How much does house cleaning cost?
Starting at £22 per hour on average
Updated on 17 June 2026
Table of contents
Get the cost for house cleaning services near you
Browse different rates for cleaning services in your area and select the one that fits your budget and needs.
Get cleaning ratesHouse cleaning cost estimates supplemented with real Taskrabbit data
Whether you're booking a one-off clean before guests arrive or setting up a regular routine, knowing how much house cleaning costs in the UK helps you plan with confidence. This guide breaks down typical prices across the country, explains what drives costs up or down, and gives you the practical knowledge to choose the right cleaner for your home.
Based on market research and Taskrabbit platform insights, you can generally expect to pay £22 per hour on average for house cleaning services.
Average cost for cleaning services in major UK cities
Cleaning rates vary noticeably across the UK. London typically commands the highest prices, while cities in the Midlands and North tend to be more affordable. Rates can vary further depending on the specific area within a city, the type of property, and the individual cleaner or company you hire.
The table below gives a general overview of average hourly rates and typical total job costs by major city.
| City | Avg hourly rate | Avg invoice total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £31 | £128 |
| Manchester | £21 | £76 |
| Birmingham | £23 | £88 |
| Bristol | £24 | £89 |
| Reading | £30 | £89 |
| Liverpool | £19 | £54 |
| Milton Keynes | £36 | £118 |
| Glasgow | £31 | £92 |
What affects house cleaning prices?
Several things influence what you'll pay for house cleaning. Understanding them helps you budget more accurately and avoid surprises.
Type of cleaning service
The type of clean you need is one of the biggest cost drivers. A routine weekly tidy-up costs considerably less than a top-to-bottom deep clean or an end-of-tenancy clean.
Standard cleaning: Routine cleaning that covers dusting, hoovering, mopping hard floors, wiping surfaces, and cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. Ideal for maintaining a clean home on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Deep cleaning: A much more thorough clean that addresses areas often missed during routine visits, including behind appliances, inside cupboards, tile grout, skirting boards, and light fittings. Recommended every few months or before starting a regular cleaning arrangement.
End-of-tenancy cleaning: One of the most common specialist cleans in the UK, particularly in cities with large rental markets. This is a comprehensive top-to-bottom clean designed to meet letting agent or landlord standards and help tenants recover their deposit. It typically covers inside appliances, inside cupboards, windows (internal), and all rooms.
Move-in cleaning: Similar in scope to an end-of-tenancy clean, but carried out before you move into a new home. This type ensures the property is thoroughly clean before your belongings arrive.
One-off cleaning: A single visit for homes that need a refresh before hosting guests, a special occasion, or a busy period. Priced similarly to a standard clean but without any recurring discount.
Airbnb and holiday let cleaning: Turnaround cleans for short-term rentals are typically priced per visit and need to be completed quickly between guests. Rates may be slightly higher due to the time pressure and the need for a consistent, high standard.
Size of your home
Larger homes simply take longer to clean. A studio flat might need just an hour, while a four-bedroom house with multiple bathrooms could take a full day. Cleaners often quote based on the number of rooms or the expected number of hours.
Frequency of bookings
Booking a cleaner on a recurring basis (weekly or fortnightly) usually works out cheaper per visit than one-off cleans. A regularly maintained home is quicker to clean each time, which means less time and a lower overall cost.
Condition of the property
As mentioned above, a home that hasn't been cleaned in several months will need more time and effort. Significant grease build-up in the kitchen, soap scum in the bathroom, or heavy dust throughout the property can all add to the total cost. Cleaners may charge extra for properties in particularly poor condition.
Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms are more labour-intensive than bedrooms and typically add more to the overall cost. A property with three or four bathrooms will cost noticeably more to clean than one with a single bathroom of the same overall size.
Pets
Homes with cats or dogs often require additional time due to pet hair, dander, and odours. Cleaners may need to hoover multiple times or use specialist products, which can push the price up.
Supplies and equipment
Some cleaners bring their own products and equipment, while others expect you to provide them. If a cleaner uses their own supplies, this may be factored into the hourly rate. If you have specific preferences (eco-friendly products, for example), confirm this in advance, as specialist supplies can add to the cost.
Location and accessibility
Properties in central urban areas, high-rise flats with no lift, or homes with limited parking can take longer to service. Cleaners may factor in travel time or the difficulty of accessing the property when setting their rate.
Agency vs. independent cleaner
Hiring through an agency typically costs more per hour than going directly to an independent cleaner. However, agencies often provide insurance, vetted staff, and a replacement cleaner if yours is unavailable. This added reliability and peace of mind can be worth the extra cost.
Add-on services
Many cleaners offer additional services for an extra charge, typically around £25–£50. Common add-ons include:
inside oven cleaning
inside fridge or freezer
inside kitchen cupboards
cleaning blinds
internal window cleaning
ironing
How long does a house cleaning take?
Understanding how long a cleaning job typically takes helps you estimate costs more accurately, since most cleaners charge by the hour. Below is a general guide to typical cleaning times across different property types and service levels.
By home size
Studio or 1-bed flat: 1 to 2 hours
2–3 bed home: 2 to 3.5 hours
Large homes (3+ bedrooms): 3.5 to 6+ hours
By type of cleaning
Standard cleaning: 1 to 3 hours
Deep cleaning: 3 to 6+ hours
Move-out cleaning: 4 to 8 hours, depending on property size and condition
Typical costs for common cleaning services
To help you budget more accurately, here's a breakdown of what different types of cleaning services typically cost. These figures reflect general market rates and can vary based on your location, the size of your home, and the other factors discussed above.
| Service | Estimated cost (per visit) |
|---|---|
| Deep cleaning | £100–£300 |
| Move-in cleaning | £70–£200 |
| Standard cleaning | £40–£150 |
| End-of-tenancy cleaning | £150–£350 |
| Airbnb/holiday let cleaning | £40–£200 |
House cleaning costs by home size
If you're trying to estimate costs before getting a quote, your home's size and layout are a useful starting point. For standard cleaning, you’ll likely need to specify the number of rooms and bathrooms that you’d like cleaned. Depending on your home’s room and bathroom combination, you can expect to pay somewhere around the following:
1 bed, 1 bath: £40–£65 estimated average cost
2 bed, 1 bath: £55–£85
2 bed, 2 bath: £65–£100
3 bed, 2 bath: £80–£130
3+ bed, 2+ bath: £110–£180+
Remember, the type of cleaning, condition of your property, and other factors will influence the final cost you actually pay.
Hidden or additional cleaning costs to watch for
Most cleans are straightforward, but a few situations can lead to additional charges. Being aware of them in advance helps you avoid unexpected costs on the day.
Last-minute or same-day bookings: Short-notice requests often attract a premium, especially through agencies.
Cancellation fees: Cancelling with less than 24–48 hours' notice may result in a charge, as the cleaner may not be able to fill the slot.
Excessive clutter or mess: If a cleaner has to tidy or reorganise before they can start cleaning, they may charge for the additional time.
Specialist or hazardous cleaning: Issues like mould, heavy limescale, or significant grease build-up may require specialist products or extra time, increasing the cost.
Requesting additional tasks on the day: If you ask for extra work that wasn't agreed in advance, the cleaner may charge a higher rate or extend the booking.
Parking costs: In busy urban areas, cleaners may pass on parking charges if they cannot find free parking near your property.
How much do cleaning supplies cost?
Whether you're cleaning yourself or providing supplies for your cleaner, it's useful to know what everyday products cost. Here's a rough guide to common cleaning products available in UK supermarkets and DIY shops.
Multi-surface spray (e.g., Flash, Dettol): from around £2
Bathroom cleaner: from around £2
Bleach or toilet cleaner: from around £1.50
Glass and window cleaner: from around £2
Washing-up liquid: from around £1
Floor cleaner or mop solution: from around £3
Mop and bucket: from around £10
Dustpan and brush: from around £8
Microfibre cloths (pack): from around £3
Rubber gloves: from around £2
Specialist or eco-friendly products will cost more, but they're widely available in supermarkets, health stores, and online.
How to save on home cleaning services
Hiring a cleaner doesn't have to stretch your budget. A few practical steps can help keep costs down.
Book recurring cleans: Weekly or fortnightly arrangements often come with a lower per-visit rate than one-off bookings. You could save anywhere from 5% to 20% on recurring bookings compared to one-off cleans. Plus, a home that's cleaned regularly also takes less time each visit.
Be clear about scope upfront: Agree exactly what's included before the cleaner arrives to avoid any unexpected additions on the day.
Tidy before the cleaner comes: Putting things away before the cleaner arrives means they can focus on actual cleaning rather than tidying, making better use of the time you're paying for.
Provide your own supplies: If you're happy to supply the cleaning products, some independent cleaners will reflect this in their rate.
Hire an independent cleaner rather than an agency: Independent cleaners typically charge less per hour. Just make sure to check reviews and ask about insurance.
Avoid peak times: Some cleaners are busier at weekends or around key dates. Midweek bookings may be easier to arrange and occasionally cheaper.
Combine tasks: If you need multiple services (such as a standard clean and an oven clean), booking them together with the same person is often more cost-effective than separate bookings.
DIY vs. hiring help for home cleaning
Deciding whether to clean yourself or bring in professional help depends on your time, budget, and the scale of the job.
When to DIY
Cleaning your own home makes sense in plenty of situations. Consider doing it yourself if:
You enjoy cleaning and have the time to do it thoroughly.
You're maintaining an already-clean home and only need to tackle small tasks.
You're on a tight budget and the property is manageable in size.
You're a renter who wants to keep on top of things between professional cleans.
You already have the right products and equipment at home.
When to hire help
Hiring a professional cleaner makes sense when the job is too big, too specialised, or simply not the best use of your time. Consider bringing in help if:
You're preparing for an end-of-tenancy inspection and need to meet a professional standard to recover your deposit.
You're moving into a new home and want it thoroughly cleaned before your belongings arrive.
You have a large property that would take a significant chunk of your weekend to clean properly.
You've had a period of illness, a busy stretch at work, or another disruption that's left the home needing a proper reset.
You want a regular arrangement that keeps the home consistently clean without you having to think about it.
You need specialist cleaning (oven, carpets, upholstery) that requires professional equipment.
Frequently asked questions about home cleaning services
Tipping isn't required, but it's always appreciated. If you're particularly happy with the service, a small tip or a kind word in a review goes a long way. Many people also offer a tip at Christmas or the end of the year for a regular cleaner.
Not necessarily. Many people give their cleaner a key or use a key safe. If you're not going to be at home, make sure you've agreed to the arrangement in advance and that you're comfortable with the level of trust involved. Checking reviews beforehand is especially important in this case.
End-of-tenancy cleanings are common practice in the UK, with most tenancy agreements requiring the property to be returned in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy. A professional end-of-tenancy clean is often the most reliable way to meet this standard and recover your full deposit.
It is important, however, to note that following the Tenant Fees Act of 2019 in England, landlords and letting agents cannot charge mandatory end-of-tenancy cleaning fees. This means that while you may still be expected to leave the property at a certain level of cleanliness, you cannot be forced to hire a specific professional cleaning service.
To find a cleaner, start with recommendations from people you know. Online platforms with verified reviews like Taskrabbit are also a good option. Look for cleaners with a strong track record, transparent pricing, and clear communication. Don't be afraid to ask questions before you book.
