Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between regular cleaning vs deep cleaning your home?
You may have heard of both terms before, but you’re not sure what they cover and why you need to do both.
In fact, you may have stumbled upon this article because you’re thinking of hiring professional cleaners and you can’t decide which service to book.
Don’t worry, I’m not a cleaning provider and I’m not here to offer any cleaning services.
Like you, I’ve wondered about both terms and decided to do some research to understand more about them.
Keep reading to discover the differences between regular cleaning vs deep cleaning and the pros and cons of deep cleaning.
I’ve even included a list of recommended cleaning tools and materials, so all you have to do is read till the end!
Related: How To Make Your House Smell Like A Hotel In 9 Simple Steps
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Table of Contents
What Is Regular Cleaning?
Regular cleaning is also known as standard cleaning or basic cleaning. It consists of all the tasks you should do regularly to keep your house hygienic and fresh (don’t miss my regular cleaning checklist below!).
Typically, regular cleaning is done at least once a week to help maintain a level of cleanliness around the house.
Some people prefer to have a Sunday reset, where they dedicate their entire Sunday around household cleaning and errand running so they can get organized for the upcoming week.
If spending a whole day cleaning sounds daunting, you can also break these tasks up and do a couple of things each day. After all, it’s your home so choose a schedule that works for YOU.
These cleaning tasks generally don’t take that long to complete; however, they are essential to keep your home free from dust, dirt, and grime.
Regular Cleaning Checklist
A regular cleaning will usually include most or all of the following:
General
- Cleaning, sweeping/vacuuming, and mopping floors in each room
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Wiping down mirrors and windows in each room
- General dusting (e.g. removing cobwebs/dust/debris on furniture, surfaces, light fixtures, doors, windows, and vents)
- Doing the laundry
- Taking out the trash from each room
- General tidying and organizing in each room
Kitchen
- Washing dishes and putting dishes away
- Scrubbing the sink
- Wiping the countertops and appliances such as cooktops, refrigerators, and microwaves
- Washing kitchen towels, dish rags, aprons, and other linens
Bathroom(s)
- Cleaning and disinfecting bathroom fixtures e.g. shower stalls, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs
Bedroom(s)
- Making the bed
- Changing bed linens
What Is Deep Cleaning?
Some people assume deep cleaning means taking care of the things you didn’t do during regular cleaning.
Yes, this is partially true because we may not have sufficient time to tackle every task. Some chores like cleaning the oven and scrubbing grout take a long time.
Therefore, a deep cleaning is required to complete the tasks we miss during regular cleaning.
However, deep cleaning also includes doing regular cleaning duties but more thoroughly.
Things that are hard to reach or neglected are hand-wiped or scrubbed to get rid of dirt, grime, soap scum, and more. Additionally, sanitizing and disinfecting are also carried out during a deep cleaning session.
The biggest difference between regular cleaning vs deep cleaning lies in the attention to detail. Deep cleaning is more comprehensive than regular cleaning. As a result, it takes more time and effort. Plus, it costs more if outsourced.
It is necessary to deep clean at least two or three times a year, as deep cleaning creates a healthy and hygienic environment for your family. Deep cleaning helps to get rid of germs like bacteria and viruses that can make your family ill. Not to mention, your home will look spotless and smell fresh.
Related: How To Make Your House Smell Like A Spa With 10 Simple Tips
Deep Cleaning Checklist
Besides regular cleaning chores, a deep cleaning session will usually include most or all of the following:
General
- Vacuuming upholstery like couches, curtains, rugs, etc.
- Cleaning and removing any marks on baseboards, window frames, window sills, doors, and door frames
- Vacuuming vent covers
- Cleaning under and on top of furniture and household appliances like TVs, washing machines, dryers
- Wet cleaning of all types of furniture including interior surfaces
- Wiping down ceiling fans and light fixtures including lampshades
- Dusting decorative items
- Dusting and wiping down blinds and shutters
- Cleaning interior and exterior windows and doors
- Removing dust from walls, ceilings, air conditioners, fans, and other hard-to-reach spots
- Washing the wall to remove any stains and streaks
- Washing and sanitizing trash cans
- Cleaning inside household appliances like washing machines and dryers
Kitchen
- Cleaning inside appliances, including the oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee machine, etc.
- Scrubbing the stovetop
- Interior range hood and filter cleaning
- Cleaning the areas behind and under appliances
- Cleaning and organizing inside cabinets, drawers, and pantry
- Scrubbing grout lines on countertops or backsplashes
- Washing the sink and wiping down the faucet
- Wiping down and disinfecting countertops
- Disinfecting knobs and switches
- Polishing stainless steel appliances
Bathroom(s)
- Deep cleaning shower stalls, doors, tubs, sinks, and curtains
- Cleaning and disinfecting toilet seat, base, and bowl
- Removing limescale and soap scum on bathroom fixtures like shower heads, taps, etc.
- Scrubbing grout on bathroom tiles
- Wiping down cabinets
- Decluttering and cleaning inside vanities and medicine cabinets
- Wiping mirrors and shower screens
- Disinfecting knobs and switches
- Cleaning toothbrush holders
- Washing and sanitizing trash cans
Bedroom(s)
- Vacuuming mattresses
- Flipping mattresses
- Washing all bedding and pillows
- Spot-treating any stains on mattresses, bedding, and pillows
- Wiping down and cleaning inside furniture including cabinets, dressers, and nightstands
- Decluttering and organizing closet/wardrobe
Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning – What’s The Difference?
There are 4 main differences between regular cleaning vs deep cleaning.
Attention to detail
Deep cleaning is extensive compared to regular cleaning. Deep cleaning pays attention to every little detail. Cleaning will take place from top to bottom, left to right, and in every nook and cranny in each room.
Frequency
Regular cleaning is done at least once a week whereas deep cleaning can be done two to three times a year.
Duration
Deep cleaning takes a much longer time to complete compared to regular cleaning. Regular cleaning usually takes a few hours. On the other hand, deep cleaning can span over one or two days.
Cost
Want to outsource both regular and deep cleaning? Bear in mind that deep cleaning will set you back more money than regular cleaning. Deep cleaning can cost up to three times more than regular cleaning.
Pros and Cons of Deep Cleaning
Pros
Creates a healthy and hygienic environment
A dirty and cluttered home can lead to the presence of dust mites, mold, and germs. All of these can lead to harmful viruses, which can affect you and your family’s health. Deep cleaning can help to eliminate these damaging health risks.
Provides a welcoming ambience
A clean home is an inviting home. Once you’ve deep cleaned your home, you won’t feel embarrassed to invite family and friends over. The state of your home also affects your mental health. The cleaner your home, the happier you’ll feel.
Related: 10 Easy Ways To Create A Positive Atmosphere At Home
Saves you time and money in the long run
The longer you put off deep cleaning, the dirtier your home will be. If your home reaches this dreadful state, I’m afraid it will cost you even more time and money to clean your home.
Cons
Time-consuming
Deep cleaning is a labor-intensive process, which requires a lot of time, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. If you have a busy schedule, you may find deep cleaning difficult and overwhelming.
If you have the budget for it, I recommend hiring a cleaning service. Some cleaning providers require a deep clean for first-time customers. Once you’ve had a deep cleaning session, you should keep up with your regular cleaning to make deep cleaning easier for you next time.
Stressful
Deep cleaning can be a stressful and exhausting experience, especially if you’re also juggling work and childcare. Not only does it take up a lot of time, but it calls for a lot of effort and energy.
Expensive
Don’t have time or energy to deep clean? You can always book a cleaning service. A deep clean is usually more expensive than a standard clean. Depending on the size of your home, deep cleaning services can range from $300 – $1,000.
When Should You Deep Clean?
You should deep clean at least once a year. I recommend 2-3 times a year if you or anyone in your household has allergies.
Other times include when…
- Moving out of a rental
- Moving into a new home
- When selling your home
- Your home needs spring cleaning
Recommended Cleaning Tools & Materials
Looking for a complete list of cleaning tools and materials? I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of my 14 cleaning essentials.
1. Vacuum
A vacuum cleans more than just floors. It’s particularly useful for cleaning upholstery like curtains, furniture, rugs, and mattresses.
The Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner works great on both carpet and hardwood floors.
In addition to being lightweight and easy to use, the laser makes hard-to-see dust and pet fur visible, so you don’t miss anything. Plus, it converts to a handheld vacuum so you can use it for cars, stairs, and upholstery.
It comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime Dyson support. I highly recommend this vacuum especially if you have children or pets.
2. Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is a game-changer because it picks up and absorbs dirt and dust better than anything else.
Try the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – they are ultra soft, non-abrasive, reusable, and durable. They do not leave lint or streaks behind and can be used with or without water.
The best part? They make the perfect dish rags because they don’t smell.
3. Dish Towel
I can’t live without a dish towel in my kitchen.
Not only are they useful for drying dinnerware and hands, but they’re also good at wiping countertops and spills.
The Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dishcloths are well-loved because they are ultra-soft, lightweight, and super absorbent. They come with a hanging hook design that makes it easy to place and dry.
4. Sponge
I swear by Scrub Daddy’s Sponge Daddy. I stopped using other sponges to wash my dishes after I discovered Sponge Daddy.
Compared to other sponges, the Sponge Daddy is a beast. It is durable yet it is completely scratch-free and safe to use on over 20 different surfaces.
I bought the Style Collection, which comes in grey and white. Perfect for modern minimalist homes!
5. Squeegee
A good-quality squeegee is a must-have to clean shower doors, windows, and mirrors.
The HIWARE All-Purpose Stainless Steel Shower Squeegee is amazing because of its ergonomic design, which allows for convenient cleaning and quick-drying action. Furthermore, the 10-inch wide rubber blade prevents streaks and squeaks.
This comes with a set of waterproof adhesive hooks for quick access and easy use. P/S: Love that it comes in brass!
6. Extendable Duster
While microfiber cloths are great for removing dust on surfaces, extendable dusters are essential for cleaning hard-to-reach spots like the tops of cabinets and ceiling fans, door frames, and baseboards.
The MR.SIGA Flexible Microfiber Long Duster extends from 46.9″ to 65.7″, which makes it useful for different cleaning tasks. Moreover, it has an extra long and bendable duster head, which is also reusable and machine washable.
7. Broom and Dustpan
Even though I have a vacuum cleaner, I still need a broom and dustpan set. I find that they are easier to use in smaller and hard-to-reach areas.
The all-white Jade Active Broom and Dustpan Set is longer than the average broom. In addition, it comes with a handy snap-on clip that clips the broom and dustpan together, making it easy to put away.
The dustpan also has handy teeth to comb out any dust or hair that is often stuck in broom bristles. How convenient!
8. Toilet brush
Everyone needs a good toilet brush, and the OXO Good Grips Compact Toilet Brush & Canister is one of the best in the market.
The canister door opens and closes automatically so you can remove and replace the brush easily.
According to one reviewer, the bristles clean easily even under the rim. The canister also has a drip tray that features ventilation slots, allowing water to quickly evaporate.
9. Scrub
My go-to scrub is none other than the Scrub Daddy.
Unlike other scrubs, they don’t look worn despite lasting so long. They truly retain their shape even after many washes.
From scrubbing kitchen pots and pans to removing limescale from bathroom tiles, they can be used for many purposes.
10. Mop
A mop is necessary if you have laminate, hardwood, ceramic, or marble flooring.
I used to hate mopping but that has changed after I got my hands on the Beyoco Microfiber Spray Mop.
Now, mopping is much easier because all I need to do is press the trigger on the handle to get the water out to clean my floors. This nifty tool comes with a flexible mop head and three microfiber washable pads too.
11. Spray bottle
Spray bottles are great because they help to evenly distribute cleaning solutions.
I’m a fan of glass spray bottles because they are more resistant and sustainable than plastic. Plus, they help to preserve cleaning solutions.
Sally’s Organics Store Amber Glass Spray Bottles come with a lifetime warranty and have fewer returns than average compared to similar products.
12. Baking Soda
Baking soda is essential in my household because it is an effective and non-toxic cleaning agent. Nothing else works as well as baking soda, especially when cleaning my oven.
13. Gloves
A pair of thick rubber gloves will protect your hands from dirt, grime, and harsh cleaning chemicals when you clean your home.
The DABOGOSA Mamison Reusable Waterproof Cleaning Rubber Gloves are a bestseller on Amazon for a reason. Reviews show that these gloves are of good quality and last long. They fit well and have a good grip too.
14. Cleaning Caddy
A cleaning caddy makes cleaning easier. Place your cleaning products in it and carry them around the house with ease. The JiatuA Large Cleaning Supplies Organizer with Handle is lightweight, stackable, and easy to clean.
Conclusion
There, you have it! I hope you’ve learned to differentiate regular cleaning vs deep cleaning after reading this post.
It is equally important to clean regularly and deep clean, as a clean home is beneficial for your physical and mental health.
If you’re a newbie to deep cleaning, you may want to hire a professional cleaner to help you first.
After that, you can work on weekly regular cleaning sessions and biannual deep cleaning sessions.
Happy cleaning!