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HDB Deep Cleaning: What’s Included
# What’s included in standard HDB deep cleaning Standard HDB deep cleaning covers floor-to-ceiling scrubbing of all rooms: vacuuming and mopping floors, wiping down walls and skirting, cleaning windows and tracks, scrubbing bathrooms and kitchen thoroughly, dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures, and wiping cabinet exteriors. A 4-room HDB takes 6–8 hours with a 2-person team and costs S$180–S$250 depending on condition and add-ons. Priya booked what she thought was a “deep clean” for her Tampines 5-room flat. The team showed up, mopped the floor, wiped the counters, and left in 90 minutes. That’s not deep cleaning — that’s standard cleaning with a fancy name. Here’s what real deep cleaning actually includes. ## What “deep cleaning” means Deep cleaning goes beyond surface maintenance. It targets: – Dirt and grime that’s built up over months – Areas you don’t clean weekly (behind appliances, inside cabinets, window tracks) – Stubborn stains on floors, walls, and fixtures It’s the level of clean you’d do before moving in, after moving out, or once every 3–6 months if you don’t have regular cleaning help. For HDB flats, it means every room gets the full treatment — not just a quick wipe-down. ## Living room and common areas **Floors:** – Vacuum carpets and rugs (including edges and under furniture) – Mop all hard floors (tiles, vinyl, laminate) – Scrub grout lines if visibly dirty – Remove scuff marks from tiles **Walls and ceilings:** – Wipe down walls to remove handprints, marks, and dust – Clean skirting boards (these collect dust you don’t notice) – Dust ceiling corners for cobwebs – Wipe light switches and door handles **Windows and doors:** – Clean window glass (inside and outside if accessible) – Scrub window tracks and frames (where dust and dead insects accumulate) – Wipe door frames and doors (top, bottom, sides) – Clean sliding door tracks **Furniture and fixtures:** – Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures – Wipe down TV console, shelves, and tables – Vacuum sofa (fabric) or wipe down (leather) – Clean aircon vents (exterior grilles only — not chemical wash) This is just the living room. Every room gets this level of attention. ## Kitchen **Counters and backsplash:** – Scrub countertops to remove stains and sticky residue – Clean backsplash tiles (especially around the stove where grease builds up) – Wipe down all exposed surfaces **Cabinets:** – Wipe cabinet exteriors (doors, handles, sides) – Clean inside cabinets if requested (often an add-on) – Remove grease buildup from cabinet surfaces near stove **Appliances:** – Degrease stove top and control knobs – Wipe down oven exterior (interior cleaning is usually an add-on) – Clean microwave inside and out – Wipe down fridge exterior (moving and cleaning behind the fridge is an add-on) – Clean rice cooker, kettle, and small appliances if left out **Sink and fixtures:** – Scrub sink to remove stains and limescale – Polish faucet and handles – Clean drain cover **Floors:** – Sweep and mop kitchen floor – Degrease floor tiles if greasy (common near stove area) – Clean under movable items (dish rack, bins) ## Bathrooms (all of them) HDB flats have 1–3 bathrooms. All get deep cleaned. **Toilet bowl and bidet:** – Scrub inside the bowl with toilet cleaner – Clean under the rim (where stains and buildup hide) – Wipe down exterior of toilet – Clean bidet spray and holder **Sink and vanity:** – Scrub sink to remove soap scum and stains – Polish faucet and drain – Wipe down vanity countertop – Clean mirror (remove water spots and toothpaste splatters) **Shower and bathtub:** – Scrub tiles and grout – Clean glass shower screen (remove hard water stains) – Scrub bathtub if you have one – Clean showerhead and faucet – Wipe down shower caddy and soap holders **Floors and walls:** – Scrub bathroom floor tiles – Clean grout lines – Wipe down walls to remove soap residue and mildew **Fixtures:** – Clean towel racks – Wipe down toilet paper holder – Clean exhaust fan grille (exterior only) ## Bedrooms **Floors:** – Vacuum carpets or rugs – Mop hard floors – Clean under the bed if accessible **Wardrobes and furniture:** – Wipe down wardrobe exteriors (doors, handles) – Dust wardrobe tops (where dust collects) – Clean inside wardrobes if requested (usually an add-on) – Wipe down dressing table, nightstands, shelves **Windows:** – Clean window glass – Scrub window tracks – Wipe window grilles **Walls and fixtures:** – Wipe down walls near light switches – Clean skirting boards – Dust ceiling fan and lights ## Balcony or service yard **Floors:** – Sweep balcony floor – Mop or hose down (depending on floor type) – Scrub stubborn stains or mildew **Fixtures:** – Wipe down balcony railings – Clean service yard sink if you have one – Wipe down laundry rack or poles **Walls:** – Wipe down walls if visibly dirty ## Bomb shelter (if applicable) Many newer HDBs have bomb shelters used for storage. **What’s included:** – Sweep and mop floor – Wipe down shelving if installed – Clean door and frame **What’s NOT included:** – Moving heavy items or boxes – Organizing stored items If your bomb shelter is packed full, the cleaner will do what’s accessible. ## What’s usually NOT included (but available as add-ons) These services cost extra: **Aircon chemical wash** Deep cleaning includes wiping down the exterior vents, but chemical wash (opening the unit and cleaning the coils) is separate. Costs S$80–S$120 per aircon unit. **Inside cabinets and wardrobes** Most deep cleans cover cabinet exteriors only. Cleaning inside kitchen cabinets and bedroom wardrobes is an add-on (S$30–S$50). **Oven interior cleaning** Wiping the outside is standard. Scrubbing inside a greasy oven is extra (S$40–S$60). **Fridge interior** Wiping the outside is included. Emptying and cleaning inside the fridge is an add-on (S$30–S$40). **Behind heavy appliances** Moving the fridge, washing machine, or stove to clean behind and underneath is usually extra (S$20–S$40 per appliance). **Curtain or blind cleaning** Dusting is included. Taking down and washing curtains or deep-cleaning blinds is separate. **Mattress cleaning** Changing bed linens and wiping the bed frame is included. Deep mattress sanitization (vacuum, steam, UV treatment) is an add-on (S$80 per mattress). **Post-renovation cleaning** If you’ve just renovated, you need post-reno cleaning, not standard deep cleaning. The scope and cost are different. ## How long does HDB deep cleaning take? **3-room HDB:** 4–5 hours with 1 cleaner 3–4 hours with 2 cleaners **4-room HDB:** 6–7 hours with 1 cleaner 4–5 hours with 2 cleaners **5-room HDB:** 8–10 hours with 1 cleaner 5–6 hours with 2 cleaners **Executive flat:** 10–12 hours with 1 cleaner 6–8 hours with 2 cleaners Most companies send a 2-person team for efficiency. ## HDB deep cleaning cost in Singapore Prices vary based on flat size and condition. **3-room HDB:** S$150–S$200 **4-room HDB:** S$180–S$250 **5-room HDB:** S$220–S$300 **Executive HDB:** S$280–S$350 Add-ons increase the total: – Aircon chemical wash: +S$80–S$120 per unit – Inside cabinets: +S$30–S$50 – Mattress cleaning: +S$80 per mattress – Fridge interior: +S$30–S$40 ## What to prepare before the cleaners arrive Make it easier for the team (and yourself): **1. Clear clutter** Deep cleaning isn’t organizing. Put away loose items: toys, clothes, papers, small electronics. The cleaner can’t wipe a table that’s covered in stuff. **2. Remove valuables** Put jewelry, cash, and important documents in a drawer or safe. Not because cleaners are untrustworthy — just to avoid accidents. **3. Secure pets** Keep dogs, cats, or other pets in one room or with a neighbor. Cleaners can’t work efficiently if a dog is barking or a cat is hiding under the furniture they’re trying to move. **4. Communicate special requests** If you want extra focus on a specific area (e.g., “the kitchen is really greasy”), tell the team when they arrive. **5. Provide cleaning supplies (if required)** Some companies bring their own supplies. Others use what you have. Confirm this when booking. ## What Sureclean includes in HDB deep cleaning Our standard HDB deep clean covers: – All rooms (living, dining, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, balcony) – Floor-to-ceiling cleaning – Windows and tracks (inside only; outside if accessible) – Cabinet exteriors – All fixtures and fittings – Bathroom deep scrub – Kitchen deep scrub and degrease **Equipment we bring:** – HEPA-filter vacuum – Mop and bucket – Microfiber cloths – Bathroom and kitchen cleaning agents – Glass cleaner – Floor cleaner – Scrub brushes and sponges **What’s NOT included:** – Aircon chemical wash (add-on) – Inside cabinets (add-on) – Oven interior (add-on) – Behind fridge/washing machine (add-on) We’ll tell you upfront what’s included and what costs extra. No surprises. ## How often should you deep clean your HDB? **If you have weekly or fortnightly cleaning:** Deep clean every 6 months. **If you have no regular cleaning help:** Deep clean every 3 months. **Special occasions:** – Before Chinese New Year – Before moving in – Before moving out (bond cleaning) – After renovation (but use post-reno service, not standard deep clean) ## Deep cleaning vs spring cleaning People use these terms interchangeably, but there’s a slight difference. **Deep cleaning:** Thorough clean of all areas — what we’ve described in this article. **Spring cleaning:** Deep cleaning PLUS decluttering, organizing, and tackling long-neglected areas (like the storeroom or bomb shelter). Spring cleaning usually takes longer and costs slightly more because it includes tasks beyond cleaning (e.g., helping you sort through old items). In Singapore, “spring cleaning” is most common before Chinese New Year. The rest of the year, it’s just called deep cleaning. ## Red flags when booking HDB deep cleaning Watch out for: **1. Prices that are too low** If someone quotes S$80 for a 4-room HDB, they’re either cutting corners or planning to upsell you halfway through. **2. Vague scope** Ask exactly what’s included. If they say “we clean everything” without listing specifics, get a detailed breakdown in writing. **3. No insurance** Professional cleaning companies carry public liability insurance. If something breaks, you’re covered. Unlicensed freelancers don’t have this. **4. Asking for full payment upfront** Reputable companies ask for 0–30% deposit. Full payment before work starts is a red flag. ## What to check after the cleaners finish Do a quick walkthrough before the team leaves: – Run your hand along surfaces to check for dust – Check window tracks (common missed spot) – Look under the sink and inside cabinets (if that was included) – Check bathroom grout and corners – Inspect the kitchen stove and hood If something’s missed, point it out immediately. Good companies will fix it on the spot. ## FAQ: HDB deep cleaning in Singapore ### What’s the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning? Regular cleaning maintains an already-clean space (weekly or fortnightly service). Deep cleaning tackles buildup, stains, and areas you don’t normally clean. Regular cleaning takes 2–3 hours; deep cleaning takes 4–8 hours. ### Do I need to be home during deep cleaning? Not necessarily. Many people leave a key with the cleaner or use a smart lock. Just make sure someone’s available by phone in case of questions. ### Can I request specific areas to be prioritized? Yes. If your kitchen is the main concern, tell the team when they arrive. They’ll allocate more time there. ### What if I have a helper — do I still need deep cleaning? Even with a full-time helper, quarterly deep cleaning is useful. It covers areas helpers might not have time for (window tracks, behind appliances, ceiling fans). ### How do I know if the cleaning company is legitimate? Check their ACRA registration, ask for public liability insurance proof, and read Google reviews. See our guide: “How to verify if a cleaning company in Singapore is legitimate.” ### Can deep cleaning remove mould? Light surface mould, yes. Heavy mould growth (black patches, thick buildup) requires specialized mould removal treatment, which is a separate service. ### What happens if something breaks during cleaning? If the company has public liability insurance, damages are covered. File a claim with the company immediately. This is why insurance proof matters. ### Do you clean windows outside the flat? We clean inside windows and outside windows if they’re accessible from inside (sliding windows, casement windows). High-rise external window cleaning requires a gondola and is a separate service. ### Can I book deep cleaning for just one room? Yes, but most companies have a minimum charge (usually S$100–S$150) even for one room. It’s more cost-effective to do the whole flat. ### How far in advance should I book? For regular deep cleaning, 3–7 days is fine. Before CNY or year-end, book 2–3 weeks ahead — those are peak periods. — **Word count:** ~1,950 wordsFrequently Asked Questions
How much does deep cleaning cost in Singapore for a 4-room HDB?
Sureclean’s 4-room HDB deep cleaning is **$780 before GST** (9%). Comprehensive 8-stage protocol: pre-walkthrough, top-to-bottom HEPA extraction, kitchen detail (1.5-2hrs), bathroom deep sanitisation (45 min/bathroom), bedroom refresh, living/dining reset, floor treatment, final QC walkthrough. Includes 6-8 hours of work by 3-person NEA-certified crew, eco-friendly NEA-approved products, all equipment. Add-ons: aircon chemical wash $90/unit, mattress deep clean $160 queen, sofa deep clean $120 (3-seater). 15% off when booking 2 deep cleans per year.
Related: See our NEA-certified disinfection services guide for more details.
Related: See our professional spring cleaning guide for more details.
Related: See our HDB cleaning price guide guide for more details.
