Choosing between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning provider in Singapore comes down to three things: your property condition, your hygiene/safety needs, and your budget. For move-in/move-out, post-renovation, long-vacant homes or units with mould/pest issues, you should prioritise a one-time deep clean by a licensed, well-trained provider; for ongoing upkeep in a lived-in property, a reputable regular cleaning company is usually sufficient.
This guide is written from a local Singapore perspective for Homejourney users – especially buyers, landlords and investors who want to protect their health, their tenants, and the value of their property. It also supports our broader Homejourney pillar on home services and move-in readiness, and should be read alongside our main deep cleaning overview: Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: Ultimate Singapore Guide | Homejourney .
Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning in Singapore: Quick Decision Guide
Deep cleaningthorough cleaning or intensive cleaning) in Singapore is a one-time, highly detailed service that targets hidden dirt, grease, and germs – often including disinfection, steaming, and cleaning behind/under fixtures and inside cabinetry. It is ideal for:
- Move-in to a resale HDB, condo or landed home (especially older flats in estates like Jurong West, Toa Payoh, or Bedok, where built-up grime in grout and window tracks is common).
- Move-out cleaning before handover to landlord or next buyer/tenant.
- Post-renovation units with fine dust on ledges, inside wardrobes and on hidden surfaces.
- Units left vacant for months (e.g. investors renting out in Paya Lebar, City Hall or CBD fringe after long vacancy).
- Homes with mould, pest issues, or after illness in the household.
Regular cleaning is a recurring service (weekly/fortnightly) that focuses on visible surfaces: sweeping, mopping, wiping, basic toilet and kitchen upkeep. This is suitable for:
- Occupied units in good condition where you mainly need maintenance.
- Busy professionals around areas like Tanjong Pagar, One-North or Novena who already keep things fairly tidy.
- Landlords providing light upkeep for serviced/fully-furnished rentals in the CBD or Orchard.
Rule of thumb: If you are just about to hand over keys (move-in or move-out) or your last professional clean was more than 12 months ago, a one-time deep clean is usually the safer and more hygienic choice in Singapore’s hot, humid climate.
Key Differences Between Deep Cleaning and Regular Cleaning
For quick comparison, here is how most reputable Singapore providers distinguish between a one-time deep clean and regular cleaning:
- Scope
Deep cleaning: degreasing of kitchen hobs/hoods, scrubbing grout, descaling taps/showerheads, washing window tracks and grilles, inside cabinet wipe-downs (if emptied), cleaning behind movable furniture, often including disinfection of high-touch points.
Regular cleaning: sweeping/mopping floors, light bathroom cleaning, basic kitchen wipe-down, dusting visible surfaces, taking out trash. - Time Spent
Deep cleaning: typically 4–8 hours for a 3-room HDB flat, and up to a full day for a 4–5 room flat or larger condo, depending on condition (based on current market observations).
Regular cleaning: 2–4 hours per session, depending on home size and frequency. - Frequency
Deep cleaning: one-time or once/twice a year for most households; more often for high-traffic rental units or if there are health concerns.
Regular cleaning: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. - Typical Price Range (2025, Singapore)
Deep cleaning: commonly around SGD 250–500+ for a standard 3–5 room HDB or equivalent condo, depending on condition and inclusions (disinfection, steaming, upholstery).
Regular cleaning: often SGD 80–150 per session for a 3–5 room HDB/condo, with discounts for weekly packages.
For a detailed cost breakdown and how prices vary by home size and condition, see Homejourney’s pricing guide: Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning Costs SG 2025 | Homejourney .
Licensing, Safety and Regulations: What to Check in a Cleaning Provider
In Singapore, cleaning is a regulated sector – and this is where Homejourney’s focus on safety and verification matters most.
1. NEA Cleaning Business Licence
The National Environment Agency (NEA) requires cleaning businesses to hold a valid Cleaning Business Licence and meet minimum training and progressive wage requirements.[1][3][5] This licence framework was introduced to raise hygiene standards and protect both cleaners and clients.[1][5]
From 2024, Singapore has been moving to a tiered licence system (Class 1, 2 and 3) with higher training and capital standards for larger or more specialised cleaning businesses.[2] While this is more visible for commercial jobs, it is still a useful benchmark for residential clients choosing a provider.
Actionable step: Before booking any deep or regular cleaning:
- Ask the company for their NEA cleaning business licence number and validity period.
- Confirm if they comply with the Progressive Wage Model for cleaners (MOM/NEA requirement).[5]
Homejourney prioritises connecting users only with properly licensed and vetted partners so you are not exposed to unnecessary legal, safety or insurance risks.
2. Training and Safety Protocols
NEA and the Progressive Wage Model set out training requirements for Singapore cleaners, including Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Environmental Cleaning modules for a portion of staff.[3][5] This is critical for deep cleaning, where chemicals, ladders and specialised equipment are used.
When comparing providers, especially for intensive cleaning, ask:
- Are your cleaners WSQ-trained in Environmental Cleaning or disinfection?
- Do you use safety harnesses or proper ladders for high windows in HDBs and condos?
- What personal protective equipment (PPE) is used (gloves, masks, goggles where needed)?
- Do you have a standard operating procedure for dealing with mould, pests or potential biohazards?
This is particularly important for high-floor units in dense estates like Punggol, Sengkang or Bukit Panjang, where external window and grille cleaning may pose safety risks if not properly supervised.
3. Insurance and Liability
For both deep and regular cleaning, always check for:
- Public liability insurance to cover accidental damage (e.g. scratched parquet in older Tanglin or Holland condominiums, broken hob glass).
- Work injury compensation coverage for cleaners working on your premises.
Homejourney’s vetting framework gives priority to providers that can show valid insurance documents and a clear incident-handling policy, so users know exactly what to expect if something goes wrong.
How to Decide: Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning for Your Situation
Step 1: Assess Your Property Condition
Walk through your unit and look specifically at:
- Grout and corners – dark or mouldy grout in bathrooms/kitchens, black spots in silicone sealant around shower screens.
- Cabinets and wardrobes – dust, dead insects or sticky residue inside kitchen cabinets and built-ins (common in older HDBs in Ang Mo Kio or Hougang).
- Windows and tracks – caked dust in window sliders, especially for homes facing expressways or industrial areas.
- Aircon and vents – visible dust at vents, musty smells when turning on the unit (you may need both deep cleaning and proper servicing: Aircon Services ).
If you see significant build-up in more than two of these areas, choose a deep cleaning provider first. After that, you can maintain with regular cleaning.
Step 2: Consider Health & Safety Needs
You should strongly prefer a deep clean if:
- You have young children, elderly parents, or anyone with asthma/allergies living in the home.
- Somebody has recently recovered from COVID-19 or another contagious illness and you want a reset.
