Keeping a house clean is a full-time job—except it’s one you probably don’t want on top of your actual full-time job. That’s where professional cleaning services come in, saving you time, stress, and maybe even an awkward conversation with your in-laws about why your baseboards look like they belong in a haunted house.
But before you hire a professional cleaner, you might be wondering: how much does house cleaning cost? The short answer: it depends. The long answer? Well, grab your dustpan because we’re about to sweep through all the details!
Factors That Influence House Cleaning Costs
Cleaning services are not a one-size-fits-all situation. Pricing varies based on several factors, and understanding these can help you budget more effectively.
1. Size of the Home
It should come as no surprise that a five-bedroom mansion is going to cost more to clean than a one-bedroom apartment (unless that apartment has somehow defied the laws of physics and accumulated dust in another dimension).
- Small apartments or homes (under 1,000 sq. ft.): Lower range of cleaning costs.
- Larger homes (over 2,500 sq. ft.): Expect to pay more due to increased labor and supplies.
2. Type of Cleaning Service
Not all cleaning jobs are created equal.
- Standard Cleaning: This is your routine maintenance—dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and general tidying.
- Deep Cleaning: More intensive than standard cleaning, targeting areas often neglected (yes, we’re looking at you, oven and baseboards).
- Move-Out Cleaning: A thorough cleaning required before you hand over the keys, often to get your security deposit back.
- Post-Construction Cleaning: Think “dust and debris everywhere” level cleaning.
Each type of service comes with its own pricing scale, with deep cleaning and move-out services costing significantly more than a standard weekly visit.
3. Number of Rooms & Bathrooms
More bedrooms mean more surfaces to dust. More bathrooms mean more scrubbing. And if you have kids, pets, or a spouse who believes cleaning is a theoretical concept, then expect a higher quote.
4. Hourly vs. Flat Rate Pricing
- Some cleaners charge by the hour, which typically ranges between $25 to $80 per hour per cleaner depending on location and service type.
- Others offer a flat fee based on the size of the home and type of cleaning. This can range from $100 to $400+ per session.
5. Location and Cost of Living
Like everything else, cleaning service rates depend on where you live. If you’re in a high-cost-of-living city like New York or San Francisco, expect to pay on the higher end of the spectrum. Meanwhile, in smaller towns or rural areas, cleaning services tend to be more affordable.
6. Cleaning Frequency
Most services offer discounted rates for weekly or bi-weekly cleanings since they require less effort per visit than an occasional deep clean.
- One-time deep clean: Higher cost
- Weekly/Bi-weekly clean: Lower rate per visit
If you’re someone who only cleans when expecting guests, you might want to consider making professional cleaning a more regular occurrence. Your future self will thank you.
7. Additional Services & Special Requests
Do you need carpet cleaning, window washing, or even pet hair removal from every crevice of your couch? These add-ons can increase the cost but can also help keep your home in tip-top shape.
What is the Average Cost of House Cleaning?
So, back to our main question: how much does house cleaning cost?
- Standard Cleaning: $100 – $220 per visit
- Deep Cleaning: $200 – $400 per visit
- Move-Out Cleaning: $250 – $500+
- Hourly Rate: $25 – $80 per cleaner
- Per Square Foot: $0.10 – $0.25 per sq. ft.
Of course, these are just estimates. The best way to find an exact price is to request a quote from a local cleaning service (or to bribe a friend with pizza to help you clean, but let’s be honest—that only works once).
Tips to Save on House Cleaning Services
If hiring a professional cleaner sounds great but the price tag doesn’t, here are some ways to save:
- Opt for Regular Cleanings: Many companies offer discounts for weekly or bi-weekly services.
- Bundle Services: Need your carpets and windows cleaned? Some companies offer discounted package deals.
- Do Some Pre-Cleaning: If your house looks like a tornado just rolled through, decluttering before the cleaners arrive can reduce the time they need to spend.
- Compare Quotes: Get estimates from multiple services to find the best deal without compromising on quality.
Final Thoughts
A clean home is not just about aesthetics—it’s about health, happiness, and avoiding the embarrassment of surprise guests. Whether you opt for a one-time deep clean or a weekly service, knowing how much does house cleaning cost helps you make the best decision for your home and budget.
And if you’re in the Denver area and need top-notch cleaning services, check out Denver Home Cleaner for reliable, professional, and affordable cleaning solutions. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you!
