What Does a Maid Service Clean?

Ali Gabre

August 27, 2025
6:17 am

What’s Included in a Maid Service? Here’s What They Really Clean

Lots of us wonder: What does a maid service clean? It’s a fair question, especially when inviting professionals into your space. Generally, a standard maid service covers the basics: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms. But today’s maid services often go far beyond that.

The truth is, every company has its own scope of work, packages, and add-on services. Some focus on regular upkeep, while others specialize in deep cleaning or even luxury touches like bed making and restocking supplies. Understanding what’s included helps you know exactly what you’re paying for and ensures there are no surprises on cleaning day.

What’s Typically Included In A Maid Service Clean

Most professional maid services are built around a core set of tasks designed to keep your home fresh, hygienic, and inviting. Here’s what you can usually expect:

General Cleaning Duties – This includes dusting furniture and fixtures, vacuuming rugs and carpets, sweeping and mopping hard floors, and tidying common areas like living rooms and hallways. Think of it as the foundation of every visit.
Kitchen Care – Kitchens get daily use and often harbor grease and crumbs. Maid services usually wipe down countertops, disinfect sinks, clean stovetops, wipe appliance exteriors, and mop floors. Some services even offer add-ons like oven or fridge interiors.
Bathroom Sanitizing – Bathrooms require deep sanitizing to prevent bacteria buildup. Expect toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, and mirrors to be scrubbed and disinfected. Floors are also mopped, and fixtures are polished.
Bedrooms and Living Spaces – Beyond dusting and vacuuming, beds are often made, pillows fluffed, and surfaces wiped down. In some cases, sheets and linens can be changed if fresh ones are provided.
Deep or Specialized Cleaning – For an extra fee, services might include tasks like baseboard cleaning, window washing, inside cabinets, or even carpet shampooing.
Staging Elements – Many professional cleaners take extra care to make a home feel organized and welcoming, folding towels neatly, straightening cushions, or arranging décor for a “finished” look.

These standards’ inclusions make a noticeable difference, especially when done consistently on a recurring schedule.

What Maid Services Usually Don’t Clean

Even the most thorough maid services have limits. To avoid disappointment, it’s helpful to know what typically isn’t included in a standard appointment:

Biohazards – Cleaners won’t handle substances like blood, vomit, pet accidents, or other hazardous waste. These require specialized remediation services.
Pest or Mold Infestations – If your home has a pest issue or significant mold growth, professional pest control or mold remediation experts are needed, not maid services.
Heavy Organization – While light tidying is included, sorting closets, decluttering garages, or packing up homes for moving is generally outside the scope unless specifically arranged.
Heavy Lifting or Repairs – Maid services don’t typically move large furniture or perform handyman-style work.
Appliance and Interior Add-ons – Standard visits don’t include cleaning ovens, fridges, or inside cabinets unless you request a “deep clean” or add-on package.

Understanding these boundaries helps you set clear expectations. And if you need something extra, most companies offer customized services at an additional rate.

What Is The Difference Between Maid Service And Regular Cleaning?

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there’s a clear difference.

Regular cleaning usually refers to light, surface-level upkeep like sweeping, wiping down counters, or doing dishes. It’s what you (or a casual helper) might do weekly to keep the home functional and presentable.

Maid service, however, is professional, detail-oriented, and often recurring. It involves following strict checklists, sanitizing high-touch surfaces, scrubbing bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting, and often offering deep-cleaning extras. Maid services also provide accountability: staff are vetted, insured, and trained to maintain consistent quality.

Another difference is convenience. With maid services, you can schedule recurring visits weekly, biweekly, or monthly so your home stays consistently clean without you lifting a finger. Regular cleaning done on your own, meanwhile, is sporadic and may not catch all the details.

Simply put, regular cleaning maintains; maid services elevate.

How Much Is Maid Cleaning Service?

The cost of hiring a maid service varies, but most homeowners can expect to pay between $25 and $50 per hour per cleaner. Some companies instead charge a flat fee per visit, which often ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the size of your home and the level of service requested.

Here are a few factors that affect pricing:

Size of your home – Larger homes with more rooms and bathrooms naturally take longer to clean.
Type of cleaning – A basic cleaning will cost less than a deep clean that includes baseboards, appliance interiors, or detailed scrubbing.
Frequency – Weekly or biweekly appointments often come at a discounted rate compared to one-time or monthly cleans.
Special requests – Using green cleaning products, organizing services, or laundry may come with extra fees.

Many maid services provide free in-home estimates, which give you a clearer idea of what you’ll pay. While the price may feel like a splurge at first, the value in saved time, stress, and professional-level results often makes it well worth the investment.

Why Hiring a Maid Service Adds Value

Beyond cleanliness, hiring a maid service offers lifestyle and health benefits:

Time-Saving – Free yourself from hours of chores each week so you can focus on work, family, or relaxation.
Consistency – Recurring appointments mean your home never falls behind, even during busy periods.
Health Benefits – Professional cleaning reduces dust, bacteria, and allergens, creating a healthier environment.
Peace of Mind – Insured and vetted professionals give you security. Many services even guarantee satisfaction or offer re-cleans if something was missed.
Stress Reduction – Coming home to a tidy, fresh-smelling space relieves daily stress and makes your home feel like a sanctuary.

For many families, this investment is less about luxury and more about preserving time and well-being.

Final Thoughts

Maid services do more than sweep and mopthey bring peace of mind, consistency, and a healthier home environment. While they typically handle all the essentials (dusting, vacuuming, sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms, tidying living spaces), they may skip hazardous or specialized tasks unless requested separately.

If you’re in Abbotsford and want a team that balances professionalism with attention to detail, ProClean’s Maid Services Abbotsford is here to help. Their cleaners know how to handle the essentials while also offering extra touches that make your home feel spotless and welcoming.