The Most Common Cleaning Services in Australia Explained
Introduction: Understanding Cleaning Services Helps You Choose the Right One
If you’re searching for cleaning quotes in Australia, it can feel overwhelming — especially when every cleaner offers different types of services. Some offer “general cleaning,” others “deep cleaning,” and then you’ll see terms like spring cleaning, end of lease cleaning, carpet steam cleaning, oven cleaning, and more.
So what do all these services actually mean?
And how do you know which one you need?
This guide breaks down the most common cleaning services in Australia, explains what each one includes, and helps you decide the best option for your home and budget.
1. Regular / General Home Cleaning
This is the most common cleaning service Australians book weekly or fortnightly.
Who it’s for:
âś” Busy families
âś” Working professionals
âś” People who want a tidy home all the time
âś” Homes that are already maintained
What it includes:
- Vacuuming carpets
- Mopping hard floors
- Dusting surfaces
- Cleaning bathrooms
- Wiping kitchen benches
- Cleaning sinks and taps
- Tidying common areas
- Emptying bins
- Light dusting of furniture
What it doesn’t include:
- Oven cleaning
- Inside cupboards
- Deep scrubbing
- Window tracks
- Wall cleaning
- Blinds
- Carpet steam cleaning
If you want a simple, ongoing clean — this is the one.
2. Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning goes much further than regular cleaning. It targets areas that build up grime over time.
Who it’s for:
✔ Homes that haven’t been cleaned properly in 3+ weeks
âś” First-time professional cleans
âś” Kitchens or bathrooms needing extra attention
âś” Homeowners preparing for guests or inspections
What it includes:
- Scrubbing tiles and grout
- Cleaning inside cupboards
- Cleaning skirting boards
- Wiping window tracks
- Cleaning behind furniture
- Removing soap scum
- Dusting vents and fans
- Spot cleaning walls
- Detailed kitchen clean
- Polishing surfaces
Optional extras:
- Oven cleaning
- Fridge cleaning
- Blinds wiping
Deep cleaning typically costs 30–60% more than a regular clean.
3. End of Lease / Bond Cleaning
This is one of the most detailed and time-consuming cleaning services offered in Australia.
Who it’s for:
âś” Tenants moving out
âś” Renters who want their full bond back
âś” Homes preparing for real estate inspection
âś” Owners selling a property
What it includes:
- Full bathroom sanitation
- Oven cleaning
- Rangehood and stovetop
- Spot cleaning walls
- Cleaning cupboards (inside/out)
- Window sills and tracks
- Skirting boards
- Light switches
- Doors and door frames
- Vacuuming and mopping
- Cobweb removal
Often required:
- Carpet steam cleaning (depends on lease agreement)
Most professional cleaners offer a bond-back guarantee, meaning they’ll return for free if the real estate agent requests extra cleaning.
4. Move-In Cleaning
This is a deep clean designed for people moving into a new home.
Who it’s for:
âś” New homeowners
âś” Renters before moving into a new property
âś” Anyone wanting a clean start
What it includes:
- Cleaning inside all cupboards
- Sanitising bathrooms
- Deep kitchen clean
- Cleaning walls
- Dusting everything
- Cleaning window tracks
- Polishing fixtures
- Removing previous tenant residue
- Mopping all floors
This ensures the home feels truly “yours” before living in it.
5. Spring Cleaning
A big, seasonal clean that prepares your home for warmer weather.
Who it’s for:
âś” Anyone wanting a full home refresh
âś” Households with winter dust or mould
âś” Families preparing for holidays or guests
What it includes:
- Dusting ceiling fans
- Cleaning behind furniture
- Deep bathroom clean
- Window cleaning (usually inside)
- Wiping skirting boards
- Detailed kitchen clean
- Decluttering assistance
- Outdoor areas (optional)
This is typically booked once a year.
6. Carpet Steam Cleaning
This is a specialist service separate from general cleaning.
Why it’s needed:
- Removes stains
- Kills bacteria and dust mites
- Improves air quality
- Required for most bond cleans
What it includes:
- Pre-treatment
- Hot water extraction
- Stain removal
- Deodorising
Price is usually per room and depends on carpet condition.
7. Oven Cleaning
One of the most disliked household chores — and a popular add-on.
Why people book it:
âś” Grease build-up
âś” Strong food smells
✔ Stains that won’t scrub off
âś” Fire safety
âś” End of lease requirements
What it includes:
- Removing racks
- Degreasing interior
- Scrubbing door glass
- Cleaning fan and fittings
- Polishing exterior
Professional oven cleaning produces far better results than DIY sprays.
8. Window Cleaning
Another commonly requested add-on.
Two types:
- Interior window cleaning
- Exterior window cleaning
What’s included:
- Glass washing
- Track cleaning
- Dusting frames
- Removing fingerprints and marks
High-rise or hard-to-reach windows may cost extra.
9. Upholstery Cleaning
Ideal for homes with pets, kids, or lots of couch use.
What it includes:
- Steam cleaning fabric
- Removing stains
- Deodorising sofas or chairs
- Sanitising
- Extracting dust and bacteria
This service can refresh furniture dramatically.
10. Blinds & Curtain Cleaning
Dust collects heavily on blinds and curtains — especially during winter.
What cleaning includes:
- Dust removal
- Steam cleaning
- Spot cleaning
- Degreasing (kitchen blinds)
Some cleaners offer on-site curtain cleaning; others take them away for washing.
11. NDIS, Aged Care & Disability Support Cleaning
These services are tailored for individuals needing consistent home support.
What’s included:
- Regular cleaning
- Deep cleaning
- Support worker cleaning
- Safety-focused cleaning
- Routine schedules
Pricing and services vary based on the plan.
12. Commercial Cleaning (Offices & Shops)
While not residential, many Australians also request commercial quotes.
What it includes:
- Office cleaning
- Rubbish removal
- Desk and workstation cleaning
- Toilets and kitchen areas
- Floor maintenance
This service is typically ongoing and performed after hours.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the most common cleaning services in Australia helps you choose the right option and avoid paying for something you don’t need. Whether you’re looking for a simple tidy-up, a detailed deep clean, or a full end-of-lease service, knowing the differences can save you time, money, and stress.
When in doubt, always compare 3–5 quotes to make sure you’re getting the best value — and check the inclusions carefully so you’re comparing services fairly.
