How Much to Charge for Cleaning Services – A Practical Pricing Guide

Setting the right price for a cleaning job can feel like guessing. Too low and you waste time, too high and you lose customers. Below are the real‑world factors that push prices up or down, plus a couple of easy formulas you can use right now.

Key Factors That Influence Your Rate

Size of the space. A one‑bedroom flat costs less than a three‑bedroom house. Measure square footage or count rooms to get a baseline.

Type of cleaning. Regular weekly tidy‑ups are cheaper than deep cleans, move‑out scrubs, or after‑builder cleans. Each extra service – oven, carpet, window – adds a line item.

Frequency. Clients who book weekly or fortnightly give you steady work, so you can offer a discount. One‑off jobs usually carry a premium.

Location. Urban areas with higher living costs command higher rates. Check what other local firms charge to stay competitive.

Labor and travel time. Factor in how long it takes you and any helpers to get there, set up, and clean. Include mileage or public‑transport costs if they add up.

Supplies and equipment. If you bring your own eco‑friendly products, amortise those costs over several jobs. Some clients prefer you bring their own, which can lower your expense.

Simple Pricing Formulas You Can Use Today

Flat‑rate formula. Base price + (rooms × $X) + (extra services × $Y). Example: Base $40 + 3 rooms × $15 = $85, plus $20 for oven cleaning = $105.

Square‑footage formula. Rate per sq ft × total sq ft. If you charge $0.12 per sq ft and the home is 1,200 sq ft, the job is $144. Add a 10‑% travel surcharge if it’s far.

Hourly formula. Hours needed × hourly rate + supplies. Estimate time (e.g., 3 hrs) and multiply by $30/hr = $90, then add $15 for cleaning solutions = $105.

Pick the method that matches how you work. Most small cleaners start with the flat‑rate approach because it’s easy to explain to customers.

Once you have a baseline, test it. Offer a discount for the first few jobs and track how long each clean actually takes. If you’re consistently over or under, adjust your numbers.

Don’t forget to write a clear quote. List each service, the price, and any extra fees. Transparency builds trust and reduces disputes.

If you’re just starting, look at competitors in your area. Dandy Fox Cleaning Services, for example, charges around £15‑£20 per hour for standard house cleaning, with higher rates for deep cleans and specialized tasks. Use that as a benchmark, not a rule.

Remember, pricing isn’t set in stone. Review your rates every six months or whenever you add new services. The market changes, and so does your experience level.

By considering size, type, frequency, location, labor, and supplies, and by applying a simple formula, you can set rates that feel fair to both you and your clients. Ready to start charging what you’re worth? Grab a notebook, run the numbers, and watch your cleaning business grow.