How to Price House Cleaning (Simple Formula + Real Examples)
Pricing is one of the hardest parts of starting a cleaning business. Charge too little and you burn out. Charge too much and you lose leads. The goal is simple: set a price that covers your time, your travel, your supplies, and still leaves you a solid profit.
- Pick an hourly target (example: $45/hour)
- Estimate how long the home will take
- Add a buffer for travel + supplies
- Offer recurring discounts (weekly/bi-weekly)
Step 1: Hourly vs Flat Rate
There are two common pricing styles:
- Hourly: You bill by time (common when you’re new or the job is unpredictable).
- Flat rate: One set price per clean (best for recurring clients and steady income).
Most solo cleaners start hourly for a few jobs, then switch to flat rates once they know how long things take. Flat rates are easier to sell and feel more professional.
Step 2: A Simple Base Price Table
Here’s a simple base table you can use as a starting point (adjust for your local market and your speed):
| Home Size | Typical Base Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bed / 1 bath | $120–$150 | Recurring clients, smaller homes |
| 3 bed / 2 bath | $150–$220 | Most “standard” homes |
| 4+ bed / 2+ bath | $220–$320+ | Larger homes, more bathrooms |
Bathrooms matter. If you’re unsure, price heavier on bathrooms than bedrooms—bathrooms take longer and require more detail.
Step 3: Add-On Pricing (Easy Profit)
Add-ons let you increase profit without turning every job into a deep clean. Keep them simple and consistent.
- Inside fridge: $20–$35
- Inside oven: $25–$45
- Baseboards (heavy buildup): $20–$60
- Deep clean upgrade: +30–50%
- Move-out clean: +50–100%
Step 4: Weekly vs Bi-Weekly vs Monthly Rates
Recurring clients are where your business becomes stable. Reward consistency with a small discount:
- Weekly: 10–15% off
- Bi-weekly: 5–10% off
- Monthly/One-time: full price
This helps you lock in clients while keeping your income predictable.
Step 5: Know Your “Minimum Acceptable Price”
A simple way to avoid undercharging is to set a minimum hourly target. Example:
Add $10 supplies/travel buffer → $145 total
If you regularly finish faster, great—you earn more per hour. If you’re slower, your price still protects you.
Step 6: Track What You Actually Collect
A lot of cleaners track scheduled jobs but forget to track paid vs unpaid. Your income isn’t what you complete— it’s what you collect.
If you want something built specifically for solo cleaners, MopLogic is $15/month and focuses on keeping it simple.
FAQ
How much should I charge per hour for house cleaning?
Many solo cleaners aim for $35–$60/hour depending on the market, difficulty, and travel time. The key is pricing so that you can keep doing it long-term without burnout.
Should I charge more for first-time cleans?
Yes—first-time cleans often take longer. Many cleaners price first-time cleanings as a “deep clean” or add a 30–50% bump.
How do I handle houses that are extremely dirty?
Set expectations early and quote higher. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the job is unsafe or outside your scope.