House Cleaning Pricing: What You’ll Pay and What’s Included

Keeping your home clean takes time, energy, and the right tools. Hiring a cleaning service can free up your schedule, but pricing can be confusing if you’re not sure what’s included. This guide walks through typical house cleaning costs, what affects your quote, and how to compare one-time deep cleans with recurring service.

Key takeaways

• Most standard cleanings fall in a predictable range – Expect a typical visit for an average-size home to land somewhere in the low hundreds, with deep cleans and move-in/move-out jobs costing more.
• How big and how dirty your home is matters most – Square footage, number of bathrooms, pets, clutter, and time since the last real clean all push prices up or down.
• Recurring service usually costs less per visit – Weekly or biweekly cleanings are often discounted compared with one-time jobs, because they’re faster and easier to maintain.
• “Standard” vs. “deep” cleaning is a major price driver – Base packages focus on surfaces and floors; deep cleans add things like baseboards, inside appliances, and detailed scrubbing.
• Transparent pricing and checklists are your best friend – Always ask what’s included, how long the crew will be there, and what costs extra before you book.
• DIY saves money but not always time or results – Professional cleaners bring systems, tools, and speed that are hard to match, especially for deep or move-out cleans.
• Written estimates and clear policies prevent surprises – Get the quote, scope, cancellation rules, and satisfaction guarantees in writing.

Typical costs / fees

House cleaning prices vary by region and provider, but there are some common ranges and patterns.

Common pricing models

Most cleaners charge using one of these structures:

• Flat rate per visit
  • Based on home size, room/bath count, and service level.
  • Predictable total; good for standard and recurring cleans.
• Hourly rate
  • Often used for first-time, deep, or very dirty homes.
  • You pay for actual time spent; final cost can vary.
• Per-room or per-square-foot
  • More common for larger homes or specialized jobs.
  • Can be used to price add-ons like extra bathrooms or finished basements.

Typical price ranges

These are broad, US-wide ballpark ranges for labor only (supplies usually included; taxes and fees may be extra):

• Standard one-time cleaning (average home)

  • Roughly $120–$300+ per visit
  • Smaller apartments or condos may be under $150.
  • Larger homes or those with multiple baths may be higher.

• Recurring cleaning (weekly, biweekly, or monthly)

  • Often $90–$250 per visit, depending on:
    • Frequency (weekly is usually cheaper per visit than monthly)
    • Home size and layout
    • Whether a “first-time deep clean” is required
  • Many companies discount recurring service compared with one-time jobs.

• Deep cleaning / first-time cleaning

  • Commonly $200–$500+, depending on:
    • Time since last professional clean
    • Level of buildup (grease, soap scum, dust)
    • Extra detail work (baseboards, blinds, inside cabinets)
  • Some providers require a deep clean before starting recurring service.

• Move-in / move-out cleaning

  • Often $250–$600+
  • Costs more because it typically includes:
    • Inside cabinets and drawers
    • Inside fridge and oven (if requested)
    • More detailed bathroom and kitchen scrubbing
    • Cleaning empty closets and shelving

• Add-on services (often priced separately)

  • Inside oven or fridge: roughly $25–$75 each
  • Interior windows (beyond quick spot-clean): can add $50–$150+
  • Laundry, dishes, or bed linen changes: often $10–$30+ per task
  • Organizing or decluttering help: frequently billed at a higher hourly rate

What drives costs up or down

You’ll pay more when:

• Home is larger – More square footage, more rooms, and more bathrooms equal more time.
• More bathrooms than average – Bathrooms are time-intensive; each extra full bath adds cost.
• It’s been a long time since the last deep clean – Built-up grime, soap scum, and grease take longer to remove.
• You have pets – Extra fur, dander, and accidents can mean more vacuuming and mopping.
• There’s clutter everywhere – Cleaners may need to move items before they can actually clean.
• You request eco or specialty products – Some providers charge a bit more for special supplies or hypoallergenic options.
• You need specific add-ons – Inside appliances, baseboards, blinds, or detailed fixtures all add time.

You may pay less when:

• You keep surfaces mostly clear – Less time moving items means more time actually cleaning.
• You choose recurring service – Many companies offer lower per-visit rates for weekly or biweekly cleans.
• You limit the scope – Focusing on high-use areas (kitchen, baths, main living space) instead of the whole house can reduce costs.
• You’re flexible on scheduling – Some providers offer slight discounts for off-peak days or times.

What to expect (process overview)

1. Initial inquiry and estimate

• You contact the provider by phone, website form, or app.
• They’ll usually ask:
  • Home size (square footage or number of bedrooms/bathrooms)
  • Type of cleaning (standard, deep, move-in/out, recurring)
  • Pets and special conditions (allergies, heavy clutter, strong odors)
• You may get:
  • A ballpark quote immediately, based on standard assumptions
  • Or a range that’s confirmed after a walkthrough

Tip: Be honest about your home’s condition. Understating the mess can lead to rushed work or price changes later.

2. Walkthrough or virtual assessment (sometimes)

• Some companies:
  • Visit in person for larger homes or complex jobs.
  • Use photos or video calls to gauge the level of cleaning needed.
• This helps them:
  • Estimate time more accurately
  • Flag any safety or access issues (broken stairs, limited parking, etc.)

Watch-out: If they skip any assessment, confirm whether the quote can change if the job is bigger than expected.

3. Choosing your service level and frequency

You’ll typically choose between:

• Standard/maintenance cleaning

  • Dusting, vacuuming, mopping
  • Wiping counters and exterior surfaces
  • Basic bathroom and kitchen cleaning

• Deep cleaning

  • Everything in a standard clean, plus:
    • More detailed scrubbing in kitchen and baths
    • Baseboards, door frames, light switches
    • Often blinds, vents, and other detailed areas (ask for their checklist)

• Move-in/move-out cleaning

  • Deep cleaning of an empty home
  • Often includes inside cabinets, drawers, and closets
  • Inside appliances if requested

And frequency:

• One-time
• Weekly
• Every other week (biweekly)
• Monthly

Tip: If your home hasn’t been professionally cleaned in a while, expect to start with a deep clean, then drop to a standard recurring schedule.

4. Scheduling and access

You’ll confirm:

• Date and time window
• How they’ll access your home
  • You’re home to let them in
  • Lockbox or smart lock
  • Front desk or building management for apartments
• Who will be there
  • Solo cleaner or team
  • Same crew each time or rotating staff

Watch-out: Ask about arrival windows (e.g., 9–11 a.m. instead of a precise time) and how they’ll communicate if they’re running late.

5. The cleaning visit

On cleaning day, you can expect:

• Arrival and quick walkthrough
  • You can point out priority areas and any “do not touch” items or rooms.
• Team sets up
  • Most bring their own supplies and equipment.
  • If you prefer your own products, mention this in advance.

Typical tasks for a standard cleaning include:

• Kitchen

  • Wipe counters and exterior of appliances
  • Clean sink and faucet
  • Spot-clean cabinet fronts
  • Sweep and mop floors

• Bathrooms

  • Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, counters
  • Scrub tub/shower surfaces (standard level)
  • Clean mirrors and fixtures
  • Sweep and mop floors

• Bedrooms and living areas

  • Dust surfaces and furniture (within reach)
  • Make beds (if requested)
  • Vacuum carpets and rugs
  • Sweep and/or mop hard floors
  • Empty small trash cans (if part of their checklist)

Tip: Put away valuables, important documents, and fragile items before the crew arrives. It’s simpler than dealing with accidental damage later.

6. Final walkthrough and payment

• If you’re home:
  • Walk through with the cleaner before they leave.
  • Point out any missed spots so they can fix them on the spot.
• If you’re not home:
  • Some companies send photos or a checklist after the visit.
• Payment:
  • Often due at or right after service, via card, check, or app.
  • Tips are optional but common for good service.

Watch-out: Understand their satisfaction policy—how long you have to report issues and whether they’ll come back to fix them at no charge.

DIY vs. hire a pro

When DIY cleaning makes sense

Doing it yourself can be a good fit when:

• You’re on a tight budget
  • Basic supplies (vacuum, mop, cleaners) are a one-time or infrequent cost.
• You have a smaller home or fewer bathrooms
  • Less space means less time to maintain.
• You can keep up with a routine
  • Short, regular cleaning sessions are easier than occasional marathons.
• You’re particular about products
  • You control every chemical and tool used in your home.

To make DIY work:

• Create a simple schedule
  • Daily: dishes, quick wipe of kitchen counters.
  • Weekly: bathrooms, floors, dusting.
  • Monthly/quarterly: baseboards, windows, inside fridge/oven.
• Invest in a few quality tools
  • A reliable vacuum, microfiber cloths, and a good mop can speed things up.

When hiring a pro is worth it

Professional cleaning is usually the better choice when:

• You’re short on time or energy
  • Work, kids, and other responsibilities leave little room for deep cleaning.
• You’re preparing for a move
  • Move-in/move-out cleans are detailed and time-consuming.
• You have mobility or health issues
  • Bending, scrubbing, and lifting can be physically demanding.
• You want a consistent standard
  • Pros use systems and checklists to deliver repeatable results.

Pros bring:

• Efficiency and speed – A team can often clean in 2–3 hours what might take you all day.
• Professional tools and products – Stronger (but safe) cleaners, commercial vacuums, and techniques.
• Experience with tough jobs – Built-up grime, hard water stains, and grease.

Safety and practicality considerations

• Ladders and high areas
  • Avoid climbing on unstable chairs or makeshift ladders to dust high shelves or clean ceiling fans.
  • If work requires significant ladder use, it’s safer to let insured professionals handle it.
• Strong chemicals
  • Some cleaning products can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs, especially in small bathrooms.
  • Professionals are trained to use and ventilate them properly; if you DIY, always follow label instructions and keep products away from kids and pets.
• Heavy lifting
  • Moving furniture or appliances to clean behind or under them can cause injuries.
  • Ask pros whether they move heavy items or just clean around them.

In many cases, a hybrid approach works well: hire pros for deep or periodic cleans, and do light maintenance yourself between visits.

Questions to ask before you commit

Use these questions to compare providers and avoid surprises:

• What exactly is included in your standard cleaning vs. deep cleaning?
• How do you price your services—flat rate, hourly, or by square footage?
• Is a first-time deep clean required before starting recurring service, and what does that cost?
• Do you bring your own supplies and equipment, and can you use my preferred products if needed?
• Are you insured and, if applicable, bonded, and what does that cover if something is damaged or goes missing?
• Will the same person or team clean my home each time, or do crews rotate?
• How long will the cleaning take, and how many people will be in my home?
• Do you run background checks on your staff or contractors?
• What are your policies on pets—do they need to be crated or separated?
• What happens if I’m not satisfied with the cleaning—do you offer re-cleans or refunds?
• What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy, and are there fees?
• Are there any tasks you don’t do (e.g., exterior windows, heavy organizing, biohazard cleanup)?

Quick FAQ

How often should I have my house professionally cleaned?

For most busy households, every two weeks is a common sweet spot. Weekly is helpful if you have kids, pets, or allergies. Monthly can work if you’re tidy and do light cleaning between visits.

Do I need to be home during the cleaning?

Not usually. Many clients provide a key, code, or lockbox so cleaners can work while they’re out. If it’s your first time with a new provider, you might prefer to be home for at least part of the visit.

Should I tidy up before the cleaners arrive?

Yes, but lightly. Pick up clutter, toys, and dishes so the cleaners can focus on actual cleaning instead of organizing. You don’t need to pre-clean surfaces—that’s what you’re paying them for.

Do I need to tip my house cleaners?

Tipping is optional but common. Many homeowners tip a small percentage of the service cost or a flat amount per cleaner when they’re happy with the work, especially around holidays or for recurring crews.

Wrap-up / next steps

Knowing the typical price ranges and what’s included in different types of house cleaning makes it much easier to budget and choose the right level of service. The best value usually comes from a clear checklist, transparent pricing, and a schedule that matches how you actually live.

Before you book, get at least two or three quotes so you can compare scope, price, and policies—not just the lowest number. Look closely at what’s included, how they handle deep cleaning, and what happens if you’re not satisfied.

You can use Home Services Scout to quickly compare local house cleaning providers, see what services they offer, and request quotes side by side. Taking a few minutes to compare your options now can save you money and frustration over the long run.