2024 House Cleaning Cost Calculator

As we step into 2024, the landscape of house cleaning services continues to evolve, making it increasingly important for homeowners to grasp the factors that shape cleaning costs and understanding the cost dynamics of hiring cleaning companies.

 min. read
February 21, 2024

As we step into 2024, the landscape of house cleaning services continues to evolve, making it increasingly important for homeowners to grasp the factors that shape cleaning costs and understanding the cost dynamics of hiring cleaning companies. This article aims to shed light on the intricacies of pricing for various cleaning services, from one-time deep cleans to regular maintenance, and how aspects such as home size, frequency, and specific needs can impact your budget. With a focus on providing clear and actionable insights, we guide you through making informed decisions for your home's upkeep in the current year.

What type of cleaning is required?

One Time

General cleaning service

Often referred to as standard cleaning, this includes tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, and mopping. The costs for general cleaning are typically lower than those for more intensive cleaning, with prices ranging from $75 to $175 depending on the size of the home and frequency of cleaning​

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning services go beyond the scope of general cleaning, addressing areas that are not typically covered in a standard cleaning routine. This can include cleaning inside appliances, washing walls, and cleaning baseboards. Prices for deep cleaning can range from $200 to $400, significantly higher than standard cleaning due to the intensity and time required​.

Move In/Out

This service is designed for tenants moving out of a rental property or homeowners preparing a home for sale. Move-out cleaning can cost up to $500, ensuring that every nook and cranny is cleaned to secure the return of a deposit or to prepare a home for its new occupants​.

Post Construction

After construction or renovation work, post-construction cleaning removes all traces of dust, debris, and building materials. Given the specialized nature of this cleaning, costs can be high, tailored to the extent of cleaning required.

Recurring

For those looking for ongoing assistance, recurring cleaning services are available on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. Signing up for recurring services can often result in lower per-cleaning costs, with companies sometimes offering discounts for long-term commitments.

When was the last cleaning performed?

1 month ago or less

If the last cleaning was performed recently, the cost might be lower as the property may require less work compared to a home that hasn't been cleaned for a longer period.

2 months

If the last cleaning was performed recently, the cost might be lower as the property may require less work compared to a home that hasn't been cleaned for a longer period.

More than 3 months

If the last cleaning was performed recently, the cost might be lower as the property may require less work compared to a home that hasn't been cleaned for a longer period.

Factors that impact house cleaning cost

Square foot area

The size of the property is a primary factor in determining cleaning costs, as a larger square footage requires more time and effort to clean. Cleaning service may charge by the square foot, especially for one-time or deep cleaning services. For example, a typical range for house cleaning can start from a few hundred dollars for smaller homes and increase based on the square footage​

Number of Bedrooms

The number of bedrooms in a home directly impacts the cost of cleaning service. More bedrooms mean more areas to clean, which can increase the time and resources needed. Pricing structures often include a base rate for a certain number of bedrooms, with additional costs for each extra bedroom. For instance, cleaning costs can range from around $60 for a studio or one-bedroom apartment to over $200 for homes with four or more bedrooms

Number of Bathrooms

Bathrooms require more detailed cleaning compared to other rooms, making the number of bathrooms a significant factor in pricing. The cleaning of bathrooms involves sanitizing surfaces, scrubbing tiles, and possibly dealing with hard water stains, which can be labor-intensive. Therefore, homes with more bathrooms will typically incur higher cleaning costs. The price can vary, with increases of $10-$20 per additional bathroom

Number of Stories

The number of stories in a home can also affect cleaning costs, as navigating between floors can add time and complexity to the cleaning process. Multi-story homes may require more equipment or additional safety measures for cleaners, especially for tasks like window cleaning, which could result in higher prices.

How many people live in the house?

The number of occupants in a home can influence the frequency and depth of cleaning required. More residents typically mean more clutter, dirt, and potential for messes, which can extend the cleaning time. While specific cost implications may vary, cleaning services may factor this into their quotes, especially for deep or recurring cleaning services.

How many pets live in the house?

Pets contribute to the cleaning workload through shedding, dander, odors, and occasional accidents, which may require specialized cleaning solutions or techniques. Homes with pets may see an increase in cleaning costs due to the additional effort and time needed to address these issues. For example, pet hair removal may involve more intensive vacuuming and the use of specific cleaning agents to neutralize odors.

Location

The cost of house cleaning services also varies significantly depending on the geographic location. This variation is due to differences in the cost of living, labor rates, and demand for cleaning services in different areas. For instance, cleaning services in high-cost living areas such as New York City or San Francisco are typically more expensive than in smaller towns or regions with a lower cost of living. The disparity in pricing can be attributed to the higher wages needed to compensate workers in expensive cities and the increased operational costs for businesses in these areas.

In urban areas, the high demand for cleaning services, coupled with traffic and parking considerations, can also contribute to higher costs. Conversely, in suburban or rural areas, while the demand may be lower, the travel distance between jobs can impact pricing. Service providers may need to account for the time and expense of traveling longer distances to reach clients' homes, which can influence the overall cost of services.

For example, a cleaning service that charges $25 per hour in a midwestern small town might charge $45 per hour or more in a major coastal city, reflecting the difference in the cost of living and operational expenses. These regional price differences emphasize the importance of obtaining quotes from local service providers to get an accurate estimate of cleaning costs in your specific area.

Moreover, the competitive landscape in different locations can influence pricing. In cities with a high concentration of cleaning services, competition might drive prices down, while in areas with fewer service providers, prices could be higher due to limited options.

Extras - Add-ons for House Cleaning Services

Adding extra services to a standard house cleaning package can customize the experience to your needs but also increase the overall cost. Below is a detailed list of possible add-ons and their impact on pricing:

  • Oven Cleaning: Typically ranges from $15 to $50. Deep cleaning of the oven to remove grease and burnt food residues.
  • Refrigerator Cleaning: Costs between $20 and $50. It involves the removal of food, cleaning of shelves, and sanitizing.
  • Window Washing: Prices can vary widely, from $1.60 to $3.20 per indoor window to $4 to $8 for exterior windows, depending on accessibility and the level of cleaning required.
  • Carpet Cleaning: Ranges from $75 to $300, depending on the number of rooms and the condition of the carpets. This may involve steam cleaning or dry cleaning.
  • Upholstery Cleaning: Can cost between $50 and $200. This service is crucial for maintaining furniture in good condition and removing stains or odors.
  • Floor Polishing: For homes with hardwood, tile, or special flooring that requires buffing or waxing, prices can range from $100 to $300 depending on the square footage.
  • Deep Cleaning of Specific Areas: Such as basements, garages, or attics, which can range from $50 to $200 depending on the size and condition of the space.
  • Organizing Services: Assistance with decluttering and organizing rooms can cost between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the task.
  • Laundry Services: Washing, drying, and folding clothes can be added for an additional $15 to $25 per load.
  • Exterior Pressure Washing: For driveways, sidewalks, or the exterior of the house, prices can start at $100 and go up to $300 or more.
  • Gutter Cleaning: Important for maintaining the home’s exterior and can cost between $90 and $225, depending on the home's size and gutter accessibility.
  • Pool Cleaning: Seasonal or regular pool maintenance and cleaning can add $75 to $100 per session.
  • Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies Request: Opting for green cleaning products can sometimes add to the cost, usually $5 to $10 extra per visit, due to the higher price of these supplies.
  • Pet Mess Cleaning: Additional charges may apply for homes with pets that require extra cleaning due to fur, dander, or accidents, potentially adding $10 to $50 to the total cost.

Each of these add-ons is priced individually, and selecting multiple services can significantly increase the total cost of a cleaning session. It's essential to prioritize which services are most important to you and inquire about package deals or discounts for bundling services. Always confirm prices directly with your cleaning service provider, as rates can vary based on location, service demand, and specific service provider policies.​

House cleaning cost calculator - examples

Scenario 1

  • Type of cleaning: General, weekly
  • Size: 3500 Sqft
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Stories: 2
  • People: 4
  • Pets: 1

What is the average price? $ 404.85

Price breakdown:

  • Service: $364.76
  • Cleaning Supplies: $10
  • Tax (8.25%): $30.09

Scenario 2

  • Type of cleaning: Deep cleaning, One-time
  • Size: 2500 Sqft
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 1.5
  • Stories: 1
  • People: 2
  • Pets: 0

What is the average price? $516.07

Price breakdown:

  • Service: $467.50
  • Cleaning Supplies: $10
  • Tax (8.25%): $38.57

Scenario 3

  • Type of cleaning: General, Monthly
  • Size: 5000 Sqft
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Bathrooms: 4
  • Stories: 2
  • People: 4
  • Pets: 2

What is the average price? $639.91

Price breakdown:

  • Service: $581.90
  • Cleaning Supplies: $10
  • Tax (8.25%): $48.01

Frequently asked questions

How much do house cleaning services cost? A cost breakdown

House cleaning services vary widely in cost, depending on several factors such as the size of your home, the type of cleaning required, the frequency of service, and your geographical location. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • One-Time Cleaning: Costs can range from $200 to $400 for deep cleaning of an average-sized home. This price can increase for larger homes or decrease for smaller apartments or homes requiring less intensive cleaning.
  • Hourly Rates: House cleaners often charge between $25 to $50 per hour, with the possibility of higher rates in regions with a higher cost of living​​​​.
  • Recurring Cleaning: Weekly or bi-weekly services can range from $75 to $175 per visit for an average-sized home, with costs varying based on the frequency and extent of cleaning required​​​​.

These costs can increase with add-ons like oven cleaning, refrigerator cleaning, or exterior window washing, each adding to the overall cost based on the specific services requested.

How much do house cleaners charge per hour?

The hourly rate for house cleaners can vary widely but typically falls between $25 to $50 per hour. Factors influencing hourly rates include the cleaner's experience, the specific tasks requested, and the location of the service. Urban areas with a higher cost of living may see rates at the upper end of this range or even higher, while rural or less expensive areas may see rates at the lower end​​​​.

Is it better to hire a Cleaning Company or Individual?

Deciding whether to hire a cleaning company or an individual cleaner depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some considerations for each option:

  • Cleaning Company:
  • Pros:
  • Professionalism: Companies often have trained and vetted cleaners.
  • Insurance: Most companies carry insurance to protect against damage or theft.
  • Reliability: Companies can typically provide substitutes if your regular cleaner is unavailable.
  • Cons:
  • Cost: Companies may charge more to cover administrative costs and overhead.
  • Less Personalization: With different cleaners, it may be harder to have customized cleaning preferences maintained.
  • Individual Cleaner:
  • Pros:
  • Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than companies as they have lower overhead.
  • Personalized Service: Easier to build a direct relationship and communicate specific needs.
  • Cons:
  • Reliability Issues: If the cleaner is sick or on vacation, there may not be a backup.
  • Insurance and Liability: Individuals may not have their insurance, potentially leaving homeowners at risk for liability.

In summary, companies offer more reliability and professionalism at a higher cost, while individual cleaners provide more personalized service at potentially lower prices. Your choice should consider factors such as budget, the level of service required, and personal comfort with the cleaner or cleaning team in your home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding house cleaning costs in 2024 is crucial for effective budgeting and maintenance of your home. For a detailed and personalized estimate that considers all variables unique to your situation, consider using the Estimatty page. It offers a free, easy-to-use tool that provides estimates on house cleaning services tailored to your specific needs, helping you make informed decisions without the guesswork.

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