House Cleaning Cost Calculator
Get an instant free estimate for house cleaning based on home size, cleaning type, frequency, and condition.
How is House Cleaning Cost Calculated?
House cleaning is priced per visit, based primarily on home size (square footage plus the number of bedrooms and bathrooms). A standard one-time clean of an average home runs $120-$300 per visit. The cleaning type (standard, deep, move-out, or post-construction) is the biggest multiplier, while recurring service lowers the per-visit price and a heavily soiled home raises it. A typical 1,800 sq ft, 3-bed/2-bath standard clean runs about $180-$220.
Estimate Your Project Cost
Project Location
Enter your state and zip code for a localized estimate.
Home Size
Enter your home's square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to be cleaned.
Cleaning Type:
Frequency:
Home Condition:
Additional Services:
Key Factors Influencing House Cleaning Rates
Home Size & Cleaning Type
Square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms set the base cost — bathrooms and kitchens are the most time-intensive rooms. The cleaning type then has the largest effect: a routine standard clean is the baseline, while deep cleans, move-in/out cleans, and post-construction cleanups progressively add more labor and cost.
Frequency & Condition
- Frequency: Recurring visits cost less per visit — monthly saves ~5%, bi-weekly ~15%, weekly ~20% — because the home stays cleaner between visits.
- Condition: A light, well-maintained home is cheaper; a heavily soiled or cluttered home adds ~30% for the extra time required.
- Add-Ons: Inside oven/fridge, interior windows, laundry, and pet cleanup are priced on top of the base clean.
Average House Cleaning Cost by Type
| Cleaning Type | Avg per Visit (3-bed/2-bath) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Clean | $150 - $250 | Routine dust, vacuum, mop, surfaces, baths |
| Deep Clean | $250 - $400 | Standard + baseboards, appliances, detail scrub |
| Move In / Out | $280 - $450 | Empty-home top-to-bottom incl. inside cabinets |
| Post-Construction | $350 - $600+ | Fine dust & debris removal, multiple passes |
Recurring Service & Add-Ons
| Option | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Service | ~20% off / visit | Lowest per-visit price; home stays consistently clean. |
| Bi-Weekly Service | ~15% off / visit | Most popular cadence for households. |
| Inside Oven / Fridge | +$35 each | Common deep-clean add-ons. |
| Interior Windows | +$100 | Inside glass and sills throughout the home. |
| Pet Cleanup | +$40 | Extra pet-hair removal and dander attention. |
How to Estimate House Cleaning Cost Manually
House cleaning is priced per visit, driven by home size and room count, then adjusted by cleaning type, frequency, and condition. Here's how to estimate it yourself.
Step 1: Size + Rooms
Start with a base (trip fee plus roughly $0.10 per square foot), then add per-room charges — about $12 per bedroom and $25 per bathroom, since bathrooms take the most time. A 1,800 sq ft 3-bed/2-bath home has a base around $290 before adjustments.
Step 2: Cleaning Type
Apply the type multiplier to your base:
- Standard: 1.0× — routine surface cleaning, the baseline
- Deep Clean: 1.5× — baseboards, inside appliances, detailed scrubbing
- Move In/Out: 1.65× — empty home, inside cabinets and drawers
- Post-Construction: 2.0× — fine dust, debris, multiple passes
Step 3: Frequency & Condition
Recurring service discounts the per-visit price (monthly 0.95×, bi-weekly 0.85×, weekly 0.80×) because the home stays cleaner between visits. Then apply condition (light 0.90×, average 1.0×, heavy 1.30×).
Step 4: Apply the Formula
(Size + Room Charges) × Type × Condition × Frequency + Add-ons = Per-Visit Total
Example: 1,800 sq ft, 3-bed/2-bath, standard one-time clean, average condition: ~$290 base × 1.0 × 1.0 × 1.0 ≈ $200-$220 per visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does house cleaning cost in 2026?
In 2026, a typical one-time house cleaning costs $120-$300 per visit, with most homeowners paying around $180-$220 for a standard clean of an average 3-bedroom home. Pricing is based on home size (square footage and number of bedrooms/bathrooms), the type of cleaning, and the home's condition. Recurring service (weekly or bi-weekly) lowers the per-visit price. Deep cleans, move-out cleans, and post-construction cleaning cost considerably more than routine maintenance cleaning. Hourly rates, when used, typically run $25-$50 per cleaner per hour, or $50-$90 per hour for a two-person team.
What is the difference between a standard clean and a deep clean?
A standard (routine/maintenance) clean covers regular upkeep: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, wiping counters and surfaces, cleaning toilets/sinks/showers, and emptying trash. A deep clean is far more thorough and is recommended for first-time service or homes that haven't been professionally cleaned in a while — it adds baseboards, door frames, window sills, light fixtures, inside appliances, detailed bathroom scale removal, behind/under furniture, and more. Deep cleans take roughly 1.5-2× as long and cost about 50% more. Many recurring clients start with a deep clean, then switch to standard maintenance cleans.
How is house cleaning priced — by hour, by room, or flat rate?
Cleaning companies use several models. Flat rate (by home size/bed-bath count) is the most common for residential recurring service — predictable and based on an initial walkthrough or your home's specs. Hourly pricing ($25-$50 per cleaner-hour) is common for one-time and deep cleans where the scope is variable, or for hourly 'as-much-as-fits' service. Per-room or per-square-foot pricing is also used. Flat-rate is best when your home and needs are consistent; hourly can be better for unusual jobs but makes the final cost less predictable. Always confirm whether the quote is per-visit flat or hourly, and what's included.
How much can I save with recurring cleaning service?
Recurring service is meaningfully cheaper per visit than one-time cleaning because your home stays cleaner between visits, so each clean takes less time. Typical per-visit discounts versus a one-time clean: monthly ~5%, bi-weekly ~15%, and weekly ~20%. For example, a home that costs $220 for a one-time clean might be ~$175 per visit on a weekly plan. Bi-weekly is the most popular cadence for most households — frequent enough to keep the home consistently clean while keeping monthly costs reasonable. Recurring clients also often get priority scheduling and the same cleaning team each visit.
Do I need to provide cleaning supplies and equipment?
Most professional cleaning companies bring their own supplies, equipment, and vacuums as part of the service — you don't need to provide anything. However, policies vary: some independent cleaners expect you to supply products, and some clients prefer the cleaner use their specific products (e.g., for allergies, pets, natural/green products, or special surfaces like natural stone). If you have preferences or sensitivities, discuss them upfront. Note that some companies charge a small fee or require advance notice to use eco-friendly or client-provided products.
How long does it take to clean a house?
Cleaning time depends on home size, condition, and cleaning type. As a rough guide for a standard clean: a small home/apartment (under 1,000 sq ft) takes 1-2 hours; an average 1,500-2,500 sq ft home takes 2-4 hours; and a large home (3,500+ sq ft) takes 4-6+ hours — often with a team to reduce the calendar time. Deep cleans take roughly 1.5-2× as long. A two- or three-person team cleans proportionally faster than a solo cleaner. The first (initial) clean almost always takes longer than subsequent maintenance visits.
Should I tip house cleaners?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in house cleaning. Common practice: for one-time or deep cleans, a tip of 15-20% is a kind gesture for good work; for recurring service, some clients tip each visit ($5-$20), while others give a larger holiday/year-end bonus (often equal to one cleaning's cost) instead of per-visit tips. If a company explicitly includes gratuity or has a no-tipping policy, follow that. For independent cleaners who set their own rates, tipping is less expected than for employees of a service. When in doubt, tipping for exceptional service is always welcome.
Are house cleaners insured and what about breakage?
Reputable cleaning companies carry liability insurance and bonding to protect against damage or theft, and their employees are typically covered by workers' compensation. This is an important advantage of hiring an insured company versus an uninsured independent cleaner — if something is broken or someone is injured in your home, you're protected. Before hiring, ask for proof of insurance and bonding, confirm whether cleaners are employees (covered) or subcontractors, and review the company's policy for handling accidental breakage. Established companies usually have a clear damage-claim process and will repair or reimburse for items broken during cleaning.
What's typically NOT included in a standard house cleaning?
Standard cleaning usually excludes: cleaning inside the oven and refrigerator, interior windows, laundry, dishes (beyond loading a dishwasher in some cases), wall washing, cleaning up after pets, moving heavy furniture, high-reach areas requiring tall ladders, exterior areas, and biohazard or extreme situations. These are typically available as paid add-ons or require a deep clean. Always review the company's standard checklist so you know exactly what's covered, and add on the specific tasks you need. Decluttering is also generally not included — cleaners clean around clutter, so tidying beforehand helps them work efficiently.