Add-On Services vs. Standard Cleaning: Key Differences
- Margaret Ntambi
- Jun 4
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Want a clean home but unsure which cleaning service suits you? Here's the quick breakdown:
- Standard Cleaning: Routine tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping surfaces. Ideal for maintaining day-to-day cleanliness. Costs range from $150 to $300 per session, perfect for weekly or bi-weekly schedules.
- Add-On Services: Specialized tasks like deep cleaning, appliance cleaning, or laundry. Great for tackling specific needs or prepping for events. Prices vary, starting at $50 and can go up to $300 or more depending on the service.
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Standard Cleaning | Add-On Services |
Tasks | Routine upkeep (e.g., dusting, mopping) | Specialized (e.g., deep cleaning, appliances) |
Purpose | Maintain cleanliness | Address specific needs |
Frequency | Weekly or bi-weekly | As needed or seasonal |
Cost Range | $150–$300 per session | $50–$300+ per service |
Customization | Limited | Highly customizable |
Pro Tip: Combine both services for the best results - use standard cleaning for regular upkeep and add-ons for deeper, occasional needs. This way, you save time and money while keeping your space spotless.
What Is Included in Standard Cleaning?
Core Tasks of Standard Cleaning
Standard cleaning focuses on maintaining a healthy and tidy environment by tackling the most important areas of your home or office. It’s the routine upkeep that ensures your space stays fresh and inviting.
Key tasks include dusting furniture and surfaces to minimize allergens, vacuuming and sweeping to clear dirt and debris, and mopping hard floors in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Bathrooms receive special attention, with thorough cleaning and disinfecting of toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers, along with wiping down mirrors.
In the kitchen, standard cleaning involves sanitizing countertops, backsplashes, and sinks, as well as wiping down the exterior of appliances. Bedrooms and living areas are also addressed with dusting, surface wiping, vacuuming, and bed-making in spaces like living rooms and hallways that see the most use.
"Standard cleaning is the essential ritual that ensures our living spaces remain clean, comfortable, and conducive to our well-being. It is a comprehensive approach that covers all the basics - from dusting to vacuuming, and mopping to tidying - forming the foundation of home care."
RIHA Cleaners offers standard cleaning packages starting at $150 for studios and going up to $300 for four-bedroom homes. These packages cover all the essential tasks, ensuring a thorough clean every time.
When Standard Cleaning Works Best
Standard cleaning is perfect for maintaining a consistent level of cleanliness, making it ideal for busy households and businesses that need reliable upkeep. By addressing dirt, dust, and allergens on a regular basis, it helps prevent issues like allergies and respiratory problems.
For workplaces, standard cleaning not only keeps the environment professional but also supports productivity. Studies show that a clean workspace can boost employee efficiency by 5% and cut down sick days by as much as 40%. Additionally, 94% of customers are likely to avoid businesses with unclean restrooms.
"Maintaining a clean and hygienic living or working environment is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that promotes health, well-being, and productivity."
5 Common Types Of CLEANING SERVICES | Cleaning
What Are Add-On Cleaning Services?
Standard cleaning keeps your space tidy day-to-day, but sometimes, you need a little extra help with those specific tasks that aren’t part of the usual routine. That’s where add-on cleaning services come in. These are additional offerings designed to handle specialized cleaning needs - whether it’s scrubbing the inside of your oven, tackling a mountain of laundry, or giving your fridge a much-needed deep clean. They’re all about going beyond the basics to provide a more tailored cleaning experience.
What’s great about add-ons is their flexibility. You can pick and choose services based on your current priorities and budget, while still keeping up with regular cleaning. RIHA Cleaners, for example, offers a variety of add-on services to meet diverse household needs.
Examples of Add-On Services
RIHA Cleaners provides a range of add-on options to handle every corner of your home. Their Deep Clean service is a popular choice, priced at $200 for a four-hour session. This intensive cleaning targets areas that often get overlooked, making it perfect for move-ins, move-outs, or prepping your home for a special event.
For households with endless piles of clothes, the Laundry Service costs $175 for three hours of washing, drying, and folding. Kitchen-specific add-ons include a Kitchen Deep Clean for $300 (three hours of detailed cleaning), an Inside Fridge Clean for $100, and an Inside Oven Clean for $75. These services focus on appliances that can accumulate grime, stains, and odors over time.
Bathrooms get special attention too, with the Bathroom Deep Clean starting at $75. For surfaces and furniture that need a little extra care, the Dusting & Polishing service is available at $75. If dishes are piling up, the Dishes add-on offers one hour of dishwashing for $50. Pet owners can also take advantage of the Dog Poop Yard Pickup service for $75, ensuring outdoor spaces stay clean and safe. Together, these add-on services address tasks that regular cleaning often doesn’t cover.
Why Choose Add-On Services?
Add-on services are a practical way to tackle specific cleaning challenges. They’re especially useful for preparing your home for special occasions or addressing areas that may have been neglected during routine upkeep.
Another advantage is the ability to manage your budget. Instead of paying for a full-service premium package, add-ons let you focus on what you actually need. This makes them a cost-effective option for maintaining a clean and organized home without overspending.
For cleaning service providers, offering add-ons can also be a smart business move. Retaining existing clients is far more cost-effective than acquiring new ones - it can cost 5 to 25 times more to bring in a new customer. Add-on services not only meet customer needs but also build loyalty, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
Standard Cleaning vs. Add-On Services: Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences Between Standard and Add-On Services
Standard cleaning focuses on routine upkeep - tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down surfaces. It’s all about maintaining a baseline of cleanliness. On the other hand, add-on services are more specialized, tackling deeper cleaning needs or specific challenges. Whether it's scrubbing neglected areas or cleaning appliances, add-ons go beyond the basics, offering targeted solutions.
Cost is another area where these services differ. Standard cleaning usually comes with a fixed, predictable price, making budgeting straightforward. Add-on services, however, are priced individually, reflecting the extra time and expertise required for these tasks.
When it comes to frequency and scheduling, standard cleaning works best with a regular schedule - weekly or bi-weekly visits keep your space consistently clean. Add-on services, by contrast, are more flexible. You might book them seasonally, for special occasions, or during particularly busy times when extra help is needed.
The level of customization also sets these services apart. Standard cleaning packages are generally fixed, covering essential tasks efficiently. Add-on services, however, are highly customizable. You can choose exactly what you need, whether it’s laundry service, deep cleaning, or something else, without paying for unnecessary extras.
Comparison Table: Standard vs. Add-On Services
Feature | Standard Cleaning | Add-On Services |
Primary Tasks | Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, surface wiping, trash removal | Deep cleaning, appliance cleaning, laundry, specialized tasks |
Main Purpose | Maintaining day-to-day cleanliness | Tackling specific, intensive cleaning needs |
Typical Frequency | Weekly or bi-weekly | As needed (seasonal, occasional, or event-based) |
Cost Range | $150-$300 per session | $50-$300+ per individual service |
Time Investment | 2-4 hours per visit | 1-4 hours depending on the service |
Customization | Limited - fixed package of tasks | High - choose exactly what you need |
Best For | Ongoing home maintenance | Special occasions, neglected areas, specific problems |
Scheduling | Regular, predictable appointments | Flexible, on-demand booking |
Together, these services provide a well-rounded approach to home care. Standard cleaning keeps your home in shape day-to-day, while add-ons let you handle those occasional or specific needs. By understanding the differences, you can decide which combination works best for your lifestyle and budget.
How to Choose Between Standard and Add-On Services
Factors to Consider
The best cleaning approach often depends on your lifestyle. For busy professionals, regular standard cleaning can be a lifesaver, freeing up precious weekend hours. If you’re working long hours, scheduling weekly standard cleaning - typically costing between $200 and $250 - can help you maintain a better balance between work and personal life.
Standard cleaning is great for handling everyday messes, but add-on services can tackle those tougher, less frequent tasks. For example, pet owners might find yard waste pickup, priced around $75, particularly useful for keeping outdoor spaces tidy.
Budget is another important consideration. Cleaning services for a 3-bedroom home usually average $250 for a standard session, while a deep-cleaning add-on might cost about $200. Experts suggest starting with a deep clean if it’s your first time hiring a cleaning service, then transitioning to regular weekly or bi-weekly standard cleaning for maintenance.
Cleaning frequency also impacts cost. A weekly standard cleaning at $200 totals around $800 per month. However, if you only need cleaning twice a month, combining standard services with occasional add-ons could be more economical.
Think about your specific cleaning challenges. If you can manage basic tidying but struggle with deep-cleaning the kitchen, a kitchen-focused add-on might be a better fit than full-service cleaning. Similarly, if laundry feels overwhelming, adding a laundry service could save you time and stress.
For move-ins, move-outs, or post-construction cleaning, specialized add-ons are often the best choice to handle the extra workload.
By weighing these factors, you can create a cleaning plan tailored to your needs and budget.
Creating Your Custom Cleaning Plan
Combining standard and add-on services is often the most effective strategy. Instead of sticking to just one option, consider a flexible schedule that adjusts to your home’s needs.
Start by identifying your home’s baseline requirements. For example, RIHA Cleaners offers a free 45-minute consultation to help determine the right mix of services for your situation. This can clarify whether your 2-bedroom apartment would thrive with the standard $200 package and occasional add-ons or if another approach makes more sense.
Seasonal planning can also make a big difference. For instance, you could schedule bi-weekly standard cleaning throughout the year and add deep-cleaning services quarterly. In spring, you might opt for window cleaning (typically $150–$300), focus on carpet cleaning in the fall (around $120–$230), and schedule appliance deep cleaning in winter, which costs between $20 and $80 per appliance.
During busier times, like the holidays, flexible add-on scheduling can provide extra support. Hosting guests? You might add a dishwashing service for $50 and a bathroom deep clean for $75. The back-to-school season could call for organizing services, priced between $55 and $100 per hour, to restore order in your home.
It’s also essential to communicate your priorities clearly to your cleaning team. For example, if you’d rather have your fridge cleaned (around $100) than extra dusting, make sure to mention it. Customizing your plan to focus on what matters most ensures you get the best value.
Many homeowners start with standard cleaning and gradually add services to address specific needs or overlooked areas. This balanced approach provides a flexible, efficient cleaning strategy that adapts to any home.
RIHA Cleaners makes it easy to mix and match services. Standard packages range from $150 for studios to $300 for larger homes, and you can add options like laundry service, deep cleaning, or specialized tasks. This way, you only pay for what you actually need.
Keep in mind that your cleaning needs may change over time. New pets, a growing family, or shifts in your work schedule can all influence the type of cleaning support you require. A flexible service plan allows you to adapt as your needs evolve, ensuring long-term satisfaction.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cleaning Services for You
Key Takeaways
When it comes to keeping your home spotless, a tailored cleaning plan can make all the difference. Combining standard cleaning with optional add-ons allows you to address both routine upkeep and specific needs. Standard cleaning covers the basics, ensuring your home stays consistently tidy - perfect for busy professionals who want dependable, hassle-free service.
Add-on services step in where standard cleaning leaves off, tackling those tasks that need extra attention. Whether it’s deep-cleaning neglected corners, scrubbing appliances, or seasonal jobs like washing windows, these extras give you the flexibility to customize your cleaning routine to suit your home and lifestyle.
Budget is another key consideration. Standard cleaning sessions typically range from $100 to $200, while add-ons like deep cleaning can cost between $200 and $400. Many providers offer discounts - up to 40% - for regular appointments, which can help you save over time .
If you’re just starting out, consider a one-time cleaning session to test the waters. This lets you assess the quality of the service before committing to regular cleanings or specialized add-ons. Over time, you can adjust your plan to include regular upkeep alongside occasional deep-cleaning or other extras, creating a schedule that works for you.
RIHA Cleaners makes this process simple with a free 45-minute consultation to understand your needs. Their pricing is straightforward, starting at $150 for studios and going up to $300 for larger homes. Add-ons like deep cleaning ($200), laundry service ($175), and fridge cleaning ($100) are available, so you only pay for what you need.
Keep in mind that your cleaning needs may change over time. A new pet, a growing family, or a shift in your work schedule can all impact the type of cleaning support you require. RIHA Cleaners offers the flexibility to adapt, providing consistent standard cleaning while letting you add specialized services as your lifestyle evolves.
FAQs
When should I consider adding extra services to my standard cleaning package?
Choosing between standard cleaning and add-on services comes down to what you need at the moment. Standard cleaning covers the basics - dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces - making it perfect for maintaining a tidy space on a regular basis.
On the other hand, add-on services like laundry, dishwashing, or pet waste removal are designed for more specific tasks that need extra care. These are especially helpful for events like getting ready for a party, moving in or out, or giving extra attention to areas that need a deeper clean. Add-ons let you tailor the cleaning to match your exact needs, ensuring your space gets the care it deserves.
When should you consider adding extra cleaning services to your standard cleaning package?
Add-on cleaning services come in handy when regular cleaning just won’t cut it. For instance, if you’re moving in or out of a home, opting for extras like deep cleaning can ensure the space is ready for new occupants or left in perfect shape. Planning to host an event or party? Additional services can make both pre-event preparations and post-party cleanup a breeze.
For pet owners, specialized options like pet waste removal or deep cleaning can help tackle fur and lingering odors. Seasonal tasks, such as spring cleaning, are another great opportunity to include extras like window washing or garage cleaning to give your home a fresh start. These flexible services are designed to address specific needs, making your life a whole lot easier.
How can I balance standard cleaning and add-on services to keep my home clean without overspending?
To keep your home clean without overspending, begin with a basic cleaning routine that covers everyday chores like dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms. These essential tasks are key to maintaining a neat and orderly space.
For extra needs, consider optional services like laundry, pet waste disposal, or deep cleaning. These can be scheduled occasionally to handle specific tasks without straining your budget. By customizing your cleaning approach to match your priorities, you can enjoy a tidy, well-kept home without breaking the bank.
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