Why deep cleans get underpriced
Most underpriced deep cleans have the same cause: the quote was based on what a standard clean of the same home costs, plus a flat surcharge. But the extra time scales with the size and condition of the home. A heavy-condition 3,000 sq ft deep clean can take several times longer than a light 1,000 sq ft one.
How this calculator handles deep cleaning
- Base hours come from square footage plus time per bedroom and bathroom.
- The deep cleaning multiplier (default ×1.5) and the condition multiplier scale that time up.
- Add-ons like inside the oven, inside the fridge and interior windows add their own time.
- Your labor rate, supplies and travel turn the hours into a total cost; your target margin turns it into a price.
All multipliers are example defaults. Open Assumptions under the calculator and set them from your own timed jobs.
Put it in writing
Deep cleaning disputes usually come from mismatched expectations. Use the estimate generator to list exactly what’s included, and see what to include in a cleaning estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much more should a deep clean cost than a standard clean?
Price it on time, not a fixed percentage. A deep clean includes work a standard clean skips — baseboards, inside cabinets, detailed scrubbing — so it takes longer. The calculator uses a 1.5× time multiplier by default for deep cleaning as an example; adjust it to match how much longer your deep cleans actually take.
What's included in a deep clean?
It varies by business, which is exactly why you should list it on your estimate. Common items include baseboards, door frames, light switches, vents, cabinet fronts, detailed bathroom and kitchen scrubbing, and behind or under furniture. Inside the oven or fridge are often priced as add-ons.
Should a first-time clean be priced as a deep clean?
Many cleaning businesses do, because a home that hasn't been professionally cleaned recently takes much longer the first time. Use the 'Heavy' condition setting or the deep cleaning type, then switch to recurring pricing once the home is at maintenance level.