Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning (+ Move-Out & Airbnb Checklists)

"Do I need a deep clean or just a regular cleaning?" It's one of the most common questions we get on Cape Cod and in Plymouth, and the answer changes what gets cleaned, how long it takes and what it costs. Below we compare the four types of cleaning we do every week, then give you the full checklist for each.

Quick answer: a regular cleaning maintains a clean home on a schedule. A deep cleaning resets it, adding baseboards, fans, blinds, grout and the inside of appliances. A move-out cleaning goes further still, inside every cabinet and appliance of an empty home. An Airbnb turnover resets a rental between guests, with fresh linens and restocking.

Regular vs Deep vs Move-Out vs Airbnb: Side by Side

— means it's not part of that service's standard checklist. Many items can be added as extras.

Regular (Recurring) Cleaning Checklist

Weekly, biweekly or monthly visits that keep the house clean between deep cleans:

• Kitchen: countertops, sink and faucet, stovetop, microwave and the outside of appliances
• Bathrooms: toilets cleaned and disinfected, sinks, mirrors and a light clean of the shower or tub
• Bedrooms and living areas: furniture and shelves dusted, beds made and visible items organized
• Floors: vacuumed and mopped throughout, with trash emptied and cobwebs removed

Best for: keeping a home that's already clean in good shape. See recurring house cleaning.

Deep Cleaning Checklist

Everything in a regular clean, plus the details that build up over months:

• Throughout: baseboards, doors, frames, handles, switches and outlets; ceiling fans, light fixtures and ceiling-corner cobwebs; blinds and interior sills; floors including corners and under furniture
• Kitchen: stove and grates including sides and panel; microwave inside and out; range hood and filters (when accessible); grout and baseboards; oven, refrigerator and cabinets inside on request
• Bathrooms: toilets inside and out; shower, glass and tub descaled; wall tile and grout; mirrors and metals polished
• Bedrooms and living areas: furniture, shelves and electronics dusted; sofas vacuumed under the cushions; floors under the bed

Best for: a first visit, spring cleaning, before the holidays or before starting a recurring plan. See the full deep cleaning checklist, or deep cleaning in Plymouth.

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (for Tenants and Landlords)

Done in an empty home, so every surface can be reached:

• Kitchen: cabinets and drawers inside and out; oven inside and out; refrigerator inside and out (if it stays); microwave; range hood and filters; sink, tile, grout and baseboards
• Bathrooms: toilets, shower, glass and tub; cabinets and drawers inside and out; tile and grout on walls and floor; mirrors and metals
• Bedrooms and closets: closets and built-ins inside and out; doors, handles and baseboards; fans, light fixtures and blinds; interior windows, glass and tracks
• Throughout: switches and outlets; A/C vents; light marks on walls (when applicable); floors vacuumed and mopped, including corners

Tenants: book the cleaning after the movers and before the final walk-through, and keep water and power on. Landlords: schedule it between tenants so the unit is ready for photos and showings. Carpet cleaning, exterior windows and full wall washing are extra. More on move-in / move-out cleaning and move-out cleaning in Plymouth.

Airbnb Turnover Cleaning Checklist

Everything a host needs reset between check-out and check-in:

• General: cleaning and organization of the whole rental, common areas and balconies
• Bedrooms: fresh bed linen change and a check for items left behind by guests
• Bathrooms and kitchen: cleaned and sanitized, ready for the next guest
• Restocking: basics such as soap, shampoo, coffee, tea and toilet paper
• Final check: lamps and equipment tested, the space aired out and freshened

On Cape Cod, summer turnovers are often same-day, so a written checklist matters: it's what protects your 5-star reviews. See Airbnb and vacation rental cleaning.

Which One Do You Need?

• Your home is cleaned regularly → a regular cleaning keeps it that way.
• No professional clean in months, or guests are coming → book a deep cleaning, then switch to regular visits.
• You're moving out, selling or turning over a rental unit → a move-out cleaning.
• You host on Airbnb or VRBO → an Airbnb turnover after every stay.

What Each One Costs

On Cape Cod and in Plymouth, a regular clean runs about $100–$320 and a deep clean about $180–$500, depending on the size of the home; move-out and Airbnb cleanings are quoted individually. See the full breakdown in how much does house cleaning cost on Cape Cod.

Not sure which cleaning you need? Tell us about your home and we'll recommend the right one. Deep cleans come with up to $80 off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning?

Regular cleaning keeps a home clean on a schedule: kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, dusting and floors. Deep cleaning adds the details regular visits skip, such as baseboards, doors and switches, ceiling fans, light fixtures, blinds, tile and grout, and the inside of the microwave, plus the oven, refrigerator and cabinets on request.

How often should you deep clean your house?

Most homes need a deep clean once or twice a year, often in spring and before the holidays, plus a deep clean before starting a recurring cleaning plan.

Is move-out cleaning the same as deep cleaning?

No. A move-out cleaning is done in an empty home and goes further: inside every cabinet and drawer, the oven, the refrigerator if it stays, closets, interior windows and tracks, and A/C vents. A deep cleaning is designed for an occupied home.

What does an Airbnb turnover cleaning include?

General cleaning and organization, bedrooms with a fresh linen change, bathrooms and kitchen, common areas and balconies, restocking of basics such as soap, shampoo, coffee, tea and toilet paper, a check for items left by guests, and a final check of lamps and equipment.

Is carpet cleaning included in a move-out cleaning?

No. Carpets are vacuumed, but carpet cleaning, exterior window cleaning and full wall washing are additional services.