A professional deep clean includes everything in a standard cleaning, plus the detail work that builds up over time: hand-wiped baseboards, door frames, and window sills; degreased kitchen cabinet fronts, backsplash, and appliance exteriors; scrubbed bathroom grout, tile, and fixtures; the inside of the microwave; and dusted light fixtures, fans, and vents. Inside the oven, refrigerator, cabinets, and windows are usually add-ons. Carpet shampooing and wall washing are usually not included.
"Deep clean" means different things to different companies, which is why it helps to know exactly what to expect before you book. Here is what a professional deep clean covers in each room of an Urbana, MD home, what is usually extra, and what is not part of a deep clean at all.
Deep clean checklist: kitchen
- Countertops and backsplash cleaned and degreased
- Cabinet fronts and handles wiped and degreased
- Appliance exteriors cleaned, including the refrigerator, dishwasher, and range
- Stovetop, knobs, and range hood exterior degreased
- Inside of the microwave cleaned
- Sink and faucet scrubbed and polished
- Baseboards, toe kicks, and light switches wiped
- Floor vacuumed and mopped, including corners
Deep clean checklist: bathrooms
- Soap scum and hard water spots removed from the tub, shower walls, and glass
- Grout lines and tile scrubbed
- Toilet cleaned inside and out, including the base and behind it
- Sink, faucet, and fixtures descaled and polished
- Mirrors and glass cleaned streak-free
- Cabinet fronts, towel bars, and the exhaust fan cover wiped
- Baseboards wiped and the floor mopped
Deep clean checklist: bedrooms and living areas
- Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air vent covers dusted
- Baseboards, door frames, and doors hand-wiped
- Window sills wiped
- Light switches, outlet covers, and door handles wiped
- Furniture, shelves, and decor dusted
- Upholstery vacuumed
- Carpets vacuumed, including edges, and hard floors mopped
- Beds made
Common deep cleaning add-ons
These take extra time, so most companies list them separately. Ask for them when you book:
- Inside the oven
- Inside the refrigerator
- Inside kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Interior windows and blinds
What is not included in a deep clean?
A deep clean is thorough, but it is still a cleaning service. These are usually outside the scope unless confirmed in advance:
- Heavy organizing or decluttering
- Carpet shampooing or steam cleaning
- Washing entire walls or touching up paint
- Post-construction debris
- Mold, pest, or biohazard cleanup
- Moving heavy furniture or appliances
If you are moving, you need something slightly different: a move-out or move-in clean adds the inside of empty cabinets, drawers, and closets.
How long does a deep clean take?
It depends on the size and condition of the home. For an average three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Urbana or elsewhere in Frederick County, a Nice Maids deep cleaning typically takes 4 to 6 hours with a team of 2 to 3 cleaners. Larger homes, pets, or homes that have not been cleaned in a long time take longer. Add-ons like inside the oven and refrigerator add time too.
How to prepare for a deep clean
- Clear countertops, nightstands, and floors so the team can reach surfaces.
- Secure pets in a quiet room.
- Point out fragile or irreplaceable items, and any surfaces that need special care.
- Mention problem areas when you book, such as hard water, pet hair, or a neglected oven.
- Decide on add-ons in advance so the right amount of time is scheduled.
When to book a deep clean
Book one before you start a recurring cleaning service, before hosting or holidays, before listing a home, or when it has been a few months since the last thorough clean. For most homes, we recommend a deep clean every 3 to 4 months, and more often with pets, children, or heavy foot traffic. Not sure which service you need? Compare deep cleaning vs regular cleaning.
Serving Urbana, MD and nearby
Urbana is one of Frederick County's fastest-growing communities, and we clean homes across the Villages of Urbana, Urbana Highlands, Urbana Meadows, and Landsdale. Many Urbana homes are newer, master-planned builds with open layouts, large windows, and lots of trim, so baseboards, window sills, and light fixtures make a big difference in a deep clean. Seasons matter too: spring pollen and tracked-in winter salt and sand both build up on floors and entryways. Learn more about house cleaning in Urbana and our deep cleaning service.
Nearby, we also clean homes in Frederick, MD, Monrovia, MD, and Clarksburg, MD.
Frequently asked questions
What is not included in a deep clean?
Most deep cleans do not include heavy organizing, carpet shampooing or steam cleaning, washing entire walls, post-construction debris, mold or pest cleanup, or moving heavy furniture. Inside the oven, refrigerator, and cabinets are usually add-ons.
How long does a deep cleaning typically take?
An average three-bedroom, two-bathroom home typically takes 4 to 6 hours with a team of 2 to 3 cleaners. Larger homes, pets, add-ons, and heavy buildup add time.
How long does it take to deep clean an entire house by yourself?
For one person, a deep clean of a whole house usually takes a full day or more, depending on its size and condition. Splitting it into one area per day over a week is often easier.
Do cleaners bring their own supplies?
Most professional cleaning companies do. Nice Maids teams arrive with their own equipment and non-toxic cleaning products. If you prefer a specific product for a surface, let us know in advance.
How many times a year should you deep clean your home?
Three to four times a year works for most homes. Homes with pets, young children, allergies, or heavy foot traffic often benefit from a deep clean every 2 to 3 months.
Does a deep clean include inside the oven and refrigerator?
Usually not by default. Inside the oven and inside the refrigerator are common add-ons because they take extra time. Ask for them when you book.
- Scope, add-ons, exclusions, and timing based on the Nice Maids deep cleaning service page.
