Deep Clean vs Regular Clean: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Introduction: Not All Cleaning Jobs Are the Same
If you’ve ever gone online to book a cleaner, you’ve probably noticed two main options everywhere: regular cleaning and deep cleaning. But what’s the difference? More importantly — which one do you actually need?
Many Australians accidentally choose the wrong option and end up paying too much… or not getting the level of cleaning they expected. This guide breaks everything down in simple terms so you know exactly which service fits your home, your situation, and your budget.
1. What Is a Regular Clean?
A regular clean (also called a standard clean or maintenance clean) is designed to keep your home tidy, hygienic, and presentable on an ongoing basis.
It’s perfect for people who:
✔ are busy
✔ don’t enjoy cleaning
✔ want weekly or fortnightly maintenance
✔ want help with the basics
✔ live in a generally tidy home
What a regular clean usually includes:
- Vacuuming all floors
- Mopping hard floors
- Wiping benches and surfaces
- Cleaning the bathroom sink, toilet, shower, and mirrors
- Dusting surfaces
- Wiping exterior of kitchen appliances
- Emptying bins
- Quick tidy of common areas
- Light dusting of furniture
- Wiping down obvious marks
What a regular clean DOES NOT include:
- Oven cleaning
- Inside cupboards
- Extensive wall washing
- Window tracks
- Mould removal
- Deep bathroom scrubbing
- Heavy grime
- Moving furniture
- Heavy-duty kitchen degreasing
A regular clean is all about upkeep, not heavy restoration.
2. What Is a Deep Clean?
A deep clean goes much further. It targets the areas most people forget or avoid — the spots that collect grime, grease, dust, and bacteria over time.
Deep cleaning is ideal for:
✔ first-time cleans
✔ homes that haven’t been cleaned properly in weeks or months
✔ preparing for guests
✔ spring cleaning
✔ moving in or out of a home
✔ kitchens and bathrooms with built-up grime
✔ tenants wanting their home to look “inspection ready”
What a deep clean usually includes:
- Scrubbing bathroom tiles and grout
- Cleaning inside kitchen cupboards
- Degreasing the oven (sometimes extra)
- Cleaning rangehood filters
- Washing skirting boards
- Cleaning window tracks
- Sanitising door handles and switches
- Washing walls (spot cleaning or full clean)
- Dusting vents and ceiling fans
- Cleaning behind or under furniture
- Soap scum removal
- Sink polishing
- Heavy lime or mineral build-up removal
- Wiping blinds (if requested)
Deep cleaning takes longer because:
- The cleaners work in more detailed sections
- The level of scrubbing is higher
- They usually use stronger cleaning agents
- More surfaces are covered
- Appliances and cupboards are included
3. How to Know Which One You Actually Need
Many Aussies accidentally book a regular clean when their home really needs a deep one — and then the cleaner either raises the price or can’t finish the job properly.
Here’s how to easily decide:
✔ You need a regular clean if:
- Your home is already tidy
- You clean somewhat regularly
- You just need floors, surfaces, and bathrooms maintained
- You want weekly or fortnightly service
- There is no heavy grime
Regular cleaning is for maintenance — not restoration.
✔ You need a deep clean if:
- It’s been 3+ weeks since your last proper clean
- Your bathroom or kitchen has built-up grime
- You’re preparing for guests or a house inspection
- You’re moving in or out
- There are stains, marks, or heavy dust
- You want a “reset” clean
- Your home feels like it needs attention in every corner
Deep cleaning makes a noticeable difference — the home will look fresh, revived, and crisp.
4. Price Differences: Deep Clean vs Regular Clean
Cleaning companies in Australia charge more for deep cleans because they require:
- more time
- stronger products
- more detail
- more energy
- sometimes a second cleaner
Average 2025 Prices
Regular Cleaning:
- Apartments: $90–$160
- Houses: $120–$220
- Hourly: $35–$55/hr
Deep Cleaning:
- Apartments: $180–$350
- Houses: $250–$500+
- Often 30–60% more than regular cleaning
Why the difference matters:
A deep clean isn’t something you need every week. Many Australians do it 2–4 times a year, then rely on regular cleaning afterwards.
5. Why Cleaners Often Recommend a Deep Clean First
This is something many homeowners don’t realise:
Most cleaners prefer to do a deep clean first, then switch to regular weekly or fortnightly cleans.
Here’s why:
- It resets the home to a clean baseline
- Weekly cleaning becomes faster and cheaper
- Dust, grime, and old stains are removed
- They won’t fall behind on heavily neglected sections
- The home stays cleaner for longer
Starting with a deep clean ensures regular cleans can be done in 2 hours instead of 4 — saving you money long-term.
6. When You Should NOT Book a Deep Clean
A deep clean is not necessary if:
- You already clean weekly
- Your home has no built-up grime
- You only need a general tidy and wipe down
- You’re on a tight budget and your home is already in good condition
You can always upgrade specific items such as:
- Oven clean
- Inside fridge
- Balcony
- One bathroom deep scrub
This gives you the deep-clean results without paying for the whole package.
7. How to Get the Best Value for Either Service
No matter which cleaning type you choose, here’s how to get the most value:
✔ Compare 3–5 cleaning quotes
Prices vary massively between companies.
✔ Ask for a checklist
Never book a cleaner without seeing what’s actually included.
✔ Declutter before they come
The less clutter, the less time it takes — meaning lower cost.
✔ Ask about ongoing cleaning discounts
Most cleaners offer cheaper weekly or fortnightly rates.
✔ Check reviews and ABN
Always choose someone with verified reviews and insurance.
8. Final Verdict: Deep Clean or Regular Clean?
Here’s the simplest breakdown:
Choose a deep clean if:
Your home needs a full reset, has built-up grime, or you’re preparing for an inspection or move.
Choose a regular clean if:
Your home is already tidy and you want consistent upkeep.
Most households in Australia benefit from:
✔ A deep clean every 3–6 months
✔ Regular weekly or fortnightly cleans in between
This combination keeps your home fresh, hygienic, and easier to maintain year-round.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between a deep clean and a regular clean can save you money, avoid misunderstandings with cleaners, and ensure you get the exact result you’re expecting. By choosing the right service at the right time, you’ll enjoy a cleaner home, fewer surprises, and more consistent results — all while staying within your budget.
