Keeping a clean home is a priority for many, but with busy schedules and numerous responsibilities, finding the time to clean thoroughly can be challenging. This is where professional house cleaning services come in, offering a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a one-time deep clean, regular maintenance, or specific tasks like oven cleaning, understanding the pricing structures of professional cleaning services can help you make an informed decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with house cleaning, highlight various service options, and provide tips to help you get the best value for your money.
General professional cleaning pricing
The cost of hiring a professional cleaning service varies widely based on factors such as location, the size of your home, and the level of cleaning required. On average, you can expect to pay between $25 to $75 per hour per cleaner. This rate can change depending on the specific tasks and the frequency of the service. For instance, a standard cleaning session might cost less than a deep cleaning or a move-out cleaning.
If you prefer to be charged per room, the typical rate ranges from $30 to $50 per room. This pricing structure is particularly useful if you only need specific areas of your home cleaned, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, rather than the entire house. For an average-sized home of around 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the overall cost can range from $110 to $320. Smaller living spaces, like a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, usually cost between $75 and $200 per visit.
Cost per visit
Understanding the average cost per visit can help you plan your cleaning schedule and budget effectively. Nationally, the average cost for a house cleaning service visit is about $200. However, this can vary significantly, with most services ranging from $120 to $280. Some services may offer lower rates, with minimum costs of around $60, while more extensive or specialized cleanings can go up to $400. These variations depend on the size of the property, the complexity of the cleaning tasks, and the company’s pricing policies.
Cleaning cost calculator
To provide a clearer picture, let’s break down the typical price ranges for different property sizes:
- Studio: $60 – $100
- 1 bed, 1 bath: $60 – $120
- 2 bed, 1 bath: $90 – $180
- 3 bed, 2 bath: $135 – $300
- 4 bed, 3 bath: $140 – $400
These estimates can help you gauge what to expect and allow you to compare rates from different cleaning services. It’s important to note that prices can be higher in metropolitan areas compared to rural locations due to differences in living costs and business expenses.
Pricing of additional cleaning services
Many cleaning companies offer a range of additional services that can be added to your regular cleaning package for an extra fee. These services are designed to address specific cleaning needs that go beyond routine maintenance:
- Changing bedsheets: $10 per bed
- Laundry: $5 to $20 per load
- Interior window cleaning: $4 to $7 per window
- Fridge cleaning: $12 to $50
- Oven cleaning: $15 to $35
These additional tasks can significantly enhance the cleanliness and hygiene of your home, ensuring that even the often-overlooked areas are spotless.
Cost per square foot
Another common pricing model is charging by the square footage of your home. This method provides a straightforward way to calculate the cost based on the size of your living space. Here are the typical rates for different types of cleaning:
- Regular cleaning: $0.10 to $0.17 per square foot
- Deep cleaning: $0.11 to $0.30 per square foot
- Move-out cleaning: $0.22 to $0.33 per square foot
This pricing structure is particularly useful for larger homes or commercial spaces where the total area significantly impacts the cleaning time and effort required.
Cost per hour
If you prefer an hourly rate, most cleaning services offer this option as well. Here’s what you can typically expect to pay:
- 1 cleaner, 1 hour: $30 – $50
- 2 cleaners, 2 hours: $130 – $170
Keep in mind that same-day service or last-minute bookings usually fall at the higher end of the price range due to the urgency and scheduling adjustments required by the cleaning company.
Per room pricing
Some homeowners find it more convenient to be charged per room, especially if they only need certain areas cleaned. Here are the average costs for per-room pricing:
- 1 bed, 1 bath: $75 – $110
- 2 bed, 2 bath: $135 – $195
- 4 bed, 3 bath: $200 – $225
This method allows for flexibility, enabling you to prioritize the rooms that need the most attention.
Move-out cleaning costs
Move-out cleaning is typically more intensive and thorough than regular cleaning, ensuring the property is spotless for the next occupant. Here’s a breakdown of the costs based on property size:
- 500 sqft.: $80 – $130
- 2,000 sqft.: $300 – $500
- 3,000 sqft.: $450 – $750
These services include deep cleaning of all rooms, appliances, and fixtures, making sure every corner is immaculate.
Examples of professional services
To give you an idea of what different cleaning companies charge, here are a few examples:
- Merry maids: $100 per hour for two cleaners
- Molly maid: $60 to $100 per hour
- The cleaning authority: $75 to $90 per hour
These rates reflect the reputation, quality, and additional benefits offered by each company. It’s a good idea to research and read reviews to find a service that meets your standards and fits your budget.
Specialized cleaning services and their costs
In addition to standard cleaning, you may need specialized services from time to time. Here are some common additional services and their costs:
- Carpet cleaning: $0.18 to $0.36 per square foot
- Chimney sweep: $125 to $250
- Pressure washing: $220 to $380 for a house
- Gutter cleaning: $70 to $250
These services ensure that all aspects of your home are well-maintained and can be especially useful for seasonal deep cleans or specific maintenance tasks.
Hiring a housekeeper vs. a cleaning company
Now that you have a deeper knowledge of house cleaning prices, you must be wondering whether you should hire a housekeeper or choose a professional cleaning service. Let’s compare the cost of both to make the right decision. A housekeeper typically charges $15 to $25 per hour. They can become familiar with your home and cleaning preferences, often providing a more personalized service. Meanwhile, a cleaning company can charge $25 to $70 per hour per cleaner. They bring professional equipment and have the flexibility to handle larger teams and more extensive cleaning tasks. The money you are willing to spend and the services you expect have a dramatic impact on which cleaning service will be right for you.
If you feel that house cleaning is an expensive task, here are a few tips to save a few dollars without compromising on quality:
- Sign up for regular service: Many companies offer discounts for weekly or bi-weekly cleanings, reducing the cost per visit.
- Provide supplies: Some cleaners charge extra for bringing their own cleaning supplies. By providing these yourself, you can save $5 to $10 per visit.
Select specific rooms: If your budget is tight, focus on the rooms that need the most attention, reducing the overall cost.
Tipping a cleaning technician
Let’s talk about tipping. Tipping is a common practice in the service industry, and house cleaning is no exception. If you’re satisfied with the service provided, it is customary to tip housekeepers 10% to 15% of the overall cost. This financial gesture shows your appreciation and can help encourage high-quality service in the future. Please share your tipping experience, we are eager to hear your story.
Choose the service that is right for you
House cleaning isn’t as simple as you thought, is it? Professional services and independent housekeepers each have their own strengths and reasons you might choose them. The variety of services covers a range of activities and price points, and there is no “one size fits all” option—the service that is right for you depends on your needs and budget.
