If you’ve ever searched how much house cleaning is, you probably noticed there isn’t a single, clear answer. That’s not because cleaning companies are being vague. It’s because house cleaning costs depend on real factors like time, labor, and the condition of your home.
This guide breaks down average house cleaning prices, what affects the cost, and how to know what’s reasonable so you can make a confident decision.
Average Cost of House Cleaning
For most average sized homes, professional house cleaning falls into these general ranges:
- Standard cleaning: $150-$240
- Deep cleaning: $200-$450
- Move-in or move-out cleaning: $250-$550
Smaller homes and apartments usually land on the lower end. Larger homes, heavier buildup, or one-time cleanings push costs higher.
These numbers are averages. Your exact price depends on your home and the type of service you choose.
Why House Cleaning Prices Vary So Much
Two homes can be the same size and still receive different quotes. That’s because pricing isn’t just about square footage. It’s about what it takes to clean the home properly.
Some companies prioritize speed. Others prioritize detail. Some build time into their pricing for consistency and quality checks. Others don’t. The difference shows up in both the price and the results.
What Affects the Cost of House Cleaning?
Cleaning companies don’t guess when they quote a job. They account for time, effort, and scope. These are the biggest pricing factors.
Size of the Home
Square footage matters, but bathrooms matter more. Bathrooms take the most time and detail. A home with fewer bedrooms but more bathrooms often costs more to clean.
Type of Cleaning
Not all cleanings are the same.
- Standard cleaning covers surfaces, floors, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Deep cleaning includes baseboards, buildup, grease removal, vents, and detailed scrubbing.
- Move-in or move-out cleaning includes cabinets, interior, appliance interiors, and heavier grime.
If you’re preparing a home for a transition, our move-in and move-out cleaning services are designed for that level of detail.
Frequency of Service
Recurring cleanings cost less per visit than one-time cleanings.
- Weekly and biweekly services are the most cost-effective
- Monthly services cost more per visit
- One-time cleanings are the most expensive
Maintenance is easier and faster than starting from scratch.
Condition of the Home
Two homes can be identical in size but very different in condition. Heavy dust, grease, pet hair, or long gaps between cleanings increase labor time.
Add-On Services
Optional services increase the price, including:
- Inside oven cleaning
- Inside refrigerator cleaning
- Interior windows
- Cabinet interiors
- Heavy pet hair removal
Add-ons allow customization, but they do affect total cost.
Labor Is the Biggest Cost Factor
Most of what you’re paying for in house cleaning is labor. Cleaning is physical, detailed work that cannot be rushed without cutting corners.
A professional cleaning may take with 2 cleaners:
- 2-3 hours for a small home
- 4-5 hours for an average family home
- 5+ hours for large or heavily lived-in homes
When a quote feels higher than expected, it’s usually because the company is accounting for the time needed to do the job correctly.
One Cleaner vs a Cleaning Team
Some homes are cleaned by one person. Others by a team.
A single cleaner may take longer but cost less per hour. A team costs more upfront but finishes faster and often more consistently. Teams are common for deep cleans, move-outs, or larger homes.
Neither approach is better by default. It depends on the job and how the company may choose to operate.
Why First-Time Cleanings Cost More
First-time cleanings almost always cost more than ongoing service. The first visit establishes a baseline.
During an initial cleaning, professionals remove:
- Long-term dust buildup
- Kitchen grease
- Soap scum and mineral deposits
- Pet hair settled into corners and fabrics
Once that foundation is set, future cleanings take less time. That’s why recurring service is cheaper per visit.
What “Standard Cleaning” Actually Includes
Standard cleaning doesn’t mean light or careless. It means routine maintenance.
It usually includes:
- Dusting visible surfaces
- Cleaning kitchens and bathrooms
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Emptying trash
It typically does not include baseboards, inside appliances, or heavy buildup removal. Those tasks require additional time and fall under deep cleaning services.
Deep Cleaning Is About Resetting the Home
Deep cleaning goes beyond upkeep. It’s designed to reset the home.
It’s ideal when:
- A home hasn’t been professionally cleaned before
- Seasons change
- Allergies worsen
- Guests or events are coming up
- The home feels clean but still looks dull
Many homeowners schedule one deep clean per year, then maintain with standard service.
How Pets Impact House Cleaning Costs
Homes with pets often require more time, even when they look tidy.
Pet hair and dander collect:
- Along baseboards
- Under furniture (if accessible)
- In vents
- On upholstery
Odors can also increase cleaning time. Consistent cleaning reduces pet-related buildup and lowers long-term costs. If pets are part of your household, you may also find our guide on keeping floors clean with dogs helpful.
Hourly vs Flat Rate Pricing
Some companies charge hourly. Others offer flat rates.
Hourly Pricing
Typically ranges from $40–$55 per cleaner per hour or $75-$100 per team of 2. We are typically very accurate with our estimates, and our clients know what to expect.
Why Extremely Cheap Cleaning Often Backfires
If a price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Very low pricing often means:
- Rushed work
- Skipped details
- Inexperienced cleaners
- No insurance or protection
- Inconsistent results
Quality cleaning takes time. Paying slightly more often saves money by avoiding re-cleans and deep resets.
The Hidden Value of Consistent Cleaning
Regular cleaning lowers long-term costs.
When cleaning is consistent:
- Buildup never becomes severe
- Deep cleanings are needed less often
- Floors, fixtures, and surfaces last longer
- The home stays easier to maintain
Professional cleaning acts as preventative maintenance for your home.
How Often Should You Schedule House Cleaning?
Most homes benefit from one of these schedules:
- Weekly: Busy households, kids, pets
- Biweekly: Most popular and cost-effective
- Monthly: Light upkeep, smaller homes
- Seasonal: Deep cleaning only
Biweekly service offers the best balance of cleanliness and cost for most households.
Red Flags to Watch for When Pricing Seems Off
Be cautious if a company:
- Gives a quote without asking questions
- Won’t explain what’s included
- Charges far below local averages
- Lacks insurance or clear policies
- Changes pricing mid-job
A fair quote is transparent and consistent.
How to Get an Accurate House Cleaning Quote
The best way to know how much house cleaning costs for your home is to get a personalized estimate.
A proper quote considers:
- Home size and layout
- Number of bathrooms
- Type of cleaning
- Frequency
- Pets and special requests
You can request a quote directly through our contact page.
Final Thoughts
So, how much is house cleaning?
For most homes, expect to pay $120 to $300 per visit, with deep cleanings costing more. The real value comes from consistent, reliable cleaning that keeps your home comfortable and manageable.
The goal isn’t the cheapest service. It’s cleaning done right.
If you want to explore professional residential options, you can view our full residential cleaning services or learn more about Krasivo Cleaning.