How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Home? A Room-by-Room Guide
There's everyday cleaning—wiping counters, running the vacuum, keeping things tidy. And then there's deep cleaning: the thorough, behind-the-furniture, inside-the-appliances work that most of us put off until it becomes unavoidable.
But how often does your home actually need a deep clean? The answer depends on the room, your household, and how you live. Here's a practical guide.
What Counts as Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning goes beyond surface maintenance. It includes tasks like:
Cleaning inside appliances (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher)
Washing baseboards, door frames, and light switches
Cleaning behind and under furniture
Scrubbing tile grout and shower caulk
Washing windows inside and out
Cleaning light fixtures and ceiling fans
Sanitizing trash cans
Dusting vents, blinds, and hard-to-reach areas
If you're only doing these tasks when you notice visible grime, you're probably overdue.
Kitchen: Every 1–2 Months
The kitchen accumulates grease, food residue, and bacteria faster than any other room. Deep cleaning tasks include:
Cleaning inside the oven and microwave
Pulling out the refrigerator to clean behind and underneath
Degreasing the range hood and filter
Wiping down cabinet fronts and handles
Cleaning inside cabinets and drawers
Sanitizing the trash can
Descaling the coffee maker and kettle
More often if: You cook daily, have a large family, or do a lot of frying.
Bathrooms: Every 2–4 Weeks
Bathrooms are small but require frequent deep attention due to moisture and bacteria.
Scrubbing grout and recaulking if needed
Cleaning the exhaust fan
Washing shower curtains or glass doors thoroughly
Disinfecting toothbrush holders and soap dispensers
Cleaning behind the toilet and around the base
Wiping down walls and tile surfaces
Clearing drain buildup
More often if: Multiple people share the bathroom or you live in a humid climate like coastal North Carolina.
Bedrooms: Every 2–3 Months
Bedrooms collect dust, allergens, and dead skin cells—even if they look clean.
Washing pillows and mattress covers
Vacuuming the mattress
Cleaning under the bed
Dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures
Wiping down baseboards
Washing curtains or dusting blinds
Cleaning closet floors and shelves
More often if: You have allergies, pets that sleep in the bedroom, or leave windows open frequently.
Living Areas: Every 2–3 Months
Living rooms and family rooms see heavy traffic but are often neglected for deep cleaning.
Vacuuming upholstery and under cushions
Moving furniture to vacuum or mop underneath
Cleaning window tracks and sills
Dusting shelves, decor, and electronics
Wiping down light switches and door handles
Cleaning remote controls (one of the germiest items in most homes)
More often if: You have kids, pets, or frequently host guests.
Laundry Room: Every 1–2 Months
Often forgotten, but laundry rooms need attention too.
Running a cleaning cycle on the washing machine
Cleaning the dryer vent and lint trap housing
Wiping down the exterior of machines
Cleaning behind and under the washer and dryer
Organizing and wiping shelves
More often if: You do laundry daily or have noticed musty odors.
Whole-House Tasks: Seasonally
Some deep cleaning tasks make sense on a seasonal schedule:
Spring and Fall:
Washing windows inside and out
Cleaning gutters (or hiring someone)
Deep cleaning carpets or rugs
Flipping and rotating mattresses
Cleaning behind all major appliances
Dusting and cleaning all vents and returns
Annually:
Cleaning the garage
Pressure washing exterior surfaces
Deep cleaning outdoor furniture before/after season
Cleaning and organizing the attic or storage areas
Signs Your Home Needs a Deep Clean Now
Don't wait for the calendar if you notice:
Visible dust on baseboards, vents, or fans
Lingering odors you can't identify
Grimy buildup on appliances
Allergy symptoms getting worse at home
Sticky or dull floors even after mopping
Soap scum that won't wipe away easily
When to Call a Professional
Deep cleaning is time-intensive. A thorough whole-house deep clean can take a full day or more depending on the size of your home. If you're behind on deep cleaning—or just want to reset and maintain from there—a professional deep clean can save you significant time and deliver better results.
At Intracoastal Cleaning, we offer one-time deep cleaning services throughout Wilmington and the surrounding area. We'll handle the heavy lifting so you can maintain from a clean baseline.
[Schedule a deep cleaning estimate.]
Intracoastal Cleaning provides residential cleaning services using 100% organic products, plus commercial and specialty cleaning for the Wilmington, NC area.