Why it matters
Most cleaning prices, including ours, assume a normal, lived-in home: some dust, a used kitchen, bathrooms that need a proper scrub. What changes the job is things like heavy grease, a bathroom that hasn't been cleaned in months, pet mess, or so much clutter that the cleaners can't reach the surfaces.
In those cases, a standard clean simply can't get the home to where it should be in the booked time. Either the crew runs out of time and something gets skipped, or they keep going and the time has to be paid for somehow.
This happens more often than people think, especially after moving into a rental or when life gets busy. One of our clients put it this way in a Google review: "After moving into a new rental property that was quite dirty, they were able to come clean the next day. They went above and beyond and were so sweet!"
The worst version of this is the one where you find out about extra charges after the fact. That's what you want to avoid.
When you need a deep clean, and when you need a specialist
Signs a regular clean won't be enough and you should book a deep clean first:
- Grease built up on the stovetop, range hood or backsplash.
- Soap scum or hard-water buildup in the shower that doesn't wipe off.
- Visible dust on baseboards, blinds and light fixtures.
- The home hasn't had a thorough clean in several months.
A deep clean covers all of that, and once the home is reset, regular standard cleans keep it there at a lower price.
There are also situations that go beyond house cleaning altogether: biohazards, hoarding cleanup, mould remediation or flood damage. These need specialist companies with the right equipment and training, and a regular cleaning crew shouldn't take them on. If you're unsure which you need, describe the situation when you book, or send a couple of photos, and ask.
Whatever the state of the home, the most useful thing you can do is be honest when you book. Cleaners have seen it all, and knowing in advance means the right crew, the right time and no awkward surprises for either of you.
How Honourable Cleaning helps
Our prices are for a normally kept home, and we say so before you pay: you tick a box at booking confirming you understand that very messy homes can need more time.
On the day, if your home needs more time than booked, our cleaners tell you and ask before doing any extra work. You get the hours and the cost on your phone and approve or decline with one tap. Extra time is $35 per labour hour plus GST, and you're only charged if you approve it. If you decline, the crew finishes what you booked. For homes that need a full reset, we'll suggest a deep clean first, then regular standard cleans after that.
Our policy in numbers: extra time is $35 per labour hour plus GST, shown on your phone before any extra work starts, and charged only if you approve.
Key takeaways
- Be upfront when you book. Mention clutter, pets or problem rooms in your notes so the crew plans for them.
- If the home hasn't been properly cleaned in a while, book a deep clean first, then switch to regular cleans.
- Clear clutter off floors and counters before the visit. Cleaners clean surfaces; they don't sort belongings.
- Ask any cleaning company to explain, in writing, how extra time is handled and whether they ask before charging.
See your exact price
Pick your home size and service. Your flat rate shows up in about a minute, no phone call needed.
See my price →Call (604) 751-6260Questions people ask
What happens if my house is too messy for a regular cleaning?
Nothing bad happens, and you don't need to be embarrassed. A regular clean is priced for a normally kept home, so a very cluttered or heavily soiled home needs either more time or a deep clean first. The key is that a good cleaning company tells you before doing extra work, so you never get a surprise bill.
Related pages
Deep cleaning service Book a clean and add notes