Whether you are a busy professional, a parent juggling a million tasks, or simply someone who hates scrubbing floors, hiring a house cleaning service can be a life-changer. But if you’ve never hired one before, you might wonder: What exactly am I paying for?
While every company offers different packages, most professional cleaners follow a specific set of industry standards. Here is a breakdown of what house cleaning services typically do.
1. Standard (Routine) Cleaning
Standard cleaning is meant for maintenance. This is the service you book weekly or bi-weekly to keep your home tidy and sanitary.
- Kitchen: Wiping down countertops, cleaning the exterior of appliances (stove, fridge, microwave), scrubbing the sink, and wiping down cabinet faces.
- Bathrooms: Sanitizing the toilet, scrubbing the shower or bathtub, cleaning mirrors, and polishing faucets.
- Living Areas & Bedrooms: Dusting all surfaces (tables, mantels, shelves), making the beds, and tidying up light clutter.
- Floors: Vacuuming all carpets and rugs, and mopping hard floors (hardwood, tile, or laminate).
- Trash: Emptying all wastebaskets and replacing liners.
2. Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning is much more intensive than a standard clean. It is usually recommended for your first visit or as a seasonal service (like Spring Cleaning).
- Grout & Tile: Intensive scrubbing of bathroom and kitchen tiles.
- Baseboards: Hand-wiping dust and grime from baseboards throughout the house.
- Inside Appliances: Cleaning the interior of the oven and refrigerator.
- Windows: Cleaning interior glass, sills, and tracks.
- Detailed Dusting: Reaching high ceiling fans, light fixtures, and behind reachable furniture.
- Doors & Frames: Removing fingerprints and scuff marks from doors and door frames.
3. Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning
If you are vacating a rental or selling a home, this service ensures the space is “broom clean” or better for the next occupant. It includes everything in a deep clean, plus:
- Cleaning inside all empty cabinets and drawers.
- Cleaning inside closets.
- Ensuring the home meets the requirements for a security deposit refund.
4. Specialized Cleaning Services
Many companies offer “add-on” services for an additional fee. These aren’t usually included in a standard package:
- Laundry & Folding: Washing, drying, and folding clothes or linens.
- Dishes: Loading and starting the dishwasher.
- Organization: Sorting through cluttered pantries or closets.
- Interior Windows: Specifically focusing on glass clarity throughout the home.
What Do Cleaners Not Do?
To manage expectations, it’s important to know what most professional cleaners avoid for safety and liability reasons:
- Biohazards: Most are not equipped to handle pet waste, mold, or bodily fluids.
- Heavy Lifting: Cleaners generally will not move heavy furniture (like a sofa or piano) to clean under it.
- High Areas: For safety, many cleaners will only go as high as a two-step stool allows.
- Clutter Removal: Most cleaners are there to clean surfaces, not to organize piles of paperwork or toys (unless you pay for an organization-specific service).
Choosing the Right Service for You
When hiring a service, always ask for a checklist. A reputable company will provide a clear list of what is included in their “Standard” vs. “Deep” packages.
By understanding these categories, you can choose the level of service that fits your budget and ensures your home stays the sanctuary you deserve.
Key Takeaways for the Reader:
- Standard Clean: Great for weekly upkeep.
- Deep Clean: Best for neglected areas and “re-setting” the home.
- Add-ons: Always ask if you need specific chores like laundry or dishes done.
- Communication: Clear expectations lead to the best results!