House cleaning services are designed to keep your home clean, healthy, and organized—but many homeowners aren’t sure what’s actually included. Do cleaners scrub bathrooms? Do they clean inside appliances? Is laundry part of the service?
This guide provides a clear, room-by-room breakdown of what house cleaning services typically include, so you know exactly what to expect before booking.
What Are House Cleaning Services?
House cleaning services are professional cleaning solutions that maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and comfort in residential properties. These services can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as a one-time visit, depending on your needs.
Most professional cleaners follow standardized checklists, but inclusions may vary based on:
- Type of service (standard, deep, move-in/move-out)
- Size and condition of the home
- Custom requests
What’s Included in Standard House Cleaning Services?
Standard house cleaning focuses on surface-level cleaning and routine maintenance. It’s ideal for homes that are cleaned regularly and don’t require heavy scrubbing.
Common areas covered:
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen
- Living rooms and shared spaces
Now, let’s break it down room by room.
Bedroom Cleaning Services: What’s Included?
Professional house cleaning services typically include the following bedroom tasks:
- Dusting all reachable surfaces (nightstands, dressers, shelves)
- Cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces
- Vacuuming carpets or rugs
- Sweeping and mopping hard floors
- Making beds (linen changing may cost extra)
- Emptying trash bins
- Wiping light switches and door handles
Not usually included:
- Laundry
- Organizing closets
- Cleaning under heavy furniture
Bathroom Cleaning Services: What’s Included?
Bathrooms receive detailed attention due to hygiene concerns. Most house cleaning services include:
- Scrubbing and disinfecting toilets (bowl, seat, exterior)
- Cleaning sinks, faucets, and countertops
- Scrubbing showers and bathtubs
- Removing soap scum and light mildew
- Cleaning mirrors and glass
- Wiping cabinets and fixtures
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Emptying trash
Deep cleaning add-ons may include: grout scrubbing, heavy mold removal, and descaling hard water stains.
Kitchen Cleaning Services: What’s Included?
The kitchen is one of the most detailed areas in a standard house cleaning.
Typical kitchen cleaning includes:
- Wiping countertops and backsplashes
- Cleaning stovetop surfaces
- Wiping appliance exteriors (fridge, oven, dishwasher, microwave)
- Cleaning sink and faucet
- Dusting reachable surfaces
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Taking out trash
Usually not included unless requested:
- Inside oven cleaning
- Inside refrigerator cleaning
- Dishwashing
- Cabinet interior cleaning
Living Room & Common Areas: What’s Included?
For living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways, house cleaning services generally cover:
- Dusting furniture, shelves, and décor
- Cleaning glass tables and mirrors
- Vacuuming carpets and area rugs
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Straightening cushions and light tidying
- Emptying trash bins
These areas are typically quick to clean unless cluttered, which may require additional time or fees.
What Do Deep House Cleaning Services Include?
Deep cleaning services go beyond routine maintenance and target built-up dirt, grime, and neglected areas. This service is recommended:
- Before the first recurring cleaning
- For homes not cleaned in months
- After renovations
- For allergy-sensitive households
Deep cleaning typically includes everything in standard cleaning, plus:
- Baseboards scrubbed
- Door frames and trim cleaned
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans detailed
- Heavy soap scum and grime removal
- Inside appliances (optional or included depending on provider)
- Cabinet fronts hand-wiped
- Detailed bathroom and kitchen scrubbing
Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning: What’s Included?
Move-in and move-out cleaning services are designed for empty homes and are more intensive.
Common inclusions:
- Cleaning inside all cabinets and drawers
- Inside oven and refrigerator
- Baseboards, walls, and doors
- Closets and shelving
- Full bathroom and kitchen deep clean
- Floors vacuumed and mopped thoroughly
These services are often required for lease agreements or home sales.
What’s Not Included in Most House Cleaning Services?
While inclusions are extensive, some tasks are not typically part of standard house cleaning:
- Laundry and ironing
- Dishwashing
- Carpet shampooing
- Exterior window cleaning
- Wall washing
- Pet waste cleanup
- Lifting or moving heavy furniture
These services may be available as add-ons or require specialty cleaners.
Do House Cleaning Services Bring Their Own Supplies?
Most professional house cleaning services bring their own cleaning products and equipment, including:
- Vacuums and mops
- Disinfectants and surface cleaners
- Microfiber cloths
However, many companies will use customer-provided products upon request, especially for:
- Eco-friendly preferences
- Allergy-sensitive households
- Specific brand requirements
How Long Does a House Cleaning Service Take?
Cleaning time depends on:
- Home size
- Number of rooms
- Level of dirt
- Type of service
General estimates:
- 1-bedroom apartment: 1.5–2.5 hours
- 2–3 bedroom home: 3–4 hours
- Large homes or deep cleans: 5+ hours
How to Customize Your House Cleaning Service
Most cleaning companies allow you to tailor services by:
- Adding inside appliance cleaning
- Requesting focus areas (e.g., bathrooms only)
- Choosing eco-friendly products
- Scheduling recurring visits
Custom cleaning plans are ideal for busy homeowners or families with specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do house cleaning services usually include?
House cleaning services typically include dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, wiping kitchen surfaces, and tidying common areas.
Do house cleaners clean bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes, bathrooms and kitchens are core areas included in most standard house cleaning services.
Is deep cleaning the same as regular house cleaning?
No. Deep cleaning is more detailed and includes hard-to-reach areas, built-up grime removal, and extra detailing not covered in standard cleaning.
Are supplies included in house cleaning services?
Most professional cleaners bring their own supplies, but many will use customer-provided products if requested.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what house cleaning services include helps you set clear expectations, avoid surprises, and choose the right service for your home. Whether you need routine upkeep or a deep, detailed clean, professional house cleaning services can save time, reduce stress, and keep your living space consistently clean.
Ready to Book Professional House Cleaning?
If you’re looking for reliable, detailed, and flexible house cleaning services, Maid Service Today is here to help. From routine cleanings to deep and move-in/move-out services, our trained professionals ensure every room in your home is cleaned to a high standard.
Contact Maid Service Today, today to get a personalized quote and schedule your house cleaning service with confidence.