A deep cleaning business scrubs homes top to bottom beyond a regular clean. You can start one for $500 to $2,000 and charge $200 to $500 per home. This guide covers equipment, pricing, checklists, marketing, and finding clients for deep cleaning services.
What Is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is a thorough cleaning of an entire home. It reaches places that regular cleaning skips. Think inside ovens, behind fridges, and under furniture.
Deep cleaning removes built-up grime, grease, and dust. It also tackles mold in bathrooms and sticky residue in kitchens. Most homes need a deep clean once or twice a year.
How Is Deep Cleaning Different from Regular Cleaning?
Regular cleaning covers everyday tasks. You dust, vacuum, mop, and wipe counters. It keeps a home tidy but does not remove hidden dirt.
Deep cleaning goes much further. You scrub grout, clean baseboards, and wash window tracks. You also pull out appliances and clean behind them.
Quick Comparison
- Regular cleaning — surfaces, floors, and basic tidying done weekly
- Deep cleaning — detailed scrubbing of every room done a few times a year
- Time — regular cleaning takes 1 to 3 hours, deep cleaning takes 3 to 8 hours
- Price — deep cleaning costs two to three times more than a regular clean
Why Is Deep Cleaning a Profitable Business?
Deep cleaning pays well per job. A single home can earn you $200 to $500 or more. That is much higher than regular cleaning rates.
Demand stays strong all year. People need deep cleans before holidays and after moves. Landlords want them between tenants.
Who Needs Deep Cleaning?
- Homeowners — seasonal deep cleans before holidays or parties
- Renters — move-in and move-out cleans to get deposits back
- Landlords — turnover cleans between tenants
- Real estate agents — pre-listing cleans to help homes sell faster
- Offices — quarterly deep cleans of break rooms and restrooms
New to cleaning businesses? Read our full guide on how to start a cleaning business for licenses, insurance, and setup steps.
What Equipment and Supplies Do You Need for Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning requires stronger tools than regular cleaning. Here is what you need to get started.
Must-Have Equipment
- Vacuum with attachments — crevice tool, upholstery brush, and extension wand
- Steam cleaner — kills germs and loosens baked-on grime without chemicals
- Scrub brushes — stiff bristles for grout, tile, and tough stains
- Extension pole — reaches ceiling fans, high shelves, and tall windows
- Step ladder — for cabinets, light fixtures, and top shelves
- Microfiber cloths — pick up more dust and dirt than regular rags
- Spray bottles — for your cleaning solutions
- Bucket and mop — a spin mop works well for deep scrubbing floors
Essential Cleaning Supplies
- Degreaser — cuts through kitchen grease on stovetops and range hoods
- Bathroom cleaner — removes soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew
- All-purpose cleaner — works on most surfaces throughout the home
- Glass cleaner — for mirrors, windows, and glass doors
- Grout cleaner — whitens and brightens tile grout lines
- Disinfectant — kills germs on high-touch surfaces
- Rubber gloves — protect your hands from chemicals and grime
Your total startup cost for equipment and supplies runs $300 to $800. Read our cleaning supplies guide for product details and where to save.
How Do You Price Deep Cleaning Services?
Deep cleaning prices depend on home size and condition. Most cleaners charge by square footage or by room count.
Deep Cleaning Prices by Home Size
| Home Size | Price Range | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1 bedroom | $150 – $250 | 2 – 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $200 – $350 | 3 – 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $300 – $450 | 4 – 6 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $400 – $550 | 5 – 7 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $500 – $700+ | 6 – 8+ hours |
Factors That Affect Your Price
- Condition of the home — a very dirty home takes longer and costs more
- Number of bathrooms — bathrooms are the most time-heavy rooms to deep clean
- Pets — pet hair and odors add extra work
- Add-on services — inside the fridge, inside the oven, or window washing
- Your local market — prices vary by city and region
Use our pricing guide to set rates that cover your costs and earn a profit.
What Does a Deep Cleaning Checklist Look Like?
A checklist keeps you on track during every job. It also shows clients exactly what they get. Here is a room-by-room breakdown.
Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist
- Degrease stovetop and range hood — remove all grease buildup
- Clean inside the oven — scrub racks and oven walls
- Wipe down all cabinets — clean fronts, handles, and tops
- Clean inside the microwave — remove stuck-on food and stains
- Scrub the sink and faucet — remove water spots and buildup
- Wipe countertops and backsplash — clean grout lines too
- Clean small appliances — toaster, coffee maker, and can opener
- Mop the floor — scrub corners and under the edge of cabinets
- Pull out the fridge — clean behind and underneath it
Bathroom Deep Cleaning Checklist
- Scrub the shower and tub — remove soap scum and hard water stains
- Clean grout lines — scrub with a grout brush and cleaner
- Disinfect the toilet — clean inside, outside, base, and behind it
- Clean mirrors and glass — leave them streak-free
- Wipe down all fixtures — faucets, towel bars, and handles
- Wash the floor — scrub around the base of the toilet
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers — wipe shelves and organize
- Remove mildew — treat any mold spots in caulk or corners
Bedroom Deep Cleaning Checklist
- Dust all surfaces — dressers, nightstands, and shelves
- Clean ceiling fan blades — remove dust buildup
- Wipe baseboards — go around the entire room
- Vacuum under the bed — move the bed if needed
- Clean light switches and door handles — disinfect high-touch areas
- Wash windows inside — clean tracks and window sills too
- Vacuum or mop the floor — move furniture to reach hidden spots
Living Areas Deep Cleaning Checklist
- Dust all surfaces and decor — shelves, picture frames, and lamps
- Clean behind furniture — pull out couches and entertainment centers
- Vacuum upholstery — use the upholstery attachment on sofas and chairs
- Wipe baseboards and trim — go around every wall
- Clean window blinds — dust or wipe each slat
- Vacuum and mop all floors — edges, corners, and under rugs
- Clean light fixtures — remove dust from overhead lights
Print your checklist and give a copy to each client. This builds trust and shows the value of your deep cleaning service.
How Do You Find Deep Cleaning Clients?
Finding your first clients takes effort. But the right steps bring steady work fast.
Start With Your Network
Tell friends, family, and neighbors about your new business. Ask them to spread the word. Offer a small discount for their first booking.
Use Online Platforms
- Google Business Profile — free listing that shows up in local search results
- Facebook groups — join local community groups and post your services
- Nextdoor — a neighborhood app where people ask for service providers
- Thumbtack and TaskRabbit — lead platforms for home service professionals
Connect With Real Estate Agents
Agents need deep cleans before open houses. They also need move-out cleans for sellers. Build a relationship with a few local agents for steady work.
Partner With Property Managers
Property managers need turnover cleans between tenants. One good manager can send you several jobs each month. Reach out to local property management companies.
Read our full guide on how to get cleaning clients for more strategies.
How Do You Market Your Deep Cleaning Business?
Marketing gets the word out to people who need your service. Focus on local reach and online presence.
Build a Simple Website
Your website should list your deep cleaning services and prices. Add photos of your work and client reviews. Include a contact form or phone number for easy booking.
Optimize for Local Search
Use the words "deep cleaning" and your city name on your website. Set up a Google Business Profile with your services and hours. Ask happy clients to leave Google reviews.
Use Social Media
Post before-and-after photos on Facebook and Instagram. Show dirty ovens turned sparkling clean. These photos grab attention and prove your skill.
Get Referrals
Ask every happy client for a referral. Offer a $20 discount on their next clean for each new client they send. Word of mouth is the best marketing for cleaning businesses.
Hand Out Flyers and Door Hangers
Print simple flyers with your name, phone number, and services. Target neighborhoods where your ideal clients live. Leave them on doors or at local businesses.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?
New deep cleaning businesses often make the same mistakes. Avoid these to save time and money.
Underpricing Your Services
Deep cleaning is hard work that takes many hours. Do not charge regular cleaning prices for deep cleaning jobs. Price based on your time, supplies, and the value you provide.
Skipping Insurance
General liability insurance protects you if something breaks. It also covers you if a client gets hurt.
Most policies cost $30 to $50 per month. Always carry insurance.
Not Using a Checklist
Without a checklist, you will miss tasks. Clients will notice and leave bad reviews. Use a written checklist for every single job.
Ignoring Reviews
Online reviews build trust with new clients. Ask every happy client for a Google review. Respond to all reviews, even the negative ones.
Trying to Do Everything Alone
Deep cleaning is tiring work. When you get busy, hire a helper. A two-person team finishes jobs faster and earns more per day.
Use cleaning business software to manage bookings, send invoices, and track your clients as your business grows.