24 Nov 2025 7 Things in Your Home You Should Always Let a Pro Clean

See the full article on Real Simple

Sometimes you’ve got to delegate to get the job done

Many people take pride in their cleaning skills, but we hate to break it to you: Even if you scrub your whole house from top to bottom every week, that doesn’t mean you’re really getting into every corner, nook, and cranny. And when it comes to deep cleaning, you might not have the right tools on hand—sometimes it takes a pro to get everything truly spotless. Here, we asked cleaning experts what areas of the home require you to do just that to get the job done right.

Meet The Expert:

• Claudia Meneses, CEO and founder of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning
• Robin Murphy, Chief Cleaning Officer at Maid Brigade

1. High and Hard to Reach Spots

If you have to stand on a chair or ladder to clean something, it’s a good sign you should leave it to the pros. After all, a clean house is never worth a trip to the hospital. “Ceiling fans, light fixtures, upper cabinets, crown molding, vents, and door tops require extension poles, ladders, and a steady footing,” says Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer at Maid Brigade. “A pro knows how to reach those spots safely without breaking a fixture or pulling a muscle.”

Another reason to delegate this task? You might end up making your home dirtier in the process. “They also clean in a specific order so the dust doesn’t just fall onto freshly cleaned surfaces below,” Murphy adds.

2. Blinds and Shutters

Sure, you can give your blinds and shutters a quick surface dusting. But when it comes to a deep clean, according to Murphy, the process can be deceptively tricky. “Professionals use dry dusting methods and specialty tools that clean every slat evenly, without streaks or drips,” she explains.

3. Fabric and Upholstery

Cleaning fabric can be tricky, and there’s a high risk of damage if you don’t do it the right way. Different fabrics react differently to water, heat, and cleaning products, and pros know which attachments to use, in addition to suction strength.

“They also know when it’s time to call in a fabric care specialist who focuses exclusively on textiles and understands the science behind them,” Murphy adds. “Fabric care specialists know exactly how fibers behave and which method to use, whether that’s a low-moisture clean, dry solvent system, or spot treatment.” Lastly, pros neutralize any residue so the fabric doesn’t attract new dirt, keeping your pieces cleaner for longer.

4. Windows

Cleaning windows can be more complicated than you think, notes Claudia Meneses, CEO and founder of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning. “It’s not just about wiping the glass—it’s about removing buildup, hard water stains, and grime without leaving streaks or risking a fall,” she explains. “Pros use pure water systems and extension poles specially for second-story windows.”

5. Carpets

You probably vacuum at least once a week, but deep cleaning your carpet requires industrial-grade steam extractors that lift bacteria and allergens trapped in the fibers. A professional cleaning can even pay for itself by allowing you to keep your carpets and rugs longer, explains Menses. “If you do it right, the cleaning will extend the life of your carpets—something you can’t achieve just with your vacuum,” she adds.

6. Tile and Grout

Notice that black gunk on your shower tiles? Is it not going away, no matter how hard you scrub? Meneses says this is something that only professionals can fix. “The truth is, professional-grade steamers cut through the grime safely and remove layers of soap scum and mildew,” she explains.

7. HVAC Systems

Over time, dust, pollen, and even mold can build up inside your air ducts, and most people don’t have the right equipment or skills to really clean this space. Menses highly advises getting a pro to do this. “Professionals have powerful vacuums and HEPA filters to clean them properly, keeping your home’s air fresh and your HVAC system running efficiently,” she says.