If you’re booking a cleaner for the first time, one of the most common questions is simple: what exactly do you get for your money? Standard house cleaning packages in Perth generally follow a similar structure, but the finer details can vary quite a bit from one company to the next. This guide breaks down what is included in house cleaning Perth services typically, what usually costs extra, and why it pays to check the task list before you book.
What a Standard Clean Usually Covers
Most Perth cleaning companies offer a “standard” or “regular” clean as their base service. This is designed for homes that are already reasonably tidy and just need the surfaces, floors, and fixtures refreshed. It’s not the same as a deep clean or an end-of-lease clean, which go into far more detail and usually cost more.
Here’s a room-by-room look at what’s typically covered.
Kitchen
- Wiping down benchtops, splashbacks, and external cabinet surfaces
- Cleaning the exterior of major appliances (oven, fridge, microwave, dishwasher)
- Cleaning inside the microwave
- Wiping down the stovetop
- Cleaning the sink and taps
- Emptying bins and replacing liners
- Sweeping and mopping the floor
Ovens and fridges are usually cleaned on the outside only as part of a standard service. Cleaning inside these appliances is almost always treated as an add-on, since it takes considerably more time and effort.
Bathrooms
- Cleaning and disinfecting toilets, showers, and bathtubs
- Wiping down vanities, sinks, and taps
- Cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces
- Wiping down tiles and shower screens
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Emptying bins
Some providers include light mould treatment on shower screens or grout as part of a standard clean, while others classify anything beyond a quick wipe-down as an extra. It’s worth asking directly if this matters to you.
Living Areas and Common Spaces
- Dusting surfaces, shelves, and skirting boards within reach
- Wiping down tables and other furniture surfaces
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Vacuuming and/or mopping hard floors
- Tidying visible cobwebs
- Emptying bins
Standard cleans generally focus on visible, reachable surfaces. Moving furniture to clean underneath, or dusting high areas that need a ladder, typically falls outside the base service.
Bedrooms
- Dusting surfaces, furniture, and skirting boards
- Vacuuming floors and under-bed areas where accessible
- Making beds (some providers include this, others don’t)
- Tidying visible clutter on surfaces, if agreed in advance
- Emptying bins
Changing bed linen is sometimes included and sometimes an add-on, particularly if it involves handling personal laundry. It’s a good detail to confirm at booking.
Common Exclusions in Standard House Cleaning
Understanding what’s not included is just as useful as knowing what is. These are the tasks most Perth cleaning companies leave out of a standard service:
- Inside ovens, fridges, and cupboards – these require more time and specific products, so they’re usually quoted separately
- Window cleaning (interior and exterior) – often offered as a separate add-on or a different service altogether
- Carpet steam cleaning – a specialised service, not part of routine vacuuming
- Wall washing and mark removal – beyond light wiping, this is usually a separate task
- Balconies, garages, and outdoor areas – standard cleans generally stay inside the home
- Laundry and ironing – some companies offer this as an add-on, others don’t provide it at all
- Moving heavy furniture or appliances – typically excluded for safety and liability reasons
- Pet mess or biohazard cleanup – usually not covered under a standard rate
Popular Add-On Services
Most Perth cleaning companies offer optional extras that can be added to a standard booking for an additional fee. These commonly include:
- Inside oven clean
- Inside fridge clean
- Interior window cleaning
- Wall spot cleaning
- Balcony or patio cleaning
- Ironing or laundry services
- Deep clean of a single problem room
- One-off spring cleans covering skirting boards, light switches, and door frames in detail
If you know in advance that you want one of these included, mention it when you request a quote. Most companies can build it into the booking rather than treating it as a surprise extra later.
How Task Lists Vary Between Perth Providers
There’s no single industry-wide checklist that every cleaning company in Perth follows. Task lists can differ based on:
Business Size and Structure
Larger cleaning companies with standardised checklists tend to have more consistent, clearly documented task lists. Smaller or independent cleaners may offer more flexibility to customise a job but might not have a written checklist at all, relying instead on a verbal agreement.
Pricing Model
Companies that charge by the hour often let you decide priorities within that time, focusing on what matters most to you first. Companies that charge a flat rate per clean usually work from a fixed task list, and anything outside it is billed separately.
Property Type
Some providers adjust their standard inclusions depending on whether it’s an apartment, a family home, or a larger property. A three-bedroom house with multiple bathrooms will naturally have a longer task list than a one-bedroom unit, even under the same “standard clean” label.
Frequency of Service
Weekly or fortnightly cleans often have a lighter task list since the home is maintained regularly. One-off or first-time cleans may include a bit more attention to detail simply because it’s the first visit and there’s more buildup to address.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Since inclusions vary so much between providers, it helps to ask a few direct questions before confirming a booking:
- Is this a flat-rate service or charged by the hour?
- What exactly is included in the kitchen and bathroom clean?
- Are inside-appliance cleans available as an add-on?
- Do you provide a written checklist or scope of work?
- Is there a difference in inclusions between a standard clean and a deep clean?
- Are cleaning products and equipment supplied, or do I need to provide them?
A reputable company should be able to answer these clearly and, ideally, provide a written summary of what’s included before the clean takes place. This avoids confusion on the day and helps you compare quotes fairly across different providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a standard clean the same as a deep clean?
No. A standard clean covers routine maintenance tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces. A deep clean goes further, addressing built-up grime, inside appliances, skirting boards, and areas not typically covered in a regular visit.
Do Perth cleaners bring their own supplies?
Most professional cleaning companies bring their own products and equipment as part of the service. Some allow you to request specific products, such as eco-friendly options, if you have a preference.
Can I customise what’s included in my clean?
Many providers, particularly smaller or independent operators, are open to adjusting the task list to suit your priorities. It’s best to discuss this at the time of booking rather than expecting changes on the day.
Why do prices vary so much between companies for what sounds like the same service?
Price differences usually come down to what’s actually included, how much time is allocated, and whether the company uses a flat rate or hourly model. Comparing the task list, not just the price, gives a clearer picture of value.
Does a standard clean include changing bed linen?
This depends on the provider. Some include it as standard, others offer it as an add-on, and some don’t provide it at all. It’s worth confirming this detail if it matters to you.
