
Spring Cleaning Time: Should You Hire A Cleaning Company?
Every spring, the same question comes up: tackle the deep clean yourself, or book a spring cleaning service and get your weekends back? There is no single right answer. It depends on the size of your home, how long it has been since the last deep clean, your schedule and how much you actually enjoy the work. This guide walks through an honest DIY vs. professional comparison, what a professional spring clean usually covers, and how to prepare so you get the most out of the visit.
DIY Spring Cleaning vs. Hiring a Spring Cleaning Service
When doing it yourself makes sense
- Your home is small or was deep cleaned within the last several months
- You have a free weekend or two and genuinely do not mind the work
- You already own the basics: a good vacuum with attachments, microfiber cloths, an extendable duster and a step stool
- The main job is decluttering and organizing, which only you can really do
When hiring a professional makes sense
- It has been a year or more since the house had a top-to-bottom clean
- You work full time, have kids or pets, or both, and weekends are already full
- Build-up has gotten ahead of you: soap scum, greasy cabinets, dusty vents and baseboards
- You are hosting, selling, or just want a clean starting point before switching to regular maintenance cleaning
- Climbing ladders or scrubbing on your knees is hard on your body
The honest tradeoffs
Doing it yourself costs time and energy. A thorough whole-home spring clean often takes a full weekend or more for one person, and the detailed tasks are the first ones to get skipped when you run out of steam. A professional team works from a checklist, brings its own supplies and tools, and moves through the house with several people at once, so the same job usually finishes in one visit. The tradeoff is the cost of the service and the need to prepare the house and schedule around the appointment.
Many homeowners split the difference: they handle decluttering themselves, then bring in professionals for the deep scrubbing and detail work.
What a Professional Spring Clean Usually Covers
A spring cleaning service is typically a deep clean, which goes well beyond a standard visit. Exact checklists vary by company, so always ask for the list before you book. Common items include:
Kitchen
- Cabinet fronts and handles wiped and degreased
- Exterior of appliances, plus the inside of the microwave
- Stovetop, backsplash and range hood surfaces
- Sink, faucet and countertops scrubbed and sanitized
Bathrooms
- Tubs, showers and glass scrubbed to remove soap scum and hard-water spots
- Toilets cleaned thoroughly, including the base
- Mirrors, fixtures and vanities polished
- Floors cleaned along the edges and behind the toilet
Throughout the home
- Baseboards, door frames and doors hand-wiped
- Ceiling fans, light fixtures and vent covers dusted
- Window sills and blinds dusted
- Light switches and other high-touch surfaces wiped
- Floors vacuumed and mopped, including edges and under accessible furniture
Some tasks are often add-ons or handled separately, such as inside the oven or refrigerator, interior windows, and carpet cleaning. If you want carpets cleaned, ask about it when you request a quote. For more on how a deep clean differs from routine service, read deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning.
How to Choose a Spring Cleaning Service
- Confirm insurance and background checks. People will be in your home, so ask directly.
- Get the checklist in writing. Know exactly what is included and what costs extra.
- Ask about consistency. Will the same team come back if you continue with regular service?
- Read reviews. Look for comments about reliability and communication, not just results.
- Ask how they handle concerns. A good company explains what happens if something is missed.
How to Prepare for Your Spring Cleaning Appointment
A little prep lets the team spend their time cleaning instead of moving things.
- Pick up clutter from floors, counters and tables
- Put away valuables, medications and important papers
- Decide on your top priorities and share them when you book
- Note any delicate surfaces, such as natural stone or unsealed wood, and any products to avoid
- Plan for pets: a closed room, a crate or a walk during the visit
- Make sure the team has access, whether you are home or not
- Do a quick walk-through at the end, or send notes afterward, so future visits match your preferences
If you do decide to handle it yourself, our spring cleaning tips that actually make a difference will help you focus on the high-impact jobs.
How DJM Cleaning Can Help
DJM Cleaning Home Services is a veteran-owned, family-run company serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill and the surrounding Triangle since 2016. Our Top to Bottom Deluxe deep clean is built for exactly this kind of spring reset, and our cleaners are background-checked and insured. Once the house is reset, our Perfect Maintenance recurring cleaning keeps it there, with the same team each visit and a notes file of your home's preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a spring cleaning service?
Spring is one of the busiest seasons for cleaning companies, so book a few weeks ahead. Late February and early March are good times to reserve a date.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
Not necessarily. Many clients provide access and go about their day. Just make sure the company knows how to get in and how to reach you.
Is one deep clean enough, or do I need regular service?
One deep clean resets the house. To keep it there, most families pair it with weekly, bi-weekly or monthly maintenance cleaning.
Ready to hand off your spring cleaning? Get a free quote or call (919) 794-5381 to book your spring deep clean.