maids. Deep cleaning appointments include scrubbing toilets, cleaning tubs and showers, vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, and wiping down surface areas. Trash removal and sanitation are often included with a deep cleaning housekeeping visit.

Merry Maids Deep Cleaning Cost

On average, Merry Maids charge homeowners anywhere from $80 to $100 per hour. Merry Maids is one of the most well-known cleaning franchises in the United States, with thousands of locations servicing regional homes and businesses. Most franchises provide a deep cleaning checklist to housekeepers and require them to complete all chores before leaving the residence. For a deep cleaning with Merry Maids, the staff will clean bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Extra attention will be paid to appliances, toilets, tubs, baths, and furniture pieces. All floors will be cleaned and vacuumed. Surfaces will be wiped down and sanitized. Fixtures will be dusted along with vents.

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 Service

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.

Green cleaning products may come standard with some companies, especially niche businesses that advertise all-natural cleaning products. Keep in mind that companies can’t advertise green products if they are not using them. If marketing materials claim the products are non-toxic but don’t meet regulations, the company is in violation of the FTC. The FTC provides free guides to consumers interested in using green cleaning products and can be found here.

Some companies offer green cleaning as a service with an additional fee of around $10 to $15 per visit.

Deep Cleaning Disinfection

Deep cleaning and sanitizing cost almost double the price of a traditional deep cleaning. Deep cleaning normally costs around $400 for a three-bedroom home, while a deep cleaning for sanitation purposes costs approximately $800. The average cost per square foot for deep cleaning disinfection is $0.50. The extra costs are related to the need for PPE (personal protection equipment) and specialized products and cleaning equipment.

A recent service that is being requested is coronavirus deep cleaning. You must use a qualified company for this service, especially if your home or business has been exposed to the disease. Speak to a specialist to confirm the contractor uses the right products to effectively disinfect for diseases like the coronavirus. Furthermore, only use companies that are familiar with the right PPE to use while disinfecting a home.

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.

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.

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 $8 to $25, depending on the size. This is added to your final cost.

Cleaning companies let you know if supplies are required. Some businesses ask that the homeowner supply cleaning products, mops, and brooms. If you rather the company use their own, you may be charged a fee of $20 or more.

You may also want to restrict select areas of the home. For instance, some homeowners lock closets or bedrooms that they don’t want to be included in the cleaning. Let housekeepers know of any off-limits rooms.

Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning House

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.

Deep cleaning is also usually recommended at the start of a housekeeping service contract. After the deep cleaning, a weekly or monthly maid service focuses more on the upkeep of the home. Deep cleaning involves moving furniture that may remain fixed in place for months and targeting the inside of appliances that may have been neglected. Baseboards and walls are areas that usually need to be targeted during the deep cleaning.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Grout: A fluid form of cement used to seal the joints between tiles. It also makes the surface stronger because it bonds the tiles together

² Backsplash: The upright surface, often made of tile, behind a kitchen counter, sink, or stove, that protects the wall from damage from splatter due to kitchen activities