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Our Cleanliness Level Scale Explained: How Clean is Your House? 

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Call Us: 828-705-MAID

How Do the Cleaning Levels Work?

When you request a quote from Town Mountain Maids, we will ask you to rate your home using our Dirt Code scale from 1 to 11.

This is simply a way for us to understand how much cleaning the home may need before we arrive.

The Dirt Code helps us understand the current condition of the home so we can recommend the right service, estimate the right amount of time, and avoid surprises on cleaning day.

Some homes need light upkeep. Others need a deeper reset. Most fall somewhere in the middle.

Why do we use a Dirt Code?

Simply put: because every home is different.

A home cleaned every week requires a very different amount of work than a home that has not been professionally cleaned in six months. Without some way to estimate the condition of the home, online pricing becomes inaccurate very quickly.

The Dirt Code helps us:

  • Estimate how much time your cleaning may take
  • Recommend the right type of service
  • Schedule the appropriate team size
  • Set realistic expectations before your appointment

Most homes fall somewhere between a 4 and a 7.

Kids, pets, work schedules, travel, and life happen. We clean lived-in homes every day.

The Dirt Code Scale

Dirt Codes 1 to 3

Light maintenance cleaning

These homes are already in very good condition and typically receive regular upkeep.

You may still have some normal dust, fingerprints, or light bathroom use, but overall the home is easy to maintain.

Typical signs:

  • Weekly or very regular cleaning
  • Minimal buildup
  • Floors and surfaces mostly clear
  • Bathrooms and kitchens already well maintained

 

Dirt Codes 4 to 7

Typical lived-in homes

This is the range we see most often.

The home is actively lived in and may have pets, children, busy schedules, or areas that have fallen behind a little. Dust buildup, soap scum, pet hair, crumbs, fingerprints, and overdue detail work are all common here.

Typical signs:

  • Bathrooms need scrubbing
  • Floors need extra attention
  • Dust buildup on baseboards or blinds
  • Kitchen grease or buildup around appliances
  • General catching up after a busy season of life

This does not mean the home is “dirty.” It means the home is being used like a normal home.

Dirt Codes 8 to 10

Deep cleaning territory

These homes require significantly more time and detail work.

There may be heavy buildup in kitchens or bathrooms, neglected areas that need extra scrubbing, or multiple rooms that have not been deep cleaned in a long time.

Typical signs:

  • Heavy soap scum or grease buildup
  • Dust accumulation on fans, vents, or baseboards
  • Floors requiring repeated passes
  • Significant buildup behind or around furniture
  • Multiple overdue cleaning tasks throughout the home

In many cases, homes in this range benefit from a deep clean before moving to recurring service.

Dirt Code 11

Outside our standard cleaning scope

This level includes situations such as:

  • Biohazards
  • Hoarding conditions
  • Infestations
  • Excessive trash or waste
  • Unsafe working environments

These situations often require specialty remediation services beyond standard residential cleaning.

Not Sure Which Dirt Code Fits?

That’s completely normal.

Most customers estimate within a point or two, and we can always adjust if needed once we see the home.

When in doubt, choose the option that feels closest. Being honest helps us prepare properly and gives you a smoother experience from the start.

A Better Cleaning Experience Starts With Accurate Expectations

Our goal is not to judge your home.

Our goal is to show up prepared, give you an accurate quote, and do great work the first time.

If you are ready to get started, request your quote below and choose the Dirt Code that best matches your home today.

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Choose Town Mountain Maids

What Makes Town Mountain Maids Better?

200% Satisfaction Guarantee

If you’re not happy, we’re not happy. If we didn’t do it right the first time, we’ll do it again. If that doesn’t work, we’ll give your money back. 

Living Wage Certified

We are committed to paying our employees a living wage. That means we are also dedicated to employing only the best of the best. 

Professional and Friendly

We keep service at the core of what we do. Our team will care for your home, business, or clothes and won’t be done until you’re satisfied.

$2 Million Liability

We want to make sure that you’re safe and comfortable. So we provided a $2million general liability policy to cover accidents.

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