Deep cleaning costs and timelines vary dramatically between a studio apartment and a four-bedroom house—and knowing those differences helps you budget correctly and avoid sticker shock. Whether you're prepping a rental for move-out or refreshing your primary residence, understanding the scope of work, price per square foot, and realistic turnaround time is essential. This guide breaks down the real numbers and logistics for both property types.
What Counts as Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning goes beyond regular vacuuming and surface wiping. It includes:
- Baseboards, door frames, and light fixtures dusted and wiped
- Inside appliances (oven, refrigerator coils, microwave interior)
- Grout and tile scrubbed, often with specialized tools
- Windows cleaned inside and out, including sills and frames
- Carpets shampooed or hard floors stripped and sealed
- Behind and under furniture moved and cleaned
- Walls spot-cleaned of marks and scuffs
When a provider quotes deep cleaning, confirm which items are included—some companies bundle window cleaning as an add-on, while others include it as standard.
Apartment Deep Cleaning: Scope and Cost
Most apartments range from 400 to 1,200 square feet, making them significantly smaller projects than houses.
Typical pricing: $250 to $600 for a one-bedroom to two-bedroom apartment, depending on condition and location. Per-square-foot rates usually fall between $0.20 and $0.50.
Time required: A standard one-bedroom takes 3 to 5 hours; a two-bedroom, 4 to 7 hours. The contained space means fewer rooms and shorter distances between areas, reducing travel and setup time.
Key factors affecting apartment quotes:
- Existing clutter or excessive grime adds 1–2 hours
- Appliance condition (heavily soiled ovens cost more to restore)
- Flooring type (tile requires more labor than vinyl)
- Unit layout (studios are faster than units spread across multiple levels)
Apartments often clean up faster because there are fewer bathrooms, less square footage, and typically no basement or garage to address. Move-out cleaning for apartments is especially common—landlords often require it before your security deposit is released.
House Deep Cleaning: Scope and Cost
Houses typically range from 1,500 to 5,000+ square feet and include multiple bathrooms, outdoor surfaces, and additional spaces like basements or garages.
Typical pricing: $400 to $1,500+ for a three-bedroom house, with per-square-foot rates between $0.15 and $0.40. Larger homes see slightly lower per-square-foot costs due to efficiency gains.
Time required: Most three-bedroom houses need 6 to 12 hours; four-bedroom homes, 10 to 16 hours. Sprawling layouts and multiple levels significantly extend the timeline.
Additional considerations:
- Exterior windows and doors (adds 1–2 hours)
- Garage or workshop spaces (adds 2–3 hours if included)
- Deck or patio cleaning (adds 1–2 hours)
- Number of bathrooms directly impacts labor (each bathroom averages 45 minutes to 1 hour)
Houses often require crew scheduling over two days if the job exceeds 8 hours. Some providers charge premium rates for properties over 4,000 square feet or homes with specialty finishes like hardwood that require specific care.
Price Breakdown: Real Examples
Apartment (900 sq ft, 1 bed/1 bath): $300–$450
- 4 hours labor
- Standard cleaning suite
- No exterior work
House (2,200 sq ft, 3 bed/2 bath): $550–$850
- 8–10 hours labor
- Interior deep clean plus windows
- Garage not included
Large House (3,800 sq ft, 4 bed/3 bath): $1,000–$1,600
- 12–16 hours (likely two days)
- Full interior deep clean, windows, exterior pressure wash optional
- Appliance restoration included
Regional differences matter too—urban markets charge 20–40% more than suburban or rural areas.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
Request in-person or photo-based assessments rather than phone quotes. Provide specific details: square footage, condition level (move-out versus maintenance), flooring types, and number of appliances needing interior cleaning. Ask whether the quote includes windows, baseboards, and appliance interiors—these items often determine the final price.
Mercoly lets you compare quotes from multiple trusted deep cleaning providers in your area, so you can see pricing, timelines, and customer reviews side-by-side before hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get deep cleaning done in one day for a house larger than 3,500 square feet? Technically yes, but it requires a larger crew (3–4 people) and costs 30–50% more. Most providers recommend two days for quality results and to avoid crew burnout.
Q: Are apartments always faster to deep clean than houses? Generally yes, but a cluttered, heavily soiled two-bedroom apartment may take longer than a relatively clean three-bedroom house. The starting condition matters as much as size.
Q: What's the difference between move-out and maintenance deep cleaning prices? Move-out cleaning is typically 15–25% more expensive because it demands more intensive scrubbing, stain treatment, and appliance restoration to meet landlord or sale standards.
Start comparing deep cleaning providers in your area to find the best rate and timeline for your property type.