What Does Standard Cleaning Include?
The adage 'A clean house is a happy house' holds true for many, underscoring the universal desire for a neat and orderly home. Standard cleaning plays a pivotal role in this pursuit, serving as a routine practice homeowners engage in to preserve their home's cleanliness and comfort
While many homeowners take on the task of cleaning their homes themselves, the demands of a hectic lifestyle or special occasions often necessitate the expertise of a professional cleaning service. While the specific tasks included in a standard cleaning can vary depending on the service provider, there are several common elements that you can typically expect to be covered.
With that in mind, let's delve into the specifics of what does standard cleaning include?
According to the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), a standard cleaning routine is a weekly ritual for most American households. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that on average, Americans spend around 6 hours per week on cleaning, with more substantial tasks like standard cleaning likely occurring on weekends.
What is Standard Cleaning?
Standard cleaning is a fundamental service that targets the upkeep of living and working environments, ensuring they are maintained at a level of cleanliness that promotes health, well-being, and aesthetic appeal. This form of cleaning is rooted in the concept of regularity and routine, focusing on preserving the space in a condition that prevents the build-up of dirt, dust, and clutter that can occur with daily use. It’s an ongoing process that plays a critical role in the lifecycle of property maintenance, providing a framework for the day-to-day tidiness and systematic sanitation of the area. This service is integral to fostering a pleasant, productive, and safe atmosphere, catering to the basic hygienic needs that are essential for quality of life and comfort.
Also Read: Standard Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
What Does Standard Cleaning Include?
Standard cleaning encompasses a suite of essential cleaning tasks aimed at maintaining a home's cleanliness and comfort. The goal of this cleaning is to provide a thorough, general cleaning that supports a pleasant home environment.Here’s an expanded look at what a standard cleaning might include:
#1: Dusting
Dusting, as an integral part of standard cleaning, is much more than a mere sweep of a cloth across visible surfaces. Standard cleaning encompasses a detailed dusting process to eliminate dust particles from all home surfaces, ensuring a significant improvement in indoor air quality and mitigating health risks for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
What Does it include
Surfaces: Dusting extends beyond visible areas to include high spots and hidden corners.
Electronics: Special attention is given to electronic devices to prevent dust-related damage and overheating.
Baseboards and Frames: Dusting these areas prevents dirt buildup that can go unnoticed.
Decorative Items and Books: Careful dusting maintains the condition of delicate items and books.
Upholstery and Drapery: Soft fabrics are gently cleaned to remove trapped dust without damage.
Also Read: How to Reduce Dust in House?
#2: Vacuuming
Vacuuming is foundational to standard cleaning, addressing the expansive areas of flooring that often collect the most dirt and debris within a home.
What Does it include
Carpeted Areas: Vacuuming is critical on carpets, where dirt and dust can easily embed within the fibers. Regular vacuuming not only picks up visible debris but also helps maintain the carpet's condition, extending its life and improving the air quality by removing potential allergens.
Edges and Corners: A thorough vacuuming session also involves getting into the edges where the walls meet the floors, and around furniture legs where dust bunnies and pet hair tend to accumulate.
Upholstered Furniture: Vacuuming extends beyond floors to furniture with fabric upholstery, where dust and small particles settle.
Pre-treatment: In areas with high foot traffic, pre-treatment may be necessary to loosen dirt before vacuuming, ensuring a deeper clean.
#3: Mopping
Mopping is an essential step in floor maintenance, vital for ensuring cleanliness and hygiene across various types of flooring. This process not only removes dirt and spills but also restores the floor's shine, contributing to the overall aesthetics and sanitary conditions of an environment.
What Does it Include
Hard Floors: After vacuuming or sweeping, mopping is essential on non-carpeted flooring. This step is crucial for removing the finer particles and sticky substances that a broom or vacuum can't address.
Appropriate Cleaning Solutions: Different floor types require specific cleaning solutions to avoid damage. For instance, certain hardwood floors may need a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner, while tile floors can handle a more robust solution.
Systematic Technique: A systematic mopping approach, such as working from the farthest corner of the room towards the exit, ensures that no area is missed and that the cleaner doesn't walk over the freshly mopped areas.
Microfiber or String Mops: The use of microfiber mops can attract and hold dust and grime effectively, while string mops are useful for scrubbing away tougher stains.
#4: Bathroom Cleaning
Standard cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining the hygiene and cleanliness of bathroom spaces, areas that demand meticulous attention due to their frequent use and potential for germ accumulation.
What Does it Include
Sanitizing Key Fixtures: Standard cleaning involves a rigorous sanitation process for sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers to eliminate germs and buildup. Using effective, germ-killing cleaning agents, these areas are scrubbed and disinfected to ensure a safe, hygienic environment.
Mirrors: Achieving a streak-free shine on mirrors is an essential task in bathroom cleaning. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also removes any spots, marks, or splatters, often using specialized glass cleaners to ensure a clear reflection.
Floors: Mopping the bathroom floor is integral to a standard clean, removing hair, spills, and any residue that accumulates on the surface. The process often involves using disinfectant solutions that are safe for tile or linoleum flooring, ensuring they are not only clean but also sanitized.
Counters and Fixtures: Countertops are wiped down to remove traces of soap scum, toothpaste, and other common bathroom grime. Fixtures like faucets and handles are also polished to remove water spots and fingerprints, leaving them gleaming and free of contaminants.
Attention to Detail: In standard cleaning, particular attention is given to the less visible areas, such as behind the toilet and under the sink, as well as grout lines where mold and mildew can take hold if not regularly cleaned.
Also Read: How to Clean Your Bathroom?
#5: Kitchen Cleaning
Standard cleaning ensures that the kitchen, often considered the heart of the home and a focal point for hygiene, is meticulously cleaned and maintained.
What Does it Include
Countertop Care: Surfaces are not just wiped; they are sanitized and cleared of crumbs, spills, and stains. Special attention is given to disinfecting areas where food is prepared to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria.
Appliance Maintenance: The exteriors of all appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers, are cleaned to remove fingerprints, smudges, and splatters, contributing to the overall kitchen cleanliness and maintaining the appliances' appearance.
Sink Scrubbing: Sinks are scrubbed to a shine, with particular attention to removing food debris, stains, and buildup around the drain and faucet, often using non-abrasive cleaners to preserve the sink's finish.
Floor Cleaning: Floors receive a two-step attention—first, they are vacuumed to pick up loose particles and then mopped to address any sticky spots or entrenched dirt, ensuring the kitchen floors are spotless and hygienic.
Cabinet Fronts: The fronts of cupboards are wiped down to remove any traces of cooking residue, spills, and fingerprints. This not only maintains the kitchen's aesthetic but also protects the cabinetry from the wear and tear of daily use.
Also Read: How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen?
#6: Bedroom Cleaning
Standard cleaning in bedrooms involves a thorough and thoughtful approach to ensure these spaces are not only clean but also comfortable and inviting.
What Does it Include
Surface Dusting: Every surface in the bedroom gets attention, with dusting of nightstands, headboards, and other furniture to eliminate allergens and improve the room's air quality.
Linens and Bedding: Beds are made with care, and linens are straightened to perfection, with pillows fluffed, creating an inviting and well-ordered setting. Where service includes, fresh linens are fitted neatly.
Floors: Carpets are vacuumed meticulously, capturing every speck of dust and pet hair. Hard flooring is swept and mopped, leaving it spotless and shiny.
Detailing: The final touches in a bedroom include organizing personal items, ensuring mirrors are smudge-free, and checking that no dust lingers on window sills or in the corners.
#7: Living Areas Cleaning
Living areas are the heart of the home, where comfort meets cleanliness to create a welcoming space for relaxation and socializing. Ensuring these spaces are meticulously clean enhances the enjoyment and functionality of these essential gathering spots.
What Does it Include
Surface Dusting: Furniture surfaces such as coffee tables, bookshelves, and entertainment centers are thoroughly dusted to keep the living areas bright and particle-free.
Electronics and TV Stands: Dust and grime are carefully wiped from electronics and TV stands, mindful to not disturb any settings or connections.
Floors: The floors receive special attention with a thorough vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Non-carpeted floors are also mopped to a streak-free finish.
Attention to Detail: Living spaces are finessed by straightening decorative items, tidying magazines, and ensuring a clutter-free environment that feels orderly and relaxed.
Also Read: How to Declutter your home?
#8: Trash Removal
Trash removal is a fundamental aspect of standard cleaning services, as it directly contributes to the sanitation and odor control within the home.
What Does it Include
Collection Efficiency: Trash is collected from all bins throughout the home, including kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas, ensuring that no area is overlooked.
Disposal Protocol: Collected waste is then carefully disposed of following local regulations and community standards, ensuring a responsible approach to waste management.
Sanitation Measures: After emptying, trash receptacles are checked for any residue or spillage, and where appropriate, they are wiped down or sanitized to prevent odors and bacteria growth.
Fresh Liners: Each bin is fitted with a fresh liner, aligned with the size and type of the receptacle, promoting continued hygiene and making it ready for use immediately.
Recycling Practices: If the cleaning service includes sorting recyclables, this would also involve separating recyclables from general waste, adhering to environmentally responsible practices.
#9: General Tidying
General tidying is an essential part of a standard cleaning, as it enhances the overall neatness and ambiance of the home.General tidying serves as the finishing touch that transforms a house after a standard clean, ensuring not just cleanliness but also a harmonious and welcoming environment
What Does it Include
Cushions and Pillows: Cushions on sofas and chairs, as well as pillows on beds, are straightened and fluffed. This not only improves their appearance but also contributes to the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the living spaces.
Organizational Touches: Magazines, books, remote controls, and other similar items are neatly organized. This often involves straightening items on coffee tables, bookshelves, and other areas to reduce clutter and create a more orderly environment.
Decorative Items: Decorative items like vases, picture frames, and knick-knacks are carefully arranged to ensure they are displayed to their best advantage, while also dusting and cleaning them in the process.
Personal Items: Personal items are treated with respect and, when appropriate, are organized or placed in designated areas to ensure the space is orderly while still feeling personal and lived-in.
Surface Clutter: Countertops, desks, and tables are cleared of unnecessary items, which can help reduce stress and create a more functional living space.
#10: Additional Task
While standard cleaning covers the essentials of maintaining a home's cleanliness, many homeowners opt for supplementary tasks to further enhance their living environment. These tasks, which go above and beyond routine cleaning.
What Does it Include
Dishwashing: Tackling a full sink of dishes or just clearing up after a meal, dishwashing can be a welcome addition to the household routine, especially for those with busy
Window Washing: Clean windows can transform the appearance of a home, bringing in more light and improving visibility. This task includes the removal of everyday grime and dirt from the glass, sills, and frames.
Appliance Deep-Clean: Beyond the standard surface wipe-down, cleaning the interiors of appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves helps maintain kitchen hygiene and appliance efficiency.
Organization: The organization of personal spaces such as closets, cabinets, and storage areas not only maximizes space but also streamlines daily routines, reducing clutter and stress.
Standard cleaning is the essential ritual that ensures our living spaces remain clean, comfortable, and conducive to our well-being. It is a comprehensive approach that covers all the basics—from dusting to vacuuming, and mopping to tidying—forming the foundation of home care. While the tasks may seem routine, their impact on the quality of our daily lives is profound, creating environments that foster health, happiness, and peace of mind.
Also Read: How to Declutter When You're Short on Time?
Also read: Benefits of Decluttering for Healthy Home
How Amenify Can Help With Standard Cleaning Services?
Amenify presents comprehensive standard cleaning services tailored for your needs. Our experts meticulously perform essential tasks, from deep cleaning floors to disinfecting frequently touched areas and polishing appliances. Our aim is to deliver a spotless and inviting atmosphere in your new residence, providing you the luxury of time. With a track record of over 15,000 five-star ratings and services rendered to more than 2 million households across 800+ cities, our cleaning professionals are renowned for their exceptional service quality. The added convenience of wallet credits and 24/7 concierge support makes your experience even smoother. Trust in our expertise to ensure your new abode is in impeccable condition from the get-go.