How much does deep cleaning a house cost?

Some house cleaning services calculate the cost of deep cleaning services based on an hourly rate or total cleaning time. A deep cleaning hourly rate might range from under $30 to over $50 on average per worker, with total costs for deep cleaning ranging between $200 and $400 per house. Additional services may cost extra if you have a particularly difficult cleaning job.

Cleaning companies can calculate their hourly rate by determining the costs associated with their employee labor, the cleaning supplies used, the cost of equipment, company vehicle costs, business operating costs (taxes, insurance, etc.) and travel.

A third pricing option for deep-cleaning services is a flat rate per job. In general, cleaning companies that charge a flat rate will do a free site visit to assess the area, estimate the size of your space, and determine how long it will take to clean.

Many deep cleaning jobs range between $200 and $400, depending on the size of your house and the amount of effort required to clean it.

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Many cleaners calculate deep-cleaning costs based on the total square footage of the home or office. The cost per square foot generally includes the cost of cleaning supplies and any travel associated with arriving at the house.

A cleaning company in Keller, Texas, charges 10 cents per square foot for deep-cleaning services. In contrast, the company's rate for standard cleaning services is 5 cents per square foot. In this example, a 3,000-square-foot house would cost $300 and typically take four to four and a half hours for two people to deep clean.

Depending on the services needed, clients may be able to negotiate customized prices for deep cleaning.

For example, a company that charges 10 cents per square foot would typically charge a client $300 for deep cleaning their 3,000-square-foot home. However, the client could negotiate a lower rate if they didn't want window cleaning or carpet cleaning and might pay $240 instead of the standard $300.

If you would like to negotiate a custom rate for your deep cleaning, you'll likely have to schedule a  site visit for the cleaner or a manager to perform a walk-through to learn exactly what your needs are and determine the job scope. This also ensures they can give you an accurate estimate of the cost.

Each cleaning company has its own way of determining their rates. Some charge per hour, others per room and still others a flat rate once they have done a walk-through.

Your final price will depend on the size of the property, the number of rooms and bathrooms, how detailed you want your cleaners to be, how dirty your place is, your geographic location, and any special requests you have.

As with all services, transportation is also a factor in cost. Some deep cleaning businesses may carry all the necessary equipment and employees to their jobs. The cost of travel to the job site is typically included in the quoted rate for services, as are the costs associated with owning and operating any company vehicles.

However, travel fees may apply if your house or office space to be cleaned is outside the normal service range of the business. Your cleaning company should discuss any additional travel costs with you upfront so there are no surprises when you receive your final invoice.

Your geographic location will also affect your deep cleaning costs. The cost of doing business (insurance, taxes, etc.) and employee labor are typically lower in smaller towns and more rural areas, while cities with a high cost of living have a higher cost to do business. 

There is no right or wrong way for the pros to price deep cleaning. What is important is that pricing details are transparent and you, as the customer, understand exactly what the service includes for the cost.

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Deep cleaning takes routine cleaning to the next level, ensuring that every nook and cranny is tended to. Different cleaners may define deep cleaning in different ways, so always ask exactly what's included before hiring a service.

Pricing can also reflect how expansive their services are, so if a cleaning company's deep cleaning price quote seems far lower than their competitors, be sure to clarify what is included.

One cleaning company in Central Texas says that in addition to standard cleaning, their deep cleaning service includes the following:

• Deep cleaning inside of all the appliances (stove, fridge, etc.), including the range hood
• Cleaning countertops
• Cleaning floors and baseboards
• Wiping down blinds
• Cleaning interior windows
• Cleaning all light fixtures and bulbs
• Dusting ceiling fans
• Cleaning AC/heat vents
• Cleaning the bathroom — all aspects
• Dusting in all areas (living room, bedrooms, common areas)

Many professional cleaning services use checklists, which you can view beforehand to understand what you will be paying for, and compare against afterward to make sure every target area was cleaned. If the company you are working with does not have a pre-made checklist, ask for one in writing.

Deep cleaning in an office will include a similar array of services as deep cleaning for the home. As the office manager or business owner, you may have specific areas you'd like the cleaners to address, with extra attention typical for bathrooms and lounges or eating areas.

Consider scheduling a deep cleaning for the office if there has been a flu or cold outbreak among your employees. An annual deep cleaning before or during cold and flu season can help reduce employee sick time and make for happier, healthier workers.

If you have recently bought a new place or are moving out of a rental, you may want deep cleaning services to get everything perfect. New place perfection means no traces of the old owners or renters remain, and rental move-out perfection means getting all that deposit money back.

Paying for professional deep cleaning services can provide you a great return on investment. It saves you the time you don't have when you're in the middle of the move and (hopefully) helps you recoup the entirety of your deposit.

If you are hiring a cleaning company to provide deep cleaning for move-in or move-out services, be sure to let them know that when you are booking them. Find out whether they have requirements such as having the place empty of furniture, and make sure you and the cleaners know exactly what to expect.

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If you have decided you want to expand the healthy choices you make for your family, choosing a deep cleaning company that uses green products can make a big difference.

The term "green" means that a cleaning product has reduced harm to human or environmental health. Standard (non-green) cleaning products can really cut through grease and grime, but often also include toxic ingredients that can lead to eye, skin or respiratory irritation. In addition, they can trigger allergies and exacerbate illnesses such as asthma.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that humans and the environment are exposed to the toxic chemicals in cleaning products "through evaporation of volatile components and rinsing down the drain of residual product from cleaned surfaces, sponges, etc." If you opt for a deep cleaning company that uses green cleaning products, your home will still be cleaned and you can reduce potential harm to you, your children and the environment.

The EPA provides suggestions on how to avoid products that use misleading marketing terms and provides a guide from the Federal Trade Commission for what is permissible in environmental marketing claims.

Often, "green cleaners" cost the same or only slightly more than other deep cleaning companies, providing you a healthier option for your family without hurting your home budget. The cleaning company provides green products, so you don't have to find and purchase the sprays and cleaners. Some companies offer a green cleaning option, and some companies are entirely "green."

How can you tell whether your home or office needs a standard clean or a deep clean Here are additional signs that it's time for you to hire someone to deep clean your home or office:

• You're moving out of your home. You may want to hire a move-out cleaning service to deep clean your home.
• You're moving into a new home. A cleaning service can deep clean your new home so you can have a fresh start. 
• Employees or family members are suffering more from their allergies. Dust, mites and other allergens can be reduced with deep cleaning services.
• The walls have dirt marks or excessive fingerprints on them.
• There is a layer of dusty grime on the ceiling fans.
• The light bulbs are dusty.
• Heating and cooling vents need to be removed and cleaned.
• The inside of the oven is unusually dirty.
• The refrigerator and freezer are growing plant life.
• You recently completed a remodel or home renovation and have dust everywhere.
• Your cabinet interiors are dirty.

If you regularly clean your home yourself or pay someone to do it for you, you may only need a deep cleaning once a year. If you never clean your home and it's been months since your toilet has seen a toilet brush, you should probably start with a deep cleaning to bring your house up to a basic standard of cleanliness.

Standard cleaning keeps homes well-maintained, making the need for deep cleaning less frequent. However, if you have special needs, some cleaners can provide weekly deep cleaning. 

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Finding a cleaning company can feel overwhelming, especially if you've had bad experiences in the past or have never hired someone to clean for you before and are not sure how to start.

Fortunately, finding a great cleaner is easy -- just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Read reviews and ratings.

Before you begin talking with the pros, read their profiles and look at what past (and current) customer experiences have been like. Look for descriptions of the company as responsible, efficient, responsive and thorough. 

Step 2: Ask how they charge.

Learn about their pricing model and whether they charge per hour, per room or with a flat fee.

Step 3: Ask if the company does background checks on its employees.

You might want to consider this if you have children or elderly residents in your home.

Step 4: Find out exactly what services are included in a deep clean.

Instead of a vague, "We clean everything," ask for a checklist that you can compare against results when the job is done. This provides a clear foundation for a work agreement and an easy way to resolve matters. You can also ask if they provide a work guarantee.

Step 5: Get free estimates.

Once you've identified at least three to five house cleaners who can deep clean you home, message them and ask for an estimate of the deep cleaning services you want. 

After you receive several quotes, compare prices and the quality of service before choosing the best house cleaner for your home.

For more hiring tips, check out our tips for smart hiring.

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No one wants to clean before the cleaners come, but doing some decluttering can help you get the most for your money. Whether you're cleaning up after a big family reunion, are in the middle of spring cleaning, want to sanitize after a wave of family illnesses, or just hate cleaning so much that your cupboards have an inch of dust, getting your house ready will make the outcomes that much better.

Follow these suggestions for the best deep cleaning possible:

• Pick up clutter. Put shoes away, put throw pillows back, pick up magazines that are tossed on the floor and hang up your jackets. Consider tucking away knickknacks you've been meaning to archive anyway.
• Tidy things up. The deep cleaners are there to scrub down dirt and grime, not to stack up your mail and put your magazines and shoes away.
• Do your laundry. Most standard house cleaners won't do laundry, though some will agree to wash and fold laundry for an extra charge.
• Wash your dishes. Don't leave dirty pots on the counter and old oatmeal bowls in the sink. Load and the dishwasher ahead of time, and empty your sink so the cleaners can scrub it sparkling clean.
• Put your pets in the backyard, or somewhere safe where they won't be underfoot.
• Don't micromanage. No one wants to have a person managing their every move. Talk with the cleaners before they start and do a walk-through afterward to discuss any problem areas or living areas that need special attention. 

By clearing surfaces, putting away toys and washing dishes, you can free the professional cleaners to focus on waxing floors, dusting window blinds and doing basic cleaning inside the refrigerator.

Find answers to common questions about deep house cleaning services below:

Do house cleaning services move furniture?

Many house cleaning services do not move furniture. It poses a potential risk to their safety and your belongings if your heavy items are moved improperly. 

If you need help moving large pieces of furniture for your move-out cleaning, consider getting help from professional furniture movers.

How long does deep cleaning a house take?

The time it takes to deep-clean a house or an office will depend on the square feet they have to cover, the total number of rooms, and the number of bathrooms you have.

Bathrooms and kitchens typically take longer than other rooms because they are high-use areas and require additional disinfecting to get that deep-down clean. When you have your home or office deep-cleaned, you can expect next-level shine.

A single cleaner or traditional maid service can certainly provide deep cleaning services, but the process will take longer than for a team of workers.

How often should you deep clean your home?

You can schedule a deep cleaning for your home or office as a one-time service; for example, in preparation for hosting the entire extended family for the holidays, or after your annual birthday bash when confetti and people get everywhere. You can also schedule deep-cleaning services on a recurring basis to maintain a high level of cleanliness in your home or office.

Another option is to schedule a bi-annual makeover or annual spring cleaning to clear away cobwebs, drum out the dust and let in the sun.