When you’re considering regular house cleaning service in Nanaimo, one of the first questions is usually “what exactly do you clean?” It’s a fair question, and the answer can vary quite a bit between cleaning companies.
At North Island Clean, we believe in being upfront about what’s included in our standard cleaning service. No surprises, no hidden fees, just consistent, reliable cleaning that keeps your home fresh and healthy between visits.
Let’s walk through exactly what we cover during a standard cleaning, room by room.
What Is Standard House Cleaning?
Standard house cleaning (sometimes called maintenance or regular cleaning) is designed for homes that are already in decent shape and just need consistent upkeep. Think of it as the cleaning you’d do yourself if you had the time, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing the spaces you use every day.
This is different from deep cleaning, which tackles built-up grime, baseboards, light fixtures, and areas that haven’t been cleaned in a while. Most clients start with a deep clean, then switch to standard cleaning every week, every two weeks, or monthly.

Living Areas and Bedrooms
What We Clean:
- Dust all accessible surfaces (coffee tables, end tables, dressers, nightstands)
- Vacuum carpets and area rugs thoroughly
- Sweep and mop hard floors
- Empty wastebaskets and replace liners
- Light tidying (straightening cushions, organizing visible clutter)
- Dust picture frames, mirrors, and decorative items
- Wipe down door handles
What We Don’t Clean:
- Inside drawers or closets
- Under heavy furniture that can’t be easily moved
- High light fixtures (available as add-on)
- Tracks (part of deep cleaning)
Kitchen Deep Dive
The kitchen gets a lot of attention during standard cleaning since it’s where bacteria and grease build up quickly.
What We Clean:
- Wipe down all countertops and backsplash
- Clean and polish sink and faucet
- Clean stovetop, range hood exterior, and control knobs
- Wipe down exterior of all appliances (refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher)
- Clean inside the microwave
- Spot-clean cabinet fronts and handles
- Sweep and mop floors
- Empty trash and recycling bins, wipe them down
What We Don’t Clean:
- Inside the refrigerator or oven (available as add-on)
- Inside cabinets and drawers
- Grout deep cleaning or tile scrubbing
We use non-toxic cleaning products throughout your kitchen, so there’s no concern about chemical residue on surfaces where you prepare food.

Bathrooms: Disinfection Focus
Bathrooms require the most thorough disinfection, and we take extra care here.
What We Clean:
- Scrub and disinfect toilet (inside, outside, behind, and around the base)
- Clean and disinfect bathtub and shower (tiles, fixtures, glass doors)
- Clean and polish sink, faucet, and vanity
- Wipe down mirrors and polish fixtures
- Disinfect high-touch areas (door handles, towel bars)
- Sweep and mop floors
- Empty wastebaskets and replace toilet paper if needed
- Spot-clean cabinet fronts
What We Don’t Clean:
- Deep grout cleaning or tile restoration
- Inside medicine cabinets or vanity drawers
- Exhaust fan cleaning
Hallways and Entryways
These high-traffic areas get regular attention to keep dirt from spreading throughout your home.
What We Clean:
- Vacuum or sweep and mop all floors
- Dust any furniture or decorative items
- Wipe down door handles
- Empty wastebaskets
- Light organizing of shoes or coats (if you’d like)

What’s Typically NOT Included in Standard Cleaning
Being transparent about what standard cleaning doesn’t cover helps set proper expectations:
Interior Items:
- Inside appliances (refrigerator, oven, washing machine)
- Inside cabinets, drawers, or closets
- Laundry (dish loading is available upon request for a fee)
Detailed Tasks:
- Window cleaning (exterior)
- Crown molding
- Light fixtures
- Wall washing or scuff mark removal
- Carpet shampooing or deep stain removal
Outdoor Areas:
- Patios, decks, or outdoor furniture
- Garage cleaning
- Exterior window washing
Many of these items are available as add-on services or are included in our deep cleaning service.
Popular Add-On Services
We offer several add-ons that can be included with your standard cleaning:
- Inside oven cleaning
- Inside refrigerator cleaning
How to Prepare for Your First Standard Cleaning
A little preparation helps us clean more effectively:
Before We Arrive:
- Pick up personal items, toys, and clutter
- Clear countertops and surfaces as much as possible
- Secure or remove fragile decorative items
- Let us know about any pets and their routines
- Provide access instructions if you won’t be home
What We Bring:
- All cleaning supplies and equipment
- Non-toxic, family-safe cleaning products
- Vacuum, mop, microfiber cloths, and tools
- Trash bags and paper towels
What You Provide:
- Access to your home
- Any specific cleaning products you prefer we use
- Instructions for areas that need special attention
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I schedule standard cleaning?
Most Nanaimo families choose every two weeks, which maintains cleanliness without being excessive. Weekly works well for busy households or homes with pets. Monthly is suitable for smaller spaces or less-used homes.
Do you bring your own supplies?
Yes, we bring everything needed, including non-toxic cleaning products. If you have specific product preferences or allergies, just let us know.
Are you insured?
Absolutely. North Island Clean is fully insured for your peace of mind.
What if I need to reschedule?
We understand life happens. Just give us 24 hours notice and we’ll work with you to find a new time.
Can I add extra services occasionally?
Of course! You can add services like oven cleaning or refrigerator cleaning to any standard cleaning visit.

Ready to Experience Consistent, Reliable Cleaning?
Standard house cleaning from North Island Clean means coming home to a fresh, healthy space every time: without the stress of doing it yourself. Our experienced team provides dependable service using non-toxic products that are safe for your family and pets.
Whether you need weekly maintenance or monthly touch-ups, we’ll work with your schedule and preferences to keep your Nanaimo home consistently clean.
Ready to get started? Contact us to schedule your first cleaning or learn more about our services. We’ll provide a customized quote based on your home’s specific needs.

