How Long Does It Take To Deep Clean An Apartment?

“How long will it take?” is the first question almost everyone asks about deep cleaning an apartment — usually because a landlord inspection, a move, or overdue spring cleaning is looming. The honest answer: it depends on size and condition, but after 36,000+ cleanings in Albuquerque we can give you real numbers, not guesses.

Typical Deep-Cleaning Times by Apartment Size

Studio (400–600 sq ft): roughly 3–5 labor hours. One bathroom and a compact kitchen keep things moving, but a deep clean still touches every surface.

One-bedroom (600–850 sq ft): roughly 4–7 labor hours. The kitchen and bathroom are the time sinks — inside the oven and fridge alone can run an hour or more if they haven’t been cleaned in a while.

Two-bedroom (850–1,200 sq ft): roughly 6–9 labor hours, more with a second bathroom.

Three-bedroom or townhome-style: 8–12+ labor hours depending on condition and extras like stairs, balconies, and multiple bathrooms.

What “Labor Hours” Means (and Why It Matters)

These are labor hours — total person-hours of work, which is also how professional cleaning is priced. A two-person team doing a 6-labor-hour deep clean is in and out of your apartment in about 3 clock hours. That distinction matters when you compare quotes: a “3-hour clean” from a team of two is twice the work of a 3-hour clean from one person. Our pricing page explains exactly how this works.

What Makes It Take Longer

Condition moves the needle more than size. First-time deep cleans after a year or more of surface cleaning run long — built-up grease on kitchen cabinets, soap scum and hard-water scale in the shower (Albuquerque’s mineral-heavy water is brutal on glass doors), and the fine desert dust that settles into blinds, vents, and window tracks. Pets, heavy cooking, and clutter each add time too. An empty apartment, on the other hand, cleans noticeably faster than a furnished one.

DIY vs. Professional Time

Doing it yourself, double the numbers above — professionals move faster because of practiced technique, commercial products, and a systematic top-to-bottom order that never re-cleans a surface. A one-bedroom deep clean that takes us 5 labor hours routinely eats a homeowner’s entire weekend.

Get an Exact Number for Your Apartment

Every apartment is different, which is why we quote by your actual home rather than a flat chart. Tell us the size, condition, and what you need — a full deep cleaning, an apartment cleaning refresh, or a move-out — and we’ll give you a clear estimate up front. No surprises when the team arrives.

Call Maid O’ Matic at 505-379-3154 or request a free quote. 21 years in Albuquerque, W-2 professional teams, bonded and insured up to $2 million, backed by our Love Your Clean guarantee.