Deep cleaning an apartment involves a thorough, detailed cleaning of every area, corner, and surface that is often overlooked during regular cleaning routines. Whether you’re preparing for a move, hosting guests, or just refreshing your space, it’s important to understand how long it takes to deep clean an apartment so you can plan effectively. While the time required can vary based on several factors, here’s a guide to help you determine how long it will take and how to optimize the process.
Factors That Affect the Time to Deep Clean an Apartment
The time it takes to deep clean an apartment depends on several key factors, including the size of the apartment, its current condition, and the level of detail required. Let’s break down the primary factors that influence the cleaning time:
Size of the Apartment:
Studio/One-Bedroom: A small apartment typically takes between 3 to 5 hours to deep clean. This is because the space is smaller and there are fewer rooms to clean. However, even smaller apartments still need attention to detail, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
Two-Bedroom: For a two-bedroom apartment, the cleaning time generally falls between 5 to 7 hours. Larger spaces require more time to scrub surfaces, deep-clean floors, and sanitize bathrooms.
Three-Bedroom or Larger: A three-bedroom apartment (or larger) can take anywhere from 7 to 12 hours depending on the level of dirt and clutter. In larger apartments, the number of rooms, appliances, and areas to clean increases, which significantly adds to the time.
Condition of the Apartment
The current cleanliness of the apartment plays a huge role. If the apartment has not been deeply cleaned in a while, the time required will be longer. Areas such as kitchen grease, bathroom mold, and dust accumulation in hard-to-reach spots require more time to clean thoroughly.
Heavily soiled areas, such as the oven, refrigerator, or shower grout, often add additional hours.
If there are pets or children in the home, expect more time for cleaning due to extra fur, dander, or food debris.
Cleaning Focus
Certain areas of the apartment require more time and attention than others:
Kitchen: Cleaning the kitchen can be time-consuming because it involves detailed work such as wiping down countertops, scrubbing the stove and oven, cleaning the refrigerator, and sanitizing sinks. Appliances like microwaves and dishwashers also need to be cleaned.
Bathroom: Deep cleaning bathrooms often takes longer due to the buildup of soap scum, mold, and mildew, especially around tubs, toilets, and sinks. Don’t forget the floors and mirrors, which also need to be cleaned and polished.
Floors: Vacuuming carpets and washing hard floors can take a significant amount of time. If you have carpets, they may need to be shampooed or steam-cleaned, adding extra hours to your cleaning time.
Cleaning Tools and Supplies:
The type of cleaning supplies and equipment you use can impact how long the job takes.
Using professional-grade tools (such as steam cleaners or vacuums with HEPA filters) can reduce cleaning time significantly.
Traditional cleaning tools like mops, brooms, and sponges may take more time, but are often necessary for certain surfaces.
Help or Professional Service
The number of people involved in the cleaning process can also affect how long it takes.
Cleaning solo? Expect to spend more time, as you will have to clean every area yourself.
If you’re hiring professional cleaners, the job will likely be completed faster, as they have the right equipment and experience to handle larger jobs in a shorter time.
Time Estimates for Different Apartment Types
Here is a rough breakdown of how long it typically takes to deep clean different types of apartments:
1-Bedroom Apartment:
3 to 5 hours — This is for small, straightforward spaces with limited rooms to clean. The kitchen and bathroom are the main focus, and cleaning time is reduced because there are fewer surfaces and smaller areas to clean.
2-Bedroom Apartment:
5 to 7 hours — A medium-sized apartment with more rooms and more furniture to clean. Expect to spend more time in the kitchen and bathroom areas, as well as extra time for dusting and cleaning floors and baseboards.
3+ Bedroom Apartment:
7 to 12 hours or more — Larger apartments can take a full day to clean thoroughly. Time will increase with each additional room, as well as if there are larger, more detailed cleaning needs (e.g., cleaning air vents, window tracks, or upholstery).
How to Speed Up the Deep Cleaning Process
While deep cleaning takes time, there are several strategies you can use to make the process faster and more efficient:
Make a Cleaning Checklist:
Creating a detailed checklist of areas to clean will help you stay on track and ensure you don’t miss any important spots. Break the job into manageable tasks and tackle each room one at a time.
Declutter First:
Before you start cleaning, remove unnecessary items. The less clutter there is, the easier it will be to clean surfaces thoroughly. Decluttering also helps you focus on specific areas without being distracted by things lying around.
Use Multi-Purpose Cleaners:
Save time by using all-purpose cleaners that work on various surfaces. This reduces the need to switch between different cleaning products, speeding up the process.
Set Time Limits:
Set specific time limits for each task. For example, give yourself 30 minutes to clean the kitchen, 20 minutes for the bathroom, and so on. This helps you stay focused and avoid spending too much time on one area.
Consider Professional Help:
If you’re short on time or want a quicker result, hiring a cleaning service may be the best option. Professional cleaners come equipped with specialized tools and experience, allowing them to complete a deep clean in a fraction of the time it would take a DIYer.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning Your Apartment
Despite the time investment, deep cleaning your apartment has numerous benefits that make the effort worthwhile:
Health Benefits:
Deep cleaning eliminates dust, pet dander, and allergens that can affect your health. It can also help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria, promoting a healthier living environment.
Improved Air Quality:
By cleaning air vents, replacing filters, and removing dust from hidden areas, you can improve the air quality in your home. This is particularly important for people with asthma or allergies.
Longer Lasting Appliances & Furniture:
Regular deep cleaning helps maintain your appliances, floors, and furniture. By keeping your kitchen and bathroom appliances free from grease and grime, you prolong their lifespan.
Aesthetic Appeal:
A thoroughly cleaned apartment looks fresh and inviting. This is particularly important when you have guests over or if you want to enjoy a clean and organized living space every day.
Mental Well-Being:
A clean, clutter-free space is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Having a clean apartment can provide a sense of accomplishment and peace, helping to create a more serene and enjoyable home environment.
Conclusion
The time it takes to deep clean an apartment depends on various factors, including its size, current cleanliness, and the amount of detail required. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from 3 to 12 hours depending on the apartment’s size and condition. While deep cleaning can be time-consuming, it provides a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable living environment. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals, investing time in a deep clean pays off in both the short and long term.
