Hiring a professional cleaning service for the first time? Or maybe you’ve been using one for a while but aren’t quite sure what you should be getting for your money. One of the most common questions we hear from Detroit homeowners is:
"What exactly is included in a standard house cleaning?"
– Motown Maid Service Team
Understanding the scope of a standard cleaning can help you get the most value from your service, avoid surprises, and ensure your cleaner focuses on what matters most to you.
🏠 What Is a Standard House Cleaning?
Standard house cleaning — sometimes called a regular or maintenance clean — is a routine cleaning service that targets the most commonly used areas of your home. It’s designed to keep your living spaces fresh, tidy, and sanitary without going into the deep grime of spring cleaning.
This type of clean is usually performed weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on your needs and home traffic.
🧽 What’s Typically Included in a Standard House Clean?
Here’s a general overview of what most professional Detroit cleaning services include:
- Dusting surfaces (furniture, shelves, baseboards, window sills)
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Mopping hard floors
- Wiping down kitchen countertops and appliances
- Sanitizing bathroom sinks, tubs, and toilets
- Emptying trash bins
- Light tidying (straightening pillows, organizing magazines)
Note: Standard cleaning doesn’t usually include inside appliances, detailed baseboard scrubbing, or deep grime removal — those are part of deep cleaning packages.
🛋️ Living Room / Common Areas
- Dusting furniture, decor, lamps, and electronics
- Vacuuming carpeted floors or rugs
- Mopping wood or tile floors
- Cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces
- Organizing magazines, pillows, or toys
- Emptying trash and recycling bins
🛏️ Bedrooms
- Making the beds (new sheets if provided)
- Dusting nightstands, dressers, and shelving
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Wiping mirrors and smudged surfaces
- Removing trash
Pro Tip: If you want laundry done or beds changed with fresh linens, most services offer that as an add-on.
🍳 Kitchen
- Wiping down countertops and backsplashes
- Cleaning exterior of appliances (fridge, oven, microwave)
- Wiping cabinet exteriors
- Scrubbing sinks and polishing fixtures
- Emptying and relining trash cans
- Mopping floors
Does not usually include: cleaning inside the oven, fridge, pantry, or behind appliances — unless specifically requested.
🚽 Bathrooms
- Scrubbing sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets
- Wiping mirrors and vanity surfaces
- Mopping tile or vinyl floors
- Replacing toilet paper (if left out)
- Emptying small bathroom trash bins
Tip: If you have hard water or mold issues, ask for a deep clean upgrade or specific product treatment.
📦 Optional Add-Ons (Usually Not Included)
Standard cleaning covers the basics, but many clients request additional services such as:
- Inside oven or fridge cleaning
- Window washing (interior/exterior)
- Laundry service
- Pet hair removal
- Wall or baseboard scrubbing
- Organizing closets, pantries, or drawers
💬 What Detroit Cleaners Say
"The best clients are the ones who communicate clearly. Let us know what you want — even if it’s just fluffing the pillows a certain way!"
– Ashley, Metro Maid Services, Detroit
"Standard doesn’t mean skimpy. We still sanitize, vacuum, and freshen your space. It’s just more about maintenance than overhaul."
– Malik, Royal Shine Cleaning Co.
🧾 What to Ask Before Booking
Every cleaning company operates a bit differently, so ask these questions before hiring:
- “What exactly is included in your standard clean?”
- “Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?”
- “Are there any services you don’t provide?”
- “Do you charge extra for pets or stairs?”
Also, clarify frequency, pricing, and policies around rescheduling or satisfaction guarantees.
🔍 How Motown Maid Service Helps
At MotownMaidService.com, we help Detroit homeowners compare cleaning services by:
- Showing exactly what’s included in each cleaner’s standard checklist
- Flagging companies that offer green or eco-friendly products
- Letting you filter by area, reviews, and add-on services
Whether you're in Midtown, Ferndale, or Royal Oak, we've got you covered.
📅 When to Schedule Standard Cleaning
- Weekly: Great for large families, busy professionals, or pet households
- Biweekly: Most popular — a balance between cost and cleanliness
- Monthly: Budget-friendly maintenance option
Pair standard cleans with a seasonal deep clean for best results.
✅ Final Thoughts
A standard house clean should leave your home feeling fresh, reset, and inviting. While it doesn’t replace a deep clean, it’s essential for ongoing comfort and hygiene. Now that you know what’s included — and what’s not — you can book smarter and feel more confident about what you're paying for.