When hiring a house cleaning company in Washington, DC, many people expect a sparkling home at the end of the service. But what exactly is included in a standard cleaning? Understanding what’s covered and setting clear expectations is key to ensuring both the cleaning service provider and the client are on the same page.
At Next Day Cleaning, we provide a comprehensive house cleaning experience that ensures every corner of your home is tended to. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what is typically included in a standard house cleaning service, highlight some common misconceptions, and set clear expectations so you know exactly what to expect.
What Customers Often Assume Incorrectly
Before we dive into what a standard cleaning entails, it’s important to address some of the common misconceptions that customers might have when booking a cleaning service in Washington, DC.Deep Cleaning vs. Standard Cleaning
One of the most common misunderstandings is assuming that a standard house cleaning includes deep cleaning tasks. Many people assume that services like carpet cleaning, extensive stain removal, or cleaning behind large appliances are part of a regular cleaning, but these tasks are typically reserved for specialized deep cleaning services. A standard cleaning focuses on surface-level cleaning and maintaining a clean home on a regular basis.Everything Will Be Cleaned
While a standard house cleaning covers a lot of ground, it may not include every single surface or area in your home. For instance, standard cleaning generally doesn’t involve cleaning the inside of the oven, refrigerator, or windows unless specified. It’s important to discuss any specific tasks or extra services with your cleaning provider to avoid any surprises.Cleaning Time is the Same for Every Home
Some customers assume that all homes will take the same amount of time to clean, but the time required can vary greatly depending on the size of the home, its condition, and the level of cleaning needed. For example, a 2-bedroom apartment will likely take less time to clean than a 4-bedroom townhouse in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC.What Cleaners Actually Do in a Standard House Cleaning
Now that we’ve cleared up some misconceptions, let’s dive into the details of what’s actually included in a standard house cleaning service from Next Day Cleaning. Our team follows a set checklist to ensure we cover all the essential tasks to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in your home.Dusting and Wiping Surfaces
We begin by dusting and wiping down all surfaces in your home, including furniture, baseboards, light fixtures, and countertops. Our goal is to eliminate dust, allergens, and dirt from your home, ensuring that every visible surface looks clean and fresh.Vacuuming and Sweeping Floors
We thoroughly vacuum carpets and rugs to remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated. For hardwood, tile, or laminate floors, we sweep and mop to ensure no dust or dirt is left behind. In high-traffic areas, we make sure the floors are spotless and inviting.Cleaning Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most important areas in your home, and our team makes sure to clean them thoroughly. This includes scrubbing toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers, wiping down mirrors, and sanitizing countertops. We also clean any bathroom shelving, dusting or wiping down surfaces as needed.Kitchen Cleaning
In the kitchen, we focus on high-traffic areas like countertops, the sink, and the stovetop. We clean the outside of appliances like the microwave, oven, and refrigerator. If time allows or if specified, we’ll also clean the inside of the microwave or wipe down cabinet faces. A standard cleaning usually does not include deep cleaning the inside of the oven or refrigerator, unless requested.Making Beds and Tidying Up
We make sure to straighten up the beds and any other areas in your home that may have been disrupted. This includes fluffing pillows, arranging cushions, and straightening any visible clutter. While we don’t organize closets or deep clean shelves during a standard cleaning, we ensure your home looks neat and presentable.Taking Out the Trash
We empty all trash bins in the house, including those in bathrooms, bedrooms, and the kitchen. Our team will also replace the trash liners to keep things hygienic and fresh.General Touch-Ups
We also focus on general touch-ups around the home, such as wiping down high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and handles. These areas often accumulate dust and grime quickly, and cleaning them regularly helps reduce the spread of germs.Maria’s Quality Standards for House Cleaning
Maria, a long-time customer of Next Day Cleaning, shares her thoughts on the importance of maintaining high standards when it comes to house cleaning. She emphasizes the following points when setting expectations for a standard cleaning: “I like to have everything dusted, floors swept and mopped, and bathrooms cleaned, but I also like the team to pay attention to those little details, like wiping down the baseboards and making sure the kitchen sink looks pristine. For me, a standard clean isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about making sure the space feels fresh and clean when I walk in.” Maria’s focus on thoroughness in standard cleaning highlights the importance of cleaning every corner and high-touch areas, even during routine services. This is why we take care to address even the smallest details to ensure satisfaction.Omar’s Expectations for Cleanliness in His DC Apartment
Omar, a renter in Washington, DC, explains that for him, setting clear expectations is essential for any cleaning service: “I need to know that the basics are covered, like the kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and floors. But I also appreciate it when the team does a bit extra, like dusting the furniture and wiping the kitchen appliances. It’s the little touches that really make me feel like the house is truly clean.” Omar’s approach to standard cleaning emphasizes that while routine cleaning should cover the basics, customers may appreciate additional touches like cleaning appliances or adding extra care to commonly-used areas, which we ensure are part of our service.Commonly Overlooked Areas in Standard Cleaning
Some areas may not be covered in a standard house cleaning unless specifically requested. These include:- Inside the oven, fridge, or cabinets: While the exteriors of these appliances are wiped down, deep cleaning inside the oven or fridge is typically not part of a standard clean.
- Window washing: Standard cleaning usually doesn’t include cleaning the interior or exterior of windows. This is typically a part of deep cleaning services.
- Closet organization: A standard cleaning doesn’t include organizing closets or drawers. The focus is on making them tidy, but not re-arranging items.
