How to Price Cleaning Services
Cleaning is a high-volume, recurring business — but only if you price it right. This guide covers rates for residential and commercial cleaning, how to quote different service types, and what to charge for add-ons.
1. Typical Cleaning Rates
Residential cleaners charge between $30–$80/hr. Commercial contracts are often discounted for volume. Here's a breakdown:
| Service | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Standard home cleaning (weekly) | $50–$150/visit |
| Deep clean (one-time) | $200–$500 |
| Window cleaning (interior/exterior) | $150–$400 |
| Carpet cleaning (per room) | $25–$75/room |
| Move-in/move-out cleaning | $200–$600 |
| Hourly labor rate | $30–$80/hr |
2. Key Factors That Affect Pricing
- Frequency: Weekly clients get a lower per-visit rate than bi-weekly or one-time cleanings. Offer 10–15% discounts for weekly service.
- Home size: Price by square footage or number of bedrooms. A 3-bedroom home takes 2–3 hours; a 5-bedroom takes 4–5 hours.
- Clean type: A standard maintenance clean is faster than a deep clean, which includes baseboards, blinds, and inside appliances.
- Supplies: Factor in cleaning products, microfiber cloths, and equipment. Charge a supply surcharge or include it in your hourly rate.
- Travel time: If you drive between clients, account for travel time and gas. A travel fee of $10–$25 is standard for distant clients.
3. Simple Pricing Formula
Cleaning Price = (Estimated Hours × Hourly Rate) + Supply Fee + Travel Fee + Add-on Services
Use our Service Pricing Calculator to estimate cleaning jobs quickly and consistently.
4. Sample Invoice Line Items
Keep invoices simple but detailed enough for clients to see what they're paying for. Typical line items:
- labor hours
- cleaning supplies
- equipment rental
- travel fee
- supply surcharge
Use our Cleaning Service Invoice Template to bill your clients professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I charge hourly or by the job for cleaning?
By-the-job pricing is preferred by clients (they know the cost upfront). Hourly is better for one-time deep cleans where time is uncertain.
How do I price recurring vs. one-time cleanings?
Offer a 10–15% discount for weekly or bi-weekly recurring clients. This guarantees steady income and fills your schedule.
What payment terms should I use?
Due on receipt for residential, Net 15 for commercial. For recurring clients, set up autopay to reduce admin time and late payments.
How do I handle cleaning supply costs?
Include basic supplies in your rate ($5–$15 per visit). Charge an extra supply surcharge for specialty items like stain removers or carpet shampoo.