Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning — What's the Difference?

Not sure whether you need a deep clean or a regular cleaning?

You're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we get at Raleigh Cleaning Company.

The short answer: a regular cleaning maintains your home. A deep cleaning restores it. Here's exactly what's included in each.

What's Included in a Regular Cleaning?

All Rooms

• Baseboards dusted with microfiber duster

• Blinds dusted with microfiber duster

• Window locks and sills wiped with microfiber

• Floors vacuumed and mopped with telescopic flat mop

• Furniture dusted with microfiber cloth

• Mirrors cleaned

• Trash emptied and lined (pulled from cabinets)

• Door faces dusted

• Ceiling fans dusted with extender

• Blankets folded and pillows fluffed

• Glass entry doors cleaned inside and out

• General tidying

Bathrooms

• Countertops and sink cleaned

• Fixtures cleaned and shined

• Shower and tub cleaned

• Toilets cleaned and sanitized

Kitchen

• Appliance exteriors cleaned

• Exterior of stainless steel polished if needed

• Stovetop scrubbed

• Countertops cleaned

• Sink, faucet, and drain cleaned

• Microwave exterior and interior cleaned

• Top of microwave if applicable

• Keurig coffee drip pan cleaned out

• Backsplash behind stovetop wiped

• Tabletop, chair seat, and bottom supports wiped

Bedrooms

• Beds made (placed at bottom of bed)

• 1 set of sheets changed (additional sets $5 each)

• Headboard and footboard dusted

Laundry Room

• Tops and fronts of washer and dryer wiped

• Sink cleaned and faucet polished

• Counters cleaned

Floors Throughout Home

• Under beds, couches, and chairs (we do not move furniture)

• Behind doors

• Under items that can be picked up with one hand

This is what you get with our weekly, biweekly, or every 4 week recurring service.

What Gets Added in a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning includes everything above, plus:

• Cabinet faces washed

• Baseboards, doors, trim work, outlet plates, and light switch plates wet wiped

• Top of fridge cleaned

• Light switches and outlets wet wiped

• Light fixtures wet wiped

• Fans hand wiped on step ladder

• High dust and cobwebbing throughout entire home

For move in and move out cleans (vacant homes): Insides of cabinets and drawers are also included.

Optional Add Ons (Available on Any Service)

• Carpet or floor edging with vacuum

• Vacuum furniture (exterior only and/or under cushions, please specify)

• Oven or fridge interior

• Interior windows and tracks

• Hand scrubbing floors or O Cedar mopping (recommended for buildup or heavy traffic)

• Under range hood

Side by Side Comparison

	Regular Cleaning	Deep Cleaning
Purpose	Maintain cleanliness	Restore cleanliness
Frequency	Weekly, biweekly, or every 4 weeks	One time or seasonal
Baseboards	Dusted	Wet wiped
Cabinet faces	No	Washed
Light fixtures	Dusted with extender	Hand wiped
Cobwebbing	No	Full home
Top of fridge	No	Yes
Best for	Ongoing maintenance	First time reset, seasonal deep clean, move in/move out

Do I Need a Deep Clean Before Starting Recurring Service?

Not necessarily. If your home is in good condition and has been cleaned recently, you can start with a general cleaning. We'll assess the condition during your first visit and let you know if any areas need extra attention.

The ideal approach for most families: start with a general clean or deep clean depending on your home's condition, then transition to recurring biweekly or every 4 week service.

A Few Things to Know Before We Clean

To give you the best possible cleaning, we ask that you pick up clothes, toys, dishes, and clutter before our arrival. If excess clutter covers more than half a surface, we'll do our best to work around it but may need to add time.

We do not clean: Electronics, diaper genies, display areas (Legos, china), or pet waste. We do not wash, dry, or fold laundry or wash dishes. Due to industry regulations, we cannot climb higher than a 2 step ladder. We do not change top bunk bed sheets. We cannot move furniture or appliances.

How Much Does Each Cost?

Pricing depends on your home's size, condition, number of occupants, and pets. Every home is different, so your actual price may vary.

Get an instant quote 24/7 at raleighcleaningcompany.com, no waiting for a callback.

Or call us at (919) 925-2378.

Trusted by 500+ clients since 2014. Featured on HGTV. Voted WRAL's Best Residential Cleaning Company 2025. Our W 2 teams are background checked, OSHA trained, and fully insured.