What's Included in a Deep Cleaning (and When You Need One)

"Deep clean" gets used a lot, but what is included in a deep cleaning, exactly? If you are booking one for the first time, it helps to know what a thorough deep clean covers room by room, what it usually does not cover, and the signs that tell you your home is ready for one. This guide walks through a detailed deep cleaning checklist so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

What Is Included in a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning goes beyond the surfaces you wipe every week. It targets the build-up that collects slowly in places routine cleaning skips: trim, fixtures, corners, grout, the tops of things and the fronts of everything you touch. Checklists vary from company to company, but a thorough deep clean typically includes the items below.

Kitchen deep cleaning checklist

• Degrease cabinet fronts, door edges and handles
• Clean the range hood exterior and filter area where accessible
• Scrub stovetop, burner grates and drip areas
• Clean the inside and outside of the microwave
• Wipe the exterior of the refrigerator, dishwasher and oven, including handles and door seals
• Detail the backsplash, including grout lines
• Scrub and polish the sink, faucet and the edge where the faucet meets the counter
• Wipe small appliances on the counter
• Hand-wipe baseboards and clean the floor edges and corners

Bathroom deep cleaning checklist

• Remove soap scum and hard-water spots from shower walls, doors and tub
• Scrub grout lines and wipe caulk lines
• Detail faucets, shower heads and drains
• Clean the toilet thoroughly, including the base, behind the seat hinges and the floor around it
• Wipe cabinet fronts, vanity tops and mirror edges
• Dust the exhaust fan cover and light fixtures
• Hand-wipe baseboards and the back of the door

Bedrooms and living areas checklist

• Dust ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
• Dust air vents and returns
• Wipe window sills and dust blinds
• Hand-wipe baseboards, door frames and doors
• Clean light switches, outlet covers and door handles
• Dust picture frames, shelves and decor
• Vacuum upholstery and under cushions
• Vacuum edges, corners and under furniture where it can be reached

Whole-home details

• Stair rails and spindles
• Entryway and mudroom floors and walls
• Laundry room surfaces and the outside of the machines
• Spot-cleaning scuffs and fingerprints on walls and doors where the paint allows

What a Deep Clean Usually Does Not Include

Knowing the limits helps avoid surprises. Most residential deep cleans do not include the following unless you request them as add-ons or book a different service:

• Inside cabinets, drawers and closets that are full of belongings (these are usually part of a move-in or move-out clean, when the home is empty)
• Inside the oven or refrigerator, which are often add-ons
• Exterior windows and screens
• Professional carpet or upholstery shampooing, which is a separate service
• Mold remediation; the EPA advises bringing in a professional when mold covers more than about 10 square feet
• Heavy lifting, moving large furniture, or organizing

Always ask for a written checklist before your appointment so you know exactly what is covered.

Signs Your Home Needs a Deep Cleaning

You do not need a calendar to tell you it is time. Look for these signs:

• Dust on the high and low spots. Fan blades, the tops of door frames and baseboards all show grey build-up.
• Cabinets feel tacky. Kitchen grease has settled on cabinet fronts and handles.
• Shower glass stays cloudy even right after you wipe it.
• Grout has darkened in the shower or on the kitchen backsplash.
• Odors linger after you have taken out the trash and cleaned the obvious spots.
• Allergy-like symptoms flare indoors. Extra dust and dander can be a factor, so a thorough clean may help; talk to your doctor about any ongoing health concerns.
• It has been six months or more since the house had a top-to-bottom cleaning.
• Something big is coming: holiday guests, a new baby, a party, or listing the home for sale.
• You are about to start recurring cleaning. A deep clean first gives your regular visits a clean baseline to maintain.

How to Prepare for a Deep Cleaning

A little prep lets the cleaning team spend its time on detail work instead of moving clutter:

• Pick up toys, clothes, papers and dishes so surfaces are clear
• Clear bathroom counters and the area around the tub
• Point out problem areas you most want attention on
• Mention any delicate surfaces, such as natural stone or specialty finishes
• Plan for pets to be secured or out of the house
• Make sure the team can access every room on the list

How Often Should You Book a Deep Clean?

Most homes do well with a deep clean once or twice a year, plus one at the start of recurring service. Busy households with pets, small children or allergies often benefit from a seasonal deep clean. If you are still deciding whether you need a deep clean or a standard visit, our guide to deep cleaning vs regular cleaning compares the two side by side.

Deep Cleaning in the Triangle with DJM Cleaning

DJM Cleaning Home Services is a veteran-owned, family-run company that has been cleaning homes in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and across the Triangle since 2016. Our Top to Bottom Deluxe deep clean is built for exactly this kind of detailed reset, and our background-checked, insured cleaners work through your home room by room. Moving instead? Our Move In / Move Out cleaning is designed for empty homes before you move in or after you move out.

Want to tackle it yourself? See our step-by-step guide on how to deep clean your house.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a deep cleaning take?

It depends on the size of the home, how long it has been since the last thorough cleaning and how much clutter is present. A deep clean takes noticeably longer than a standard visit, and the first one usually takes the longest.

Do I need to be home during a deep clean?

Not necessarily. Many clients provide access and go about their day. It helps to do a quick walkthrough at the start, in person or by phone, to point out priorities.

Does a deep cleaning include carpets?

A deep clean includes vacuuming carpets and rugs, but professional carpet shampooing or extraction is usually a separate service. Ask when you book if you would like carpet cleaning too.

Ready to give your home a true reset? Get a free quote or call (919) 794-5381 to schedule your deep cleaning.