Cleaning guide
Deep Cleaning Checklist
Everything a deep clean should reach — the edges, fixtures, and build-up a regular clean passes over — organized room by room.
Quick answer
What should a deep cleaning include?
A deep clean includes everything in a regular cleaning plus the detail work: baseboards and door frames, light switches and handles, light fixtures and vents, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, tile and grout lines, inside the microwave, behind and under movable furniture, and high and low dusting throughout. It takes longer than a routine clean and is best done before guests, after a busy season, or before starting regular cleaning.
Step 1
Whole home
- Dust ceiling corners, light fixtures, and vents
- Wipe baseboards, door frames, and doors
- Clean light switches, outlet covers, and handles
- Dust window sills and blinds
- Vacuum under and behind movable furniture
- Wash or vacuum floors edge to edge
Step 2
Kitchen
- Degrease the stovetop, knobs, and backsplash
- Clean inside the microwave
- Wipe cabinet fronts, handles, and edges
- Clean the sink, faucet, and around the drain
- Wipe the outside of appliances and the top of the fridge
- Clean the floor along edges and under the cabinet lip
Step 3
Bathrooms
- Scrub tile and grout lines
- Remove soap scum and water spots from the shower, tub, and glass
- Clean the toilet base, behind it, and the surrounding floor
- Polish fixtures, mirrors, and the sink
- Wipe cabinet fronts and the vanity
- Clean the exhaust fan cover
Step 4
Bedrooms and living areas
- Dust tops of shelves, frames, and furniture
- Vacuum upholstery and under cushions
- Wipe lamps, lampshades, and electronics
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Vacuum or mop under beds and sofas where reachable
Step 5
Deep clean vs. regular clean
A regular clean maintains a home that is already in good shape. A deep clean brings it up to that standard, which is why many people book one deep clean and then switch to recurring visits.
See recurring house cleaningDeep cleaning in Northern Virginia & D.C.
Short on time? Book a professional deep clean and we confirm the exact scope for your home in your quote.
FAQ
Common questions
More guides: House Cleaning Checklist · Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
How long does a deep clean take?
Longer than a routine clean — often several hours for a typical home, depending on its size and condition. A professional team can plan the time once they know the size of the home and what should be covered.
How often should you deep clean your home?
Many households deep clean every few months, or seasonally, with lighter cleaning in between. A deep clean is also worthwhile before hosting, before selling, or before starting regular cleaning service.
What is the difference between deep cleaning and spring cleaning?
They overlap heavily. A spring clean is a seasonal deep clean, often with decluttering and tasks like windows and closets added.
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