Cleaner rates can vary hugely. Cleaners charge different rates for regular cleans, one-off cleans and deep cleaning, plus costs vary by location. Regular cleans or one-off cleans are usually charged at an hourly rate, but they may charge a day rate for deep cleans or end-of-tenancy cleans.
HaMuch’s database of hourly and daily rates of cleaners based around the UK helps you to understand how much you should pay for a cleaner. Read on for the latest average cleaner rates from across the UK.
Cleaner hourly rate
Cleaners will usually charge you an hourly rate for regular cleans or one-off standard house cleans. The average hourly rate for a cleaner is £19, but it can vary from £15 to £42 depending on the job and where you live.
You’ll usually pay slightly more per hour for one-off cleans, and expect to pay more in larger cities where the cost of living is higher. Our database includes rates from cleaners who provide their own products and those who don’t, so remember to ask your cleaner whether they supply their own products before you agree a price with them.
Cleaner day rate
If you need a cleaner for an end-of-tenancy clean or a deep patio clean, they may charge you a day rate. The average day rate for a cleaner in the UK is £146. In cheaper areas of the UK, you could pay as little as £90, while in areas with higher costs of living you could pay as much as £297.
Take a look at our UK cleaner rates table and find your local town or city to get a more accurate idea of how much a cleaner charges in your area. HaMuch has members across the country who display their rates so you can see how much they charge before you make contact with them.
Rates for common cleaning jobs
House cleaning
Average rate: £19 per hour
Average time: 3 hours
Average material cost: £0-5
You’ll usually pay around £19 per hour for a cleaner to clean your home. How long it takes them to clean your home will depend on how often you require them to come and how big it is. A cleaner should be able to clean an average 3-bedroom semi-detached home with 2 bathrooms in 3 hours. If your cleaner doesn’t supply their own products, you’ll have to provide them with these - you can pick up multi-purpose cleaners for as little as £1 in supermarkets, while premium or natural products can cost more.
End-of-tenancy cleaning
Average rate: £330 per day
Average time: 6 hours
Average material cost: £0
End-of-tenancy cleans are usually charged at a day rate as they usually take longer than an average house clean. Many cleaners will clean carpets in an end-of-tenancy clean, and may clean the oven for an extra fixed cost. The rate and time above is for an average 3-bedroom semi-detached home, so you may pay less for smaller properties and more for larger ones. Most cleaners will supply their own products for end-of-tenancy cleans.
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Average rate: £300 per day
Average time: 6 hours
Average material cost: £0
It’s easy to forget that your carpets, curtains and fabric furniture can do with a clean every now and again. Luckily, upholstery cleaners can do it for you. For an average 3-bedroom home, expect it to take a full day to clean all carpets, curtains and furniture, at a rate of around £300. Again, cleaners will usually supply all products and equipment for this job.
Your checklist for finding and comparing cleaner rates
1. Decide what you want from your cleaner
Before you start looking for a cleaner, think about the specific cleaning tasks you need help with. Are you looking for regular cleaning services, such as vacuuming, dusting, and mopping, or do you need a one-off deep clean? Maybe you require specialised cleaning services like carpet cleaning, oven cleaning, or end-of-tenancy cleaning.
By clearly defining the tasks you want completed, you’ll be able to find a cleaner with the right expertise. Some cleaners specialise in certain areas, while others offer a general service. The more specific you are about your needs, the more accurate quotes you’ll receive.
2. Consider independent cleaners
Independent cleaners can often offer a more personal and affordable service compared to larger cleaning companies. With fewer overhead costs, independent cleaners may provide competitive rates while delivering excellent service. They’re also likely to be more flexible with scheduling, especially for one-off cleans or smaller jobs.
When considering independent cleaners, it’s important to ask about their experience and references. Many independent cleaners have years of experience and can offer high-quality services, even without the backing of a large cleaning firm. However, it’s also important to do your research on independent cleaners to ensure they have the experience they say they have.
3. Get a range of quotes and do your research
As with any service, it’s a good idea to get at least three quotes from different cleaners to compare prices and services. Make sure to ask what is included in the price - some cleaners supply cleaning products and equipment while others expect you to provide these yourself.
While cost is important, you should also check the reviews for each cleaner or cleaning company. Look online for reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or neighbours. It’s also a good idea to ask for references from previous clients or photos of their work.
4. Verify experience and insurance
It’s essential to ensure your cleaner has the necessary experience and skills, particularly if they’ll be handling delicate items or performing specialised cleaning tasks. Some professional cleaners hold certifications in specific areas like carpet or upholstery cleaning, and these can give you extra confidence.
Insurance is another key consideration. Ensure that the cleaner has public liability insurance, which will cover any potential damage to your property or accidents during the cleaning process. This is especially important if you’re hiring an independent cleaner, as larger cleaning companies are generally required to have insurance in place.
Some people also ask for their cleaners to have a DSB (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate which acts as a background check. Cleaners who work for a company are more likely to already have this in place than independent cleaners.
5. Discuss payment terms
Clarify the payment terms before the cleaner begins work. Some cleaners charge by the hour, while others offer fixed prices for specific jobs or packages. For regular cleaning services, you might want to set up a weekly or monthly payment plan based on the frequency of visits and the tasks to be completed.
6. Understand what’s included in the quote
A detailed, itemised quote will help you know exactly what is included in the cleaner’s service. Some cleaners may charge extra for specialised services, such as using eco-friendly products or cleaning hard-to-reach areas, as well as providing their own products and equipment.
Make sure you’re clear on what services are part of the standard clean and what might incur additional charges. If you have preferences about cleaning products, for instance, if you prefer eco-friendly or hypoallergenic options, discuss this with your cleaner in advance to ensure they can meet your needs.
How to prepare for your cleaner’s visit
- Make a plan: Before your cleaner arrives, take a few moments to plan out what you’d like them to focus on. Even if it’s a regular clean, you might have certain areas that need extra attention, such as cleaning the oven, dusting high shelves, or scrubbing the bathroom. If it’s a one-off deep clean or a specific project like end-of-tenancy cleaning, list all the tasks you need to be completed so your cleaner knows exactly what to prioritise.
- Clear clutter: Don’t clean before your cleaner arrives, but it’s a good idea to tidy up clutter so they can work efficiently. Not only will this save them time, but it also ensures that your home is cleaned more thoroughly.
- Provide instructions for pets: If you have pets, it’s a good idea to inform your cleaner ahead of time. Let them know whether your pets will be at home and if there are any specific instructions they should follow. For instance, if your dog needs to stay in a certain room or if you have a nervous cat that hides, make sure your cleaner is aware.
- Ensure access to cleaning supplies and power: If your cleaner isn’t bringing their own supplies, make sure everything they need is easily accessible. This includes cleaning products, cloths and any equipment like vacuum cleaners or mops. Check that your vacuum is working properly and that you have enough cleaning supplies to last the duration of the clean. Make sure you let your cleaner know where the plug sockets are for vacuum cleaners.
Following these steps ensures the cleaning process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free for both you and the cleaner.
Ready to find a cleaner for your home? Post your job on HaMuch now and connect with experienced local cleaners who can help keep your home spotless.
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