Most cleaning companies around here offer two main options: “Standard Cleaning” or “Deep Cleaning.” Knowing what each one actually covers saves you money and avoids surprises.
A standard clean keeps things maintained week to week. A deep clean goes after the stuff you don’t get to — behind the fridge, inside the oven, baseboards, that kind of thing. Here’s what’s actually included in each service.
What’s Included in a Standard Cleaning Service?
A standard cleaning is designed to maintain a consistent level of cleanliness in your home. It’s the perfect solution for busy homeowners who book weekly or biweekly services. Most professional cleaners follow a detailed room-by-room checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
Here is what is typically included in standard cleaning services in Massachusetts:
All Rooms
- Dusting all reachable surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and décor.
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs.
- Mopping all hard-surface floors.
- Wiping high-touch points like light switches and doorknobs.
- General tidying to straighten up and create a neat appearance.
Kitchen
- Wiping down countertops and backsplash.
- Cleaning the sink and shining the faucet.
- Wiping the exterior of major appliances (refrigerator, oven, dishwasher).
- Cleaning the exterior of the stovetop.
- Wiping down the exterior of cabinets as needed.
- Cleaning the inside and outside of the microwave.
Bathrooms
- Cleaning and disinfecting the toilet, inside and out.
- Washing the sink and cleaning the faucet.
- Cleaning mirrors and other glass surfaces.
- Wiping down the tub and shower surfaces.
- Mopping the floors.
What’s Included in a Deep Clean?
A deep clean includes all the tasks of a standard service, plus much more. It’s a more intensive and detailed process designed to restore your home to a like-new condition. Think of it as a reset button that addresses buildup and grime in places that aren’t part of a regular tidy-up. A deep cleaning in Boston and the surrounding areas focuses on areas missed during daily cleaning.
Here’s what is typically added during a deep clean:
- Detailed Baseboard and Trim Cleaning: Wiping down all baseboards, door frames, and window sills to remove dust and scuffs.
- Grout and Tile Detailing: Scrubbing grout lines in kitchens and bathrooms to remove discoloration and buildup.
- Behind and Under Furniture: Cleaning accessible areas behind and under furniture and large appliances.
- Fixtures and Vents: Wiping down ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air vents that can be reached safely.
Common Questions About Cleaning Packages
To avoid surprises, it helps to know what is typically included and what is considered an “add-on” service.
Are Kitchen Appliances Cleaned Inside?
In most standard packages, only the exteriors of appliances are cleaned.
- Stovetop: The surface is wiped clean.
- Microwave: The inside is often included, but it’s best to confirm with your provider.
- Cabinet Exteriors: A light wipe-down is standard. Heavy grease or grime may require a deep clean.
- Inside the Fridge & Oven: These are almost always considered add-on services. They take significant time and are not part of a standard or even some deep cleaning packages unless specified. Move-out cleans often include them, but always confirm.
Do You Clean Bathrooms Thoroughly?
Yes, bathrooms are a core focus of any professional house cleaning package. A standard clean covers the toilet, sink, mirror, and shower surfaces. A deep clean will go further by scrubbing tile grout, addressing heavy soap scum buildup, and cleaning edges and corners more meticulously.
Are Interior Windows and Blinds Included?
This varies.
- Windowsills: These are usually wiped during a standard clean.
- Full Interior Window Washing: This is typically a separate, specialized service that you can book as an add-on.
- Blinds: Light dusting of blinds is often part of a standard service. A more intensive cleaning of each slat is usually reserved for a deep clean.
Will You Do Laundry or Change Bed Sheets?
These tasks are generally not included in standard cleaning services.
- Changing Sheets: Many companies offer making beds and changing linens as an add-on service.
- Laundry: Washing, drying, and folding laundry is almost always a separate service that can be added to your cleaning appointment for an additional fee.
Is Home Organization Included?
Most cleaning services include light tidying, such as straightening cushions, stacking magazines, or arranging items on a countertop. However, this is different from professional organizing. Sorting through closets, decluttering rooms, and creating new storage systems are specialized services that are priced separately.
How to Avoid Surprises with Your Cleaning Service
To ensure you and your cleaning provider are on the same page, it’s helpful to ask clarifying questions when you request a quote.
Use this checklist to confirm the details:
- Does your quote cover a standard or deep cleaning?
- Are baseboards and grout detailing included?
- Is cleaning the inside of the fridge and oven included, or are they extra?
- What is your policy on cleaning interior windows and blinds?
- Do you offer services like changing bed sheets or doing laundry?
- Do you provide organizational services, or just light tidying?
Ready for a Perfectly Clean Home?
Now that you know what to expect from professional house cleaning packages, you can choose the service that’s right for your needs. Our team is committed to providing transparent, high-quality cleaning services for residents throughout Massachusetts.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote! Let us give you a clean, fresh, and comfortable space so you can focus on what matters most.