Throwing an unforgettable party in Orlando is one thing – cleaning up afterward is another. Whether you just wrapped up a birthday bash in Winter Park or a corporate mixer downtown, knowing whether to DIY or hire pros can save you big on time, sanity, and even money.
Comparing DIY and Professional Cleaning
Let’s break down what each option really involves – beyond just picking up cups and wiping the counter.
What DIY Cleaning Usually Involves
DIY after-party cleaning seems simple until reality hits. You’re likely dealing with:
- Trash pickup and bagging
- Sticky floors and spilled beverages
- Bathroom cleaning after guest use
- Kitchen, fridge, and bar area wipe-down
- Stains on furniture, carpets, or drapes
Tools, Products & Planning
You’ll need access to:
- A good mop, vacuum, and broom
- Disinfectants and surface-safe cleaners
- Trash bags, gloves, scraper tools
- Time to plan the sequence of chores
Need help organizing your DIY process? See our Post-Event Cleaning Checklist for Orlando Venues.
What a Professional Cleaning Service Includes
Professionals like All Great Cleaner tackle post-event mess with speed and efficiency. Benefits include:
- Expert stain treatment (wine, grease, mud)
- Bathroom sanitation & odor removal
- Full surface wipe-down, floors, and trash removal
- Special attention to high-touch zones
Equipment, Methods & Trained Staff
Your crew arrives with:
- Commercial-quality HEPA vacuums
- Eco-friendly & CDC-recommended disinfectants
- Pro methods for kitchen degreasing & sanitizing
- Licensed, insured, background-checked staff
Curious what to expect? Our team outlines it here: After-Party Cleaning Services in Orlando.
Time & Effort: The Cleanup Reality Most Don’t Expect
People underestimate how long and tiring post-party cleanup can be – until it’s 1 a.m. and the mop still isn’t cutting it.
How Long Does DIY Cleaning Really Take?
Even a mid-sized party (15–30 guests) can take 5–7 hours to fully clean – and that’s without interruptions.
Event Size vs Time Breakdown
- 8–12 guests: 2–3 hours (small messes, one bathroom)
- 15–30 guests: 5–7 hours (multiple trash bags, kitchen deep clean)
- 50+ guests: Full day or more – especially if alcohol or food was served
The Convenience of Hiring a Team
Professional event cleaners break the job into zones and finish in a fraction of the time – while you’re recovering or back at work.
Same-Day Turnover Possibility
If your venue or rental property needs to be back in shape for use the next day, DIY isn’t feasible. A pro team can meet move-out style deadlines. See Fast, Easy Steps from Local Pros in Orlando.
Quality of Clean: Good Enough vs Truly Guest-Ready
Speed isn’t the only difference – there’s also quality. DIY cleanup often skips little messes that can become big problems later.
Attention to Hidden Messes
Pros know where junk hides – behind furniture, under tables, in shower corners, and closet shelves.
Shared Surfaces, Floors, Kitchen/Bar Cleanup
- Sticky floors after spilled cocktails
- Glassware smudges and bar counters
- Oven and stovetop residue from catering
- Grime buildup on handles and faucets
Sanitization, Odor Removal & Touchpoint Detailing
We provide disinfection of high-touch zones using CDC-recommended methods, plus odor neutralizers in pet areas, kitchens, and garbage bins.
Cost Breakdown: Supplies & Time vs Flat Service Fee
People often choose DIY thinking it’s cheaper – but forget hidden expenses like equipment rentals and extra trash pickups.
Hidden Costs of DIY: Rentals, Supplies, Disposal
- Cleaning solutions & PPE: $30–$100
- Equipment rentals (wet/dry vacs, carpet cleaner): $50–$200/day
- Extra city trash pickup fees or dump runs: $25–$75
- Lost weekend or PTO time: Priceless
Real-World Pricing for Pro Event Cleaning in Orlando
All Great Cleaner offers flat-rate post-party packages starting from $150–$400 depending on size, location, and add-ons.
Average Rates, What’s Included, Add-ons
Typical packages cover trash, surfaces, kitchens/baths, and disinfecting. Add-ons may include:
- Carpet/upholstery shampooing
- Refrigerator & oven deep cleans
- Outdoor patio cleanup
5+ Hours vs a Flat Quote – What’s Your Time Worth?
“We get it – saving money is nice. But 5+ hours of backbreaking labor vs a flat-rate service? Your peace of mind is worth the investment.”
Compare options here: How to Choose the Right Event Cleaning Company.
What’s Included vs Not Included in Pro Cleaning Services
Before booking, know exactly what your cleaner handles – and what safety reasons may exclude.
Typical Tasks Offered by All Great Cleaner
We always include:
Trash, Floors, Surfaces, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Sanitizing
- All garbage cleared, liners replaced
- Vacuuming/mopping floors
- Countertops and appliances wiped down
- Toilet/bathroom scrub + odor control
- Touchpoint wipe-downs (knobs, switches)
Safety Limitations: What Cleaners Don’t Cover
Some things are outside the scope and require specialized removal:
Biohazards, Structural Damage, Heavy Lifting
- Mold remediation or bodily fluid spills
- Broken glass in carpeted areas
- Disassembled/broken furniture
When to DIY and When to Call the Pros (Conclusion)
Deciding comes down to scale, timeline, and stress tolerance.
Ideal Cases for DIY
Small Gatherings, Simple Setups, Flexible Timelines
If you’ve got few guests, light snacking, and days to clean – DIY may make sense.
When Hiring Pays Off
Large Events, Tight Turnarounds, Post-Reno or Rental Spaces
- Vacation rental needing fast turnover
- Fundraisers, weddings, or corporate events
- Post-renovation dust + deep sanitation required
How to Choose a Reliable Event Cleaner in Orlando
The right cleaner delivers speed, trust, and consistency without cutting corners.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Experience, Reviews, Scope, Safety Practices
- Do they specialize in event cleanup?
- Are past clients local venues or homes?
- Is the staff insured and background-checked?
- Do they use eco-friendly and CDC-approved methods?
Red Flags & What to Avoid
- No written estimates or vague pricing
- Sketchy online reviews or no local credentials
- Lack of clarity on what’s included
- Unsafe DIY chemicals used on-site
If you’re ready for spotless results, let our Orlando pros handle it. Get a Free Quote.
Wrapping up an event should feel like a win – not another exhausting chore. Whether you’re turning over a vacation rental or prepping your home for guests again, the key is knowing your limits. Avoid last-minute chaos, equipment shortages, or sanitation fails by booking trained pros who know Orlando’s venue scene inside and out.
Let our crew help you focus on the memories, not the mess. Book online or call (321) 315-9177 to save time and stress with trusted event cleaning services: Book Your Cleanup Now.
Recommended Reading
- Event Cleaning Trends 2025: Green, Fast & Contact-Free
- After-Party Cleaning Services in Orlando – Spotless Results You Can Trust
- Post-Event Cleaning Checklist for Orlando Venues: Leave No Mess Behind
FAQ
- Is it worth hiring cleaners after a party?
Yes – for large parties, tight timelines, or rental spaces, hiring cleaners saves time, stress, and ensures deep sanitation that DIY may miss. - Can I clean an event venue myself?
You can, especially for small gatherings. But for bigger events or commercial spaces, DIY takes considerable time, effort, and may not meet sanitation standards. - How fast can a cleaning crew reset a space?
Most professional teams can clean, disinfect, and reset a space within 2–6 hours depending on size and mess level. Same-day turnover is often possible. - Do I need special products or tools for post-party cleaning?
Yes. Post-party cleaning often calls for disinfectants, degreasers, odor neutralizers, stain removers, and heavy-duty vacuums not typically found in home cleanups.
