What Happens During a Deep Clean? Inside the Process from a St. Louis Cleaning Team Pro

St. Louis Cleaning Team Nov 26, 2025

If you’ve never booked a deep cleaning before, you might be wondering what actually happens during the service. Is it just a more intense version of a regular cleaning—or something entirely different?

At St. Louis Cleaning Team, deep cleans are one of our most requested services. Whether you're moving in, preparing for guests, or just ready for a fresh start, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly what to expect—and why it’s worth it.

What Is a Deep Clean?

A deep clean goes far beyond surface-level tidying. It targets areas that are usually overlooked during routine cleanings, focusing on built-up grime, dust, and germs in corners, crevices, and hidden spaces.

This service is perfect for:

First-time professional cleanings
Spring or seasonal refreshes
Move-in or move-out situations
Post-renovation cleanup
Homes or offices that haven’t been cleaned in a while

If you’re preparing to move, you can also check out our full move-out cleaning checklist.

What Does a Deep Clean Include?

While each home or business is different, most deep cleans cover the following areas in detail:

Kitchen

Clean inside and outside of cabinets and drawers
Wipe down all appliances (including behind and under them if accessible)
Clean inside the microwave, oven, and refrigerator
Scrub countertops, backsplash, and sinks
Sanitize light switches, cabinet handles, and high-touch areas

Bathrooms

Scrub toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers
Clean tile grout and fixtures
Remove soap scum and hard water buildup
Sanitize all surfaces, including handles and switches
Wipe down mirrors, shelves, and baseboards

Bedrooms and Living Areas

Dust ceiling fans, blinds, vents, and baseboards
Clean behind and beneath furniture (when possible)
Wipe down doors, frames, and walls (light spot-cleaning)
Vacuum upholstery and carpets thoroughly
Clean window sills, ledges, and trim

Floors and Edges

Vacuum and mop all hard surfaces
Edge vacuuming along baseboards and corners
Spot-clean scuffs and build-up around entryways

Deep cleans are ideal for historic homes as well. See how we approach them in our article on deep cleaning historic homes.

How Long Does a Deep Clean Take?

It depends on the size and condition of the space, but most residential deep cleans take:

2–3 hours for smaller homes or apartments
4–6 hours for mid-size homes
Longer for large or multi-level properties

We send the right number of team members to keep the job efficient without cutting corners.

Do I Need to Be Home During the Cleaning?

That’s up to you. Many clients prefer to leave us access via a door code or key, while others choose to stay during the cleaning. Either way, we communicate clearly and keep you updated on progress and completion.

For tips on preparing your home, check out our post on how to prep for a professional cleaning.

What Should I Do After the Deep Clean?

Nothing! Just enjoy your fresh space. If you’d like to maintain that spotless feeling, you can schedule recurring services (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) based on your needs.

We also offer seasonal deep cleans—perfect for spring refreshes or holiday hosting.