Professionals use various tools and cleaning solutions based on the type of floor they’re cleaning. They often use industrial steam cleaners to pull debris out of the carpet. For localized stains, they may use a commercial cleaner or a mixture of water, vinegar, and dish soap. For tile, they’ll typically use dish soap and hot water, plus a mixture of baking soda and hot water for the grout. For cleaning wood floors, they might use a low-heat steamer, a mop with an oil wood floor cleaner, or a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and lemon juice.

There are different reasons for wanting to wash your floor by hand or using a mop. For deep and thorough cleaning, hand washing allows you to scrub hard-to-reach spots, ensuring the entire floor is pristine. You may want to use this method every other month. Mopping is ideal for weekly maintenance and vast spaces where hand washing is too time-consuming and labor-intensive. Remember, cleaning your floors regularly is better than skipping the task altogether, so use the best method that works for you.

Homeowners can perform basic cleanup, but for efficient and thorough results, larger-scale or thorough cleaning may be best left to professionals.

The cost of a professional house cleaning service typically ranges from $30 to $50 per hour. The final price depends on factors like the size of your house, the type of cleaning requested, and the overall level of cleaning required.

On average, you can expect to pay around $170 for a professional cleaning. Costs can also be calculated per square foot, ranging from $0.05 to $0.15 for a standard cleaning and up to $0.20 for a deep clean.

Here's a breakdown of potential costs by service type:

• Standard Cleaning: Includes tasks like sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down kitchen and bathroom surfaces. This typically costs between $75 and $175 per visit.

• Deep Cleaning: A more thorough service that may include window washing, cleaning under furniture, and polishing hard-to-clean surfaces. This can cost from $200 to $600 for a whole-home deep clean.

• Specific Add-ons: Services like window cleaning can cost $4 to $10 per window, and carpet cleaning can range from $75 to $200.

Many maid services offer discounts for regularly scheduled appointments.