Deep Clean vs Spring Clean: what’s the difference - and which do you need?
Not sure whether to book a spring clean or a deep clean? You’re not alone. Both leave your home feeling fresher, but they serve different purposes and suit different stages of life. Here’s a clear guide—written with Northern Rivers homes in mind—to help you decide.
What is a spring clean?
A spring clean is a seasonal refresh for homes that are generally well maintained. Think of it as a reset after winter shut-ins or before the busy holiday period. The focus is on built-up dust, forgotten corners, and the bits that don’t make it into your weekly tidy.
Typical inclusions
High dusting (cornices, ceiling fans, vents)
Wiping skirting boards, architraves, light switches and door handles
Detail clean of bathrooms and kitchen surfaces (outside of appliances)
Spot-cleaning doors, walls and light marks
Vacuum and mop throughout, including under lighter furniture where safe
Basic declutter and tidy of surfaces
Best for
A general spruce-up a couple of times a year
Allergy reduction ahead of spring pollen
Households with regular maintenance cleans who want an extra level of detail
What is a deep clean?
A deep clean goes further. It targets built-up grime, grease and soap scum, gets into tight spaces, and often involves moving items and using specialist products. It’s ideal when life has been hectic, after illness, before a move, or when you inherit a space that hasn’t had much care.
Typical inclusions:
Everything in a spring clean, plus:
Intensive bathroom descaling (tiles, grout, shower screens, taps)
Kitchen degrease, including inside appliances (oven, microwave, fridge) when requested
Detailed cabinetry wipe-downs (handles, inside reachable cupboards/drawers)
Window tracks and sills; blinds and shutters dusted
Skirting boards and door frames scrubbed, not just wiped
Build-up removal behind/under heavier furniture and large appliances (where safe to move)
Mould-aware cleaning for spots/patches (non-structural), plus ventilation tips
Rubbish and recycling sorted and removed (as agreed)
Optional: mattress refresh, soft-furnishing vacuum, pet-area sanitising
Best for:
Before photos, inspections or move-ins/outs
Post-illness or hospital discharge (hygiene and infection control)
When regular cleaning has slipped and you want a clean slate
Which do you need? Try these scenarios
“My home is pretty tidy but the fans, skirtings and window sills are dusty.”
→ Spring clean. You’ll feel the lift straight away.“The shower glass is cloudy, grout is discoloured and the oven smokes.”
→ Deep clean. Tackle build-up now, then switch to seasonal maintenance.“Mum’s coming home from hospital.”
→ Deep clean with a hygiene focus. Our domestic care specialists can prioritise high-touch zones, bathroom safety and trip hazards.“We’ve got allergies/asthma in the house.”
→ Start with a deep clean to reset dust and mould spots, then spring cleans to keep allergens down.“We’re setting up services through My Aged Care / NDIS.”
→ A deep clean creates a safe baseline, followed by regular visits. For many clients, cleaners and gardeners are the “eyes and ears on the ground”, noticing early risks like loose mats, slippery paths or cluttered walkways and letting you know before they become problems.
How to decide your scope (and budget)
A good rule of thumb: book the deep clean when surfaces need scrubbing rather than wiping, or when you want inside appliances and cabinetry addressed. If your home just needs a reset after a season of closed windows and extra blankets, a spring clean will do the trick.
When we quote, we’ll ask about:
Areas of concern (bathrooms, oven, window tracks, mould patches)
Access and safety (pets, mobility, stairs, heavy items)
Sensitivities (fragrances, asthma, low immunity)
Your goals (sale-ready, move-in, post-illness, seasonal refresh)
From there we’ll recommend crew size and a time plan. Many families pair a one-off deep clean with a quarterly spring clean and lighter maintenance in between—it’s often the most cost-effective path to keep standards high.
Products, safety and dignity
We’re a certified social enterprise serving Aged Care and NDIS clients across the Northern Rivers. That means you get a team that’s trained not just in technique and PPE, but in people—privacy, consent, and respectful communication. We choose products and methods that are effective and appropriate for the job, and we’re happy to work around sensitivities. If we notice hazards (loose cords, mould growth, slippery paths), we’ll let you know and help plan next steps, including gardening support to reduce outdoor risks.
The bottom line
Choose a spring clean for a seasonal lift and fresh air feeling.
Choose a deep clean when build-up is visible, appliances need attention, or you’re preparing for a life transition.
Not sure? We can tailor a plan that starts deep where it matters most, then sets a simple rhythm you can keep up.
Call 1300 131 096 and ask to speak with Nic, our Services Manager. for a quick chat about your home, health needs and budget. We’ll help you pick the right service—and make it feel effortless from the first hello.
