Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
Keeping a commercial property clean isn't simply a case of deciding how often a cleaner should visit. It also means understanding what needs to be cleaned, how frequently different tasks should be carried out, and when more intensive cleaning may be required.
Two terms you'll often come across are regular cleaning and deep cleaning.
They sound straightforward, but they describe two different types of cleaning.
Understanding the difference can help businesses make sure they're paying for the service their premises actually need.
What Is Regular Commercial Cleaning?
Regular cleaning is the routine work carried out to maintain the day-to-day cleanliness of a workplace.
Depending on the premises and the cleaning specification, this might include:
Vacuuming and mopping floors
Emptying bins
Cleaning toilets and washrooms
Cleaning kitchen or staff areas
Wiping desks and accessible surfaces
Cleaning touchpoints
General dusting
Replenishing consumables where this forms part of the service
The frequency will depend on how the building is used.
A busy workplace with significant footfall may require cleaning every day, while a smaller office with only a few employees might only need professional cleaning once or twice a week.
This is why we believe the cleaning specification is such an important part of a commercial cleaning contract. It establishes what is included and how frequently particular tasks should be completed.
What Is a Deep Clean?
A deep clean is generally a more intensive cleaning service designed to tackle areas or tasks that aren't normally included in the regular cleaning routine.
Exactly what constitutes a deep clean will depend on the premises.
It could include tasks such as:
More detailed cleaning of fixtures and fittings
Cleaning behind or underneath movable furniture
Detailed cleaning of skirting boards and edges
Removing accumulated dirt from less frequently cleaned areas
More intensive washroom or kitchen cleaning
Cleaning internal doors, frames and other detailed surfaces
High-level or difficult-to-access cleaning where appropriate
More intensive floor cleaning where suitable
This is an important distinction.
Deep cleaning shouldn't simply mean doing the normal clean more thoroughly.
It should have a clearly defined scope so that both the customer and cleaning contractor understand exactly what is going to be done.
Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
The easiest way to think about the difference is that regular cleaning maintains a standard, while deep cleaning addresses work outside the normal routine.
Regular cleaning is normally carried out according to an ongoing schedule.
Deep cleaning tends to be periodic or arranged when there's a particular need.
For example, a workplace might have its offices cleaned several times each week but periodically require a more detailed clean of areas that don't form part of every visit.
The two services therefore aren't competing alternatives.
A business may need regular cleaning, occasional deep cleaning, or a combination of both.
How Often Should a Commercial Property Be Deep Cleaned?
There isn't one correct answer.
Be cautious of anyone suggesting that every business needs a deep clean at exactly the same interval.
The appropriate frequency depends on factors such as:
Type of premises
Number of people using the building
Footfall
Nature of the work carried out
Existing cleaning schedule
Condition of the premises
Seasonal requirements
Areas excluded from the regular cleaning specification
Some businesses may benefit from planned periodic deep cleaning. Others may only require additional cleaning following building work, a change of tenant, an event or another specific circumstance.
The requirement should be based on the actual condition and use of the premises, rather than an arbitrary timetable.
Does Deep Cleaning Replace Regular Cleaning?
Usually, no.
A one-off deep clean can improve the condition of a property, but without suitable ongoing cleaning, normal day-to-day dirt will begin accumulating again.
Likewise, regular cleaning doesn't necessarily remove the need for occasional additional work.
A better approach is to establish an appropriate routine cleaning programme and identify any tasks that need to be completed less frequently.
Some of these periodic tasks can even be incorporated into the cleaning specification rather than waiting until the premises require a major deep clean.
Know What You're Paying For
If you're obtaining a quotation for either regular or deep commercial cleaning, don't rely on the name of the service alone.
Ask what is actually included.
Two companies can both quote for a “deep clean” while intending to carry out very different work.
A written specification or clearly defined scope gives you something objective to compare and reduces the possibility of misunderstandings later.
The same principle applies to regular contract cleaning.
The important question isn't simply “How much does cleaning cost?” It's “What exactly are we getting for that price?”
Finding the Right Cleaning Programme for Your Premises
At Jmr Cleaning Ltd, we don't believe every commercial property should receive exactly the same cleaning service.
An office, school, medical environment, showroom and communal building can have very different requirements.
That's why we prefer to visit commercial premises before preparing a quotation. A site survey allows us to understand how the building is used, discuss the customer's requirements and develop an appropriate cleaning specification.
Whether you require regular contract cleaning, additional periodic cleaning or simply want to review your existing arrangements, the starting point should be understanding what your premises actually need.
Jmr Cleaning Ltd provides commercial cleaning services across Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Abergele, St Asaph, Bodelwyddan and surrounding areas of North Wales.
If you're considering a new commercial cleaning service, contact Jmr Cleaning Ltd to arrange a free site survey and quotation.
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