Quick answer: General cleaning is routine maintenance that keeps a home clean, comfortable, and ready for everyday life. It normally includes dusting accessible surfaces, vacuuming and mopping floors, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, wiping high-touch areas, and emptying waste bins. It does not usually include heavy buildup, inside appliances or cabinets, wall washing, or detailed post-renovation dust removal unless these tasks are added to the service.
For homes, condos, and apartments in Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil, general cleaning is commonly scheduled weekly, every two weeks, or monthly. The right frequency depends on the size of the property, the number of occupants, pets, lifestyle, and the current condition of the space.
What is included in general cleaning?
A professional general cleaning service focuses on visible, regularly used areas. The exact checklist should always be confirmed before the appointment, but a standard visit usually includes the following:
Kitchen
- Wiping countertops, backsplash, sink, and faucet
- Cleaning the exterior of major appliances
- Wiping accessible cabinet fronts and handles
- Vacuuming or sweeping and mopping the floor
- Emptying the kitchen waste bin
Bathrooms
- Cleaning and disinfecting the toilet, sink, and faucet
- Cleaning the bathtub or shower and accessible glass
- Wiping mirrors, counters, and high-touch surfaces
- Vacuuming and mopping the floor
Bedrooms and living areas
- Dusting accessible furniture, shelves, lamps, and window sills
- Vacuuming carpets, rugs, stairs, and upholstered surfaces when requested
- Mopping suitable hard floors
- Making beds when clean linens are provided and this task is included
- Emptying small waste bins
General cleaning vs. deep cleaning
General cleaning maintains a property that is already in regular condition. It targets dust, light soil, fingerprints, everyday bathroom and kitchen use, and routine floor care.
Deep cleaning is more detailed and is designed for accumulated grime or areas that are not handled during routine visits. Depending on the agreed scope, it may include baseboards, doors and frames, detailed buildup removal, inside the oven or refrigerator, inside cabinets, blinds, and hard-to-reach areas. If the property has not been professionally cleaned recently, beginning with a deep cleaning service can create a better baseline for future maintenance.
What is not normally included?
To avoid surprises, clients should confirm add-on work in advance. General cleaning does not normally include:
- Inside ovens, refrigerators, cabinets, or drawers
- Interior or exterior window washing
- Heavy grease, mold, smoke residue, or long-term buildup
- Post-construction dust and renovation debris
- Moving heavy furniture or handling hazardous materials
- Decluttering, laundry, or dishwashing unless agreed beforehand
These services may still be available, but the team needs to know about them before arrival so the correct time, products, equipment, and price can be planned.
How often should general cleaning be scheduled?
Weekly cleaning is usually best for busy families, homes with children or pets, and high-traffic properties. Biweekly cleaning works well for many regularly maintained homes. Monthly cleaning can suit smaller or lightly used spaces, but more buildup may develop between visits.
A professional recurring cleaning plan should be adjusted to the property rather than using the same checklist and timing for every client.
How professional general cleaning works
- Property details: The company confirms the full address, property size, number of rooms and bathrooms, present condition, and priorities.
- Scope confirmation: Routine tasks and requested add-ons are listed before the appointment.
- Access planning: Parking, keys, building codes, elevators, pets, and special instructions are confirmed.
- Systematic cleaning: The technician works from cleaner areas toward dirtier areas and from higher surfaces toward floors to reduce recontamination.
- Final review: Priority areas are checked and any follow-up needs are documented.
How much does general cleaning cost in Montreal?
The price depends on the property size, its current condition, the number of bathrooms, the frequency, requested add-ons, access, parking, and whether the first appointment requires deep cleaning. Photos or a short property assessment help produce a more accurate quote. A low price based only on the number of rooms can be misleading if the condition and requested scope have not been confirmed.
General cleaning for Montreal homes, condos, and apartments
The Montreal Cleaners provides routine and detailed residential cleaning for houses, condos, and apartments across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, and surrounding areas. Services are adapted to the property, frequency, and client priorities. You can also review our house cleaning services, apartment and condo cleaning, or move-in and move-out cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Is general cleaning the same as housekeeping?
The terms often overlap. General cleaning usually describes routine cleaning tasks, while housekeeping can also include light organizing, laundry, dishes, or bed changes. The exact scope depends on what is agreed with the provider.
How long does a general cleaning take?
The duration depends on the size, layout, condition, number of occupants, pets, bathrooms, and requested tasks. A maintained condo may take much less time than a larger home receiving its first professional visit.
Should the first visit be a deep cleaning?
Not always. If the property is already in regular condition, general cleaning may be enough. Deep cleaning is recommended when there is accumulated grease, dust, bathroom buildup, neglected baseboards, or detailed work outside routine maintenance.
Do professional cleaners bring products and equipment?
The Montreal Cleaners can provide the products and equipment required for the agreed service. Clients should mention allergies, sensitive materials, pets, or product preferences when requesting the quote.
Can I request extra tasks?
Yes. Extra tasks should be requested before the appointment so enough time can be reserved and the written quote can reflect the complete scope.
How do I request a cleaning quote?
Provide your full address, property size, current condition, preferred date and time, requested frequency, and access or parking details. Photos can help clarify the condition and requested work.
Contact us for a clear, written cleaning quote based on your property and priorities.
