How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Home?

If you're like most homeowners, regular cleaning keeps your space feeling tidy — but from time to time, you may notice dust building up in corners, a strange smell from the fridge, or just a feeling that your home needs a real refresh. That’s where deep cleaning comes in.

But how often should you deep clean your home? And what exactly does it involve? Here's everything you need to know — including when it’s worth calling in a professional.

What’s the Difference Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning?

Regular cleaning includes the basics:

  • Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming

  • Wiping counters

  • Cleaning bathrooms and kitchen surfaces

  • Taking out trash

In contrast, deep cleaning is more thorough. It tackles hidden grime, hard-to-reach spots, and buildup that accumulates over time.

Here’s what you might find in a deep home cleaning:

  • Scrubbing baseboards, walls, and trim

  • Cleaning behind and under furniture or appliances

  • Sanitizing inside ovens, fridges, and cabinets

  • Washing blinds, ceiling fans, and vents

  • Disinfecting high-touch surfaces (door handles, switches)

If it’s something you don’t get to weekly — it probably falls under deep cleaning.

🧽When Should You Deep Clean?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often to deep clean, but these are the most common seasonal and situational triggers:

🕓 Seasonally (4 times per year):

  • Spring: Pollen, dust, and windows need attention

  • Summer: Air circulation, fans, and outdoor areas

  • Fall: Prep for cozy indoor months

  • Winter: Post-holiday reset and germ control

👨‍👩‍👧 Situationally:

  • You have pets or kids

  • Someone in the house has allergies or asthma

  • You’re recovering from illness

  • You’re moving in or out of a home

  • You’re preparing for guests or events

If you identify with more than one of these situations, you may need to deep clean every 2–3 months.

🏠 Room-by-Room Deep Cleaning Guide

Each room has its own “often missed” spots. Here are just a few:

Kitchen

  • Behind and under appliances

  • Inside microwave, oven, and fridge

  • Backsplash, cabinet doors, knobs

Bathroom

  • Showerhead and grout lines

  • Under sink and behind toilet

  • Mirror edges, vents, and baseboards

Living Room

  • Baseboards and behind furniture

  • Lampshades, blinds, curtain rods

  • Ceiling fans and light fixtures

Bedrooms

  • Under beds and dressers

  • Closet shelving and door frames

  • Window tracks and sills

🧼 When to Call In a Professional

Sometimes, doing it yourself just isn’t realistic — especially if you’re short on time or don’t have the tools. That’s where deep home cleaning services in Alexandria can make all the difference.

At Michel’s Cleaning DMV, our team brings over 20 years of experience delivering spotless, detail-focused cleanings that leave your home feeling fresh, reset, and cared for. Whether it’s your first time deep cleaning or just your first time not doing it yourself, we’ll handle it with care.

✅ Professional Deep Cleaning Checklist (Coming Soon)

Stay tuned — we're working on a downloadable professional deep cleaning checklist so you can either DIY like a pro or request a personalized estimate based on your needs.

📞 Ready for a Full Refresh?

If your home is feeling heavy or overdue for a true reset, we’re here to help.

Call us at 703-387-8141 or request a quote today for deep home cleaning in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and nearby neighborhoods.

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What to Look for in a Cleaning Service in Arlington VA

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The Benefits of Weekly Cleaning for Working Families