What makes deep cleaning different from regular cleaning?
Deep cleaning goes beyond maintenance: it targets buildup, grime, and areas that don't get attention every visit. You'll need stronger degreasers, grout and tub cleaners, extendable dusters for high surfaces, and tools like scrub brushes and steam cleaners. This checklist focuses on supplies that support those jobs (move-in/out, seasonal deep cleans, or add-ons like inside oven or inside fridge).
How to use this checklist with your team
Customize the checklist above so it matches what you actually bring to deep cleans (check or uncheck items), then download the PDF. You can use it in two ways: print one copy and keep it in the van or supply closet as a restock list, or print one per deep clean so your crew can verify they have everything before they start. Giving each cleaner a copy at the start of the job helps avoid showing up short on grout cleaner or scrub brushes. Some teams also share a copy with the client so everyone agrees on what's included.
What's included in a deep clean?
A typical deep clean goes beyond the usual wipe-down and vacuum. It often includes things like inside oven and inside fridge, scrubbing grout and tubs, cleaning behind and under appliances, wiping cabinet fronts and baseboards, and dusting high areas (tops of cabinets, ceiling fans, light fixtures). Move-in/out and seasonal deep cleans usually follow the same scope.
Your exact scope depends on what you offer and what you quote. Use this supplies list as a guide: if you include oven cleaning, you need oven cleaner and the right tools; if you include grout, you need grout cleaner and brushes. Defining scope up front (and putting it in your service description or quote) helps avoid "we thought that was extra" conversations with clients.
Time and pricing
Deep cleans take longer than a standard clean because of the extra tasks and attention to detail. How long depends on the size of the home and how much you include (e.g. oven, fridge, carpets). Block more time in your schedule than you would for a regular visit, and price accordingly. Many businesses charge a premium for deep cleans or sell them as a separate service tier. For ideas on pricing add-ons like inside oven or inside fridge, see our blog post on cleaning add-ons.
Order of work
To get the most out of your supplies and avoid re-cleaning, work from top to bottom and tackle one room (or zone) at a time. Dust and debris fall downward, so start with high surfaces (ceiling fans, tops of cabinets, shelves), then counters and fixtures, then floors. That way you're not wiping dust onto already-cleaned areas. Finishing one room before moving to the next keeps your caddy organized and makes it easier for your team to stay on track.
Green products and client sensitivities
Some clients prefer eco-friendly or low-fragrance products, or have allergies or chemical sensitivities. The checklist includes an optional eco-friendly section (plant-based cleaners, ammonia-free glass cleaner, non-toxic oven cleaner, etc.). For those jobs, stock those options and avoid harsh chemicals where you can. Always check with the client if they have preferences or restrictions before the clean so your crew brings the right products.
How much of each supply do you need?
Use our free Home Cleaning Supplies Calculator to estimate how much to order based on how many cleaners you have and how many deep cleans you do each month.
Deep cleaning supplies by category
We've grouped the list so you can scan by category and customize the checklist above. The exact items you need depend on the services you offer (e.g. oven cleaning, grout cleaning, carpet deep clean). For pricing and offering add-ons, see our blog post on cleaning add-ons.
1. Tools & Equipment
Mop and bucket (microfiber with wringer; separate wash/rinse for deep floors)
Full-house deep cleans mean more dirt on floors. A microfiber mop and wringer give a streak-free finish; use separate wash and rinse water so you are not spreading grime. Part of a proper top-to-bottom pass.
Broom, whisk broom & dustpan (corners and under appliances)
Clear corners, under appliances, and along edges before mopping or vacuuming. A whisk broom handles small areas and tight spots. Sweeping first keeps debris out of wet zones and sets you up for a clean final pass.
Vacuum cleaner with attachments (crevice, brush, HEPA for deep dust)
Deep cleans need thorough vacuuming under furniture, along baseboards, and in corners. Crevice and brush attachments reach behind and under items; HEPA helps with dust and allergens. Run before carpet cleaning or mopping.
Heavy-duty scrub brushes (large for tubs/floors, stiff bristles for grime)
Stiff-bristle brushes for tubs, tile, grout, and heavily soiled areas. Deep cleaning goes beyond surface wiping, so these get buildup that regular cleans skip. Pair with the right cleaner for each surface.
Detail brushes and mini grout brushes (tight grout lines, faucet crevices)
Narrow brushes and mini grout brushes for grout lines, faucet bases, and tight spots. Use with grout or tub cleaner so bathrooms and kitchen tile look properly done, not just wiped.
Toothbrush or dedicated grout brush (grout lines, corners)
Cheap and effective for grout lines and crevices. Keep one dedicated to strong chemicals. Works well with grout or mildew remover in showers and around the toilet.
Sponges and scrubbing pads (non-scratch and heavy-duty for ovens)
Non-scratch sponges on most surfaces; heavy-duty or green pads for ovens and stuck-on grease. Replace regularly to avoid cross-contamination. Essential when oven or fridge interior is on the scope.
Dusters (extendable for ceilings, fans, tops of cabinets)
Long or extendable dusters for ceiling corners, fan blades, cabinet tops, and high spots. Microfiber holds dust instead of spreading it. Dust from the top down so everything lands on the floor for the final vacuum and mop.
Squeegees and T-bars (shower doors, windows; extension pole for high glass)
Strip water and cleaner off shower doors and windows so they dry streak-free. An extension pole reaches high glass. Part of a solid deep-clean finish in bathrooms and on windows.
Razor scraper or double-sided scraper (hardened residue, glass, cooktops)
Removes hardened residue from glass, cooktops, and some tiles. Use a light touch to avoid scratching. Useful when you are tackling neglected kitchens or move-in/out level cleans.
Bucket or caddy for carrying supplies room to room
Carry sprays, cloths, and tools from room to room without extra trips. On a full-house deep clean, a single caddy keeps everything to hand and speeds the job.
Storage bins for chemicals and color-coded cloths
Organize chemicals and color-coded cloths in the van or at home. Keep clean and dirty cloths in separate bins so nothing gets mixed or lost.
Laundry bag for used rags and mop heads
Stash used rags and mop heads in a dedicated bag so they stay separate from clean gear and do not contaminate the rest of your kit.
Steam cleaner (tile, grout, showers; sanitize without harsh chemicals)
Steam cleans and sanitizes tile, grout, and showers without harsh chemicals. A good option when the client wants green or chemical-free deep cleans, especially in bathrooms.
Carpet cleaning machine / extractor (if you offer deep carpet service)
Extractors and carpet machines for a full carpet clean. Offer as part of the deep-clean service or as an add-on. Rent or buy based on how many jobs you do.
2. General & Multi-Purpose
All-purpose cleaner (regular and/or plant-based for general surfaces)
Your main cleaner for counters, walls, and general hard surfaces on deep cleans. Choose neutral pH for most materials; stronger or plant-based versions depending on client preference.
Disinfectant spray or wipes (high-touch areas, dwell time per label)
Use on high-touch surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. Respect the label dwell time. Matters for post-illness cleans or when the client specifically wants sanitizing, not just cleaning.
Heavy-duty degreaser (kitchens, range hoods, baked-on grease)
Tackles baked-on grease on stovetops, range hoods, and kitchen surfaces. Heavy-duty for serious buildup; natural formulas when the client wants eco options.
Glass and mirror cleaner (ammonia-free option for sensitivity)
For windows, mirrors, and glass. Ammonia-free if the client is sensitive. Pair with a clean microfiber or squeegee so glass looks good in every room.
Floor cleaner (wood, tile, laminate; neutral or surface-specific)
Made for wood, tile, and laminate. Use a product that matches the floor type. Final mopping after dusting and vacuuming completes the deep-clean pass.
Descaling agent (hard water, showerheads, faucets, kettles)
Takes hard water scale off showerheads, faucets, kettles, and toilet rims. Follow the product directions. Matters in hard-water areas so fixtures look clean, not just wiped.
3. Bathroom
Toilet bowl cleaner (and disinfectant for seat, base, handle)
Use in the bowl; combine with disinfectant on the seat, base, and handle. Gel or liquid with a brush is typical. Expected for any deep bathroom clean.
Tub and tile cleaner (soap scum, hard water)
Removes soap scum and hard water from tubs, tile, and shower surrounds. Use with scrub brushes so bathrooms look properly deep cleaned, not just surface wiped.
Mildew and mold remover (damp areas, shower corners)
Treats and helps prevent mildew and mold in showers, under sinks, and damp corners. Use where you see discoloration or in humid climates. Supports client safety and satisfaction.
Grout cleaner (heavy-duty or pH-balanced for colored grout)
Designed for grout lines. Heavy-duty for tough buildup; pH-balanced for colored or sensitive grout. Use with a detail or grout brush in bathrooms and kitchens.
Soap scum remover (shower doors, acrylic, glass)
Removes soap scum from shower doors and acrylic. Use with your tub and tile cleaner so glass and surrounds look clear and streak-free.
4. Kitchen
Dish soap (sink, faucet, light degreasing; fragrance-free option)
Gentle option for the sink, faucet, and light kitchen wipe-downs. Fragrance-free if the client asks. Covers sink and hand-wash areas when they are on the deep-clean list.
Oven cleaner (baked-on grease; standard or non-toxic/fume-free)
Tackles baked-on grease inside the oven. Standard formulas are strong; non-toxic or fume-free options are better when the home is occupied. Use when oven cleaning is part of the service or add-on.
Stainless steel cleaner (appliances, streak-free)
Cleans and polishes stainless refrigerators, ranges, and hoods without streaks. Makes appliances look properly deep cleaned for clients who expect more than a quick wipe.
Stone-safe cleaner (marble, granite, quartz countertops)
Safe for marble, granite, and quartz. Skip acidic or abrasive products. Use wherever the home has stone counters so you do not damage them.
White vinegar and baking soda (eco-friendly deep clean options)
Natural option for light descaling, deodorizing, and gentle scrubbing. Baking soda paste for stuck-on messes; vinegar for light buildup. Good for clients who prefer natural products.
5. Floors & Carpets
Carpet cleaner and deodorizer (for extractor or hand spotting)
Liquid or foam for your carpet machine or hand spotting. Removes dirt and odors. Include when deep carpet cleaning or stain treatment is part of the service.
Spot and stain removers (carpet and upholstery)
Formulas aimed at carpet and upholstery stains. Always test on a hidden area first. Use for stain removal as part of deep cleans or add-ons.
Hardwood floor cleaner (safe for finished wood)
Formulated for finished wood floors. Do not use all-purpose on hardwood; use this to clean without damaging the finish. Part of a proper deep floor clean in homes with hardwoods.
6. Furniture & Surfaces
Furniture polish (wood and wood-finish surfaces)
Cleans and adds a light shine to wood and wood-finish furniture when you are deep cleaning living areas. Skip unsealed or specialty finishes unless the product is approved for them.
Tile and grout cleaner (pH-balanced for floors and backsplashes)
pH-balanced for tile and grout on floors and backsplashes. Reduces risk of etching or color change in bathrooms and kitchens.
7. Cloths, Pads & Accessories
Microfiber cloths (color-coded by area to prevent cross-contamination)
Reusable cloths that grab dust and clean without streaking. Use different colors for bathroom vs. kitchen (and other zones) to avoid cross-contamination on deep cleans.
Glass cleaning cloths (lint-free, streak-free)
Lint-free cloths for glass and mirrors. Use with glass cleaner and a squeegee so windows and mirrors look properly finished.
Paper towels or disposable wipes (messy or sanitizing tasks)
One-time use for messy or sanitizing tasks, or when you prefer not to reuse cloths. Handy for harsh chemicals or one-off wipe-downs.
Reusable rags or cleaning cloths (wash and separate by area)
Reusable cloths for wiping and scrubbing. Launder and keep by area (e.g. kitchen vs. bathroom). Economical when you do a lot of deep cleans.
Magic erasers / melamine pads (scuffs, walls, baseboards)
Melamine foam removes scuffs and light marks on walls, baseboards, and some appliances. Test on a hidden spot first. Useful for deep touch-ups and move-in/out level work.
8. Protective Gear & Safety
Disposable gloves (change between tasks or homes)
Protect hands from chemicals and germs. Swap between tasks or homes to avoid cross-contamination. Normal practice on deep cleans.
Reusable rubber gloves (hot water, strong chemicals)
Reusable heavy-duty gloves for hot water and strong chemicals. Wear when using oven cleaner, degreaser, or bleach-based products.
Aprons or coveralls (deep or messy jobs)
Aprons or coveralls protect your clothes and limit cross-contamination. Helpful on deep or messy jobs where you are in the home longer.
Non-slip shoes
Slip-resistant soles reduce the chance of slipping on wet floors. Recommended on every job.
Shoe covers (client floors, new construction)
Protect client floors and reduce tracking. Use when the client asks or in sensitive or new-construction spaces.
Goggles or face shield (splashing chemicals, aerosols)
Wear when using chemicals that splash or aerosolize, such as strong acids, bleach, or spray disinfectants, if the label requires it.
Wet floor / safety signage
Alert anyone in the home that floors are wet. Use in busy households or when floors will stay wet for a while.
Basic first aid kit
Basic supplies for small cuts, burns, or irritation. Keep in the van or caddy so you can handle minor incidents on site.
9. Waste & Disposal
Trash bags (multiple sizes)
Carry several sizes for client trash and your own waste. Use sizes that match common cans. Needed when you empty trash as part of the deep clean.
Dirty/clean rag storage bags
Use separate bags or bins for dirty and clean rags so they never get mixed when you are carrying reusables.
10. Optional / Eco-Friendly Add-ons
Plant-based or eco all-purpose cleaner
Plant-based or other eco multi-surface cleaner. Use when the client asks for green products on the deep clean.
Ammonia-free / eco glass cleaner
Eco or ammonia-free glass cleaner. Softer on some surfaces and better for sensitive households.
Non-toxic or fume-free oven cleaner
Non-toxic or low-fume oven cleaner. Safer in occupied homes when oven cleaning is part of the service.
Natural degreaser
Degreasers made with plant-based or gentler ingredients. Use in the kitchen when the client wants eco-friendly options.
Eco-friendly stain remover
Eco-friendly stain removers for carpets and fabrics. Use when clients request green options for spot cleaning.