How Much Should I Charge for House Cleaning?
House cleaning prices come down to three things: how long the job takes, the size and condition of the home, and where you work. Most cleaners quote per hour or a flat rate per visit, and a deep clean takes longer and costs more than a regular one.
Reference Rates: House Cleaning
Based on a reference of $35 an hour for house cleaning at an intermediate level, in a state with average living costs. These are starting points, before materials, travel and card fees.
| Experience | Per hour | Standard clean (3 h) | Deep clean (6 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Starting less than 1 year | $24.50 | $75 | $150 |
| Intermediate 1 to 3 years | $35 | $110 | $210 |
| Experienced 3 to 8 years | $47.25 | $150 | $290 |
| Expert top of your field | $63 | $190 | $380 |
By State (Intermediate Level)
| State | Per hour | Standard clean (3 h) | Deep clean (6 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $39.20 | $120 | $240 |
| New York | $37.80 | $120 | $230 |
| Texas | $33.95 | $110 | $210 |
| Florida | $35.70 | $110 | $220 |
| Illinois | $35 | $110 | $210 |
| Pennsylvania | $33.60 | $110 | $210 |
| Ohio | $31.50 | $95 | $190 |
| Georgia | $32.90 | $100 | $200 |
Working in a big city or its metro area, add about 8%. For your exact case, including any other state, use the calculator above.
Hourly, Flat Rate or by Square Foot?
Hourly is the simplest way to start: you get paid for every hour, and the client pays for exactly what they get. Once you know how long homes take you, a flat rate per visit is easier to sell, because clients like knowing the price up front.
Pricing by bedrooms and bathrooms or by square foot helps when someone asks for a quote before you see the place. Ask how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are, whether there are pets, and when it was last cleaned. A home that hasn't been cleaned in months is not a standard clean.
Deep Cleans and Move-Out Cleans Cost More
A deep clean (baseboards, inside appliances, built-up grease, detailed bathrooms) usually takes 1.5 to 2 times as long as a regular clean. Move-in and move-out cleans are often priced as deep cleans, since the home is empty and the client expects it spotless. Post-construction cleaning, with dust, paint and debris, is a separate service with a higher price.
What's Usually Included
- Dusting surfaces and furniture
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning bathrooms and the kitchen
- Taking out the trash
- Making beds, if the client asks
What to Charge Extra For
- Inside the oven and fridge
- Inside cabinets
- Interior windows and blinds
- Laundry and folding
- Move-out or post-construction cleaning
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Agreeing to a "quick clean" that turns out to be a 4-bedroom house
- Forgetting gas and drive time between clients
- Doing extras like laundry without charging for them
- Keeping the same price for years without a raise
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for a 3-hour cleaning?
Multiply your hourly rate by 3 and add your supplies if you bring them. In the calculator, set 3 hours and add supplies under "Materials" and gas under "Travel".
Should I bring my own cleaning supplies?
Many clients expect it, and it saves you from working with products you don't like. If you bring them, add the cost under "Materials" and say in the quote that supplies are included.
Can I give a discount for weekly or biweekly cleans?
Yes. A regular client means steady income, so a small discount of 5% to 15% makes sense. Use "Entry Price" in the calculator to see that number.