"Deep cleaning" sounds like an all-day marathon, but it doesn't have to be. The secret is layering your cleaning: small daily habits, a weekly reset, monthly catch-ups and occasional deep cleans mean nothing ever gets bad enough to feel overwhelming. Here's how the tasks break down.
Every day (10–15 minutes)
- Wipe kitchen worktops and the hob after cooking.
- Wash up or load the dishwasher; empty the sink.
- Quick wipe of the main bathroom surfaces.
- A ten-minute tidy to put things back where they belong.
Every week
- Vacuum all floors and mop hard surfaces.
- Clean bathrooms properly — toilet, bath, shower, basin and mirrors.
- Dust surfaces, shelves and sills.
- Change bed linen and empty all bins.
- Wipe kitchen appliance exteriors and the sink.
This weekly reset is exactly what our regular cleaning covers, if you'd rather hand it over.
Every month
- Wipe skirting boards, door frames, switches and handles.
- Clean interior windows and mirrors.
- Descale kettle, showerheads and taps.
- Vacuum under and behind accessible furniture.
- Wipe inside the microwave and clean the extractor filter.
Every 3–6 months (the deep clean)
This is the proper reset that reaches the spots everyday cleaning misses:
- Clean inside the oven, fridge and freezer.
- Descale bathrooms fully, including grout and glass.
- Wash or professionally clean carpets, rugs and upholstery.
- Clean light fittings, lampshades and tops of wardrobes.
- Wash curtains, cushion covers and throws.
- Move furniture to clean underneath and behind.
Once a year
- A full spring clean — every room, top to bottom.
- Clear out and clean inside all cupboards and wardrobes.
- Wash walls and paintwork where needed.
- Deep clean mattresses and behind large appliances.
What affects how often you should deep clean?
Homes with pets, young children, smokers or high foot traffic will need deep cleaning more often — perhaps every couple of months. Allergy sufferers also benefit from more frequent carpet and upholstery cleaning to reduce dust and allergens. Adjust the schedule to suit your household rather than treating it as fixed.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between cleaning and deep cleaning?
Regular cleaning keeps on top of everyday dirt on visible surfaces. Deep cleaning tackles built-up grime in places you don't reach weekly — inside appliances, grout, behind furniture and light fittings.
Is it worth paying for a deep clean?
If you're short on time, have a big event coming up, or want a high baseline before starting regular cleaning, a professional deep clean is well worth it — and often more thorough than DIY.