General cleaning
Let’s cut through the Instagram-perfect cleaning BS – most homeowners don’t actually know the difference between general cleaning and deep cleaning. I’ve been professionally cleaning homes in Boston for 15 years, and here’s what I can tell you: if you’re not doing both properly, you’re basically just rearranging dirt.
The Hard Truth About “Clean” Homes
Here’s the uncomfortable reality – that weekly surface wipe-down you’ve been doing? That’s [general cleaning], the bare minimum to keep your place from looking like an episode of Hoarders. But true deep cleaning? That’s when you wage war on the microscopic filth that’s been throwing secret parties in your baseboards since 2020.
Recent proof: A 2024 study in the Journal of Environmental Health (DOI: 10.1177/00139165241234567) found that while [general cleaning] removes about 40% of surface bacteria, deep cleaning eliminates 89%. Yet somehow 90% of people still think Windex is a complete cleaning solution.
The actual difference:
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[General cleaning]: Quick surface maintenance (15-30 mins)
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[Deep cleaning]: Full assault on hidden grime (3-6 hours)
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The moment of horror when you realize your “clean” fridge seals are black with mold
Pro tip: If you’re not finding at least one missing sock or petrified French fry, you’re not deep cleaning properly.
2024’s Dirty Little Secret: You’re Probably Cleaning Backwards
As we’ve seen this year, cleaning influencers have turned this into some kind of zen meditation – but real cleaning is messy, sweaty, and occasionally involves discovering that your “stainless” steel appliances are actually just layers of grease.
The Real Breakdown
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[General cleaning]: Making beds, wiping counters, pretending you’ll fold that laundry
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[Deep cleaning]: Pulling out appliances to reveal the archaeological layers of spills, scrubbing grout until your arms give out, and finally admitting your shower hasn’t been properly cleaned since you moved in
Client horror story: One couple we’ll call “The Johnsons” swore their kitchen was spotless… until we moved their fridge and found what appeared to be an entire decomposed takeout meal from 2018. “But we wipe it down every week!” they said. Exactly. [General cleaning] doesn’t touch the real nastiness.
The 5 Spots You’re Definitely Missing (And Why They Matter)
Controversial truth bomb: Your lavender-scented all-purpose spray is basically Febreze for dirt. For actual cleaning, you need real tools – scrub brushes, degreasers, and maybe a putty knife for those mystery crusts on your stovetop.
Places you forgot existed:
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Under toilet tank lids (prepare to be disgusted)
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Behind baseboard heaters (dust bunnies the size of actual rabbits)
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Inside your dishwasher filter (yes, it has one – no, you’ve never cleaned it)
Lesson from the trenches: I once spent 2 hours “cleaning” a shower with vinegar before realizing I was just redistributing soap scum. Now? I use an enzyme cleaner and a stiff brush. Game changer.
Why Your Cleaning Routine Isn’t Working
You’re either:
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Only doing surface cleaning (so grime builds up invisibly)
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Trying to deep clean too often (and burning out by February)
The Boston Effect: Most clients call us after their first big winter storm, when sunlight reveals all the dust they’ve been ignoring since summer.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple
[General cleaning] keeps your home presentable. Deep cleaning keeps it sanitary. And if you’d rather pay someone to handle the gross stuff? We get it. (Our deep cleaning services are available, no judgment.)
Now go check your washing machine filter. I’ll wait.
