One of the most common questions we get as a cleaning service company is; how much does a cleaning service cost?
Time is the most valuable asset we have as humans. Sometimes you don’t have the time to keep your home as clean and orderly as you would like, or you would rather spend that time doing the things that matter more to you than spending it cleaning and scrubbing. To regain the time; you might want to hire a cleaning service but always wonder how much it costs to get your home cleaned. The cost of a cleaning service depends on multiple factors.
What are the factors that influence the cost of a cleaning service?
Size of Your Home
Naturally, the larger your home, the more it will cost to clean. A small apartment will cost less than a sprawling suburban home. For example, a 1500 square feet home might cost $170-$350 depending on the frequency of cleaning, type of cleaning, and so on.
Frequency of Service
Regular cleaning services, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, often come at a discounted rate compared to one-time cleanings. Maintaining cleanliness regularly requires less effort than a major one-time cleaning. For the 1500 square feet house a recurring clean (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) can cost $170-$200 whereas a one-time clean can cost $220-$250.
Type of Cleaning
The type of service needed can affect the cost of cleaning. The moving clean costs more than regular home cleaning. Moving clean involves cleaning inside and behind appliances and cabinets throughout the house. Whilst the cost for a regular cleaning service of a 1500 square feet house ranges from $170-$250, a moving clean can cost $310-$35.
Condition of Your Home
If your home hasn’t been professionally cleaned in a while and is particularly dirty, it will cost more to clean since it would take more time and effort to get cleaned.
Location
Just like living expenses; cleaning services cost is also affected by the location. Urban areas or cities might have higher rates than rural areas due to the cost of living differences. Cleaning companies need to pay their employees a living wage, and employees in high-living expense areas are generally paid at high rates; therefore these companies price their cleaning services to cover expenses such as payroll.
What are the pricing models for cleaning services?
The pricing model varies from company to company; some companies use an hourly rate model, others use a flat rate model and others use the number of rooms model. Depending on which model the company uses the cost may vary. We will discuss the pricing models in another article.
Hourly Rates
Most cleaning services charge by the hour. The hourly cost of cleaning varies and depends on the number of cleaners performing the job. For a solo cleaner; the hourly rate can range from $20-$50. The hourly rate for a cleaning team is generally the solo cleaner’s rate multiplied by the number of cleaners on a team.
Flat Rates
this is generally based on the size of the home. The size of the home can be determined by square footage or the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The flat rate based on the square home footage is discussed above. The cost per room (bathroom or bedroom) can range from $20-$50.
Add-Ons and Special Services
Services such as cleaning inside the oven, refrigerator and cabinets, laundry, or dishes are often priced as add-ons with costs ranging from $20 to $50. Some companies also charge an ad on if there are pets in the home since getting rid of pet hair can require extra time and effort. Pet hair removal can cost $15-$40.
What should you consider when budgeting for a cleaning service?
Do Your Homework
Research local cleaning services and read reviews. Ask for recommendations from friends and family. A reliable company with good reviews might charge a bit more, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Get Multiple Quotes
When comparing the quotes; consider what is included in the service. Some quotes might seem lower but; the service might not be up to your standards versus a bit higher priced quote whose services cover the holistic cleaning approach to cover every inch of the house or a green cleaning approach which is safer and healthier for your family.
Ask About Discounts
Some companies offer discounts for first-time customers, referrals, or signing up for regular services. It never hurts to ask!
Clarify Expectations
Make sure you and the cleaning service are on the same page regarding what tasks will be performed or even go a step further to ask for their checklist so that there are no misunderstandings and you’re satisfied with the service.
The cost of a cleaning service really depends on multiple factors and we hope this discussion shines some light on how to plan and budget for hiring a professional cleaning service. The cost comes down to what’s the value of your time. Let’s assume a professional making $200 per hour; a weekly cleaning service can cost them $170-$250; but that time is worth $600 since it can take 3 hours for a detailed home clean. Understanding the factors that influence cleaning costs and knowing what to expect can help you budget appropriately and find a service that meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for a one-time deep clean or regular upkeep, investing in a professional cleaning service can be a worthwhile investment in your home and your well-being.
