What’s Included in House Cleaning Service?

Aug 3

Hiring a house cleaning service can save time, reduce stress, and help keep your home in excellent condition. However, homeowners often wonder exactly what is included in a professional cleaning service.

While every company may offer slightly different services or packages, most house cleaning services follow a similar structure. This guide explains what you can expect from a standard cleaning, deep cleaning, and any optional add-on services.

Understanding the Different Types of House Cleaning Services

Before looking at specific tasks, it’s important to understand that cleaning services are typically divided into three main categories:

Standard cleaning – Focused on regular maintenance and surface-level cleaning.
Deep cleaning – A more thorough clean that targets built-up dirt, hidden areas, and hard-to-reach spaces.
Specialty or add-on services – Custom cleaning for specific needs such as move-in/move-out cleaning, seasonal cleaning, or organizing projects.

Your choice will depend on the condition of your home, your schedule, and your cleaning goals.

What’s Included in a Standard House Cleaning Service

Standard cleaning services are designed to maintain cleanliness on a regular basis. Many homeowners schedule these weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

1. Kitchen

Wiping countertops and backsplashes.
Cleaning the exterior of appliances such as refrigerator, oven, and microwave.
Cleaning stovetop surfaces.
Sanitizing sinks and faucets.
Sweeping and mopping floors.

2. Bathrooms

Cleaning sinks, faucets, and countertops.
Scrubbing and sanitizing toilets.
Cleaning showers, bathtubs, and glass doors.
Wiping mirrors.
Sweeping and mopping floors.

3. Bedrooms and Living Areas

Dusting surfaces, shelves, and furniture.
Wiping down tables and decorative items.
Vacuuming carpets and rugs.
Sweeping or mopping hard floors.
Emptying trash bins.

4. General Areas

Dusting light fixtures and ceiling fans (within reach).
Wiping baseboards as needed.
Straightening common areas.

Standard cleaning keeps your home tidy and hygienic but does not usually include deep scrubbing or cleaning of hidden areas.

What’s Included in a Deep Cleaning Service

Deep cleaning is a more detailed process, usually scheduled less frequently—such as every three to six months or before special events.

1. Kitchen

Cleaning inside appliances such as oven and microwave.
Wiping inside refrigerator shelves and drawers.
Washing cabinet exteriors and handles.
Scrubbing sinks and polishing fixtures.
Cleaning behind and under small appliances.

2. Bathrooms

Scrubbing tile grout.
Cleaning behind and around the toilet.
Washing shower walls, tubs, and fixtures more thoroughly.
Sanitizing high-touch surfaces.

3. Bedrooms and Living Areas

Dusting baseboards, vents, and trim.
Vacuuming under furniture.
Wiping doors, doorframes, and light switches.
Cleaning window sills and tracks.

4. Whole-Home Detail

Washing interior windows.
Polishing wood surfaces.
Cleaning cobwebs from corners and ceilings.

Deep cleaning ensures areas not addressed in standard cleaning are thoroughly cleaned and maintained.

Specialty and Add-On Services

Many house cleaning companies offer extra services that can be added to either standard or deep cleaning appointments. These may include:

Move-in or move-out cleaning – Includes cleaning inside cabinets, closets, and appliances.
Post-construction cleaning – Removes dust and debris after renovations.
Seasonal cleaning – Often done in spring or fall to refresh the home.
Organization services – Decluttering closets, pantries, or storage areas.
Appliance deep cleaning – Professional cleaning for ovens, refrigerators, or dishwashers.

These services are typically optional and may be priced separately.

What’s Typically Not Included in Standard Services

Most standard cleaning services do not include:

Carpet shampooing.
Exterior window washing.
Wall washing or paint restoration.
Heavy lifting of furniture.
Cleaning hazardous or biohazard materials.

If you need these services, ask the cleaning company about specialty options.

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Service for Your Home

When selecting a house cleaning service, consider the following:

Frequency – Determine how often you need cleaning based on household size, lifestyle, and desired level of cleanliness.
Service level – Decide between standard, deep cleaning, or a combination of both.
Custom needs – Ask about add-on services for specific areas of concern.
Budget – Compare packages to find one that fits your needs and price range.

Many homeowners start with a deep clean and then maintain their home with regular standard cleaning appointments.

Benefits of Professional House Cleaning Services

Hiring a professional cleaning service provides more than just convenience:

Consistent results – Trained cleaners follow a structured process to ensure thorough cleaning each visit.
Time savings – Freeing up hours for work, family, or personal activities.
Improved hygiene – Regular cleaning helps reduce allergens, bacteria, and dust.
Maintenance of surfaces – Proper care extends the life of flooring, furniture, and fixtures.

These benefits make professional cleaning a valuable part of home maintenance.

Knowing What’s Included Helps You Plan

Understanding what’s included in a house cleaning service helps you choose the right package for your home. Standard cleaning covers regular upkeep, deep cleaning provides more detail and attention, and add-on services handle specific needs.

By knowing the services offered and their limitations, you can create a plan that keeps your home clean, comfortable, and well-maintained year-round. Whether you choose weekly maintenance, seasonal deep cleaning, or specialized home cleaning services in Odenton, MD, a professional plan from Iken Clean – Odenton can be tailored to fit your household.