When you’re researching cleaning services, there are typically two main price points. The first is for standard, routine cleaning. The other is for deep cleaning. The reason deep cleaning is so much more expensive is that it often takes a lot more time and more materials.
You might be thinking: “I keep up with the cleaning around here. I do an okay job. I’m sure it’s fine.” We have two words for you: bacterial growth!
Bacteria, mold, and fungus can hide in a lot of places you’d never think to look. Here are just a few of the things that should be cleaned every single week to avoid bacterial growth (yes, we said every single week!)
- Floors
- Microwave
- Appliances
- Bedding
- Mirrors
- Toilet (including the base)
- Bath mats
- Carpets
- Furniture
- Shelves
These are just the things that we recommend cleaning every week. Did you do all of those things last week? If not, you should probably keep reading!
The Importance of Deep Cleaning
If you frequently go weeks/months without cleaning things like your appliances or your bathtub, chances are there is a lot of a bacterium growing there. This bacterium can lead to you and your family getting sick and spending time away from work/school. It can lead to infections and viruses and all sorts of things you would rather do without.
When a cleaning service comes in to do a “deep clean”, they won’t just handle those weekly surfaces. They will also tackle the places that should be cleaned monthly. Some people don’t even touch the things that need to be cleaned monthly, including:
- Shower curtains
- Dishwasher
- Laundry machine
- Stove
- Blinds
- Light fixtures
- Windows
It may seem harmless to let a few of these things go for longer than 3-6 months, but we touch a lot of those surfaces every single day. Things like light fixtures and air vents are a part of the air we breathe, and things like windows and shower curtains are things we actually touch with our fingers.
Needless to say, avoidance is not the solution in these cases. You want to be proactive about your health and the health of your family. That being said, life is busy and tiring. And it can take half of a day to do a deep clean – sometimes longer. This is where the professionals come in handy. People who work for house cleaning services know exactly where to look and exactly how to clean it. They’ll be in and out of your house within around 4 hours (depending on its size) and you won’t have to worry about looking for bacterial gunk ever again.
Professional Deep Cleaning
When you hire a house cleaner and you choose between a general cleaning and a deep cleaning, these are some of the differences you’ll see in the service:
Another large difference to keep in mind when you’re looking at deep cleaning vs. general cleaning is, as mentioned earlier, the price. A good “deep clean” of your house can cost anywhere between $300-$400 (depending on how large your house is). When you factor in how much money you’d spend on your own for cleaning supplies plus how much time you’d spend on the work, a cleaning service isn’t a bad deal. You’re also paying for the sheer convenience of it all.When house cleaners come in to do a “general” cleaning, they still get a lot done. They make sure all of your surfaces and floors are spotless, they do light dusting, light disinfecting, and they really make things shine. But when they do the “deep clean”, they’re getting to all of those nooks and crannies you don’t often think about.
Deep Cleaning Helps Allergies
Another thing to consider is allergies. Do you have them? If so, a general and deep cleaning service for your home is a good idea. You’re breathing in the same allergens every day, and with clean air, you’re going to breathe a lot better (and sleep a lot better). If you’ve been feeling fatigued lately, it could be your allergies. This is a sound investment for someone like you.
Here are some things in your home that, when dirty, will affect your air quality:
- Lighting fixtures
- Blinds
- Carpets
- Hardwood floors & linoleum tile
- Bookshelves
- Vents
Now that we’ve covered a few differences between deep cleaning and general cleaning, it’s time to get started with your next steps. You now know that having a clean home will have a positive impact on your physical and emotional health. You are probably wondering what your next move should be.
Maintaining a Healthy, Clean Home
If you haven’t cleaned your home in a long time, you will want to start with a one-time deep cleaning. Find the service of your choice, pick a good chunk of time, and make sure your belongings are picked up off the floor. When they’re finished, you’ll have a “clean” slate. Then if you choose, you can have them come back each week to clean the areas with the most traffic. Bi-weekly cleanings can be around $150/month, which is a great deal for keeping your place in top shape. After about 3-4 months, you’ll want to ask them to do another deep cleaning.
While the recommendation for a serious deep clean in your home is every 3-4 months, many people do it bi-yearly. Twice per year is better than not doing it at all. It will be enough to get the bacteria and allergen count down.
In between cleanings, feel free to use some diluted white wine vinegar to wipe down your surfaces. For people with allergies, an air purifier is also a great idea. In the meantime, it’s time to find the perfect house cleaning service for your needs. Happy cleaning!
