House Cleaning Cost Calculator

A one-time house cleaning typically costs $120 to $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 bedroom/bathroom count), the cleaning type, and the home's condition. Recurring service (weekly or bi-weekly) lowers the per-visit price, while deep, move-out, and post-construction cleans cost considerably more. Hourly rates, when used, run about $25–$50 per cleaner-hour, or $50–$90 for a two-person team.

A standard (routine) clean is regular upkeep — dusting, vacuuming, mopping, wiping surfaces, cleaning toilets/sinks/showers, and emptying trash. A deep clean is far more thorough and recommended for first-time service or homes that haven't been cleaned in a while: it adds baseboards, door frames, window sills, light fixtures, inside appliances, detailed scale removal, and behind/under furniture. Deep cleans take 1.5–2× as long and cost about 50% more. Many recurring clients start with a deep clean, then switch to standard maintenance visits.

Companies use several models. Flat rate (by home size and bed/bath count) is the most common for recurring residential service — predictable and based on your home's specs or a walkthrough. Hourly pricing ($25–$50 per cleaner-hour) is common for one-time and deep cleans where the scope is variable, or for '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 suit unusual jobs but makes the final cost less predictable. Always confirm whether a quote is flat-per-visit or hourly, and what's included.

A meaningful amount, because a home cleaned regularly stays cleaner and each visit takes less time. Typical per-visit discounts versus a one-time clean: monthly about 5%, bi-weekly about 15%, and weekly about 20%. So a home that's $220 one-time might be around $175 per visit on a weekly plan. Bi-weekly is the most popular cadence — frequent enough to keep the home consistently clean while keeping monthly cost reasonable. Recurring clients also often get priority scheduling and the same team each visit.

Usually not — most professional companies bring their own supplies, equipment, and vacuums. Policies vary, though: some independent cleaners expect you to supply products, and some clients prefer the cleaner use their own for allergies, pets, natural/green products, or special surfaces like natural stone. If you have preferences or sensitivities, mention them upfront. Note that some companies charge a small fee or need advance notice to use eco-friendly or client-provided products.

A lot — clutter and soil level drive the time on-site. A light, well-maintained home costs a bit less (about 10% off), an average home is the baseline, and a heavily soiled or cluttered home adds about 30% because the cleaners work slower around clutter and scrub harder. Decluttering before the visit is the single easiest way to lower your bill: cleaners clean around clutter rather than tidying it, so a picked-up home lets them cover more surface in the same time.

It depends on size, condition, and type. As a rough guide for a standard clean: a small home or apartment (under 1,000 sq ft) takes 1–2 hours; an average 1,500–2,500 sq ft home 2–4 hours; and a large home (3,500+ sq ft) 4–6+ hours, often with a team to shorten the calendar time. Deep cleans take 1.5–2× as long, and a two- or three-person team finishes proportionally faster. The first (initial) clean almost always takes longer than the maintenance visits that follow.

It's appreciated but not required. For one-time or deep cleans, 15–20% is a kind gesture for good work. For recurring service, some clients tip each visit ($5–$20), while others give a larger year-end bonus (often equal to one cleaning) instead. Follow any company policy that includes gratuity or forbids tipping. Independent cleaners who set their own rates expect tips less than employees of a service, but tipping for exceptional work is always welcome.

Reputable companies carry liability insurance and bonding, and their employees are covered by workers' comp — a real advantage over an uninsured independent cleaner, so you're protected if something is damaged or someone is hurt in your home. Before hiring, ask for proof of insurance and bonding, confirm whether cleaners are employees (covered) or subcontractors, and review how the company handles accidental breakage. Established companies have a clear claim process to repair or reimburse for items damaged during a clean.

Standard cleaning typically excludes: inside the oven and refrigerator, interior windows, laundry, dishes (beyond loading a dishwasher), wall washing, cleaning up after pets, moving heavy furniture, high-reach areas needing tall ladders, and biohazard situations. Most of these are available as paid add-ons or come with a deep clean. Decluttering isn't included either — cleaners clean around clutter. Always review the company's standard checklist so you know exactly what's covered, and add the specific tasks you need.