By Kieran Westcliffe I’ve spent years cleaning homes across London, from cosy studio flats in Shoreditch to sprawling four-bedroom houses in Hampstead. One thing I’ve noticed is how often people underestimate the time it takes to really deep-clean their homes. It’s not just about wiping down surfaces; a true deep clean means getting into all the nooks, crannies, and corners that usually escape the weekly tidy. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s normal to spend half a day—or even a full day—scrubbing your flat, you’re not alone. Here’s a practical breakdown from a professional cleaner who knows the ins and outs of London living spaces.
What Counts as a Deep Clean?
Rooms and Surfaces Included
A deep clean isn’t just a quick swipe of a duster. Typically, it covers the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, living areas, and hallways. Skirting boards, window sills, door frames, light switches, and cupboard fronts all get attention. In kitchens, this can mean cleaning the oven, fridge, and microwave. Bathrooms often need descaling tiles, polishing taps, and removing limescale from shower screens. Floors, carpets, and rugs are vacuumed, shampooed if necessary, and sometimes even steam-cleaned. Essentially, a deep clean is about tackling all the areas that accumulate grime but are usually overlooked during a regular clean.
Difference Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning
A weekly clean might take 30–60 minutes and focuses on visible mess: wiping surfaces, emptying bins, and doing a quick vacuum. Deep cleaning, on the other hand, is thorough and methodical. It involves moving furniture, cleaning behind appliances, scrubbing grout lines, and generally tackling hidden dirt. Because of this, deep cleaning will always take significantly longer than your routine tidying sessions.
Factors That Affect Deep-cleaning Time
Size of the Property
The bigger the property, the longer it takes. A studio flat is obviously quicker to deep-clean than a three-bedroom house with multiple bathrooms. In London, property sizes vary widely, so it’s important to set expectations based on the space you live in.
Condition of the Property
A home that receives regular cleaning is easier to tackle. Conversely, a flat that hasn’t been cleaned properly for months will take considerably longer. Kitchens with caked-on grease, bathrooms with limescale, and carpets with deep stains all add time to the process.
Cleaning Tools and Supplies
Professional cleaners often have steam cleaners, industrial vacuums, and power scrubbers. These tools make a huge difference in time and effectiveness. Without them, a DIY clean will naturally take longer, especially when dealing with stubborn grime.
Occupants and Lifestyle
Families with kids or pets usually see more mess accumulating faster. Tenants who entertain frequently or store more belongings also require longer cleaning sessions. A single tenant in a tidy flat can get through a deep clean much quicker than a busy household.
| Property Type | Kitchen | Bathroom(s) | Bedrooms | Living/Dining Area | Hallways & Other Spaces | Total Deep-clean Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Flat | 45–60 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 15 mins | 2–4 hours |
| One-Bed Flat | 50–70 mins | 30–40 mins | 35–45 mins | 35–45 mins | 15–20 mins | 2.5–4.5 hours |
| Two-Bed Flat | 1–1.5 hrs | 40–50 mins | 45–60 mins | 45–60 mins | 20–30 mins | 4–6 hours |
| Three-Bed Flat | 1–1.5 hrs | 50–60 mins | 60–75 mins | 60 mins | 30 mins | 5–6 hours |
| Four-Bed House | 1.5–2 hrs | 1–1.5 hrs | 75–90 mins | 60–75 mins | 45 mins | 6–8 hours |
| Five+ Bed House | 2–2.5 hrs | 1.5–2 hrs | 90–120 mins | 75–90 mins | 60 mins | 8–10+ hours |
Typical Deep-cleaning Times by London Property Type
Studio Flats and One-Bed Flats
For smaller flats, a thorough deep clean usually takes around 2–4 hours. Kitchens and bathrooms take up a significant portion of this time, especially if appliances need scrubbing. Living areas and bedrooms are quicker if they’re free of clutter, and vacuuming or mopping is usually straightforward.
Two-Bed and Three-Bed Flats
Two- and three-bedroom flats require 4–6 hours on average. Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms increase the workload, and the kitchen might be larger or used more frequently, leading to more grime. Hallways and shared spaces can take longer if they’re heavily used or cluttered.
Large Houses (Four Bedrooms and Above)
Large London houses can take 6–10 hours or more, depending on size and condition. Staircases, multiple bathrooms, large kitchens, and sometimes even garden or garage areas all add time. Splitting cleaning over two sessions can make it more manageable, but a proper deep clean of a big house is essentially a full-day commitment.
Tips for Reducing Deep-cleaning Time
Keep Up With Regular Cleaning
Small weekly tasks prevent grime from building up. A few minutes spent wiping surfaces, vacuuming, or clearing clutter can save hours during your next deep clean. Regular upkeep is the best way to keep deep-cleaning sessions manageable.
Declutter Before You Clean
It might seem obvious, but removing clutter before starting a deep clean saves an enormous amount of time. Clearing surfaces, organising papers, and moving clothes out of the way means you can focus purely on cleaning.
Use Time-saving Tools and Products
Microfibre cloths, extendable dusters, and multipurpose cleaners can dramatically reduce cleaning time. Steam cleaners are a real game-changer for kitchens, bathrooms, and floors, cutting down the elbow grease required. Choosing the right tools is half the battle.
Plan Your Cleaning Session
A systematic approach always works best. Start at the top—ceiling corners, light fixtures, shelves—and work downwards. This way, any dust or debris that falls will be cleaned up during the floor stage. Tackling bathrooms and kitchens separately is helpful if you’re short on time, as it allows you to focus on one high-demand area without interruptions.
When to Consider Professional Help
Sometimes, doing it yourself just isn’t practical. If you live in a large house, have a property that hasn’t been cleaned in months, or simply don’t have the time, professional cleaners can save both time and effort. In London, professional cleaners typically take 3–6 hours for a two-bedroom flat and 6–10 hours for a larger house, depending on condition. They bring the right equipment, experience, and techniques to leave your home spotless without you breaking a sweat.
Final Thoughts
Deep-cleaning times vary widely, but knowing what to expect makes the task less daunting. Studios and one-bed flats are doable in a morning, two- to three-bed flats take half a day, and large houses often require a full day—or a split session over two days. Keeping up with small, regular tasks, decluttering first, and using the right tools can make a huge difference.
A deep clean doesn’t need to be a dreaded marathon. With a bit of planning, realistic expectations, and a systematic approach, your London home can sparkle without leaving you exhausted. Whether you do it yourself or call in a professional, understanding the time involved is the first step to a cleaner, fresher living space.