How Long Does it Take for a Deep Cleaning? (Complete Breakdown by Room, Home Size, and More)

Keeping a home clean and tidy is essential for maintaining a healthy and pleasant living environment. But how long does it take for a deep cleaning? That depends on many factors like the size of the home, the level of clutter, and whether you’re hiring professionals or tackling it yourself. Performing a deep and thorough cleaning can be an overwhelming task, especially for those with busy lives.

Deep home cleaning goes beyond the classic sweeping, washing dishes, and dusting. With deep cleaning, every corner of the home is free of a speck of dust, leaving a spotless space. How long does it take to deep clean a house varies, but in this article, Yorleny’s Cleaning Services will provide useful information to help you plan and carry out an efficient cleaning.

What’s Included in a Deep Cleaning Service?

Before estimating how long does it take for a deep cleaning, it’s important to know what deep cleaning includes. A professional deep clean covers high-touch surfaces, appliances, and areas that are often ignored in a regular clean. It also involves scrubbing grout, cleaning baseboards, wiping ceiling fans, and more.

Deep Clean vs. Standard Clean — Key Differences

So how long does deep clean take compared to a regular clean? The answer depends on the space and how detailed the clean is. A standard cleaning might take 1–2 hours in a small home, while a deep cleaning can take up to 4 hours or more for the same space. The difference lies in depth and attention to detail.

Regular cleaning handles the visible mess, while deep cleaning tackles hidden dirt, bacteria, and allergens. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations when asking how long does it take to clean a house deeply and properly.

Common Areas Covered in a Professional Deep Clean

A professional deep clean addresses a wide range of issues that are frequently ignored in routine cleaning. These include thoroughly cleaning and wiping out all accessible surfaces, including picture frames and light fixtures.

It also entails cleaning and sanitizing high-touch surfaces such as light switches and doorknobs, as well as baseboards, door frames, and window frames. Deep cleaning frequently includes vacuuming and washing floors, cleaning inside cupboards and drawers, and cleaning behind and under furniture. If you’re preparing your space ahead of time, don’t forget to follow tips for decluttering your home to make cleaning faster and more efficient.

Average Time to Deep Clean a Home by Size

Apartment or Condo (1–2 Bedrooms)

Wondering how long does it take to deep clean a house if it’s a small apartment? For a 1–2 bedroom apartment, a deep clean typically takes 2 to 4 hours.  This time can vary depending on the amount of clutter, the presence of pets, and the individual cleaning needs.

But if your kitchen and bathroom haven’t had a good scrub in a while, or you want to deep clean inside appliances and closets, you’ll likely spend the full 4 hours—or even longer. So next time you think about how long does it take for a deep cleaning, remember that small spaces still demand time if you want it done right.

Townhouse or Medium-Sized Home (2–3 Bedrooms)

In a 2–3 bedroom townhouse, how long does a deep cleaning take? On average, expect 4 to 6 hours of solid work. That estimate includes vacuuming, sanitizing surfaces, cleaning inside cabinets, and scrubbing bathrooms.

Large Home (4+ Bedrooms)

A large home (4+ bedrooms) normally takes 6 to 10+ hours to deep clean, depending on the level of the clutter and the individual cleaning chores needed. How long do deep cleanings take for a house of this size also depends on square footage, how often the space is cleaned, and whether you’re hiring professionals.

The frequency of thorough cleaning, the presence of pets, and the inclusion of additional activities (such as cleaning inside appliances) can all have an impact on how long does it take to clean a house thoroughly during a deep clean.

Key Factors That Affect Deep Cleaning Time

The answer to how long does it take for a deep cleaning depends on several key factors: the size of the home, the number of rooms, the level of accumulated dirt, the amount of furniture, drawers, windows, and other objects in the home, whether it has a terrace or not, whether there are pets, or whether there are smokers, among others.

It’s also important to consider the level of organization and order in the house. A well-organized space where everything is in its place will make the cleaning process faster and more efficient, potentially reducing how long does it take for a deep cleaning to be completed.

Current Cleanliness Level of the Home

The level of cleanliness in a home is a significant factor in determining how long does it take for a deep cleaning to be completed. Homes that are already relatively clean will naturally take less time to deep clean compared to those with a substantial buildup of dirt, grime, or clutter.

Here’s why:

1. More Time Spent on Cleaning Tasks: A dirtier home will require additional time for tasks such as scrubbing, dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing.
2. Increased Effort and Attention to Detail: Areas with heavy buildup may need extra attention and longer cleaning times to ensure a thorough clean.
3. More Time Spent on Decluttering: Excessive clutter can significantly prolong the cleaning process, as items need to be moved, organized, and cleaned around.
4. Potential Need for Specialized Cleaning Solutions: Stubborn stains or mold might require specialized cleaning products and additional time for treatment and removal.

Pets, Flooring Type, and Clutter

Another factor that affects how long does it take for a deep cleaning is the presence of pets, the type of flooring, and the amount of clutter. Pets that shed or track dirt require more frequent and intensive cleaning, often necessitating specialized products to address stains and odors.

Hard surfaces like hardwood or tile are generally easier to clean than carpets, which may demand deep vacuuming or professional treatment. Clutter can obstruct access and accumulate dust, making cleaning more time-consuming. Decluttering before a deep clean can streamline the process and shorten how long does it take for a deep cleaning overall.

Special Requests or Add-Ons

Special requests and add-on services also have a significant impact on how long does it take for a deep cleaning to finish. Extras like oven cleaning, fridge cleaning, and interior window washing extend the cleaning timeline. The more detailed and customized the services, the more time a deep clean will require.

Cleaning Crew Size Matters: Solo Cleaner vs. Team

How a Team Reduces Total Service Time

When estimating how long does it take for a deep cleaning, the size of the cleaning crew plays a vital role. A cleaning team minimizes the overall service time through efficient task delegation, reduced duplication of effort, and better coordination. By dividing tasks like kitchen, bathroom, and floor cleaning among team members, a thorough deep clean can be completed much faster than by a solo cleaner.

When One Cleaner Might Be Ideal

That said, a single cleaner may still be ideal for smaller homes or clients who prefer personalized service. In these cases, how long does it take for a deep cleaning will naturally be longer, but the experience may feel more customized. Ultimately, the choice between solo and team cleaning depends on the size of the home, level of cleanliness, and personal preferences.

Room-by-Room Time Estimates

When it comes to how long does it take for a deep cleaning, the timeframe can vary widely depending on the room. Deep cleaning time estimates range from as little as 15 minutes for compact areas to several hours for larger, heavily used spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

The size of the room, level of clutter, and specific cleaning tasks involved all influence how long does it take for a deep cleaning in each area.

Kitchen Deep Cleaning Duration

A kitchen is one of the most labor-intensive areas to clean thoroughly. On average, how long does it take for a deep cleaning in the kitchen ranges from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the condition of the space and the extent of tasks involved. Grease buildup, appliance interiors, and detailed organization often require more attention and time.

Here’s a breakdown of estimated time by task:

• Appliances: Exterior cleaning (stove, microwave, refrigerator) can take 15-30 minutes, but deep cleaning interiors (oven, fridge) can take an hour or longer.
• Cabinets and Drawers: Cleaning surfaces, removing objects, and organizing can take 1-2 hours.
• Cleaning and sanitizing countertops might take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
• Scrubbing and sanitizing the sink and faucets might take between 15 and 30 minutes.
• Floors: Sweeping and mopping can take 30-60 minutes.

All these elements combined determine how long does it take for a deep cleaning in the kitchen.

Bathrooms and Grout Scrubbing Time

Bathrooms also add significant time to the deep cleaning process. So, how long does it take for a deep cleaning in a bathroom? Generally, between 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the room’s condition and how much grout work is needed.

Here’s the estimated breakdown:

• Toilet and sink washing and disinfection: 10-20 minutes (deep clean).
• Shower/tub cleaning/scrubbing takes 15-30 minutes (deep clean).
• Mirror cleaning takes 5-10 minutes.
• Grout cleaning time: 15-45 minutes (depending on severity).
• Floor washing takes 10-20 minutes.
• Baseboards and other details: 5-10 minutes.

If heavy soap scum, mold, or hard water stains are present, how long does it take for a deep cleaning can be on the longer end of the range.

Bedrooms, Living Room, and Common Areas

When assessing how long does it take for a deep cleaning of living spaces like bedrooms and common areas, plan for 4 to 8 hours for an entire standard-sized home. Individual rooms vary depending on size, clutter, and furniture.

Living Room:

• Dust furniture, clean mirrors and glass surfaces, and wash down any decor.
• Floors can be vacuumed or mopped, depending on the type.
• General Tidying, clean up and organize your space.

The estimated time is 0.5 to 1 hour.

Bedroom cleaning:

• Dusting, cleaning mirrors, and wiping off furniture.
• Change the linens, and wash the blankets and pillows.
• Vacuum or mop floors.
• Tidying,removing clutter and organizing your space.

The estimated time is one to two hours.

Common areas (e.g., hallways, entryways):

• Dust and wipe surfaces, entry tables, and mirrors.
• Vacuum or mop floors.
• General Tidying, clean up and arrange.

Estimated time: varies based on size and clutter, but typically 30 minutes to an hour.

How Yorleny’s Cleaning Service Estimates Cleaning Time

Understanding how long does it take for a deep cleaning depends on several unique factors—from your home’s size to its current condition. At Yorleny’s Cleaning Services, we aim to make the process transparent, efficient, and tailored to your needs.

What to Expect During Your Initial Walkthrough

Before giving you a precise estimate, our team conducts a brief walkthrough to assess key areas, understand your priorities, and evaluate any high-traffic zones or areas needing special attention. This helps us determine the right number of professionals and how much time your deep cleaning will require.

Personalized Estimates Based on Your Home’s Needs

No two homes are the same, which is why our deep cleaning estimates are always customized. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a large family home, we’ll provide a realistic time frame and ensure you know exactly what to expect.

Want to know how long it would take to deep clean your home? Contact us today for a personalized estimate and let’s bring that fresh, deep-cleaned feeling to your space—without the guesswork.

FAQ: How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take

Does clutter or pet hair affect how long a deep clean takes?

Yes—factors like excess clutter, pet dander, multiple flooring types, or heavily soiled areas can increase the time needed. Homes with pets or high foot traffic usually require additional attention.

Do Florida homes take longer to clean?

Often, yes. Florida’s high humidity, potential for mold buildup, and sandy debris from the outdoors can all extend cleaning times—especially in entryways, bathrooms, and coastal properties.

How long does it take for a deep cleaning after construction or home renovation?

Deep cleaning after construction or remodeling typically takes 6 to 12 hours or more, depending on the size of the space and the amount of dust and debris left behind. These cleanings are more intensive and involve removing fine dust from walls, vents, light fixtures, and floors.