Are you getting ready to move out of your current home and need to get it professionally cleaned? Can’t decide if you have time to clean it deep yourself or if you should get professional help?
Professional move-out cleaning can help you leave your home in the best possible condition for the new residents. But how long does a move-out cleaning take?
On average, a professional move out cleaning service can take anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the size of the home and what kind of cleaning is required. If the home is smaller or needs only a light cleaning, then it may take less time than that. However, if the home is large and needs a deep cleaning, then it may take longer.
Continue reading to learn more about what is included in a move-out cleaning and how long it may take.
Factors That Affect The Time It Takes To Clean A Home
Moving out can be stressful, and you may only have the luxury of taking a day or two to complete everything. Therefore, to ensure that you get the job done efficiently and quickly, it’s important to know what factors can affect the time it takes for a professional move-out cleaning service to do the job.
The following are some of the most common factors that can affect how long it takes for a cleaning service to clean your home thoroughly:
? Size Of The Home
The size of the home can drastically affect how long it takes to finish cleaning. For instance, smaller homes take less time to address as there are fewer surfaces and items to move around and clean.
However, larger homes often contain more clutter, furniture, and items that may require specialized cleaning techniques or extra time for maneuvering heavy pieces.
Furthermore, a larger home will have more intricate elements, such as built-in shelving and cabinets, which you must properly wipe down. Before setting aside time to clean a home during a move-out process, it’s important to consider the size of the space to allocate resources and plan accordingly adequately.
? Amount Of Cleaning Required
Next, the amount of cleaning required also affects the time it takes to do a move-out cleaning. Generally, if a homeowner only needs basic cleaning services, it’ll take less time than deep-cleaning services.
Basic cleaning includes dusting furniture and shelves, vacuuming carpets, and mopping floors. On the other hand, deep cleaning includes removing kitchen grease, dusting blinds and corners, and cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
When hiring a move-out cleaning service, it’s essential to provide the company with a list of all the services that need to be done so that they can accurately estimate the time it’ll take.
? How Much Clutter is Present
Another factor that could give extra time during the move-out process is how much clutter is present in your home. Whether possessions have simply not yet found their designated spot or some items are no longer being used, such excess can add unnecessary minutes to the move-out cleaning process.
To speed up the process, it’s recommended to declutter and sort items before the professional cleaners arrive. This will make it easier for them to move around and help them focus on areas that need deep cleaning instead of wasting time going through piles of clutter.
? Soil or Dirt Buildup
Time spent cleaning will be impacted by the accumulation of soil and dirt in the kitchen and bathrooms. We’re not just talking about the normal accumulation of dirt and dust in your oven; we’re also talking about the grease buildup. As a result, the work is harder. You’ll need to immerse it in cleaning chemicals and spend extra time scrubbing.
In the bathrooms, common areas should be thoroughly cleaned and checked, such as fixtures, tubs, showers, tiles, and sinks.
? Kids and Pets
Do you have kids and pets? If so, you should expect the cleaning process to take longer. Kids tend to leave crumbs around, meaning the floor has to be vacuumed or swept more often. Additionally, pet fur and dander can accumulate in the carpets, meaning they’ll need to be vacuumed or steam-cleaned.
? If A Household Member Smoke
Cleaning will take longer if someone in the home smokes because of the extra time required to eliminate the lingering odor. If you want to maintain your home smelling fresh and clean, you’ll need to neutralize the odor that will linger in your throw pillows, walls, etc.
Most smokers already have an outdoor smoking space or venture out of the house to do so. However, smoke particles still remain inside and require time-consuming cleaning processes.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
What is the difference between a deep clean and a regular house cleaning? Maintaining a clean home regularly is simply concerned with ensuring things are neat and tidy. When you give your home a deep cleaning, you go above and beyond to remove any dust, filth, or other material that may have been hiding. Normal upkeep wouldn’t be able to remove it.
When you give anything a thorough cleaning, you do more than just pick up trash and wipe down surfaces. You’ll have to put in a lot of effort to clean your home from top to bottom, every nook, and crevice.
To give you an idea of what this kind of cleaning entails, here are just a few examples:
✅Cleaning the dishes and silverware in your home
✅Disinfecting the dishwasher, dryer, and fridge
✅Cleaning the inside of the window frames and the window sill
✅Cleaning and polishing the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom sinks
✅Polishing the mirrors and windows
✅Washing the vents
✅Removing contents from cabinets and drawers and disinfecting them
✅Cleaning the stove and the counters
✅Carpet cleaning
✅Cleaning baseboards and ceiling fan
How Long Does Deep Cleaning Take Based on House Size?
We’ve already covered some of the factors that could lengthen or shorten the time it takes to give your home a thorough cleaning. However, the size of your home is the single most important element in determining how long it will take to clean.
How long will it take to clean your home thoroughly? That depends on how many rooms you need to tackle. Remember that these are only rough estimations and could shift based on the above mentioned variables.
? 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Residential
One-bedroom apartments are often smaller (450 square feet), and a full cleaning of such a space may take up to 2.5 hours to complete on your own. However, if you hire a professional deep cleaning service, you can get the job done in a fraction of the time.
? 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Residential
Two-bedroom apartments are slightly larger than one-bedroom, with an average of 600 square feet. A deep cleaning may take 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the fixtures and furniture in the room. Professional cleaners can finish the job in as little as 2 hours.
? 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Residential
Three-bedroom homes are typically around 900 square feet or more. If you’re going to do the deep cleaning yourself, plan on taking 4-5 hours to get it done. But if you hire a professional deep cleaning service, they can finish the job in 2-3 hours.
? 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bathroom Home
There’s a lot more square footage to maintain in a four-bedroom home or apartment. And there are additional washrooms that need to be checked. Maintaining a clean four-bedroom residence takes at least four to five hours per week. Since the whole cleaning process will take an additional 2 hours, that’s the total time investment.
In contrast, a fast and efficient commercial cleaning service will finish your four-bedroom home in two to three hours.
Most Common Areas That Need Attention
Regardless of your home size, the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms are the three most used and frequently cleaned rooms in the house. Every home should prioritize cleanliness. Therefore knowing how long it takes to clean each room thoroughly is essential.
?Kitchen
Keeping your kitchen tidy is a must. Even more so if you enjoy or must spend a lot of time in the kitchen. One of the most important things to do is clean this room thoroughly. Simply put, you must guarantee that it’s completely clean and clear of bacteria.
When cleaning your kitchen, focus on the appliances. Further, we’re not just talking about the surface here. If you want to get a head start on cleaning the kitchen, start with dusting the high ceiling. Doing so will cause the dirt and debris to fall to the ground, where a vacuum cleaner may easily pick them up.
Next, go on to the larger appliances like the refrigerator and microwave and give them a good scrub down. The shelves in your fridge should be cleaned with warm water and liquid soap, so remove them all. You should also clean your microwave by removing the trays and rinsing them in hot, soapy water. Apply an all-purpose cleaner on a disinfecting cloth and use it to wipe and scour any stubborn stains.
After that, move on to the other little appliances like air fryers, blenders, and toasters and give them a good wipe-down as well. Make sure the stovetop and oven are spotless as well. You can finish cleaning the kitchen by vacuuming and washing down all the surfaces with a disinfectant cloth. Then, mop every floor in the house.
A thorough cleaning of the kitchen is clearly a complex undertaking. On the basis of the time and effort required to clean a kitchen deeply, it’s reasonable to allocate at least two to three hours per week to this task.
?Bathroom
The bathroom is a crucial part of the house that should be kept clean. From deep cleaning a shower to scrubbing the toilet, numerous tasks must be completed in the bathroom.
Start cleaning the bathroom by dusting and wiping down all surfaces first. Then, scrub every bathroom corner with a brush and disinfectant solution. Make sure to take note of any mold or mildew growing on the walls and apply a cleanser to get rid of it.
Next, clean the toilet bowl by scrubbing its interior with an abrasive cleaner and brush. Then, rinse the toilet with a disinfectant solution and mop the floor to get rid of any dirt and residue.
Finally, clean the shower and tub. Start by scrubbing its walls with a cleaning solution, then use an old toothbrush to remove any grime from the showerhead, taps, and faucets. Be sure to check the drain for any hair or debris and take care of that as well.
After that, wash the shower curtains and replace them with new ones. Cleaning your bathroom will take around two hours, depending on your bathroom size and the dirtiness level.
?Bedrooms
Your bedroom is your refuge, so keeping it clean and organized is important. Start by clearing out all the clutter and discarding any items you don’t need or want. Once that’s done, vacuum or sweep the floor and dust any surfaces.
Next, go through each drawer in your bedroom and discard anything you don’t need. Then, wipe down the surfaces of your dresser and nightstand with an all-purpose cleaner. Vacuum the entire room and use a damp cloth to spot clean any stains.
Finally, wash the sheets and other linens in hot water and put them away.
Cleaning and organizing a bedroom typically takes about one hour. However, if you change your sheets every week and vacuum your room every so often, you can cut that time down to as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
Keep only what you will wear and get rid of the rest. Take up less room in your wardrobe. You should instead store them or give them to a thrift store.
Quick and Easy Ways to Make Your Move-Out Cleaning More Efficient
Are you on a tight schedule or just looking for ways to make your move-out cleaning more efficient? Here are some quick and easy tips:
✅Use a Move-Out Checklist
Knowing how long a move-out cleaning takes is helpful, but having a move-out cleaning checklist can greatly improve efficiency. You’ll be able to get your work done more swiftly and easily due to your newfound orderliness.
For instance, you can create a list of tasks for each room, such as dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing. Moreover, you can focus on one task until you finish it in each room before moving on to the next.
✅Set Aside Enough Time
To ensure that your move-out cleaning goes smoothly, you must set aside enough time for it. You should consider the house size and how long each cleaning task is projected to take. Doing so will ensure you have enough things on your plate and maintain the quality of your work.
✅Prepare The Cleaning Supplies Ahead Of Time
To save yourself time during the actual move-out cleaning process, prepare your cleaning supplies and materials in advance. You should have all the materials and tools ready, so you can get started immediately upon arrival.
✅Hire Professional Cleaning Service
If you’re short on time and need a helping hand, consider hiring professional cleaners to help with your move-out cleaning. Professional cleaners are experienced and can get the job done quickly and effectively.
Rates and Cleaning Cost
Cleaning services are surprisingly affordable compared to the stereotype. All the lovely house cleaning services out there make it simple for anyone to obtain regular cleanings at a price that works for their budget.
Prices for this service vary from $100 to $300 for every visit, depending on the business you hire and the number of hours you need. But when you consider the benefits you get from having trusted experts handle everything, you’ll see that these costs are actually quite reasonable.
You can be charged various fees based on the number of hours spent cleaning and the extent of the cleaning required (such as window cleaning, scrubbing bathrooms, etc.). To avoid making calculating your final cost more difficult than it has to be, most establishments have a minimum amount they require you to pay for each service. The minimum stay varies from one to three hours at each location.
Which business you use to clean your home will depend on the project’s scope. While some businesses focus on one particular aspect of house cleaning, others can better deal with tasks as varied as cleaning a client’s windows and baseboards. Your own tastes are the most important factor in determining which business is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the standard cleaning rates?
A: Cleaning rates can vary depending on the cleaning tasks needed, the size of your home, and who you hire. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per visit, depending on the number of hours needed.
Q: What is included in a basic move-out cleaning package?
A: Generally, a basic move-out cleaning job will include dusting, vacuuming, and mopping all floors, cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms, wiping down countertops and other surfaces, and tidying up living areas. Some packages may also include window washing, cleaning of baseboards, and other tasks.
Q: Does a maid service provide all the necessary cleaning supplies?
A: Most maid services will provide all the necessary cleaning supplies, but it’s always a good idea to double-check this before hiring a maid service.
Q: What Causes the High Cost of House Cleaning Services?
A: Compared to maid services, the price of hiring a professional cleaning crew is high for a few reasons. To start, there is the issue of excessive overhead spending. This sum accounts for everything from wages to overhead costs, such as an office and a truck to move heavy machinery. Moreover, professional cleaning services are typically insured against any damages or injuries during the job. Lastly, these businesses often use high-end equipment and specialized cleaning products, which can run up the cost.
Q: Can a home cleaning service save me money?
A: Yes, home cleaning services can absolutely help you save money. By having your home professionally cleaned, you can save the time and effort of doing it yourself. Plus, you may have to purchase fewer cleaning supplies since the professionals will likely bring their own.
Final Words
A move-out cleaning is an important task that you should not take lightly. Not only will it help you get your security deposit back, but it will also make your new home feel more comfortable and inviting. While the cost of a move-out cleaning may vary depending on who you hire and the number of hours needed, you can rest assured that the cost will be worth it. With the right maid service and a detailed list of tasks to complete, your move-out cleaning will be done quickly and efficiently.
However, if you’re planning to do it yourself, make sure to give yourself enough time and use the proper cleaning supplies. This will help you save money while still ensuring that your home is thoroughly cleaned and ready. With a little planning and research, you can ensure that your move-out cleaning goes smoothly.
