Deep Cleaning Vs Regular Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

February 25, 2025

Every home needs cleaning – but how do you know when you need a deep cleaning versus a regular cleaning service?

And what exactly does this service entail?

If you’re looking for clarity on what deep cleaning means, you’re in the right place. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

  • What deep cleaning means
  • How it differs from regular cleaning
  • When you need it
  • How much it costs
  • How to prepare for it

Let’s dive into the details!

What is Deep Cleaning?

Professional deep cleaning crew deep cleaning a home

Deep cleaning is a thorough, intensive cleaning that reaches every corner and crevice of your home – including areas that regular cleaning simply doesn’t touch.

It’s a systematic, detailed process that eliminates built-up dirt, grime, and bacteria that accumulate over time. 

So – as you may have guessed, deep cleaning goes far beyond your typical cleaning routine. 

But what’s the real difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning? Let’s take a closer look. 

How Does Deep Cleaning Differ From Regular Cleaning?

Let’s break down the differences between deep cleaning and regular cleaning services. 

First, let’s look at what tasks are included in each service:

Regular Cleaning

Deep Cleaning

Dust visible surfaces

Dust all surfaces, including behind furniture and hard-to-reach areas

Basic bathroom cleaning

Detailed bathroom sanitization, including scale removal

Wipe kitchen counters

Deep degrease kitchen surfaces and inside cabinets, deep cleaning inside appliances using steam machine

Surface-level tidying

Move furniture to clean underneath

Quick window wipe

Clean window tracks, frames, and screens

Basic dusting of fans

Clean ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the exterior of air vents thoroughly

Time investment also varies for deep cleaning vs regular cleaning:

Service Type

Average Duration

Factors Affecting Duration

Regular Cleaning

2-3 hours

Home size, occupancy level

Deep Cleaning

4-8 hours

Home size, condition, last deep clean date

Different equipment and products are required for each service type:

Regular Cleaning

Deep Cleaning

Standard vacuum

Industrial-grade vacuum

Basic cleaning solutions

Professional-grade degreasers and sanitizers

Regular mops and cloths

Steam cleaners

Standard dusters

Extended-reach cleaning tools

Multi-purpose cleaners

Specialized surface-specific solutions

Finally, let’s take a look at the recommended frequency of deep cleaning vs regular cleaning for Dubai homes:

Service Type

Recommended Frequency

Special Circumstances

Regular Cleaning

Weekly or bi-weekly

More frequent during sandstorm season

Deep Cleaning

Every 3-6 months

After sandstorms, renovations, moving or before seasonal events

While regular cleaning maintains your day-to-day cleanliness, deep cleaning provides that thorough, intensive clean that every Dubai home occasionally needs. 

 

Speaking of Dubai, let’s go over the importance of deep cleaning specifically for Dubai homes. 

Why is Deep Cleaning Important for Dubai Residents?

Professional deep cleaner wearing gloves preparing for deep cleaning

Dubai is a beautiful place to live, but there’s no denying that its unique climate creates distinct cleaning challenges! 

The combination of desert dust, frequent sandstorms and high humidity means dirt and grime accumulate more quickly in Dubai homes.
Even with regular cleaning, these environmental factors can lead to:

  • Sand and dust settling deep into carpets and upholstery

  • Humidity encouraging mold growth in bathrooms and kitchens

  • Air conditioning systems collecting desert particles

  • Window tracks and door frames accumulating sand deposits

  • Marble and tile floors requiring special attention due to dust build-up

  • Year-round air conditioning trapping and recirculating dust particles

Deep cleaning addresses these challenges by thoroughly removing accumulated sand and dust, preventing mold growth, and ensuring your air conditioning system isn’t recirculating trapped particles.

Regular deep cleaning services keep your home cleaner for longer – creating a healthier living environment for you and your family. 

Why Would You Need Deep Cleaning?

Certain situations call for more than just your regular cleaning routine. 

Let’s explore some common scenarios when Dubai residents typically need deep cleaning services.

Moving or End of Tenancy Deep Clean

End of tenancy, moving into a new home or preparing to move out requires a thorough deep clean. This ensures you’re starting fresh in your new space or leaving your old home in perfect condition for the next residents. 

Health and Wellness

If you, your family members or pets suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, deep cleaning helps get rid of:

  • Dust mites and pet dander

  • Fine desert dust particles

  • Hidden allergens that regular cleaning misses

  • Bacteria and other harmful microorganisms  

Regular deep cleaning significantly improves indoor air quality, making your home a healthier environment for everyone. 

Seasonal Considerations

As mentioned earlier, Dubai’s unique climate creates specific cleaning needs throughout the year, including:

  • After sandstorms, when fine dust infiltrates every corner

  • During humid summer months to prevent mold growth

  • Before the onset of winter, when homes are typically sealed up more 

Being proactive about seasonal deep cleaning helps keep your home protected from Dubai’s challenging climate conditions. 

Special Occasions 

Many Dubai residents schedule deep cleaning before important occasions:

  • Prior to Ramadan, ensuring a clean space for this holy month

  • Before Diwali celebrations

  • When hosting special events or family gatherings

  • After holiday seasons

These thorough cleanings help make sure your home is pristine for those significant moments!

Post-Renovation Clean-Up

Any home renovation (big or small) leaves behind fine dust and debris. 

A professional deep clean ensures every trace of construction dust is eliminated, protecting your family’s health and your home's surfaces. 

Preventative Maintenance

Regular deep cleaning helps prevent:

  • Build-up of harmful bacteria and mold

  • Deterioration of flooring and surfaces

  • Damage to air conditioning systems

  • Staining on upholstery and carpets

  • Long-term maintenance issues

A consistent deep cleaning schedule helps you avoid these issues and keep you and your family healthy! 

Now that you understand when you need a deep cleaning, let’s look at where in your home deep cleaning occurs.  

What Areas Are Included In Deep Cleaning?

Professional deep cleaner wiping down a bathroom with rubber gloves on

Every room in your home needs special attention during a deep clean. 

Let’s take a look at the key areas cleaners focus on during a deep cleaning service. 

Living Areas and Bedrooms

These are areas most inhabited by you and your family, so it’s important to keep them clean and sanitized. 

At ShineOn, our living area deep cleaning includes:

  • Thorough dusting of all reachable surfaces, picture frames, and electronics

  • Comprehensive cleaning of ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the exterior of AC grills

  • Detailed cleaning of window tracks (up to 3 meters), frames, and interior glass

  • Sanitization of all high-touch areas like light switches and door handles

  • Spot cleaning of walls and doors to remove marks and smudges

  • Professional cleaning of mirrors and glass surfaces with streak-free solutions

  • Treatment of any visible mold around windows and door frames

These living spaces receive detailed attention to remove accumulated dust and allergens that affect your daily health and comfort. 

Kitchen

The kitchen is where you prepare your food – so you want it to be clean and germ free, right? Here’s what ShineOn’s deep kitchen deep cleaning includes:

  • Complete cleaning of extractor hood (exterior only), including filter removal and cleaning

  • Deep cleaning of stovetop and oven, including behind and underneath if accessible

  • Thorough refrigerator cleaning, inside and out (after food removal)

  • Detailed cabinet cleaning, both interior and exterior

  • Deep sanitization of countertops and backsplash areas

  • Professional cleaning of sink and faucets to remove water spots and restore shine

  • Comprehensive cleaning of all small appliances

  • Treatment of any visible mold around windows and seals

  • AC grill cleaning and sanitization (exterior only)

The extra sanitization that comes with a good deep cleaning helps fight bacteria and combats grease buildup (which can be a fire risk!). 

Bathrooms

It goes without saying that your bathroom can be a magnet for germs, so getting it deep cleaned periodically is essential. ShineOn’s approach to bathroom deep cleaning includes:

  • Professional sanitization of sinks and countertops to remove soap buildup

  • Deep cleaning and disinfection of toilets, including hard-to-reach areas

  • Thorough shower and bathtub cleaning to remove soap scum and water stains

  • Detailed cleaning of shower heads and fixtures to restore shine

  • Professional cleaning of mirrors and glass surfaces for a streak-free finish

  • Cabinet exterior cleaning and sanitization

  • Deep cleaning of floor tiles with special attention to grout lines

  • Treatment of any mold-prone areas around windows and door frames

  • Exterior AC grill cleaning and sanitization to improve air quality

  • Interior window and track cleaning

Deep bathroom cleaning helps prevent mold growth - particularly important in Dubai's humid climate.

What Areas are Not Included In a Deep Cleaning? 

Every cleaning company should provide you with a “scope of work” document, so you know which areas are excluded from deep cleaning – or in our case, could be added on for an additional charge. 

Here are the ShineOn deep cleaning services that require separate booking:

  • Exterior window cleaning (except for villas and townhouses) 

  • Removal or replacement of silicone sealant affected by mold

  • Handling of valuable artwork, rare collectibles, or specialized electronics

  • Deep cleaning of curtains and drapes

  • Carpet deep cleaning 

  • Professional carpet stain removal

  • Mattress and upholstery deep cleaning

  • Interior AC duct cleaning and sanitization

  • Marble polishing and restoration

When booking a deep cleaning service, it’s important to understand which areas are covered within the deep cleaning cost and which are add ons – so discuss this with your cleaning team.

Speaking of costs…

How Much More Does Deep Cleaning Cost?

Deep cleaning is a more significant investment than regular cleaning – but for good reason. 

While deep cleaning prices in Dubai can vary significantly, at ShineOn, we believe in transparent pricing based on your property size. Here’s an overview of our pricing:

Apartments:

  • Studio: AED 399 (3 hours)

  • 1 Bedroom: AED 599 (4 hours)

  • 2 Bedroom: AED 799 (5 hours)

  • 3 Bedroom: AED 999 (6 hours)

  • 4 Bedroom: AED 1299 (7 hours)

Villas:

  • 2 Bedroom: AED 1099 (5 hours)

  • 3 Bedroom: AED 1399 (6 hours)

  • 4 Bedroom: AED 1699 (7 hours)

  • 5 Bedroom: AED 1999 (8 hours)

Our pricing reflects our commitment to quality and includes:

  • Professional-grade equipment and products

  • Trained specialists for different surfaces

  • Guaranteed completion times

  • Reliable, vetted cleaning teams

  • Consistent, thorough results

Several factors influence deep cleaning costs:

  • Property size and type

  • Level of cleaning required

  • Furniture and fixtures present

  • Current condition of the property

  • Special requirements (like post-construction)

While deep cleaning does cost more than regular cleaning, the investment brings substantial value through longer-lasting results and prevention of costly maintenance issues.

By scheduling deep cleaning services every 3-6 months, you can maintain a consistently clean home while staying within your budget. 

When Should You Choose Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning?

Understanding when to schedule a deep clean versus sticking with regular cleaning can help you maintain your home more effectively while managing your cleaning budget wisely.

Premium general cleaning is your first line of defense, and should include:

  • Weekly or bi-weekly visits

  • 2-3 hours per session

  • Cleaning all visible surfaces

  • Basic sanitization

  • Surface dust removal

These routine cleanings help maintain your home's day-to-day cleanliness, but they can't address deeper issues that develop over time.

Deep cleaning provides that extra level of care by offering:

  • 4-8 hours per session

  • Professional-grade equipment

  • Specialized cleaning solutions

  • Access to hard-to-reach areas

  • Treatment of hidden problem areas

To help you decide which service you need, ask yourself these questions:

  • Has it been more than 3 months since your last deep clean?

  • Are regular cleanings no longer providing satisfactory results?

  • Do you notice persistent odors or stains?

  • Has your indoor air quality decreased?

  • Are there visible signs of dust even after regular cleaning?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's likely time to schedule a deep cleaning service.

Consider creating a personalized cleaning schedule that combines both services. For example, many Dubai residents maintain their homes with:

  • Weekly regular cleaning

  • Quarterly deep cleaning

  • Additional deep cleans after major weather events

  • Special attention during high humidity seasons

Finding the right balance between these services ensures your home stays consistently clean while maximizing the value of your cleaning investment.

How Should You Prepare for a Deep Cleaning Service?

Deep cleaning supplies gathered together including rubber gloves, mop and bucket, sponges and spray bottles

So, you’re ready to schedule your deep cleaning service. But what do you need to do to prepare your home to get the best results?

Here’s what you need to do before our cleaners arrive.

Secure Valuables and Personal Items

It’s best practice to secure all valuable items to protect them from damage and maintain your privacy. Make sure you:

  • Store jewelry and valuable items in a safe place

  • Put away important documents

  • Secure or remove fragile decorative items

  • Clear surfaces of personal items like phones and laptops

We conduct thorough background screenings on all our cleaning personnel, and we train them very well. However, it is best practice to prepare your home to reduce the risk of accidents and maintain your privacy. 

Create Easy Access

Our cleaning team wants to do a thorough job while also respecting your time. There are a few things you can do to make the deep cleaning process more efficient:

  • Clear pathways for cleaning equipment

  • Move lightweight furniture away from walls

  • Ensure all rooms are accessible

  • Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops

  • Remove items from floors that could obstruct cleaning

  • If you’re not at home, please make sure to provide our cleaners access by leaving keys with security or under your doormat

Of course, when moving furniture, be sure to keep your physical limitations in mind. 

Plan Your Timeline

Again, deep cleaners want to make this service as easy and painless as possible! Here are a few tips:

  • Schedule your deep clean for a day when you can provide access

  • Plan to be available by phone during the service

  • Allow the full recommended time (3-8 hours depending on property size)

  • Consider making arrangements for children and pets during cleaning

At ShineOn, we prefer to start your service as early as possible and our deep cleaning hours are from 8am-6pm. Planning in advance makes deep cleaning a breeze for both your cleaners and you. 

Communicate Special Requirements

Before you book your services, be sure to communicate with your cleaning team about any special needs. Make sure you:

  • Inform our back office about any areas needing extra attention (so we will come prepared to tackle those!)

  • Point out any delicate surfaces requiring special care

  • Mention any specific cleaning products you prefer

  • Share any access codes or parking instructions in advance

Taking these simple steps helps ensure a smooth, efficient cleaning process and the best possible results for your home.

Schedule Your Home Deep Cleaning Service in Dubai Today

At ShineOn, we take a different approach to deep cleaning in Dubai. Our personalized service ensures your home receives the thorough, professional clean it deserves.

Our commitment to excellence shows in every aspect of our service:

  • 5-star Google reviews from over 135 satisfied customers

  • Family-owned business with direct CEO oversight

  • Fully trained and vetted cleaning teams

  • Professional-grade equipment and products

  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or it's free

Unlike larger companies that simply connect you with contractors, ShineOn is a locally-focused, family-owned business. Our CEO personally ensures every cleaning team maintains the highest standards of service and professionalism.

Experience the difference a truly professional deep cleaning can make in your Dubai home. 

Contact ShineOn today at 0503877433 or book directly through our website to schedule your service.

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