For a 2,000 sq ft house, you should generally charge between $200 and $400 for a standard clean, and $300 to $600+ for a deep clean or move-out clean. Rates vary heavily based on the level of detail needed and your local cost of living.
How much should I charge to clean someone's house? Most house cleaners charge $50 per hour, or a flat rate of $200–$400 for a standard 2,000-square-foot home. Deep cleaning typically costs $240–$500, while post-construction cleaning can run around $500.
The 3-30 rule (sometimes called the 30-3 rule) is a productivity method where you divide your daily household chores into three 30-minute sessions throughout the day. By breaking up the total 1.5 hours of cleaning, you avoid burnout and prevent messes from piling up.
From this perspective, $50/hour is generally considered above average but not unreasonable for professional services. It reflects a market service rate rather than a worker's wage, making it fair in many areas, especially when hiring insured companies or premium cleaning providers.
The 80/20 rule (the Pareto Principle) in cleaning dictates that 20% of your cleaning efforts yield 80% of the visible results. By targeting high-impact tasks first—such as clearing flat surfaces, wiping high-traffic areas, and making beds—you create an instantly cleaner environment without obsessing over perfection.
The 20-minute rule in cleaning (often combined with the 10-minute break as the 20/10 Rule) is a productivity method where you set a timer and clean as quickly and intensely as possible for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, you immediately stop cleaning and take a mandatory 10-minute break.
Key Takeaways
To clean your house efficiently, always work from top to bottom and room to room to avoid backtracking. Declutter first, dust high surfaces before wiping them down, clean your kitchens and bathrooms, and save vacuuming and mopping for last.
When decluttering, avoid throwing away official documents, irreplaceable sentimental items, or hazardous electronics. Always store, securely digitize, or responsibly recycle these categories instead of trashing them.
So, what exactly is this elusive golden rule while cleaning? It's deceptively simple: Always work from top to bottom, and from clean to dirty. This rule isn't just about logic; it's about physics and practical application.
One-Off and Deep Cleaning Costs
One-off or deep cleaning services typically cost £20 to £30+ per hour. A standard house visit for a deep clean costs between £80 and £150+ depending on property size and condition.
Here's what your cleaner can do in 2 hours:
Dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces like coffee tables and shelves. Wiping down counters, cleaning the sink, emptying the bin, and mopping the floors. Cleaning the toilet, sink, and shower, wiping mirrors, and mopping the floor.
Generally, a deep clean is a type of cleaning that touches on details that can get overlooked during a daily or weekly clean-up. For example, a deep cleaning may include wiping down ceiling fan blades, cleaning grout or cleaning your oven.
The 7 standards of housekeeping—often based on the workplace organization method (the 7S of good housekeeping) or operational hotel standards—focus on efficiency, hygiene, and safety. They are designed to streamline operations, maintain a spotless environment, and maximize client or guest satisfaction.
The 80/20 rule (the Pareto Principle) in cleaning dictates that 20% of your cleaning efforts yield 80% of the visible results. By targeting high-impact tasks first—such as clearing flat surfaces, wiping high-traffic areas, and making beds—you create an instantly cleaner environment without obsessing over perfection.
The cost of hiring a house cleaner in London depends on factors such as the type of service,location, experience and additional tasks. For basic cleaning you can expect to pay £16-£20 per hour or £16-£80 per visit for a flat or house. Prices are higher for one-off deep cleanings.
Tipping house cleaners is not mandatory, but it is a customary way to show appreciation for exceptional work. If your cleaner is an independent owner, tipping is generally unnecessary. For agency employees, a 10% to 20% tip is standard.
From our experience across hundreds of London homes, two hours is usually enough to cover a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom flat. A typical clean might include: Kitchen surfaces wiped and sanitised. Bathroom cleaned top to bottom.
Industry Average Prices for Cleaning Services
A standard restaurant tip is 15% to 20% of the subtotal (before tax). For a $500 bill, a normal tip is $75 to $100. For exceptional service, 22%+ ($110) is customary. If a mandatory service charge is already included, an additional tip is not required.
Deep cleanings (officially called Scaling and Root Planing) are more expensive than routine cleanings because they are a complex medical treatment for gum disease rather than preventative maintenance. They cost between $600 and $1,600+ for a full mouth (or roughly $150 to $350 per quadrant).