House Cleaner Hourly Rates: What Most Pros Really Charge

If you're thinking about hiring someone to clean your place, you're probably wondering how much you'll actually need to shell out per hour. Most house cleaners in the U.S. charge somewhere between $25 to $55 an hour, depending where you live and the type of cleaner you hire. People in big cities like New York or San Francisco usually pay more, while small towns and less expensive areas often land closer to the lower end.

The big chain cleaning companies almost always cost more than independent or solo cleaners. Why? They have to cover advertising, insurance, and lots of admin stuff. On the other hand, that solo cleaner may be able to give you a better deal—and might be a lot more flexible with scheduling.

If you see a super cheap rate—like $15 or $18 an hour—be careful. That price usually means they're skipping out on insurance or experience. Ask yourself: would you let just anyone into your house for minimum wage? Usually, the sweet spot is somewhere in the $30-$45 an hour range for reliable, background-checked help. If someone is charging more than $55 an hour, they're probably deep-cleaning, handling bigger spaces, or offering extras like laundry or organizing.

• How Much House Cleaners Charge Per Hour
• What Affects Cleaning Rates
• Tips to Hire a Cleaner Without Overpaying
• Red Flags and Hidden Costs to Watch For

How Much House Cleaners Charge Per Hour

So, what’s the real story with house cleaner hourly rate? In most places across the U.S., the average falls between $25 and $55 per hour. That’s a big range, but there’s a reason for it—location, cleaner experience, the size of your home, and whether you’re hiring a solo cleaner or a company all change that number.

Let’s break it down with some actual numbers. According to a 2024 nationwide survey from HomeAdvisor, the average hourly price sits right around $40. If you live in a coastal city or a metro area, it’s common to see prices at the upper end—sometimes as high as $65, especially for bigger homes or luxury services. In small towns or rural areas, some cleaners charge as low as $22 an hour, but you may sacrifice some extras or flexibility.

Chain cleaning services—think Molly Maid or Merry Maids—regularly charge clients between $45 and $65 an hour. They often require a minimum number of hours or rooms. Independent cleaners? You could snag rates from $25 to $40 an hour, especially if you book with them directly instead of through a cleaning app or referral site. Repeat customers or regular bookings usually get a lower rate than one-off deep cleans.

Here’s what the pricing usually includes at the basic level:

• Vacuuming and sweeping all floors
• Wiping down counters and surfaces
• Bathroom cleaning (sink, toilet, shower, mirror)
• Dusting shelves and baseboards
• Emptying trash

Extras, like cleaning inside ovens, fridges, laundry, windows, or organizing, typically cost more—sometimes $10 to $30 extra per job or per hour. If you want an eco-friendly service or have pet hair everywhere, expect a small bump in price.

Your house size, condition, and how often you want cleaning also affect the total. A huge three-bedroom home costs more (sometimes by $50 or $100 per visit) compared to a small apartment. Weekly or biweekly clients often score better rates than those who just want a spring clean once a year. Don’t be afraid to ask for deals if you commit to a schedule.

What Affects Cleaning Rates

So, why do house cleaning rates vary so much? It mostly comes down to location, experience, the job details, and how often you need cleaning. Some of these things make the price go up—others help you save. Here’s what actually matters when it comes to what you pay per hour.

First, where you live really makes a difference. Cleaners in major cities or on the coasts usually charge up to 30% more than folks in small towns. That’s just how the cost of living works. Bigger houses, fancy neighborhoods, or high-rise apartment buildings can also bump things up.

Check out this quick breakdown of average house cleaner hourly rate costs in 2024:

Besides location, experience changes the rate. A pro with years on the job or specialty training (think green cleaning or allergy-friendly services) will charge more. But you’re also getting someone who knows what they’re doing, gets the job done faster, and won’t miss the details.

The stuff you need cleaned makes a big difference, too. Standard help is cheaper—like vacuuming, dusting, and bathrooms. Deep cleaning (scrubbing blinds, baseboards, fridge, oven, or carpets) is pricier and can add $10-$20 an hour. Add-ons like laundry or interior window washing are always extra.

Don’t miss this: the frequency matters. A weekly or biweekly service costs less per visit than a one-off deep clean. Most companies give a slight discount for regular customers, sometimes up to 15-20% off the normal price.

Here’s a quick list of what bumps up the cost:

• Bigger houses or more rooms
• Pets (pet hair is tough to clean!)
• Specialty cleaning supplies or requests
• Unusually dirty or neglected spaces
• Last-minute booking or holiday periods

Bottom line: the more time and effort a cleaner needs, the higher your price tag. When you’re getting quotes, be super clear about what you need done, and always ask what’s included so you’re comparing apples to apples.

Tips to Hire a Cleaner Without Overpaying

You don’t need to pay top dollar to get solid cleaning help, but it’s surprisingly easy to overpay if you don’t know what to look for. Let’s cut through the noise and talk real ways to get the most for your money.

• Compare at least three options. Don’t just hire the first company listed on Google. Rates swing wildly. Ask what’s included—some throw in baseboards and extras, others charge for every little thing.
• Double-check hourly vs. flat rates. If a cleaner charges a flat fee, ask how many hours they expect to work. Divide the total by hours so you know their real rate. Sometimes that $120 "deal" for a small apartment is actually $60 an hour for two hours of quick work.
• Ask about supplies. Will your cleaner bring their own (usually adds $5–$10 per visit), or do you need to provide them? Having supplies ready yourself can sometimes shave off a little from the bill.
• Bundle tasks. If you want regular cleaning, book weekly or bi-weekly. Most services cut 10%–15% off their rate for repeat jobs.
• Referral counts. Cleaners care about reputation. Ask friends, neighbors, or local groups who they trust. These folks often offer better deals to referred clients because it saves them money on advertising.

Hourly rates can change a lot, so here’s a quick look at what folks actually pay in different places, based on HomeAdvisor data from late 2024:

Don’t get distracted by a cheap sticker price if the job won’t actually be thorough. Most times, a trustworthy house cleaner hourly rate falls in the mid-range for your area. It’s better to pay a fair rate for reliable service than to save a few bucks and end up re-cleaning your place yourself.

Red Flags and Hidden Costs to Watch For

It's easy to get caught off guard by stuff cleaners don't always mention upfront. Even if the hourly rate sounds fair, you could still get hit with extra fees, and sometimes it's not obvious until you see the final total. The first thing to watch for is super low initial quotes. If someone gives you a price that’s way lower than other house cleaner hourly rate options in your area, there’s usually a catch—like minimal experience, no insurance, or a lack of references. You might even end up paying more, since sloppy cleaning usually means you have to hire someone else soon after.

Another thing? Check if cleaning supplies are included. Some cleaners charge extra if you don’t provide your own, and those fees show up fast. Also, keep an eye on cancellation or rescheduling fees. A lot of companies charge $25, $50, or even the full amount if you cancel without much notice.

• Deep cleaning upcharges: Many cleaners charge more for deep cleans, move-in/move-out jobs, or tough stuff like scrubbing inside ovens or fridges.
• Pet fees: Got furry friends? Some cleaners tack on $10-$30 per visit to deal with pet hair, dander, or the extra vacuuming.
• Travel surcharges: If you live far from the cleaner’s home base, you might see mileage charges—usually $5-$20 extra per trip, especially outside city limits.

If you're hiring through an app or site, platform fees can surprise you, too. It’s not uncommon for them to add 10-20% of the total bill for processing, insurance, or service costs. Take a hard look at policies around damages and breakage—insurance matters. If a cleaner doesn’t have it, you could eat the cost if something gets broken or someone gets hurt.

Before booking, ask for a complete list of possible add-on charges. Reputable cleaners or companies should spell out all costs in plain language. And always check for a satisfaction guarantee so if the job’s not done right, you’re not stuck paying double.