Deep cleaning of a house: How much does it cost per hour?
Hiring housekeeping services is a popular choice for many families, but the right hourly rate is rarely a simple, fixed figure. Hourly rates are influenced by a number of factors: the size and condition of the house, the scope of the specific cleaning task (e.g., basic or deep cleaning), your location, and whether you choose an individual cleaner or a professional company. This article will help you understand how these factors affect pricing so you can form reasonable expectations and make informed choices based on your cleaning needs.
When you arrange a full deep clean for your home, the hourly rate is only one part of the picture. Time, team size, and the level of detail all influence what you finally pay. Knowing how these elements work together makes it easier to compare quotes and avoid paying too much or expecting too much for too little.
What factors determine the cleaning hour?
Deep cleaning covers areas that are often skipped in a standard clean, such as behind appliances, inside cupboards, limescale removal, and intensive bathroom and kitchen work. Because this is more labour intensive, many companies charge a higher hourly rate for deep cleaning than for routine weekly visits. The time required also depends strongly on property size, layout, and how much clutter or built up dirt needs attention.
In the UK, rates are also shaped by location. Large cities, especially London and the South East, usually have higher hourly prices than smaller towns due to higher wages and running costs. Other factors include whether the cleaner brings their own products and equipment, whether eco friendly supplies are requested, and whether work is needed outside normal weekday hours. One cleaner may be cheaper per hour, but a two person team can finish more quickly, so the total cost can end up similar.
How much does a residential cleaning service cost per hour?
For residential deep cleaning in the United Kingdom, typical hourly rates from professional cleaning companies often fall in the range of about £18 to £30 per cleaner per hour. In London and other high cost areas, it is common to see deep cleaning closer to £22 to £30 per hour, while some smaller towns may be nearer £18 to £24. Independent self employed cleaners sometimes charge slightly less, but not always, especially if they specialise in deep cleaning.
Many firms apply a minimum booking, such as three hours for a small flat or a half day for a larger house. Some prefer to quote a fixed price per job, based on an estimate of total hours required after asking detailed questions or visiting the property. In those cases you can still reverse engineer an approximate hourly rate by dividing the quote by the number of hours and cleaners assigned. It is important to remember that these figures are estimates and that individual quotes may sit above or below the typical range, depending on your specific requirements.
How to find the right price for your home
Finding a fair hourly rate for deep cleaning starts with defining the scope of work. Make a simple list of what you want done, room by room, including any extras such as inside ovens, inside fridges and freezers, inside cupboards, or carpet stain removal. When you ask for quotes, give every company the same list so that you are comparing similar work and not just a headline hourly rate.
Request written or emailed breakdowns that show how many cleaners will attend, roughly how many hours they expect to need, and whether cleaning materials, travel time, and parking are included. Ask whether the price changes if extra time is needed on the day. Some services cap the cost at the quoted figure, while others charge for extra hours if the job takes longer than expected. The right price for your home is usually one that sits within the typical local range while clearly covering the tasks and standards you want.
Price examples and comparison
It can be helpful to look at example prices to understand how hourly rates translate into real jobs. The figures below are based on commonly advertised ranges and typical quotes for deep cleaning in the UK for an average two or three bedroom property. Actual prices vary by region, property condition, and the exact tasks requested.
To illustrate the differences, the following examples combine well known national or regional cleaning brands with a typical independent cleaner. The hourly prices are approximate and should be used as a guide only, as most companies provide tailored quotes after assessing your home or asking detailed questions.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Deep house clean, 2 bed flat | Fantastic Services | Around £22 to £28 per cleaner per hour, usually 2 cleaners, 3 hrs |
| Deep cleaning, 3 bed house | Molly Maid | Commonly equivalent to about £23 to £30 per hour, quote based |
| Premium deep clean, family home | Bright and Beautiful | Often in the region of £25 to £32 per hour for detailed work |
| Deep clean by local cleaner | Independent cleaner | Typically £18 to £24 per hour, often with flexible task list |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Practical tips for price and quality
Price is only one part of choosing a deep cleaning service. To judge overall value, look at insurance cover, staff training, and whether workers are employed or self employed. Check how the company handles keys, damages, and access issues. Online reviews and recommendations from neighbours can help you understand how reliable a service is and whether they arrive on time and finish the agreed tasks.
A few practical steps can further protect both your budget and the quality of the clean:
- Declutter surfaces and floors before the cleaners arrive so more of their time is spent on actual cleaning
- Confirm in writing what is included, what counts as an extra, and how any extra time will be billed
- Ask whether there is a satisfaction policy if an area is missed or not cleaned to the agreed standard
- Keep a simple checklist on the day so you can compare what was done with what was promised
A clear agreement on scope, a realistic understanding of hourly rates in your area, and open communication with your chosen provider usually lead to the best results. By focusing on both the cost per hour and what you receive for that cost, you can choose a deep cleaning service that suits your home, schedule, and expectations without unpleasant surprises on the final invoice.
