How deep cleaning differs from regular cleaning
A regular cleaning keeps visible surfaces clean. A deep cleaning goes after what accumulates over months: grease on cabinet fronts and range hoods, soap scum and mildew in grout lines, dust on baseboards, door frames, light switches and vents, and grime along the edges of floors where a quick mop never reaches.
We work top to bottom and room by room, so dust from high surfaces lands on floors that have not been cleaned yet rather than ones that have. Kitchens and bathrooms usually take the most time, because grease and soap scum need to soften before they come off without scratching the finish.
In New York housing a few spots deserve special attention. Radiators and radiator covers trap a surprising amount of dust and can make a room smell stale once the heat comes on. Prewar bathrooms with small hex or subway tile have many grout lines that darken over time. Older window sills facing the street collect a gray film of city soot. A deep cleaning addresses all of these.
When to book a deep cleaning
Common reasons are a seasonal reset in spring or fall, preparing for guests or the holidays, recovering after an illness or a stretch of long work weeks, and starting a new recurring schedule. Many people book one deep cleaning and then switch to regular cleaning to maintain the result.
If you are moving out of an empty apartment, a move-in/move-out cleaning is the better fit because it includes the inside of every cabinet, closet and drawer. If you have just finished a renovation, choose post-construction cleaning, which is built around fine dust and residue rather than everyday grime.
How long it takes and how to prepare
A deep cleaning takes noticeably longer than a regular visit. The time depends on the size of the home, how long since the last thorough cleaning and which extras you choose; we confirm it in your quote. Larger homes may get more than one cleaner so the work finishes within a reasonable window.
Before we arrive, clear counters and the tops of dressers as much as you can, and empty the fridge or oven if you want those cleaned inside. Point out any delicate finishes such as marble, unsealed wood or antique hardware, and let us know if you want fragrance-free products. We bring our own supplies and equipment.