Deep Clean: the full procedure
The expanded scope beyond a recurring clean — the build-up a maintenance visit does not reach — worked top-to-bottom.
- Applies to: Cleaner performing a deep clean (often a first visit or periodic reset).
- Frequency: First clean for a new client, or periodically on top of recurring visits.
- Scope: Covers the deep-clean build-up tasks in a lived-in home, on top of the Standard Clean. Empty-home turnovers use the Move-Out SOP.
What you need
- Stocked caddy + color-coded cloths
- Vacuum with attachments, mop
- Detail brushes, grout brush, scraper
- Step stool for high reach
The procedure, step by step
- Do the standard clean as the base — A deep clean includes everything in the Standard Clean. The steps below are the additions — fold them in as you work each room top-to-bottom.
- High build-up first — Cobwebs, ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents, and the tops of high furniture — done early so anything dislodged falls onto surfaces still to be cleaned.
- Walls, doors, and switch plates — Spot-clean wall marks, wipe door faces, frames and jambs, and switch/outlet plates.
- Inside small appliances — Clean inside the microwave, oven, and refrigerator, and the dishwasher and range hood, plus their exteriors. Use degreaser where needed.
- Under and behind movable furniture — Move what can be safely moved and clean under and behind it, then return it. Vacuum upholstery where in scope.
- Detail bathrooms and kitchen — Scrub grout, descale fixtures and shower glass, detail faucet bases and edges, and clean baseboards in both rooms.
- Baseboards throughout — Dust then wipe baseboards in every room as you work down toward the floor.
- Floors last — Vacuum thoroughly (edges and corners with the attachment), then damp-mop hard floors toward the exit. Final walkthrough against the standard.
Quality check before you finish
- Standard-clean scope completed in every room.
- High build-up (fans, fixtures, vents, cobwebs) removed.
- Inside appliances cleaned (microwave, oven, fridge).
- Under/behind movable furniture cleaned.
- Baseboards, doors, and wall marks done.
- Grout/fixtures detailed; floors last; walkthrough done.
This is a free, source-anchored standard operating procedure (SOP) you can print and hand to staff. It documents the work sequence for a House Cleaning business — not safety or regulatory rulings, which defer to the cited authorities, the applicable code, and your own health-and-safety plan. Open the tool above to print it, toggle ink-saver, or (with a free ToolFluency Business account) edit it to match your own workflow.
Sources
- MaidThis — Deep Cleaning Checklist (deep vs regular scope) (maidthis.com)
- The Cleaning Authority — Kitchen/Deep Cleaning Guide (thecleaningauthority.com)
- Molly Maid — House Cleaning Checklist (deep variant) (mollymaid.com)
About Free Deep Cleaning SOP
Free printable deep cleaning SOP: the expanded scope beyond a recurring clean — baseboards, inside appliances, under furniture, grout, vents — in the right top-to-bottom order.
How to use
- Read the full procedure top to bottom before the work — the SOP runs in order and each step builds on the last.
- Toggle Ink-saver (black & white) for a cheaper mono print for the binder; leave it off for the full-color version.
- Click Print SOP to print or save as PDF. Print one per crew, laminate it for the binder, or attach it to the job in your scheduling system.
- Train new hires on it and have staff sign off. Found something out of date? Use the feedback link — flagged SOPs are re-researched against the source list.
Frequently asked questions
What does a deep clean include?
A deep clean covers everything in a standard clean plus the build-up tasks: baseboards, door frames and jambs, light fixtures and ceiling fans, inside small appliances (microwave, oven, fridge), under and behind movable furniture, wall marks, grout, vents, and cobwebs. It is usually scheduled as the first clean for a new client or periodically.
How is deep cleaning priced versus regular cleaning?
A deep clean takes more labor than a maintenance visit, so it is priced higher — many services charge a one-time first-clean / deep-clean surcharge, then drop to the recurring rate. Estimate it by the added time the deep-clean tasks require on top of the standard scope.
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