What house cleaners actually clean: the definitive room-by-room breakdown

Ever hired a cleaning service and wondered exactly what the hell you’re paying for? Or maybe you’re thinking about finally splurging on some professional help but want to know if they’ll actually tackle that weird stain behind your toilet? Well, buckle up, my dust-bunny-battling friend. I’m about to pull back the curtain on the mysterious world of professional house cleaning with a no-holds-barred room-by-room house cleaning breakdown of what actually gets cleaned when the pros show up.

Whether you’re a neat freak looking to validate your own cleaning routine or someone who’s been using the same towel for three weeks (no judgment… okay, a little judgment), this guide will set the record straight on what professional cleaners do in every corner of your humble abode.

The kitchen: where food magic happens (and grime accumulates)

The kitchen is ground zero for grease, grime, and that mysterious sticky spot that appeared after last Thanksgiving. Professional cleaners approach this battleground with military precision.

Standard kitchen cleaning tasks:

Professional cleaners will typically tackle the following in your kitchen:

• Clean inside and outside of the refrigerator and freezer, removing all those science experiments you’ve forgotten about
• Thoroughly wipe down kitchen cabinets and shelves, removing splatters and fingerprints
• Clean oven and stovetop, removing burnt-on food and grease that’s been accumulating since 2019
• Degrease range hood and filter, which is probably coated with a film that would make an environmental scientist weep
• Scrub kitchen sink and faucet until they shine like the day they were installed
• Descale coffee maker and kettle, removing mineral deposits that have been affecting your morning brew
• Clean microwave inside and out, including that explosion from reheating spaghetti without a cover
• Empty and clean out the pantry, potentially finding food items that expired during the previous presidential administration
• Wipe down small kitchen appliances, removing the layer of grease and dust they’ve accumulated
• Freshen up the garbage disposal with a lemon, eliminating that mysterious odor you’ve been ignoring

The deep clean bonus round:

For deep cleaning services, they’ll also:

• Use a cotton swab to clean grout lines between tiles, a tedious task you’ve been avoiding for years
• Vacuum, sweep, and mop all floors, including under appliances where crumbs go to form their own civilization
• Clean interior and exterior of cabinet doors, removing greasy fingerprints and cooking splatter

The bathroom: germ headquarters

Let’s be honest—the bathroom is where things get real. It’s also where professional cleaners earn their stripes by tackling the tasks most of us would rather pretend don’t exist.

Standard bathroom cleaning tasks:

• Scrub and disinfect bathtub and shower, removing soap scum, hair, and whatever else might be lurking
• Clean showerhead and remove mineral buildup that’s been restricting your water pressure
• Sanitize toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it (where no man has gone before)
• Wipe down bathroom countertops and sinks until they sparkle
• Clean mirrors and medicine cabinet, removing toothpaste splatters and fingerprints
• Organize toiletries and identify expired items that should have been tossed years ago
• Wash bathmats and towels, which might be harboring more bacteria than you want to know about

The deep clean difference:

When you opt for a deep clean, they’ll also:

• Scrub the grout between tiles, removing mildew and mold that’s been slowly claiming territory
• Remove hard water buildup around fixtures and drains
• Scrub shower doors, including the edges and tracks that collect soap scum and mildew
• Vacuum and mop bathroom floors, moving laundry baskets and scales to reach those forgotten corners
• Clean soap dispensers and shine decorative items on countertops

If you’re looking for a trusted and high-quality cleaning service in Buffalo, Tonawanda, or Amherst —

get a free quote online.
You can also call us at 716-289-1966.

The bedroom: your personal sanctuary

The bedroom should be your oasis of calm, not a dumping ground for laundry and dust bunnies. Here’s what professionals tackle in this sacred space:

Standard bedroom cleaning tasks:

• Change sheets and make the bed with military precision
• Dust furniture and appliances, including dressers, lamps, bedside tables, and headboards
• Disinfect door handles and light switches, which are touched constantly but rarely cleaned
• Vacuum floors and under the bed where dust bunnies breed
• Tidy up and clear away clutter (though they won’t organize your personal belongings)
• Put away dirty/clean clothes that are strewn about (if this service is included)
• Empty trash, removing evidence of your midnight snacking

The deep clean experience:

For a more thorough cleaning, they’ll also:

• Vacuum curtains with an upholstery attachment, removing dust that’s been accumulating for months
• Wash windows, window sills, and ledges, letting in that natural light you’ve been missing
• Rotate your mattress, ensuring even wear and extending its life
• Shampoo rugs or carpets, especially important if you have pets
• Clean out and organize bedside table drawers, discarding old receipts and dead batteries

The living room: where life happens

The living room sees more action than any other space in your home. From Netflix marathons to family gatherings, this area needs special attention.

Standard living room cleaning tasks:

• Declutter by removing anything that doesn’t belong in the living room (though they won’t organize your personal items)
• Dust from top to bottom with damp microfiber cloths, including picture frames, shelves, and furniture
• Vacuum or sweep the floor, removing popcorn and potato chip remnants from movie nights
• Clean windows and window treatments like blinds, removing dust and fingerprints
• Remove loose cushions and vacuum them and the area beneath (where remote controls and loose change go to die)
• Wipe the TV and other electronics with a clean, damp microfiber cloth
• Disinfect remotes, game controllers, and similar small electronics with rubbing alcohol

Deep cleaning additions:

When you spring for a deep clean, they’ll also:

• Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures, removing dust that rains down whenever they’re turned on
• Wipe down walls, removing scuffs, fingerprints, and mysterious marks
• Clean baseboards, which collect an impressive amount of dust and pet hair
• Clean air vents and filters, improving air quality and efficiency

The dining room: more than just a table

For many homes, the dining room is either used daily or only for special occasions. Either way, it deserves professional attention.

Standard dining room cleaning tasks:

• Dust and polish furniture, including the dining table, chairs, and any sideboards or hutches
• Vacuum and/or mop floors, removing crumbs and spills from meals past
• Clean any light fixtures or chandeliers, removing dust and making them shine
• Wipe down chair rails and baseboards, which collect dust and food particles
• Clean windows and window treatments, allowing natural light to enhance your dining experience

General areas: the forgotten spaces

Beyond specific rooms, professional cleaners tackle general areas that tie your home together.

Standard general cleaning tasks:

• Vacuum, sweep, and mop all floors and stairs throughout the house
• Wipe down all surfaces, including window sills and blinds
• Clean doors and door frames, removing fingerprints and scuffs
• Scrub baseboards, which collect an impressive amount of dust
• Clean light switches and doorknobs, disinfecting these high-touch areas
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors during deep cleans
• Dust off wall decor with a dry cloth, preserving your artistic touches

What’s typically not included in standard cleaning

Before you get too excited, it’s important to note what most cleaning services don’t include in their standard packages:

• Organizing personal belongings or decluttering (they’ll clean around your stuff, but won’t sort it)
• Cleaning inside cabinets and drawers (unless specifically requested)
• Moving heavy furniture to clean underneath
• Washing dishes or laundry (though some services offer this as an add-on)
• Cleaning ovens and refrigerators (often an additional service)
• Cleaning chandeliers or high light fixtures (may require special equipment)
• Window cleaning beyond basic interior glass

The bottom line: what you’re actually paying for

When you hire professional cleaners, you’re not just paying for clean surfaces—you’re investing in:

1. Expertise and efficient techniques developed through years of experience
2. Commercial-grade cleaning products that outperform store-bought options
3. Time saved that you can spend doing things you actually enjoy
4. A systematic approach that ensures no area is overlooked
5. Peace of mind knowing that the grime you’ve been ignoring is finally being addressed

The cleaning industry is estimated to bring in over $100 billion next year, proving that more Americans are recognizing the value of professional cleaning services. Whether you’re looking for “affordable house cleaning services,” “house cleaning services for deep cleaning,” or “trusted house cleaners,” understanding exactly what you’re paying for helps ensure you get your money’s worth.

So there you have it—the unvarnished truth about what house cleaners actually clean. Whether you decide to hire professionals or tackle these tasks yourself with this checklist in hand, you now know exactly what it takes to maintain a truly clean home. And if you do hire the pros, you’ll know exactly what to expect when they ring your doorbell, cleaning caddy in hand.

Just remember: even professional cleaners can’t work miracles. If your home looks like it should be featured on “Hoarders,” consider doing a pre-clean before the professionals arrive. They’ll thank you, and you’ll get much more value for your hard-earned cash.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by mess and chaos in your home, it’s time to consider professional help. Discovering what goes into a thorough cleaning can help you appreciate the effort involved. Don’t let dirty corners and sticky cabinets drive you crazy any longer — get a free quote online and call us at 716-289-1966 to start making your home shine again.

If you’re living in Buffalo and want your home to feel fresh and truly clean, a seasonal deep clean might be just what you need. In Tonawanda, many families rely on recurring services to stay ahead of the mess. And Amherst residents often choose move-out cleanings to impress landlords and secure their deposits.

If you’re looking to bring some order and freshness into your space — you can always get a free quote online through STARCORE Cleaning. We’ll be happy to help you organize a quality cleaning service in Buffalo, Tonawanda, or Amherst at a fair price. Prefer to talk it through? Just give us a call: 716-289-1966. We’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions

• What should I expect from a standard cleaning service? A standard cleaning typically includes dusting surfaces, vacuuming and mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
• Are cleaning products safe for my family and pets? Most professional cleaners use eco-friendly and non-toxic products, but it’s best to inquire with the service before hiring.
• How often should I schedule a professional cleaning? It depends on your needs; many people schedule cleanings bi-weekly, monthly, or for seasonal deep cleans.
• Can I request specific tasks during a cleaning? Yes, you can customize your cleaning service by providing a list of specific tasks you want completed.
• What if I have special requests or needs? Communicate any special requests or needs to the cleaning service when you book your appointment for the best results.