What is Professional Cleaning Cost?
Professional cleaning cost is the total expense for hiring a cleaner or cleaning service for residential or commercial spaces. Prices are driven by the hourly rate, the size of the property, the type of clean (standard, deep, or specialist), and the booking frequency. Regular clients typically receive discounted rates. See also the Carpet Cleaning Calculator for specialist carpet quotes.
The Formula
Total Cost = Hours Required × Hourly Rate × Frequency Multiplier
Frequency multiplier reflects discounts: weekly = 1.0x (best rate), biweekly = 1.05x, monthly = 1.10x, one-time = 1.20x.
Worked Example
A 3-bedroom house requires 3 hours of cleaning. The hourly rate is $35 and the client books weekly.
- Hours required = 3 hours
- Cost per session = 3 × $35 = $105
- Frequency multiplier (weekly) = 1.0
- Total per clean = $105 × 1.0 = $105
- Monthly cost (4 cleans) = $105 × 4 = $420
📌 The weekly cleaning costs $105 per session or $420 per month, competitive for a 3-bed house on a regular schedule.
Why This Matters
Budget accurately
Cleaning is a recurring expense that adds up. Understanding the true cost helps you budget monthly and decide between weekly or biweekly schedules without surprises.
Compare quotes fairly
Cleaners quote differently, some by the hour, others per visit or per room. Converting everything to a per-hour rate lets you compare like for like.
Negotiate frequency discounts
Most cleaning companies offer 10-20% lower rates for weekly bookings versus one-time cleans. Knowing the standard discount range gives you leverage to negotiate a fair recurring rate rather than accepting the first price offered.
Common Mistakes
❌ Underestimating hours needed
A "quick clean" of a 3-bed house takes at least 2.5-3 hours. Booking only 1.5 hours means corners get cut, bathrooms get a wipe rather than a proper scrub, and behind furniture is skipped entirely.
❌ Forgetting supplies cost
Some cleaners bring their own products (usually reflected in a higher rate), while others expect you to provide them. Clarify upfront to avoid a $15-25/month surprise on cleaning supplies.
❌ Skipping a walkthrough before booking
Quotes given over the phone without seeing the property are unreliable. Homes with pets, heavy furniture, or high ceilings require more time. A 15-minute walkthrough prevents a mismatch between the quoted price and the actual work needed.
Industry Benchmarks
| Category | Good | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $25-35 | $35-45 | $50+ |
| Per clean (3-bed) | $90-120 | $120-160 | $180+ |
| Customer satisfaction rate | 95%+ | 85-95% | Below 80% |
Source: Angi/HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide
Benchmark data sourced from Angi/HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide.