General Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning – Important Differences

There are many types of but when cleaning a facility on a routine basis, there are two main types; general cleaning and deep cleaning. A general commercial cleaning services refers to a structured set of tasks performed regularly to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in homes and workplaces. In this article we will explain the differences between general commercial cleaning vs commercial deep cleaning by covering their definitions, what they are used for, each cleaning process, how often each should be done, and the various tools and equipment.

What is Cleaning?

Cleaning Defined: To clean something means to remove all of the visible contaminations on the surface, including dirt, spills, food particles, dust, etc., by washing, brushing, or wiping the area. Using the right cleaning tools and cleaning products is essential for achieving effective cleaning results. This process removes dirt on the surface level and does not kill germs but can help reduce their numbers. This is expected to be the first step in the cleansing process.

What is General Cleaning?

General cleaning focuses on areas that are easily visible, accessible, and constantly being used or touched. These high traffic areas—such as living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and office entry points—become dirty quickly due to their frequent use, are very noticeable because of their visibility, and therefore cleaned often on a routine basis. Regular cleaning of these obvious places is essential to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and germs. Having the right cleaning supplies on hand is important for achieving effective results during general cleaning.

Areas being cleaned: frequently touched, daily use, common use areas, high traffic areas, and obvious places.

Examples: 

• Reception desks 
• Lobby
• Waiting rooms
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Meeting rooms
• Hallways
• Office desks
• Counters
• Door handles
• Light switches
• Phones 

These examples highlight high traffic areas and obvious places that should be prioritized during regular cleaning.

Ways of cleaning: removing loose items (i.e. trash), dusting, wiping down, cleaning with soap or detergent, and performing general cleaning duties as part of routine cleaning tasks.

Frequency:

Daily/Weekly

What is Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning focuses on a more thorough cleaning process for all areas routinely cleaned and also includes the areas that are not typically covered during general cleaning. Deep cleaning services and professional cleaning services go beyond general cleaning by targeting hard-to-reach areas and providing comprehensive sanitation with specialized equipment and expertise.

Areas being cleaned: infrequently touched, uncommon use areas, general cleaning areas, and hard to reach areas to ensure all areas clean.

Examples: 

• Inside of cabinets
• Major appliances
• Kitchen appliances
• Small appliances
• Coffee maker
• Microwave oven
• Hidden corners
• Storage areas
• Closets
• Very high areas (ceilings, light fixtures)
• Very low areas (floors, baseboards)
• Carpet deep cleaning
• Floor stripping and waxing

Effective agents for deep cleaning specific items include baking soda for deodorizing mattresses and furniture, white vinegar for descaling and deodorizing kitchen appliances like coffee makers and microwave ovens, and rubbing alcohol for cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces.

Ways of cleaning: Shampooing, steaming, scraping/grinding, waxing, brushing, using techniques to remove dust, remove cobwebs from ceilings and fixtures, and cleaning hard to reach areas. When deep cleaning an entire room, start from the farthest corner and work your way out to ensure thorough coverage.

Deep cleaning of hard surface floors and carpets such as floor stripping and waxing and carpet deep cleaning. Maintaining cleanliness is an ongoing process that requires periodic deep cleaning to preserve comfort and hygiene.

The Differences In General Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning

Cleaning Frequency

General Cleaning Frequency	Deep Cleaning Frequency
Daily/Weekly	Monthly/Quarterly/Annually

General cleaning vs deep cleaning activities

Necessary Cleaning Equipment and Cleaning Supplies for General Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning

You may notice that general cleaning requires equipment that is very familiar and commonly found in commercial facilities due to its frequency of use and necessity. On the contrast, deep cleaning equipment is often not easily accessible because it isn’t frequently used, many items are large, heavy-duty machinery and most of that machinery costs several thousands of dollars.

You may notice that general commercial cleaning requires chemicals that is very familiar and commonly found in commercial facilities due to its frequency of use and necessity. On the contrast, the cleaning equipment for commercial deep cleaning is often not easily accessible because it isn’t frequently used, many items are large, heavy-duty machinery and most of that machinery costs several thousands of dollars.

Necessary Cleaning Chemicals

You may notice that general commercial cleaning requires chemicals that is very familiar and commonly found in commercial facilities due to its frequency of use and necessity. On the contrast, the cleaning equipment for commercial deep cleaning is often not easily accessible because it isn’t frequently used, many items are large, heavy-duty machinery and most of that machinery costs several thousands of dollars.

When should you do general cleaning vs deep cleaning?

When comparing general cleaning vs deep cleaning there are many differences but there is one thing in common; both should be done on a routine basis. Maintaining cleanliness and air quality is best achieved through routine cleaning, which serves as the foundation for a healthy environment.

General cleaning should be done on a daily basis and immediately when someone is found to be ill. Deep cleaning should be done every three months, six months and yearly, depending on the area/surface being cleaned. Frequently touched and common use areas/items should be deep cleaned more frequently for health reasons, while surfaces of utility (like floors), structure (doors and walls), and cosmetics (windows, blinds and light fixtures) should be cleaned less frequently but on a consistent basis.