What Is Deep Cleaning and Why Does It Matter?
Deep cleaning is an intensive, thorough clean that reaches every surface, corner, and hidden area that regular cleaning does not touch. It is the difference between a space that looks clean and a space that is genuinely hygienic. Regular cleaning maintains day-to-day appearance — vacuuming floors, wiping surfaces, cleaning bathrooms. Deep cleaning goes behind the appliances, inside the oven, under the furniture, into the grout lines, up to the light fittings, and across every skirting board, door frame, and window track.
In Ireland, deep cleaning demand peaks during spring, before property viewings, after renovations, and at the end of tenancies. But deep cleaning is not just a residential service. Commercial premises — offices, restaurants, healthcare facilities, hotels, and industrial sites — need periodic deep cleaning to maintain hygiene standards, pass inspections, and extend the life of their premises.
Optus Glean provides professional deep cleaning services to residential and commercial clients across all 26 counties. Our Garda vetted teams arrive with all equipment and commercial-grade products. We deep clean homes, offices, healthcare facilities, hotels, restaurants, warehouses and factories, and end-of-tenancy properties.
What Does a Deep Clean Include?
A deep clean covers every room in the property with a level of detail that goes far beyond routine cleaning. Here is what our deep cleaning teams cover, room by room.
Kitchen Deep Clean
- Oven interior, racks, and door glass degreased and cleaned
- Hob, burners, and extractor fan stripped and degreased
- Inside and outside of all kitchen cabinets wiped and degreased
- Fridge and freezer cleaned inside and out (if emptied by client)
- Microwave, toaster, and kettle cleaned and descaled
- Sink, taps, and drainer descaled and polished
- Backsplash and tile grout scrubbed and treated
- Behind and under appliances (cooker, fridge, washing machine)
- Bin area sanitised
- All worktops, shelves, and surfaces degreased
Bathroom Deep Clean
- Toilet bowl, cistern, base, and behind-toilet area fully descaled
- Shower screen, tiles, and grout treated for limescale and mould
- Bath descaled and polished
- Taps, showerhead, and fixtures descaled
- Sink and vanity unit cleaned inside and out
- Mirror and glass cleaned streak-free
- Extractor fan cleaned
- Sealant and silicone treated for mould
- Floor scrubbed including corners and behind-toilet area
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- All furniture moved and cleaned behind and underneath
- Skirting boards, door frames, and architraves wiped
- Light switches, sockets, and all touchpoints sanitised
- Light fittings and lampshades dusted
- Interior window glass, frames, and tracks cleaned
- Radiators cleaned including behind and between fins
- Carpets vacuumed thoroughly including edges and under furniture
- Hard floors mopped with appropriate cleaning solution
- Inside wardrobes and cupboards wiped (if emptied)
- Curtain rails and tops of door frames dusted
Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: What Is the Difference?
The distinction matters because many people book a deep clean expecting a regular clean, or book a regular clean expecting deep clean results. Here is how they compare:
| Task | Regular Clean | Deep Clean |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuuming open floors | Yes | Yes, plus under all furniture |
| Mopping hard floors | Yes | Yes, plus grout scrubbing |
| Bathroom cleaning | Surface clean | Full descale, mould treatment, grout |
| Kitchen surfaces | Wipe down | Full degrease including behind appliances |
| Oven cleaning | Exterior only | Full interior degrease |
| Skirting boards | Not usually | Every room |
| Light switches and touchpoints | Not usually | Sanitised throughout |
| Inside cabinets | No | Yes (if emptied) |
| Window frames and tracks | No | Yes, interior |
| Time required (3-bed house) | 2–3 hours | 5–7 hours |
Deep Cleaning Pricing in Ireland
Deep cleaning is priced based on property size, condition, and the scope of work. Below are indicative 2026 prices for residential and commercial deep cleaning in Ireland. Every Optus Glean deep clean is quoted individually after understanding your specific requirements.
Residential Deep Cleaning Prices
| Property Size | Price Range | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed apartment | €150 – €200 | 3–4 hours |
| 2-bed apartment / house | €200 – €280 | 4–5 hours |
| 3-bed house | €250 – €350 | 5–7 hours |
| 4-bed house | €320 – €450 | 6–8 hours |
| 5+ bed house | €400 – €600+ | 7–10 hours |
Commercial Deep Cleaning Prices
| Premises Type | Price Range | Pricing Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Small office (up to 200m²) | €500 – €1,000 | Per clean |
| Medium office (200–500m²) | €1,000 – €2,500 | Per clean |
| Large office (500m²+) | €2,500 – €5,000+ | Per clean |
| Restaurant / kitchen | €800 – €2,000 | Per clean |
| Healthcare facility | €5.00 – €8.00/m² | Per square metre |
| Warehouse / industrial | €3.00 – €6.00/m² | Per square metre |
All prices include: all labour, equipment, and cleaning products. No hidden charges. VAT is additional. Optus Glean clients with existing contract cleaning agreements receive preferential deep cleaning rates.
When Do You Need a Deep Clean?
Deep cleaning is not a one-off luxury — it is a maintenance essential. Here are the most common situations where a professional deep clean makes a real difference:
- Moving in or out — The single biggest trigger for deep cleaning in Ireland. Whether you are preparing a property for handback or moving into a new home, a deep clean ensures a fresh start. For tenants, it can prevent deposit deductions.
- Before or after renovations — Post-construction cleaning is a specialist service, but even minor renovations (new bathroom, kitchen refit, repainting) generate dust that settles into every crevice. A deep clean after renovation removes this completely.
- Seasonal deep clean — Many Irish households deep clean in spring or autumn. A professional deep clean is faster, more thorough, and reaches areas that are impractical for domestic cleaning.
- After illness — Following a bout of flu, norovirus, or other infectious illness, a deep clean with hospital-grade disinfectants reduces the risk of reinfection and removes lingering contamination.
- Before property valuations or viewings — A deep-cleaned property shows better, photographs better, and values higher. Estate agents in Ireland routinely recommend deep cleaning before listing.
- Allergen reduction — If household members suffer from asthma, hay fever, or dust allergies, a deep clean removes the accumulated allergens that regular cleaning does not reach: dust mites in soft furnishings, mould spores in bathrooms, pet dander in carpets.
- Commercial compliance — Healthcare facilities, restaurants, and food processing premises require periodic deep cleans to maintain hygiene standards and pass inspections.
- Quarterly or biannual maintenance — For commercial clients on contract cleaning, scheduled deep cleans (quarterly or biannually) maintain the building to a higher standard than daily cleaning alone can achieve.
How Long Does a Deep Clean Take?
Deep cleaning takes significantly longer than regular cleaning because every surface is addressed, not just the visible ones. The time depends on the property size, the number of rooms, and the condition of the property.
For residential properties, a 2-person team is standard. A 1-bed apartment takes 3 to 4 hours. A 3-bed house takes 5 to 7 hours. A large 5-bed house can take a full day. Properties that have not been deep cleaned for over a year, or those with heavy grease, limescale, or mould build-up, take longer.
For commercial premises, we scale the team to the job. A 200m² office might take a 3-person team one day. A 1,000m² warehouse might require a 5-person team over two days. Healthcare deep cleans are scoped room-by-room with specific protocols for each area.
Our Deep Cleaning Process
- Survey and quotation — We visit the property (or review photos for residential) to assess the scope. We provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.
- Preparation — We agree a date and time that suits you. For residential, we ask that personal items, food, and valuables are secured. For commercial, we schedule around your operations.
- Systematic clean — Our team works room by room, top to bottom, back to front. Every surface is addressed in sequence. We use colour-coded cloths to prevent cross-contamination between kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
- Quality inspection — The team leader inspects every room against our deep cleaning checklist before sign-off. Any areas that do not meet standard are re-cleaned before we leave.
- Walk-through — For commercial clients, we offer a joint walk-through at completion so you can verify the standard before we leave site.
Types of Deep Cleaning We Provide
Residential Deep Cleaning
Full house or apartment deep cleans for homeowners, tenants, landlords, and letting agents. Our most popular residential service is the pre-move or post-move deep clean. We also provide seasonal deep cleaning on a recurring quarterly or biannual basis.
Commercial Office Deep Cleaning
Periodic deep cleaning for offices, typically scheduled quarterly alongside regular contract cleaning. Includes carpet extraction, hard floor deep cleaning, desk and workstation sanitisation, kitchen and breakroom deep clean, and washroom deep clean.
Healthcare Deep Cleaning
Intensive cleaning of GP surgeries, dental practices, clinics, and nursing homes using hospital-grade disinfectants and HIQA-compliant protocols. Healthcare deep cleans include terminal cleans (after infection outbreaks), periodic scheduled deep cleans, and pre-inspection cleans.
Kitchen and Restaurant Deep Cleaning
Commercial kitchen deep cleaning covering extraction canopies and ductwork, deep fat fryers, ovens and grills, walk-in fridges and freezers, floor drains and grease traps, walls and ceiling tiles, and all food preparation surfaces. Essential for HACCP compliance and EHO inspections.
Industrial Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning of warehouses, factories, and manufacturing facilities. Includes high-level cleaning, machine and equipment degreasing, floor scrubbing with industrial ride-on machines, and specialist treatments for food-grade and pharmaceutical environments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Cleaning
How much does a deep clean cost in Ireland?
Residential deep cleaning in Ireland costs €150 to €500 depending on property size. 1-bed: €150–€200. 2-bed: €200–€280. 3-bed: €250–€350. 4-bed: €320–€450. 5+ bed: €400–€600+. Commercial deep cleaning is priced per square metre (€3.00–€8.00/m²) or as a fixed project price depending on premises type and condition.
What is included in a deep clean?
A deep clean includes everything in a regular clean plus: cleaning behind and under all furniture, degreasing kitchens (oven, hob, extractor, cabinets), descaling bathrooms (taps, showerheads, tiles, grout), cleaning skirting boards, light switches, and door frames, interior windows and frames, radiators, light fittings, and sanitising all touchpoints throughout the property.
What is the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning?
Regular cleaning maintains the visible appearance of a space. Deep cleaning addresses every surface, including those that routine cleaning does not reach: behind appliances, inside ovens, under furniture, grout lines, window tracks, skirting boards, and high-level areas. A deep clean takes 2 to 3 times longer than a regular clean and uses stronger cleaning agents and specialist equipment.
How long does a deep clean take?
A 1-bed apartment takes 3 to 4 hours. A 3-bed house takes 5 to 7 hours. A 4–5 bed house takes 6 to 8 hours. Properties with heavy build-up may take longer. Commercial deep cleans are scoped individually and can take 1 to 3 days depending on premises size. Teams are scaled to meet your timeline.
When should I get a deep clean?
The most common occasions are: moving in or out, before or after renovations, seasonal spring or autumn clean, after illness, before property viewings, when allergies are worsening, and for commercial premises on a quarterly or biannual schedule. Healthcare and food premises should deep clean more frequently to meet regulatory requirements.
Do deep cleaners bring their own supplies?
Yes. Optus Glean teams bring all equipment, products, and cleaning supplies. This includes industrial vacuums, steam cleaners, degreasing agents, limescale removers, mould treatment products, and colour-coded microfibre systems. You do not need to provide anything.
Is deep cleaning worth the cost?
Yes. A professional deep clean reaches areas that regular cleaning misses, removing accumulated bacteria, mould, and allergens. It improves indoor air quality, extends the life of surfaces and fixtures, and creates a genuinely hygienic environment. For tenants, it can save your deposit. For businesses, it reduces sick days, maintains professional appearance, and satisfies health and safety requirements.
What is a commercial deep clean?
A commercial deep clean is an intensive cleaning of business premises that goes beyond daily contract cleaning. It includes high-level dusting, carpet extraction, hard floor stripping, kitchen deep cleaning, washroom deep cleaning, window cleaning, and full surface sanitisation. Typically scheduled quarterly or biannually alongside regular contract cleaning.
