Not all cleaning services are created equal. One of the most common questions we get from clients is: what’s the difference between house cleaning, deep cleaning, and end of lease cleaning?
They might sound similar — after all, they all aim to make your home look and feel clean. But understanding the difference can help you book the right service, save time, and avoid unexpected costs or disappointments.
Let’s break it down clearly in this guide.
House Cleaning: Your Regular Maintenance Service
House cleaning (also known as standard or general cleaning) is the most basic and frequently used cleaning service. It’s typically done weekly or fortnightly, and includes tasks like:
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Wiping down kitchen benches
- Cleaning bathroom sinks and toilets
- Dusting surfaces and furniture
- Emptying bins
It’s all about maintaining hygiene and tidiness — not about deep scrubbing or meeting any special criteria. House cleaning is perfect for busy families, professionals, and anyone who wants to keep their home fresh with minimal hassle.
But here’s the key: house cleaning does not include intensive work like scrubbing grout, cleaning inside ovens, or wiping inside cupboards — that’s where deep cleaning and end of lease cleaning come in.
Deep Cleaning: Go Beyond the Basics
Deep cleaning is the next level up. It targets areas that aren’t typically included in regular house cleans. This service is ideal if:
- You haven’t cleaned in a while
- You’re preparing for guests or an event
- You just finished renovations
- You want to start fresh (like during spring)
Deep cleaning often includes:
- Removing built-up grease from kitchen surfaces
- Scrubbing tile grout and shower screens
- Cleaning behind furniture and under beds
- Dusting ceiling fans, blinds, and vents
- Descaling taps and showerheads
- Sanitising high-touch areas (switches, handles, bins)
It’s more customisable than end of lease cleaning — you can request a deep clean of just the kitchen and bathrooms, or the whole home.
End of Lease Cleaning: Pass the Final Inspection
End of lease cleaning (also called vacate cleaning or move-out cleaning) is the most detailed and strict of the three. It’s not for comfort or hygiene — it’s about meeting your real estate agent’s expectations and getting your bond back.
This clean follows a checklist, usually based on the property’s original condition report.
It includes:
- Cleaning inside the oven, rangehood, and cupboards
- Washing walls and removing scuff marks
- Spotless window and frame cleaning
- Scrubbing skirting boards and removing cobwebs
- Detailed bathroom and kitchen cleaning
- Cleaning light fittings, fans, and vents
- Outdoor area sweeping or high-pressure washing (if required)
This is not a flexible clean — if it was clean when you moved in, it must be clean when you move out. That’s why most tenants choose professionals like Clearnify to handle it properly.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | House Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | End of Lease Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly / Fortnightly | One-time / Seasonal | One-time at move-out |
| Focus | Maintenance | Hygiene & detail | Bond return & inspection |
| Customisable | Yes | Yes | No |
| Real Estate Requirements | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Time Required | 1.5–3 hrs | 3–5 hrs (varies) | 5–8 hrs+ depending on size |
What We Offer at Clearnify
We provide all three services — each one tailored to your needs and lifestyle:
✅ House Cleaning
- Recurring cleans to keep your home fresh
- Affordable and time-efficient
- Ideal for busy households
✅ Deep Cleaning
- Customised for your problem areas
- Perfect for spring, post-party, or pre-guests
- Flexible scope: clean only what matters most
✅ End of Lease Cleaning
- Real estate checklist guaranteed
- Full service from top to bottom
- Designed to maximise bond return
Customer Support & Quotes
Still not sure which cleaning service is right for your home? That’s okay — our friendly team is happy to chat, explain your options, and give you a no-obligation quote.
Ready to Book Your Cleaning Service?
Let us do the dirty work — whether you’re moving out, need a deep reset, or just want a regular clean you can count on.
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📅 Book online or call us today!