How Many Hours Does It Take To Deep Clean A House?

A quick tidy up might take an hour or two, but a deep clean is a different story altogether. We’re talking about moving furniture, scrubbing baseboards and cleaning areas you forgot existed. Because of all this, many homeowners will put off this task assuming it will take forever to get done – or if they have to tackle it, they do so without a plan and end up getting overwhelmed. Understanding how long a good deep clean takes might help you plan ahead of time and avoid burnout.

This article will break down the typical time required to deep clean a house based on its size, condition and level of detail. Whether you’re refreshing your space or getting ready to leave a rental, a clear estimate makes the process a lot less stressful. Engaging services such as budget end of lease cleaning Canberra teams, who adhere to strict real estate standards, can help tenants ensure that nothing is overlooked. By the conclusion, you’ll have a solid understanding of what’s involved and how to properly manage your time.

1. What Is Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning goes much beyond the normal weekly clean. It focuses on places that are commonly overlooked in daily or routine maintenance, such as behind appliances, inside cupboards, window tracks, skirting boards, ceiling fans and tile grout. It frequently includes disinfecting high touch surfaces, washing walls and even cleaning carpets and upholstery. Deep cleaning returns a home to a much higher level of cleanliness, which is frequently required before important events such as moving out, welcoming a baby or preparing for sale or inspection.

2. Cleaning Time Estimates Based on House Size

The time it takes to deep clean a house is mostly determined by its size. A full deep clean can take four to six hours in smaller spaces such as a studio or one bedroom apartment. A standard two bedroom home may take anywhere from six to ten hours, depending on how much clutter and grime have built up. For a three bedroom house, expect the process to take ten to fourteen hours, particularly if multiple bathrooms and living areas are involved.

These are general estimates for a single person working efficiently with all supplies ready. If the property has been neglected, or if you’re doing everything alone for the first time, expect to add several more hours. Hiring professional cleaners or splitting the job across a few days can help manage the workload more effectively.

3. Factors That Affect Cleaning Time

Several elements can shorten or stretch the time needed to complete a deep clean. Level of cleanliness is the most obvious—an already tidy home will be much quicker to deep clean than one that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned in months. Clutter plays a role too, as having to move items around slows you down significantly.

Pets are another factor. Pet hair, dander, and odours often require more time and attention, particularly on carpets and upholstery. The type of flooring and surfaces can also affect the pace—tile and hardwood can be quicker to clean than textured surfaces or old grout. The presence of mould, stains, or soap scum in bathrooms and kitchens can also add hours, especially if deep scrubbing or special cleaning agents are required.

4. Room by Room Breakdown of Time Taken

Dividing the task by room can make deep cleaning feel more manageable and helps estimate how long each section may take.

• Kitchen: Will take 2 to 4 hours. Includes degreasing appliances, wiping down cabinets, cleaning inside the fridge, oven, microwave, and sanitising countertops.
• Bathroom(s): Will take 1.5 to 3 hours each. Scrubbing tiles, descaling shower heads and taps, disinfecting the toilet, sink, and bathtub.
• Living areas: Will take 2 to 3 hours. Vacuuming, dusting furniture, wiping light fixtures, skirting boards, and cleaning windows.
• Bedrooms: Will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours each. Includes changing bed linen, dusting, organising wardrobes, and vacuuming or mopping floors.
• Laundry & hallways: Will take 1 to 2 hours combined. Focus on wiping machines, sink areas, baseboards, and floors.

When preparing for a move, end of lease cleaning Canberra professionals often follow similar room based checklists to ensure nothing is overlooked—especially areas agents or landlords are likely to inspect.

5. DIY vs. Professional Cleaning

While many people choose to do deep cleaning themselves, it can be extremely time consuming and physically demanding. A professional cleaning team can complete the same job in far less time due to experience, efficiency, and access to commercial grade tools and supplies.

This is particularly beneficial during end of lease situations, where bond money is at stake. Many tenants choose to hire expert end of lease cleaning Canberra services, to guarantee the home meets agency standards and ensure the return of their full bond. These services often come with a cleaning guarantee, offering peace of mind if a reclean is requested by the landlord.

6. How to Speed Up the Process?

If you’re planning to deep clean your home yourself, here are a few tips to help streamline the process:

• Declutter first: Pick up loose items, sort laundry and clear surfaces so you can move freely, and clean more effectively.
• Work with a checklist: Having a detailed list for each room, prevents you from missing spots and keeps you focused.
• Use the right tools: Microfibre cloths, extendable dusters, steam cleaners, and strong but safe cleaning agents make a big difference.
• Set a timer: Try to limit yourself to a specific time per room to maintain momentum.
• Enlist help: Even one extra person can cut your cleaning time in half.

Consistency matters too. Regular monthly mini deep cleans can reduce the need for full day cleaning marathons.

Infographic on How Long to Deep Clean a House

Wrapping Up

Deep cleaning your home is a major task that demands time, planning, and energy—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing how long it typically takes allows you to approach it strategically, whether you’re doing it yourself or calling in the pros. For those moving out of a rental, relying on professional cleaning services can save hours and reduce stress. With the right approach, you can bring your home to a truly clean and refreshed state—without burning out in the process.