How Long to Deep Clean an Apartment

Deep cleaning an apartment is a comprehensive process that goes beyond routine cleaning. Whether you’re preparing for a move, doing seasonal maintenance, or simply refreshing your living space, the time required for deep cleaning depends on factors like the apartment’s size, its current condition, and the number of people involved. As one of the leading cleaning services in New Westminster, we’ve created this guide to help you estimate the time needed and the steps involved in thoroughly cleaning your apartment.

Assess the Size and Condition of the Apartment

The size and condition of the apartment are crucial factors in determining how long the deep cleaning process will take. Smaller spaces like studios or one-bedroom apartments generally require less time—about 3-5 hours. Larger apartments with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms may take 6-8 hours or more. If the apartment hasn’t been cleaned in months or is heavily cluttered, be prepared to spend additional time scrubbing and disinfecting to restore it to a pristine state.

Prepare Your Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

To ensure efficiency, gather all the necessary supplies before you begin. This includes all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, microfiber cloths, mops, vacuums, scrub brushes, and a steamer for areas like bathroom grout. Other helpful items include garbage bags, gloves, and a step ladder. For apartments with large windows, specialized glass-cleaning tools are a must. Having all your tools and materials readily accessible will save time and minimize interruptions during the cleaning process.

Breaking Down the Cleaning Process

A thorough deep cleaning involves focusing on different areas of the apartment, tackling each with care and attention:

1. Living Areas: Dust all surfaces, including baseboards, shelves, and light fixtures. Clean carpets, vacuum upholstery, and mop the floors. Shampoo carpets if necessary to remove stains and odors. Wipe down electronics and decorative items with a microfiber cloth.
2. Kitchen: Scrub countertops, cabinets, and the sink. Deep clean appliances such as the oven, microwave, and refrigerator, both inside and out. This step can be time-intensive, as grease and food residue often require significant effort. Don’t overlook areas like the backsplash and under-sink storage.
3. Bathrooms: Disinfect toilets, tubs, and showers. Scrub grout and remove soap scum. Wipe down mirrors, sinks, and faucets, and clean the floors. Pay close attention to areas prone to mold, such as under sinks or around shower curtains.
4. Bedrooms: Dust furniture, clean windows, and wipe down ceiling fans. Launder bedding, including sheets and pillowcases, if needed. Vacuum or sweep floors and check closets for dust and clutter.

Time Estimates for Each Area

The time required for each area will vary based on its size and condition, but these estimates can serve as a general guide:

• Living Room: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Kitchen: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Bathroom: 1 hour
• Bedroom: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Larger or more heavily used spaces may require extra time to clean thoroughly.

How Long Will It Take?

On average, deep cleaning a one-bedroom apartment takes approximately 3-5 hours. For larger apartments, expect the process to take 6-8 hours or more. The cleaning time can also depend on whether you are working solo or with a team. Hiring professional cleaners can significantly reduce the time needed; for instance, professionals might complete the task in 2-4 hours for a standard-sized apartment. Always allocate additional time for unexpected cleaning tasks, such as washing windows or organizing clutter.

Other Cleaning Tips: