What Is Included in a Professional House Cleaning Service?

The decision to hire a cleaning company is not an easy one, and it becomes very easy once you know the exact services you are paying for. Almost all professional cleaners offer a similar standard scope of services, though it varies slightly depending on the firm or cleaning package. Below is the standard scope of a professional cleaner from room to room, the difference between the two (a deep and professional clean), and the additional costs for certain tasks.

Basics: Cleaning Done in Every Room

Whatever room you’re in, the cleaning process always begins with the same activities:

• Dust all the surfaces, including furniture and decor.
• Clean light switches, doorknobs, and baseboards.
• Vacuum carpeted areas and rugs.
• Sweep and mop hard flooring.
• Empty trash containers and change the bags.
• Clean mirrors and other glass surfaces.
• Remove cobwebs in the corners and on the ceiling.

Kitchen Clean-Up

The kitchen is the area that requires the most effort in a routine visit due to the accumulation of grease, crumbs, and spills. A professional cleaning will normally include:

• Countertops, backsplashes, and stovetop wiped down.
• Sink cleaning and faucet polishing.
• Cleaning of the exterior surfaces of appliances, including refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and microwave.
• Microwave interior cleaned.
• Exterior of the range hood degreased.
• Cabinet exteriors and handles cleaned.
• Floor swept and mopped.

There are a number of kitchen cleaning activities that are not normally included in a routine visit and cost extra to be done: oven interior scrubbed, refrigerator interior cleaned, defrosting of the freezer, and cleaning of the cabinet interiors. Should you wish to maintain your kitchen in good shape between visits, here’s a kitchen cleaning checklist for you.

Cleaning of Bathrooms

More intense and thorough cleaning is done for bathrooms. Here, the following should be done by cleaners:

• The toilet should be cleaned thoroughly, both inside and outside
• Showers and bathtubs should be cleaned along with tiles and soap scum removal
• Vanity and faucets should be wiped clean
• Mirrors should be cleaned to remove streaks
• Cabinets should be wiped clean
• Disinfectant mopping of the floor
• Gritty cleaning of the grout, hard water stain removal, and mold cleaning are generally charged extra.

Bedrooms and Living Spaces

Cleaning in bedrooms usually involves dusting all surfaces, vacuuming under and around the furniture, and organizing the room. Most firms will even make the bed for you or change the bedding, provided you have left fresh sheets behind. The cleaning in living rooms involves dusting electronics and shelves, vacuuming furniture when possible, and cleaning the floor. Carpet and upholstery cleaning are additional services.

Cabinets, Pantry, and Storage Areas

It’s in this area where the difference in services comes out the most. Standard cleaning only involves wiping down the outside of cabinets, while the inside is usually part of a deeper cleaning service and will require additional cost. It will be useful to learn how to clean cabinets if there are any crumbs, sticky shelves, or buildup of grease inside your kitchen storage.

It is also the case with pantry cleaning. The professional cleaners do not get involved in sorting your products or disposing of outdated food, since it is more organizational work, not cleaning. A cleaning guide for the pantry will help you clear the shelves before the appointment.

Standard Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning usually includes:

The oven and refrigerator interior.
Cabinets and drawers inside.
Baseboards and door trim.
Windowsills and tracks.
Light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Grout and tile cleaning.

Extra Cost Tasks

The following are tasks that most companies do not provide during a standard service. You can, however, get them done at an extra cost. It is therefore important to set the prices before you book the service:

• Oven, fridge, and freezer interiors.
• Cabinets, drawers, and pantry interiors.
• Doing laundry and dishes.
• Washing of interior windows.
• Carpet shampooing.
• Cleaning after renovation.
• Heavy furniture moving.
• Dealing with mold.
• Organizing garages, closets, or pantries.
• Exterior cleaning such as patios and siding.

How to Get Ready Before the Cleaners Arrive

Little preparation will enable the cleaners to use their time for cleaning only:

• Remove clutter from the surfaces. Store away toys, clothing, papers, and other loose things.
• Empty the pantry and cabinets if you want them cleaned inside.
• Put away your valuable and fragile possessions.
• Tell the cleaners about your concerns. Show them problem spots, like a stained shower or a greasy stove.
• Check the list and price with the cleaning company.

Questions to Ask Before Booking 

Are any cleaning materials and equipment provided? 

What are the extra services and how much do they cost? 

Are your products pet-friendly and children-friendly? 

Is it possible for me to provide my own list of services? 

Are your cleaners insured and background-checked? 

Are you offering a satisfaction guarantee?

Concluding Remarks

A professional cleaning service takes care of everything in your house, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom sanitation, and degreasing of the kitchen area. The services of deep cleaning that include cleaning inside cupboards, ovens, and pantries are normally additional services. Getting familiar with the type of services and their costs in advance helps avoid unpleasant surprises and makes sure you get the best out of every visit.