“Deep cleaning” and “regular cleaning” get thrown around a lot — sometimes by companies that don’t clearly define either. Here’s exactly what each one covers, when you need which, and what you should expect to pay.
Regular (maintenance) cleaning
This is the recurring service that keeps your home consistently clean — weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. A standard checklist includes:
- Dusting all accessible surfaces
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning bathrooms (toilet, sink, shower/tub, mirrors)
- Kitchen wipe-down (counters, sink, stovetop exterior, appliance exteriors)
- Emptying trash bins
- Making beds / tidying (light)
Best for: Homes that are already in decent shape and just need upkeep.
Deep cleaning
A deep clean covers everything in a regular clean, plus the detail work that builds up over months:
- Baseboards, door frames, and window sills
- Inside the oven, fridge, and microwave
- Grout scrubbing in bathrooms and kitchens
- Window tracks and blinds
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Behind and under furniture and appliances (where accessible)
- Cabinet fronts and detailed dusting
Best for: First-time cleans, seasonal refreshes, pre-event preparation, or homes that haven’t had a professional clean in 6+ months.
Which one do you need?
Start with a deep clean if: it’s your first professional cleaning, you’re preparing for guests or an event, you’re moving, or it’s been more than six months since a thorough clean.
Book regular cleaning if: your home is already in good shape and you want to keep it that way without spending your weekends on it.
Most of our long-term clients start with a deep clean and then move to bi-weekly maintenance — it’s the combination that keeps a home genuinely clean year-round.
A note on “deep clean” pricing
Because deep cleaning is labor-intensive, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. A proper deep clean of an average Toronto home takes a trained team 4+ hours. If someone offers it for $99, corners are being cut.
Cleaning Rituals offers both deep cleaning and recurring maintenance across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Milton, and London. Free quotes available online.