How Long Does It Take to Clean a House? | House Cleaning Time Guide

How Long Does It Take to Clean a House?

If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to clean a house?” — you’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning to clean your home yourself or hire professional cleaners, knowing the estimated time helps you plan your day and set realistic expectations.

The time it takes to clean a house depends on several key factors:

  • The size of your home

  • The type of cleaning (standard or deep clean)

  • The current condition and level of clutter

  • The number of rooms, bathrooms, and additional requests

In this guide, we’ll break down cleaning times, what’s included in each service, and how you can reduce cleaning duration without sacrificing quality.

Average House Cleaning Times

Here’s a quick estimate of how long professional cleaners typically take to clean different home sizes:

Home Size Standard Cleaning Time Deep Cleaning Time
1-bedroom apartment (500-800 sq ft) 1 – 2 hours 2 – 3 hours
2-3 bedroom house (1,000-1,500 sq ft) 3 – 4 hours 4 – 6 hours
4+ bedroom house (2,000+ sq ft) 4 – 6+ hours 6 – 10+ hours

These times may vary based on how clean the house already is, whether you have pets, and how many extra tasks you request.

What’s Included in a Standard House Cleaning?

A standard house cleaning focuses on the essential tasks needed to maintain a clean, livable space. This service typically includes:

  • Dusting shelves, counters, and furniture

  • Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping floors

  • Cleaning kitchen counters & appliances

  • Wiping bathroom surfaces, toilets, sinks & showers

  • Emptying trash bins

  • Making beds & tidying up

Professional cleaners are trained to work efficiently, but the time can increase if your home hasn’t been cleaned in a while or is heavily cluttered.

What Factors Affect Cleaning Time?

Several factors can impact how long it takes to clean a house:

  • Square footage: Bigger homes naturally take longer.

  • Condition: Homes that haven’t been cleaned regularly will need more time.

  • Clutter: Tidying before a clean can cut down cleaning time.

  • Number of bathrooms: Bathrooms require detailed scrubbing.

  • Pets: Pet hair and dander require extra vacuuming.

  • Additional services: Oven cleaning, fridge cleaning, windows, and laundry services will extend cleaning duration.

How Long Does a Deep Clean Take?

A deep clean goes beyond surface-level cleaning. It’s ideal for move-in/move-out cleaning, spring cleaning, or when your home hasn’t had professional attention in months.

Deep cleaning includes everything in a standard clean, plus:

  • Scrubbing baseboards, window sills & door frames

  • Cleaning inside appliances (oven, fridge)

  • Wiping blinds, vents, and light fixtures

  • Disinfecting high-touch areas

  • Dusting behind and underneath furniture

Average Deep Cleaning Times:

  • Small apartment: 2 – 3 hours

  • Medium house: 4 – 6 hours

  • Large house: 6 – 10+ hours

How to Speed Up House Cleaning

If you’re looking to save time and money, here’s how you can help reduce cleaning duration:

  • Declutter before your cleaner arrives

  • Stick to a regular cleaning schedule (weekly or biweekly)

  • Communicate priorities: Let the cleaner know which areas need extra attention

  • Minimize obstacles: Pick up toys, clothes, and dishes before the clean

Should You Hire a Professional Cleaner?

Professional cleaners clean faster and more thoroughly than the average person. Their experience, tools, and efficiency mean they can get the job done quicker — and better. Plus, you’ll save your own time and energy.

At Koala Cleaning, we offer customized cleaning packages for every home size and budget in Peterborough and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a quick tidy-up or a full deep clean, we’ve got you covered.

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