In short: most homes need a deep clean every 3 to 6 months, with regular cleaning in between. Homes with pets, near the beach or with someone who has allergies do better every 2 to 3 months. In South Florida the most useful deep clean of the year is in October or November, after the wet season has left mildew in bathrooms, closets and around vents.
By household
| Household | Deep clean | Regular cleaning in between |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 adults, no pets | Every 4 to 6 months | Every 2 weeks or monthly |
| Children at home | Every 3 to 4 months | Weekly or every 2 weeks |
| Dogs or cats | Every 2 to 3 months | Weekly or every 2 weeks |
| Near the beach | Every 3 months | Weekly in the summer |
| Allergies or asthma | Every 2 to 3 months | Weekly |
| Seasonal or holiday home | When you arrive and when you leave | While you are there |
A starting point, not a rule. Size, condition and how you live in the home all change it.
The summer humidity effect
The South Florida wet season runs from about May 15 to October 15 and brings 60% to 70% of the year's rain, according to the National Weather Service in Miami. Hurricane season, June 1 to November 30, overlaps it. Through those months mildew grows faster on grout, caulk, closet walls and around AC vents, and the AC runs hard, so filters and return grilles clog sooner. Our guide to mildew in a Florida apartment covers keeping humidity down.
A realistic calendar
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| January and February | Deep clean after the holidays: oven, fridge, baseboards and guest rooms |
| March and April | Spring deep clean before the wet season: windows, tracks, blinds and fans. Check the AC filter |
| May and June | Regular cleaning. Clear the patio before hurricane season, and set out mats for the beach months |
| July and August | Check bathrooms, grout, closets and AC vents for mildew, and change the AC filter |
| October and November | Deep clean after the wet season: mildew, grout, caulk, vents, closets and under furniture |
| December | Before guests: kitchen, guest bathroom and bedrooms |
That is 3 deep cleans a year for most homes. Drop the spring one if the home is lightly used, or add a midsummer one if you have pets or live near the beach.
Signs it is time
- Grout or caulk has darkened, or a room smells musty
- Dust builds up on fans, vents and blinds within days
- Baseboards, door frames and light switches are marked
- The inside of the oven or fridge has not been cleaned for months
- You are about to start regular cleaning, have guests stay or move
What a deep clean costs
| Home | One off deep clean |
|---|---|
| Studio | $120 to $185 |
| 1 bedroom | $160 to $250 |
| 2 bedrooms | $210 to $325 |
| 3 bedrooms | $275 to $425 |
| 4 bedrooms or more | $355 to $550 |
Typical ranges in West Palm Beach and Lake Worth Beach with the usual number of bathrooms. Your cleaner confirms the final price.
Regular visits in between keep each deep clean shorter. See deep clean or regular clean for what each includes, and house cleaning costs for regular prices.
Send a request for a deep clean and a local cleaner will call you to quote.