How to Price Cleaning Services (Complete Guide)
Pricing your cleaning services correctly is one of the most important parts of running a successful cleaning business. Charge too little and you won’t make a profit. Charge too much and you may struggle to get clients.
The key is finding the right balance between profitability, competitiveness, and the value you provide.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to price cleaning services for residential and commercial jobs, including hourly rates, flat pricing, and how to increase your profits over time.
Quick Answer
Most cleaning businesses charge:
• $25 to $75 per hour per cleaner
• $100 to $300 for standard residential cleaning
• $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot for commercial cleaning
Your pricing will depend on your location, service type, and level of experience.
Table of Contents
SECTION 1
Pricing Models for Cleaning Services
There are three main ways to price cleaning services:
Hourly Pricing
Charging by the hour is simple and commonly used by new cleaning businesses.
- Easy to calculate
- Good for first-time jobs
- Less predictable income
Flat Rate Pricing
Flat rate pricing means charging a fixed price for the entire job.
- Preferred by most customers
- Easier to scale
- More predictable profits
Per Square Foot Pricing
This model is most common for commercial cleaning.
- Based on building size
- Typically used for offices and retail spaces
👉Many successful cleaning businesses start with hourly pricing and transition to flat rates as they gain experience.
SECTION 2
How to Price Residential Cleaning
Residential cleaning prices vary based on home size, condition, and services included.
Typical Pricing:
- 1–2 bedroom home: $100–$150
- 3–4 bedroom home: $150–$250
- Deep cleaning: $200–$400+
What to Consider:
- Square footage
- Number of bathrooms
- Pets
- Level of dirt or clutter
- Add-on services
👉Always price higher for deep cleans and first-time visits.
SECTION 3
How to Price Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning is usually priced differently than residential jobs.
Typical Pricing:
- $0.10–$0.30 per square foot
- Small offices: $150–$500 per visit
- Large contracts: $1,000+ per month
What Affects Pricing:
- Building size
- Cleaning frequency
- Type of business
- Required services
👉 Commercial contracts can provide consistent, recurring revenue.
SECTION 4
Factors That Affect Pricing
Your pricing should account for:
- Time required to complete the job
- Labor costs
- Cleaning supplies
- Travel time
- Business overhead
- Desired profit margin
Manage Your Pricing and Jobs More Efficiently
Many cleaning businesses use software to track jobs, manage pricing, and send invoices.
SECTION 5
How to Increase Your Cleaning Prices
As your business grows, you should gradually increase your prices.
Ways to Increase Rates:
- Offer premium services
- Improve efficiency
- Build a strong reputation
- Add recurring clients
- Reduce time per job
👉 Customers will pay more for reliable, high-quality service.
SECTION 6
Cleaning Service Pricing Examples
Example 1:
- 2-bedroom home
- Standard clean
- Price: $120
Example 2:
- 4-bedroom home
- Deep clean
- Price: $275
Example 3:
- Small office (2,000 sq ft)
- Weekly cleaning
- Price: $200 per visit
👉 Pricing improves with experience and efficiency.
Want to Run Your Cleaning Business More Efficiently?
Setting the right prices is important, but managing your jobs, clients, and invoices is just as critical.
Cleaning Service Pricing Checklist
Use this checklist to price your services correctly:
✔ Choose a pricing model (hourly, flat rate, or per square foot)
✔ Estimate time required
✔ Factor in labor and supplies
✔ Add overhead costs
✔ Include profit margin
✔ Adjust pricing based on experience
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for cleaning services?
Most cleaning businesses charge between $25 and $75 per hour depending on experience and location.
Should I charge hourly or flat rate?
Flat rate pricing is usually better long-term because it allows you to increase profits as you become more efficient.
How do I price my first cleaning job?
Start with hourly pricing, track how long it takes, and use that data to create flat-rate pricing.
Can I raise my prices later?
Yes, most cleaning businesses increase pricing as they gain experience and build a strong reputation.
Start Growing Your Cleaning Business
Pricing is just one part of building a successful cleaning business. The right systems will help you manage jobs, clients, and payments more efficiently.
Continue Learning About How to Start a Cleaning Business
If you’re building a cleaning business, these guides will help you continue setting up and growing your company.
• Structure Your Cleaning Business
• Cleaning Business Equipment Checklist
• Best Scheduling Software for Cleaning Businesses
Start Your Cleaning Business Today
If you’re ready to start your cleaning business, these tools will help you get started quickly.
• Form your business
• Open a bank account
• Get insurance
• Set up scheduling software