Deep clean vs regular clean: what is the difference?
Short answer: a regular clean keeps a tidy home fresh. A deep clean adds baseboards, door frames, grout, the inside of the microwave and behind furniture, takes about 60% longer and costs about 1.6 times as much. In Newport that is $115 vs $185 for a 1-bedroom.
What is the difference between a deep clean and a regular clean?
A regular (standard) clean keeps a home that is already in decent shape fresh. A deep clean tackles the places that build up between visits: baseboards, door frames, grout, the inside of the microwave and behind furniture. Both are one flat price per visit.
| Area | Regular clean | Deep clean |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen counters, sink, stovetop | Yes | Yes, plus degreasing |
| Inside the microwave | No | Yes |
| Bathrooms | Scrubbed and wiped | Plus grout scrubbing and soap scum |
| Baseboards and door frames | Add-on ($30 for baseboards) | Yes |
| Behind easy-to-move furniture | No | Yes |
| Floors | Vacuumed and mopped | Edge to edge |
| Time on site | Baseline | About 60% longer |
What does a regular clean include?
- Kitchen counters, sink and stovetop wiped, outside of appliances cleaned
- Toilets, tubs, showers and sinks scrubbed
- Reachable surfaces and furniture dusted
- Floors vacuumed and mopped
- Trash emptied
What does a deep clean include on top of that?
- Baseboards and door frames wiped by hand
- Grout scrubbed and soap scum removed
- Inside of the microwave cleaned
- Behind and under easy-to-move furniture
- Ceiling fan blades, vents and ledges dusted
Inside the oven, inside the fridge, inside cabinets and inside windows are add-ons for either type of clean.
How much more does a deep clean cost?
About 1.6 times a standard clean.
| Home size | Regular clean | Deep clean |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bed / 1 bath | $115 | $185 |
| 2 bed / 1 bath | $135 | $215 |
| 3 bed / 2 bath | $185 | $295 |
| 4 bed / 2 bath | $215 | $345 |
| 5 bed / 3 bath | $290 | $465 |
When do you need a deep clean?
- Your first cleaning with a new service, or the first one in a long while
- A seasonal reset in spring or fall, or before the summer season starts
- Before or after a big event, guests or the holidays
- After a lot of dust, such as a renovation. For a full remodel, see post-construction cleaning.
- Before listing or moving in
Which is right for my home? Three examples
- A condo cleaned every week: regular cleans are enough.
- A beach house after a summer of sandy feet: start with a deep clean, then go regular.
- An older house with lots of trim and woodwork: start with a deep clean, because trim and corners collect dust.
What if my home is in rough shape?
A deep clean is the right place to start. Tell us how the home looks when you book: pretty tidy, lived-in or needs extra love, and whether you have pets. Your price is confirmed before we start, and if something does not match your estimate we tell you first.
How do you get ready for either type of clean?
- Pick up clutter, toys and clothes so surfaces are clear.
- Put away anything fragile or valuable.
- Tell us if a surface needs gentle care.
- Let us know if you have pets, and secure them if they are nervous around visitors.
- Leave a key or door code if you will not be home.
Does living near the water change things?
Yes. Salt air, sand and humidity leave a film on windows, sills and entry floors, and dust sticks to it. If you live near the water in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth or Jamestown, a deep clean in spring and again in fall helps reset those spots between regular visits.
When is a regular clean enough?
If your home is cleaned every week or two, a regular clean is usually enough. The deep-clean spots do not get a chance to build up. Add the extras you want, such as the inside of the oven ($35) or the inside of the fridge ($35), when you need them.
How often should you deep clean?
A good rule of thumb is once or twice a year for homes with regular cleaning, and more often if you have pets, young kids or a busy household. Homes without regular cleaning benefit from a deep clean every few months.
Should you start with a deep clean before regular service?
Often, yes. A deep clean on the first visit sets a clean baseline. After that, your regular visits are faster to keep up. For new recurring clients, the first visit is often a deep clean, then you move to your regular price with 15% off weekly, 10% off every two weeks or 5% off monthly. Not sure? Use the instant estimate to compare both prices side by side, or read about our deep cleaning.
Quick questions
Is a deep clean the same as a spring clean?
They are similar. A spring clean is a deep clean done once a year as a seasonal reset.
Do I need to tidy before a deep clean?
A quick pick-up helps, because we can clean surfaces instead of moving clutter. You do not need to clean first.
Is there a deposit for a deep clean?
Yes. A $50 deposit holds your date and comes off your final bill.
Not sure which one?
See both prices for your home in about a minute.