Inside a house deep clean: what gets done
In the kitchen: the range hood filter, cupboard fronts, inside any cupboards you've emptied, and the grease line along the splashback. In the bathrooms: built-up grime on shower screens, tiles and grout, plus the exhaust fan cover.
Through the rest of the home: skirting boards, doors and door frames, light switches, window tracks and the dust on top of things nobody looks at. Floors come last, once everything above them is done.
The list is agreed with the business, so tell them what's bothering you most. A clean built around the shower and the kitchen looks different from one built around dust and pet hair.
When people book deep cleaning
People often ask for one before regular cleans start, or before a sale, a move or guests. Some people book one after a long stretch of work, a new baby or a houseful of visitors, then go back to doing it themselves.
If you're moving out of a rental, you want an end of lease clean instead: that's done with the place empty, against the condition report.
Empty the cupboards before a deep clean
This is the part that catches people out. A cleaner can only reach inside cupboards, drawers and wardrobes that are empty, and only behind furniture that can be moved. So decide which ones matter and clear them before the day, or ask the business to leave them out of the quote.
Extras that suit a deep clean
The oven, inside windows, carpet steam cleaning and wall marks can all be added in the form. Wall marks means spot cleaning scuffs on painted walls and doors, not patching or painting. Outside and high windows depend on safe access, so ask the business rather than assume.
Mould and strong products during deep cleaning
Controlling moisture is the key to controlling mould, so fix leaks and poor airflow first. For a small area, mild detergent or watered-down vinegar will do. Don't dry brush mould, because it can flick spores into the air. If large areas keep growing back, consult a mould remediation professional. Never mix bleach with ammonia, acids or other cleaners, and keep the area well ventilated.
Before the deep cleaning starts
- Empty the cupboards, drawers and wardrobes you want cleaned inside.
- Clear benches, vanities and shower shelves.
- Move small furniture and anything fragile off the skirting line.
- Note any spots that have bothered you for months.
- Tell the business about mould, pets or surfaces that need care.
Deep cleaning jobs worth doing yourself
Worth doing yourself
- Declutter first: nobody can clean around piles.
- Soak oven racks in the laundry tub if you're doing the oven yourself.
- Brush loose dust out of window tracks.
- Wash curtains, doonas and cushion covers.
Where a cleaning business earns its keep
- Grout, shower screens and soap scum.
- Grease on range hoods and splashbacks.
- Skirting boards, door frames and switches, all in one go.
- The high, awkward bits you keep putting off.
Where we'd start with a deep clean
Pick the two rooms that bother you most and tell the business those come first. Empty the cupboards you want done, add the oven if it needs it, and get the agreed list in writing. If regular cleans are the plan afterwards, say that up front so the deep clean sets the home up for them.