The time it takes to deep clean an apartment can vary widely depending on the size of the space, the level of buildup, and the number of people doing the work. Unlike regular tidying or light maintenance, a deep clean involves tackling neglected areas, moving furniture, and addressing grime that accumulates over time. This includes scrubbing baseboards, sanitizing bathrooms thoroughly, cleaning behind appliances, washing walls or windows, and organizing hidden spaces like closets and cabinets. Because of the level of detail involved, deep cleaning naturally takes more time than routine upkeep, but proper planning can make the process efficient and manageable.
On average, a professional deep clean can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, while a DIY approach might stretch to a full day or be split across multiple sessions. A one-bedroom apartment usually takes less time than multi-room units, but lifestyle, clutter levels, and how long it has been since the last thorough cleaning all play a role. For example, a regularly maintained apartment will be quicker to deep clean, while a space that hasn’t been touched for months may require more scrubbing, soaking, and sorting.
Factors That Influence Cleaning Time
Here are the main elements that determine how long a deep clean will take:
– Size of the Apartment
A studio or small one-bedroom may take 2–4 hours, while a two- or three-bedroom can take 4–8 hours or more depending on square footage and layout.
– Level of Clutter or Neglect
Apartments that require decluttering, trash removal, or heavy scrubbing naturally take longer. When items are out of place or surfaces are covered, even simple cleaning steps can slow down.
– Number of Bathrooms and High-Use Areas
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most labor-intensive rooms to sanitize. Units with multiple bathrooms or heavy cooking usage will add extra time to the process.
– DIY vs Professional Service
A solo cleaner may need an entire day, whereas a team of two or three professionals can finish the same apartment in half the time with specialized tools and products.
Typical Breakdown by Area
To give a clearer picture of time allocation, here’s a general estimate for each main zone during a deep clean:
– Kitchen: 45 minutes to 2 hours (appliances, cabinets, grease, and surfaces)
– Bathrooms: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours each (tiles, toilets, sinks, tubs, mirrors)
– Bedrooms and Living Spaces: 1 to 3 hours (dusting, furniture cleaning, floors, closets)
– Floors: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on carpet vs hard surface
– Windows, Baseboards, and Extras: 30 minutes to 1 hour
These times shift depending on the condition of the apartment and how thorough the cleaning needs to be.
How to Speed Up the Deep Cleaning Process
If you want to make the process quicker without compromising on quality, a few smart steps can help:
– Clear surfaces and remove clutter before starting
– Gather all cleaning tools and products in one place
– Start with the toughest rooms (usually bathrooms and kitchen)
– Work from top to bottom to avoid re-cleaning surfaces
– Use timers to stay on track for each area
– Ask for help or assign tasks if possible
Deep cleaning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—planning, prioritizing, and having the right equipment go a long way in reducing total time.
“We called CleanitUp when another company cancelled on us last minute for our move-out cleaning. CleanitUp was able to book us and make it out in 2 hours and did an amazing job. We even got our deposit back.”
When to Hire a Professional
If time is limited, or if the apartment needs intensive sanitation before moving in, moving out, or hosting guests, professional cleaners can cut the process in half. They bring experience, specialized equipment, eco-friendly products, and the ability to cover multiple zones at once, providing quality results much faster than a one-person job.
Great advice! Getting a professional cleaning before moving in is such a smart move. It’s definitely worth the investment for a fresh start in a new home.