Deep cleaning checklist: what’s included and how long it takes

Looking for a deep clean and the quote only says “full clean” with no list? It’s easy to overpay — or get less than you expect.

Here’s a clear checklist of what a deep clean of a flat or house usually includes, how long it takes, and what often costs extra. For ballpark hourly and per-m² prices in Zagreb, see our article on Zagreb flat cleaning prices.

What a deep clean means

A deep clean is not a weekly mop. It’s a thorough clean of the whole home: high dust, limescale, kitchen grease, bathrooms, and hard-to-reach spots.

People usually book it:

• before moving in or after moving out,
• before selling or renting out,
• once or twice a year for a full reset,
• after renovation (that’s a separate, more expensive job).

Companies name packages differently. Always ask for a point-by-point list, not just the word “deep clean”.

Checklist: what’s usually included

This is a typical package for a lived-in flat or house. Agree the exact scope with the cleaner.

Whole home

• cobwebs on ceilings and corners,
• dusting furniture, shelves and decor,
• cleaning sockets, switches, door handles,
• wiping doors, frames and skirting boards,
• cleaning radiators on the outside,
• vacuuming and mopping floors,
• taking out rubbish and replacing bags.

Kitchen

• degreasing cabinet fronts and tiles above the counter,
• cleaning the worktop, sink and tap,
• wiping appliances on the outside (fridge, oven, dishwasher, microwave),
• cleaning the extractor hood on the outside (filters are often extra).

Bathroom

• detailed clean of the toilet, sink, bath or shower cabin,
• removing limescale from taps and glass,
• washing wall and floor tiles,
• disinfecting sanitary ware,
• polishing mirrors and taps.

Glass and lights

• washing windows from the inside, frames and sills,
• wiping reachable light fixtures.

Want a local cleaner? See cleaning in Zagreb or the broader cleaning category.

What is often not included

Many companies charge extra for these. Ask before you book:

• oven and fridge on the inside,
• cupboards and drawers on the inside (especially if full),
• windows from the outside, blinds and shutters,
• deep cleaning of carpets, sofas or mattresses,
• curtain cleaning (take-down, wash, iron, hang),
• balcony or terrace,
• post-construction cleaning (plaster, paint, fine dust).

If you only need part of that, say so up front. You’ll pay less than for “everything on the price list”.

How long a deep clean takes

Time depends on size, condition and team size.

Roughly, for a normally maintained flat:

• studio / small 1-bed (~25–35 m²): about 3–5 hours with one or two people,
• 1-bed / 2-bed (~40–60 m²): about 5–8 hours with two people,
• larger flat or house (~80–120 m²): often a full workday, sometimes two.

A neglected space or post-renovation clean takes longer. A team of two or three shortens time on site, but total labour hours stay similar.

You don’t need to stay home the whole time. A short meet at the start (priorities, keys) and at the end (quick check) is enough.

How to write a request for an accurate quote

The clearer the job, the fewer surprises on the bill. Include:

• floor area and number of rooms,
• lived-in flat, empty space, or post-renovation clean,
• priority rooms (kitchen, bathroom, windows),
• whether you need oven/fridge inside, cupboards inside, balcony,
• preferred date and whether it’s flexible,
• parking and whether you need a landlord handover note.

Example: “Deep clean of a 55 m² two-bedroom in Trešnjevka. Normally maintained. Need kitchen, two bathrooms, windows inside. Oven inside yes, cupboards no. Any day next week.”

How to find a cleaner on Gigron

On Gigron you post what you need and local cleaning services reply. Compare ratings and prices, then arrange directly. The app is free.

1. Download Gigron from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Post the job: size, rooms and what must be included.
3. Compare offers and pick a time.

That way you know what you’re paying for — and what will actually get cleaned.