When it comes to keeping your home clean, there are a few cleaning options to choose from. Two of the most common services are standard cleaning and deep cleaning. While both can make your living space shine, they serve different purposes and involve different levels of detail. Understanding the distinction can help you choose the right service for your needs.
What is Residential Standard Cleaning?
Standard cleaning, also referred to as routine or regular cleaning, is the most common type of cleaning service. It’s designed to keep your home looking tidy and well-maintained regularly. A standard cleaning focuses on surface-level cleaning and tackles the areas that experience the most daily use. It’s perfect for homes that are already relatively clean but need maintenance to stay that way.
What’s Included in Standard Cleaning?
A typical residential standard cleaning service includes the following tasks:
- Dusting: Light dusting of surfaces, such as shelves, countertops, tables, and baseboards.
- Vacuuming: Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and floors to remove dirt and debris.
- Sweeping and Mopping: Hard floors, including tile, hardwood, and laminate, are swept and mopped.
- Kitchen Cleaning: Wiping down countertops, appliances (exteriors), sinks, and cabinets.
- Bathroom Cleaning: Cleaning toilets, sinks, mirrors, countertops, and wiping down surfaces.
- Trash Removal: Emptying trash bins from common areas.
- Tidying up: General tidying, like making beds and organizing clutter (if requested).
This service is typically performed on a regular schedule—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—depending on your needs.
What is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning, on the other hand, is a more thorough and intensive cleaning service. It involves detailed cleaning of areas that don’t get regular attention during standard cleaning sessions. Deep cleaning is usually done on a less frequent basis, such as every few months or when you move into or out of a property.
What’s Included in Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning goes beyond the basics and targets hidden dirt, dust, and grime in hard-to-reach places. Some of the tasks you can expect include:
- Baseboard and Trim Cleaning: Scrubbing and wiping down baseboards, trim, and corners.
- Behind Appliances: Cleaning behind large appliances like the refrigerator, oven, and washer/dryer, areas that are often missed.
- Inside Appliances: Cleaning the inside of your oven, microwave, and refrigerator.
- Detailed Bathroom Cleaning: Cleaning grout lines, showerheads, faucets, and tubs to remove built-up soap scum and hard water stains.
- Window Cleaning: Washing windows and removing fingerprints or streaks from both sides of the glass.
- Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: Dusting and cleaning light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents.
- Wall Spot Cleaning: Wiping down walls to remove scuff marks, fingerprints, and other stains.
- Cleaning Air Vents: Dusting and sanitizing air vents, which are often neglected in regular cleaning.
Deep cleaning is especially beneficial for homes that haven’t been cleaned in a while, for people with allergies, or after special events.
Standard Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning: Which Do You Need?
The main difference between standard cleaning and deep cleaning is the level of detail and the frequency. Here are some key points to consider when deciding which cleaning service to opt for:
- Frequency: Standard cleaning is usually scheduled on a regular basis, while deep cleaning is typically done on a less frequent basis (every 3 to 6 months or for a one-time intensive clean).
- Time and Effort: Deep cleaning requires more time and effort due to the extensive work involved. It may take a few hours or even a full day, depending on the size of the home. Standard cleaning is quicker and less labor-intensive.
- Cost: Since deep cleaning involves more detailed work, it is generally more expensive than standard cleaning.
- Purpose: Standard cleaning maintains cleanliness on a daily basis, while deep cleaning is meant to tackle accumulated dirt and grime in areas that are often overlooked.
Conclusion
Choosing between standard cleaning and deep cleaning depends on the state of your home and how frequently you want it cleaned. Standard cleaning is perfect for keeping your home looking neat and tidy on a routine basis, while deep cleaning is ideal for more thorough, intensive cleans—whether it’s to refresh your home or prepare for a special occasion.
If your home is already relatively clean and just needs some light touch-ups, standard cleaning is likely all you need. However, if your home hasn’t been cleaned in a while or you want a fresh start, a deep cleaning will make a significant difference in the cleanliness and freshness of your living space.
Remember, both services can play an important role in maintaining a healthy and comfortable home, and some cleaning companies offer a mix of both to meet all your cleaning needs.