What a home deep clean includes and how it differs from regular cleaning

Deep cleaning is a thorough clean of the whole home. In addition to ordinary vacuuming, dusting and mopping, it covers places that regular cleaning does not reach: the insides of cupboards and appliances, windows with frames, doors, switches, radiators, skirting boards, tiles and the areas under furniture. It does not include repairs, painting or moving heavy furniture. It is always best to agree the exact scope in advance.

How deep cleaning differs from regular cleaning

Regular cleaning maintains the current condition. It removes dust and dirt that have built up since the previous visit and focuses mainly on visible surfaces. Deep cleaning goes into greater depth and into places that are cleaned once every few months or on a special occasion.

There is also a difference in time. Deep cleaning takes considerably longer, and several people often come at once. The duration depends on the size of the flat, the number of windows, the amount of items on surfaces and when it was last cleaned thoroughly.

What deep cleaning usually includes in addition

The specific list of tasks differs between offers. However, deep cleaning of a home usually includes:

• Dust at height and in details: the tops of wardrobes, curtain rails, skirting boards, door frames, light fittings within reach, radiators and ventilation grilles.
• The insides of storage spaces: kitchen cupboards, drawers and built-in wardrobes, generally only if they are emptied or it is agreed where to put the items.
• Appliances inside: oven, microwave, fridge, cooker hood and, where applicable, the dishwasher or washing machine.
• Bathroom and toilet in depth: limescale on taps and the shower, grout between tiles, tiles to their full height, the shower enclosure.
• Windows: glass, frames, windowsills and sometimes blinds. They are often a separate item, so check whether they are included in the scope.
• Floors across the whole area: including the areas under light furniture that can be moved, behind doors and along skirting boards.
• Doors and touch surfaces: door leaves, door frames, handles, switches, grab handles and controls.

If you would like to go through the flat room by room, use the deep cleaning checklist for a flat. This article focuses mainly on where the service begins and where it ends.

What deep cleaning usually does not include

Most misunderstandings arise around work that is related to cleaning but is not cleaning. If you need it, arrange it separately, or with a tradesperson.

• Moving heavy furniture: wardrobes, fitted units, sofas or full bookcases are usually not moved. Cleaning is done around and under them only where it is possible to reach.
• Painting, repairs and maintenance: repainting stains on walls, replacing silicone or seals, adjusting windows, clearing blocked drains inside pipes.
• Mould in masonry: more extensive mould is linked to damp and the condition of the building, and cleaning alone will not solve it.
• Cleaning after renovation or painting: fine construction dust and residues of mortar, paint and adhesives require a different procedure and equipment and are usually a separate service.
• Upholstery and carpet shampooing of sofas, carpets and mattresses: machine wet cleaning of upholstery is usually a special service.
• Outer sides of windows at height: where it is not possible to reach safely from inside, access equipment for working at height is needed.
• Sorting personal belongings and doing laundry: the cleaner does not throw things away and does not decide where things belong.
• Removal of waste and bulky items.

The boundaries differ between offers, so it pays to check what can be added to the order. The scope as offered by Úklid 1-2-3 is described on the deep cleaning service page.

Appliances and surfaces: the manufacturer's instructions decide

Deep cleaning also involves materials that are sensitive to water, steam or abrasive products: wooden and laminate floors, natural stone, lacquered doors, glass-ceramic hobs or stainless steel. The procedure is therefore guided by the manufacturer's instructions for the floor or appliance and by the label on the cleaning product, not by general habit.

Prepare information that the cleaner may not recognise at first glance. Is the floor oiled or lacquered? Does the oven have pyrolytic or catalytic walls? What material is the worktop made of? If you have the manuals, keep them to hand. With an unfamiliar surface, it is safer to use a gentler method and to test the product first in a hidden spot.

Cleaning or disinfection?

Deep cleaning is above all thorough cleaning. According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleaning with soap and water removes most germs and dirt from surfaces. The CDC recommends disinfection mainly when someone in the household is ill or has a weakened immune system. If you want it, say so in advance, as it is a different procedure with different products.

Several rules apply to chemicals during a major clean, whether you clean yourself or with help:

• Read the label and observe the dilution and contact time. The CDC points out that when disinfecting, the surface should remain wet for the whole contact time stated on the label.
• Use gloves and, when spraying, eye protection.
• Ventilate. The American agency EPA lists cleaning products among sources of indoor air pollution and states that when there is insufficient outdoor air, pollutants accumulate indoors.
• Do not mix products. The Toxicology Information Centre warns that mixing toilet cleaners containing sodium hypochlorite with products containing acids may release chlorine gas. The CDC explicitly states that bleach must not be mixed with ammonia or other chemicals.
• Test a new product first in a hidden spot.

What to clarify before ordering

1. Size and layout: the floor area of the flat, the number of rooms, bathrooms and toilets.
2. Windows: how many there are, whether they are to be cleaned on both sides and whether frames, windowsills and blinds are included.
3. Appliances inside: which you want cleaned, for example the oven, fridge, microwave or cooker hood.
4. Insides of wardrobes and cupboards: whether they will be emptied and where the items will be put.
5. Initial condition: when it was last cleaned thoroughly, whether you have pets, heavy limescale deposits or grease.
6. Equipment and products: whether the cleaner brings them or you want to use your own, for example because of an allergy or delicate surfaces.
7. Access and time: parking, handover of keys, whether you will be at home, availability of hot water and electricity.
8. What is outside the scope: upholstery and carpet shampooing, cleaning after painting or moving furniture, and whether they can be added.

The answers to these questions affect both the duration of the cleaning and the price. You will find an indicative overview on the page how much deep cleaning costs, and further practical questions in the frequently asked questions.

How to prepare for deep cleaning

1. Clear personal items from surfaces that are to be cleaned: worktops, windowsills, shelves, bedside tables.
2. Empty the cupboards whose insides you want cleaned and put the items in one place.
3. Put away valuables, documents and fragile objects that you would not want to worry about.
4. If the fridge is to be cleaned, use up or move the food. Defrost the freezer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Keep pets out of the room where chemicals are being used.
6. Point out delicate surfaces and items that should not be touched.

When deep cleaning makes sense

Usually once or twice a year, often in spring or before winter and the holidays. It also makes sense before starting regular cleaning, so that only the ongoing condition then needs to be maintained, after a longer absence or illness in the family, or before photographing a flat for sale or rent.

If you would like to spread deep cleaning over several days and do it yourself, the spring cleaning procedure for a weekend or a whole week will help. After a deep clean, it is enough to maintain the condition. The follow-up regular home cleaning is smaller in scope and focuses on surfaces that get dirty every week.