An office deep clean is a thorough, top-to-bottom clean that reaches the areas daily cleaning does not, such as high-level dust, behind and under furniture, carpets, upholstery, kitchen appliances, washroom grout and touch points. Most offices benefit from a deep clean every three to six months, with extra cleans after refurbishments, before a move, after an illness outbreak or ahead of an important visit. One-off deep cleans in the UK typically cost £20 to £35 per hour, and the job usually needs a team working out of hours.
This guide explains what is included, how often to book, a room-by-room checklist and how to plan one without disrupting work.
Deep clean vs daily office cleaning
| Daily / regular cleaning | Deep cleaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Keep the office tidy and hygienic day to day | Restore the building to a high standard and remove built-up dirt |
| Typical tasks | Bins, desks, floors, washrooms, kitchens | High-level dusting, carpets, upholstery, appliances, grout, vents |
| Frequency | Daily or several times a week | Every 3 to 6 months, or as needed |
| Team | Regular cleaner(s) | Larger team with specialist equipment |
When to book a deep clean
- Every three to six months for most offices.
- After building work, refurbishment or decorating.
- Before moving in or after moving out. See our office relocation checklist.
- After a sickness outbreak such as norovirus or flu.
- Before inspections, audits or important client visits.
- At the start of the year or after summer, when occupancy changes.
Office deep cleaning checklist
Work areas
- High-level dusting of light fittings, vents, tops of cupboards and partitions.
- Cleaning desks, drawers (outside), pedestals and chair bases.
- Sanitising phones, keyboards and shared equipment where permitted.
- Vacuuming under and behind furniture.
- Carpet shampoo or hot water extraction.
- Upholstery cleaning for chairs and sofas.
- Internal glass, partitions and window sills.
- Skirting boards, doors, frames and handles.
Kitchens and tea points
- Inside and outside fridges, microwaves, ovens and dishwashers.
- Descaling kettles and hot water taps.
- Degreasing surfaces, splashbacks and cupboard fronts.
- Cleaning inside cupboards and drawers once emptied.
- Machine scrubbing hard floors.
Washrooms
- Descaling toilets, urinals, taps and showers.
- Cleaning grout and tiles.
- Cleaning vents, partitions and doors.
- Deep cleaning floors, including edges and corners.
- Sanitising dispensers and bins.
Communal areas
- Reception desks, seating and display areas.
- Lifts, including tracks and panels.
- Stairwells, banisters and handrails.
- Entrance matting and floors.
Teams must follow the right colour code and chemical rules throughout. See our cleaning colour codes guide and COSHH guide for cleaners.
How to plan a deep clean
- Agree the scope in writing, room by room.
- Schedule out of hours, usually evenings or weekends.
- Ask staff to clear desks and remove personal items from kitchens.
- Arrange access and alarm codes, and confirm who is the contact on the night.
- Allow drying time for carpets before the office reopens.
- Inspect the next morning and agree any snagging.
What does a deep clean cost?
One-off deep cleans in the UK typically cost £20 to £35 per hour, with specialist carpet cleaning at around £40 to £60 per hour and floor scrubbing at £30 to £50 per hour. Total cost depends on size, condition, access and how many specialist tasks are needed. Booking deep cleans as part of a regular cleaning contract often works out cheaper than ad-hoc bookings. Our commercial cleaning costs guide has more detail.
Need a deep clean done properly and out of hours?Our teams handle offices, retail units and communal areas across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in an office deep clean?
High-level dusting, cleaning under and behind furniture, carpets and upholstery, kitchen appliances, washroom descaling and grout, touch points and communal areas.
How often should an office be deep cleaned?
Every three to six months for most offices, plus after refurbishments, moves or illness outbreaks.
How long does an office deep clean take?
A small office can often be done in one evening or weekend day; larger offices may need several shifts.
How much does a deep clean cost?
Typically £20 to £35 per hour in the UK, with carpet and floor work priced separately.
Cleaning from WWSG
WWSG combines regular cleaning with scheduled deep cleans. Explore our commercial cleaning services or contact us.