One-off flat cleaning: what it includes, when it pays off and how to book it

A one-off flat clean is a single visit with no further commitment, during which the whole flat is cleaned to a standard scope: vacuuming and mopping the floors, dusting accessible surfaces, washing the kitchen units, sink and hob, cleaning the bathroom and WC, and taking out the rubbish. It is not deep cleaning, so windows, the insides of cupboards or the oven are only done by arrangement, at extra cost.

What a one-off clean typically includes

The exact scope varies depending on who does the cleaning and what you agree. In most cases, however, it is based on a regular weekly clean, only done once and often when the flat is in a worse state. Below is an overview by room, which you can use to check the scope or to clean the flat yourself.

Living rooms and bedrooms

• dusting shelves, windowsills, tables, chests of drawers and switches,
• vacuuming carpets, upholstered surfaces and floors, including corners,
• mopping hard floors with a suitable product,
• tidying items on surfaces and changing the bed if clean bed linen is ready,
• emptying the waste bins.

Kitchen

• washing the worktop, sink and tap,
• cleaning the hob and the outer surfaces of appliances (fridge, oven, dishwasher, microwave),
• wiping the outside of the kitchen unit doors and the tiles by the worktop,
• washing the dishes or loading the dishwasher, if you agree on this,
• mopping the floor and taking out the rubbish.

Bathroom and WC

• cleaning the washbasin, bath or shower enclosure and taps,
• washing the mirror and the tiles within reach of water,
• cleaning the toilet bowl inside and out, including the seat,
• wiping the handle, the flush button and switches, and mopping the floor.

What is usually not included

A standard one-off clean usually does not include washing windows and frames, cleaning the inside of the oven, fridge and cupboards, upholstery and carpet shampooing of sofas and carpets, removing limescale from long-neglected surfaces, or cleaning after painting or renovation. If you need any of these, say so in advance, as they significantly change both the time and the equipment required.

How it differs from regular cleaning and deep cleaning

The difference is not in how thoroughly the cleaning is done, but in its scope and in how often it is repeated. The table gives an overview.

Type of cleaning	How often	Scope	When it makes sense
One-off	once, no commitment	standard cleaning of the whole flat, extra-charge work by arrangement	after guests, before the holidays, after an illness, when you are short of time
Regular	weekly or every 14 days	maintenance cleaning, same list of tasks	when you want to keep the flat in good order on an ongoing basis
Deep cleaning	once or twice a year	everything from standard cleaning plus windows, the insides of cupboards and appliances, and the areas behind furniture	seasonally, before a sale or after a longer period of neglect

You will find a detailed list of the jobs that additionally belong to deep cleaning in the article what deep cleaning of a home includes. If, after a one-off clean, you find that the help suits you, you can switch to regular cleaning; how to set it up is described in the article regular home cleaning and preparing for the first visit.

When a one-off clean pays off

A one-off clean is useful in situations where you need to bring the flat back to a normal state quickly, but do not want a regular service. These are typically the following cases:

• After guests or a party. The kitchen, floors and bathroom are the most affected; the rest of the flat usually just needs wiping and vacuuming.
• Before the holidays or the arrival of guests. When you do not have time for deep cleaning, a standard clean of the whole flat is a reasonable compromise.
• After an illness in the household. Besides standard cleaning, it is advisable to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• After a demanding period. After returning from the maternity hospital, after an injury, during a last-minute move, or simply after several weeks when no cleaning was done at home.
• As a trial. One visit will show whether the scope and style of work suit you before you decide on regular cleaning.

If you are moving, handing over a rented flat or cleaning up after tradespeople, a one-off clean of standard scope is usually not enough. There are separate types of cleaning with an extended scope for this.

Cleaning after an illness: what to focus on

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that routine cleaning removes most germs and dirt, and disinfecting at home makes sense mainly when someone is ill or belongs to a vulnerable group. The procedure is always the same: first wash the surface with water and detergent, and only then use a disinfectant.

1. Open the windows or switch on the extractor before you start working with any products.
2. Put on gloves and, if the label recommends it, eye protection.
3. Wash frequently touched surfaces: handles, switches, worktops, remote controls, taps and the flush button.
4. Apply a disinfectant to these surfaces according to the instructions on the label and observe the stated contact time.
5. Wash towels, bed linen and tea towels according to the care label on the textile.
6. Wash or throw away the used cloths, take off your gloves and wash your hands.

If it involved vomiting or diarrhoea, a stricter procedure applies, which we describe in the article cleaning after vomiting and diarrhoea in the case of norovirus.

Safety of cleaning products

During a one-off clean, stronger products are often used because the surfaces are dirtier. A few rules always apply:

• Read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions, including dilution and contact time.
• Ventilate. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that cleaning products are among the products that release volatile organic compounds into the air, and recommends a supply of fresh air.
• Wear gloves. The Toxicological Information Centre warns that most products, including detergents, are hazardous to the eyes.
• Never mix products containing chlorine with acidic cleaners, such as limescale removers, because according to TIS there is a risk of chlorine gas being released. The CDC also warns that chlorine bleach must not be mixed with any other cleaner, including products containing ammonia.
• Test a new product or an unfamiliar surface in a hidden spot first.

In the event of an accident involving chemicals, call the 24-hour line of the Toxicological Information Centre on 224 91 92 93 or 224 91 54 02.

How to book or plan a one-off clean

Whether you clean yourself or book a cleaning service, a few steps beforehand will make the decision easier:

1. Write down what you want done. Go through the flat room by room and note any extra work, such as windows or the inside of the fridge.
2. Describe the size and condition of the flat. The number of rooms, bathrooms and the level of dirt. The time is estimated on this basis; see the article how long flat cleaning takes.
3. Agree on equipment and products. Clarify whether the cleaner will bring them or yours will be used. Point out sensitive surfaces, such as natural stone, solid wood or high-gloss fronts.
4. Prepare the flat. Clear small items from the floor and work surfaces, put valuables and documents aside, and arrange access, keys and parking.
5. Check the price and terms in advance. Ask what is included in the price and what is charged extra, and what the procedure is if something is not right.

If you would like to book a one-off clean in Prague, the scope of the service is described on the page home cleaning, and you will find an indicative price by flat size on the page how much flat cleaning costs in Prague.

How to tell that the cleaning was done to the agreed scope

When it is finished, go through the flat with the list you prepared. Check mainly the places where shortcomings are most visible: taps and mirrors without water spots, a clean hob, vacuumed corners and the area under the beds, if they were part of the brief.

If something is missing, say so straight away, while the cleaner is still there or shortly after they finish. An agreed list of jobs is the simplest way for both sides to avoid misunderstandings.