Deep Cleaning vs Standard Cleaning in Toronto: What’s the Difference?
- Desmond Breau
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
“Deep cleaning” is one of the most searched cleaning terms in Toronto — and also one of the most misunderstood.
Some companies call any professional cleaning a “deep clean.”
Others reserve “deep cleaning” for visits that include multiple detail-heavy tasks in a single appointment — inside ovens and fridges; inside cupboards and drawers; interior windows; and other high-effort projects, often referred to as “major jobs.”
If you're comparing a Toronto maid service, cleaning company in Toronto, or house cleaning service in Toronto, understanding this difference matters.
This guide breaks down the difference between “standard cleaning” and “deep cleaning” (also called “spring cleaning”); explains when each is the right choice; and gives you a simple way to plan your visit so you get the results you expect.
1. What Is Standard Cleaning?
Standard cleaning is your regular maintenance cleaning service in Toronto. The goal is to keep your home consistently clean and comfortable week after week (or month after month) without letting buildup get out of control.
A standard cleaning from a professional Toronto cleaning service usually focuses on:
Bathrooms: sink; toilet; tub/shower; countertops; mirrors; and floors;
Kitchen: sink; countertops; exterior appliances; and floors; and
Living Areas/Bedrooms: tidying; dusting; vacuuming; and/or mopping floors.
This is the most common type of house cleaning in Toronto and is ideal for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly recurring service.
2. What Is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is designed for a reset.
Instead of simply performing general maintenance, deep cleaning includes general cleaning + multiple major detail-heavy tasks completed in a single visit.
Major tasks can include:
Cleaning out the oven;
Cleaning out and organizing the refrigerator;
Cleaning inside kitchen cupboards and drawers;
Cleaning out and organizing bathroom cabinets;
Washing interior windows;• Cleaning Venetian blinds; or
Other high-effort tasks that go beyond routine maintenance.
A deep cleaning service in Toronto typically requires more time, more detail work, and more planning than standard home cleaning services.
Deep cleaning is often the best fit when:
You haven’t had professional home cleaning in 2–3 months or longer;
You’re moving in or moving out;
You just finished renovations (construction dust settles everywhere);
You’re hosting guests or preparing for an event; or
You want a fresh baseline before starting recurring cleaning services in Toronto.
3. Easily Visible Signs You Need a Deep Clean (Quick Self-Check)
If you answer “yes” to three or more of the items below, a deep clean is usually the right call:
It’s been 2–3 months or more since your last professional house cleaning service;
Bathroom tile and grout show visible buildup;
Grease is collecting on kitchen cabinet fronts;
Baseboards look dull or dusty;
Interior window tracks and sills look grimy;
You’re preparing for a move-in; move-out; or inspection.
Many Toronto home cleaners recommend starting with a deep clean before switching to recurring maintenance service.
4. How to Plan a Deep Cleaning Visit (So Nothing Gets Missed)
To get the most value from your deep cleaning service:
Set expectations for “how deep” the visit should be — entire home or priority areas (kitchens and bathrooms usually matter most).
Make a list of your Top 5 priorities in the areas being cleaned.
De-clutter key zones so maximum time goes into cleaning — not organizing.
Discuss product preferences (especially for stone; specialty flooring; or sensitivities).
Clear communication with your Toronto residential cleaning service ensures time is allocated properly.
5. After a Deep Clean: How to Maintain the Results
A deep clean gives you a fresh baseline.
The easiest way to keep that “just cleaned” feeling is to move into a maintenance schedule with a trusted Toronto house cleaning company:
Weekly: busy homes; pets; high traffic;
Bi-weekly: the most common balance of cost and cleanliness;
Monthly: lighter maintenance for very tidy homes.
When structured properly, recurring cleaning service often eliminates the need for future deep cleans.
FAQ – Deep Cleaning vs Standard Cleaning in Toronto
What is included in a deep cleaning service in Toronto?
A deep cleaning service in Toronto includes general home cleaning + detailed tasks such as cleaning inside ovens and refrigerators; inside kitchen cupboards and drawers; interior windows; and other high-effort areas not typically covered during standard maintenance visits.
How often should I book a deep clean?
Most Toronto homes need a deep clean every 3–6 months — or before starting recurring maid services in Toronto.
Is deep cleaning worth it before starting recurring service?
Yes. Many Toronto cleaning companies recommend beginning with a deep clean to establish a clean baseline before transitioning into weekly or bi-weekly home cleaning service.
What is the difference between standard cleaning and deep cleaning?
Standard cleaning focuses on routine surface cleaning and maintenance. Deep cleaning includes routine cleaning service + multiple detailed “major jobs” completed in the same visit.
How much does a deep cleaning service cost in Toronto?
Pricing depends on home size; condition; and how many major tasks are included. Reputable Toronto house cleaning companies will provide a customized quote based on your priorities.
A Note from CUSTOM MAIDS TORONTO
(Sponsor of this article)
READY FOR A DEEP CLEANING SERVICE IN TORONTO?
If your home needs a real reset — and you want a cleaning plan built around your priorities —Custom Maids Toronto, a trusted Toronto cleaning company, can help.
NEED STANDARD CLEANING SERVICES ON A REGULAR BASIS?
Custom Maids’ “Standard Home Cleaning Services” are very thorough —
often described as “deep cleaning services” by other Toronto maid services.
Our Standard Cleaning Service includes a thorough general cleaning + one rotating major job on every visit. By rotating these major tasks, recurring clients are able to maintain their homes on an ongoing basis — often eliminating the need for future deep cleans.
