Deep Cleaning Checklist for UK Homes: What Professionals Actually Do

This guide breaks down exactly what professional cleaners do during a deep clean, how long it takes, what to expect, and how you can prepare your home. Use it as a checklist for DIY cleaning or as a reference when booking help.

What Is a Deep Clean?

A deep clean targets the dirt, grime, and build-up that slowly accumulates over time—especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike a weekly clean, which maintains visible surfaces, a deep clean focuses on detail work and harder-to-reach areas such as skirting boards, inside appliances, and behind furniture.

Typical reasons people book a deep clean:

• Moving in or out of a property
• Seasonal spring cleaning
• Ahead of hosting guests or events
• Post-renovation cleaning
• Refreshing a home that hasn’t been cleaned properly for a while

Deep cleaning also works well when you want to reset your home before arranging a routine maintenance schedule, especially once you understand what a standard clean includes and where it differs.

Full Deep Cleaning Checklist (Room by Room)

Professional cleaners work methodically, ensuring every part of the home is addressed. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what’s normally included.

Hallways & Entryways

These areas collect dirt quickly, especially near the front door.

Professionals typically:

• Dust and wipe doors, frames, and handles
• Clean skirting boards and radiators
• Remove cobwebs and wipe light fittings
• Vacuum carpets and mop flooring
• Hand-clean corners and edges

Living Room & Common Areas

The focus here is on dust removal and freshening up soft furnishings.

Typical tasks include:

• Wiping and dusting all surfaces, including high shelves
• Cleaning light switches, sockets, and banisters
• Polishing glass surfaces and internal windows
• Removing cobwebs
• Vacuuming sofas, lifting cushions, and cleaning underneath
• Pulling out furniture (where safe) to clean behind and underneath

Bedroom Deep Cleaning

A deep clean in the bedroom helps create a healthier sleeping environment.

This often includes:

• Dusting furniture, lampshades, and ornaments
• Cleaning mirrors and internal windows
• Wiping switches, handles, and skirting boards
• Cleaning behind furniture if accessible
• Vacuuming mattresses if requested
• Tidying and wiping reachable surfaces

Kitchen Deep Clean

The kitchen is usually the most labour-intensive room due to grease, limescale, and food splatters.

Standard deep cleaning tasks:

• Degreasing the hob, hood, splashback, and extractor
• Thoroughly cleaning the oven (inside and out if requested)
• Wiping appliance fronts and handles
• Cleaning inside the fridge, freezer, and microwave
• Washing or disinfecting bins
• Cleaning tiles and grout
• Scrubbing the sink and taps to remove limescale
• Cleaning cupboard fronts and, if requested, cleaning inside cupboards
• Vacuuming and mopping the floor, including edges

If you’ve ever wondered what’s included in a house cleaning service across different levels of cleaning, the kitchen section often has the biggest variations—especially when it comes to inside appliances.

Bathroom Deep Cleaning

The bathroom is another priority area due to limescale, soap scum, and bacteria.

A professional deep clean usually includes:

• Descaling taps, shower heads, and glass screens
• Scrubbing tiles, grout, and silicone edges
• Cleaning toilets thoroughly (including behind the base)
• Polishing mirrors and shiny surfaces
• Wiping cupboards, shelves, and fixtures
• Cleaning extractor fans and vents
• Disinfecting all floors and high-touch points

Optional Deep Cleaning Add-Ons

Every cleaning company and cleaner differs slightly, but the following are commonly offered extras:

• Inside oven intensive cleaning
• Inside cupboards and wardrobes
• Deep fridge/freezer cleaning (including defrosting if required)
• Carpet and upholstery steam cleaning
• Blind cleaning
• Wall washing
• Internal window frames and sills

These are often priced separately due to the additional time required.

What Cleaners Don’t Usually Do

Deep cleaning is detailed, but it’s not unlimited. There are several things professionals generally avoid for safety or insurance reasons:

• Removing black mould from walls (this requires specialist treatment)
• Moving heavy or fragile furniture
• Cleaning the exterior of upper-floor windows
• Handling hazardous waste
• Fixing appliances or performing repairs
• Decluttering extremely messy homes (unless agreed beforehand)

It’s always best to ask in advance if you’re unsure.

How Long Does a Deep Clean Take?

The size and condition of your home make the biggest difference. A tidy home that needs general refreshment will take less time than a cluttered property or one with significant build-up.

Typical time estimates in the UK:

• 1–2 bed flat: 3–6 hours (1–2 cleaners)
• 3 bed house: 5–8 hours
• 4+ bed house: 6–12 hours

If you add inside appliances, steam cleaning, or cupboard interiors, this will extend the duration.

How Much Does a Deep Clean Cost in the UK?

Deep cleaning costs vary depending on your region, the number of cleaners, and the size of your property. Most professionals charge hourly, with rates generally ranging between £15–£30 per hour per cleaner.

Price factors include:

• Number of rooms
• Condition of the home
• Whether appliances are included
• Whether cupboards need emptying
• Pets (hair takes more time to remove)
• Parking restrictions

Expect to pay more for very large homes, heavy grease build-up, or specialist tasks such as carpet steam cleaning.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Deep Clean

Preparation makes a significant difference to both speed and quality. You don’t need to clean before the cleaner arrives, but small steps can help them focus on the actual deep cleaning rather than tidying.

Helpful prep tips:

• Declutter floors and surfaces
• Put away laundry and dishes
• Empty the sink and clear the draining board
• Move small items off bathroom shelves
• Make sure cleaners can easily access appliances
• Secure pets or arrange for them to be out of the way
• Ensure parking and entry instructions are clear

The more accessible the surfaces, the more thorough the deep clean will be.

DIY Deep Clean vs. Hiring a Professional

If you have time, energy, and the right tools, you can absolutely perform a DIY deep clean. However, cleaners often use commercial-grade products and have the technique and experience to work efficiently. Many homeowners find it more cost-effective to hire a professional for the initial deep clean and then maintain the home themselves with weekly or bi-weekly cleaning.

Consider a professional deep clean if:

• You’re short on time
• The home hasn’t been cleaned properly in months
• You’re moving house or preparing for tenants
• You want a fresh start before beginning a regular cleaning schedule

Final Thoughts

A deep clean brings life back into your home, making it feel fresher, healthier, and more enjoyable. Whether you tackle it yourself using this checklist or hire a professional, knowing what’s involved helps set realistic expectations.

A well-planned deep clean can also make routine cleaning far easier—especially once you understand the difference between everyday maintenance work and the detailed tasks that only need doing occasionally.