House Cleaning Cost Estimator
Cleaning quotes look arbitrary until you see the model: square feet × a service rate, plus bedrooms, times a frequency discount. This estimator shows that model — standard, deep and move-out priced separately, recurring discounts applied openly.
First visits are almost always priced as deep cleans even on a recurring plan — the discount applies once the home is on a maintenance rhythm. Tipping, specialty requests (inside oven/fridge, windows) and pet-heavy homes adjust real quotes around these bands.
How it works
The industry model: a per-square-foot rate by service type — standard $0.09, deep $0.16, move-out $0.19 per sq ft — plus about $10 per bedroom, then the frequency discount: monthly ×0.90, biweekly ×0.85, weekly ×0.80. The range shown is 0.85×–1.2× the point price, covering crew size, local wages and home condition. Crew time at the planning rate of $45/hr is shown too — a $192 clean is about 4.3 crew-hours, which is how you sanity-check a "two hours, $300" quote.
Method & worked example
Method: Per-visit price = (home sq ft × type rate — standard $0.09, deep $0.16, move-out $0.19 — + $10 per bedroom) × frequency factor (one-time 1.0, monthly 0.90, biweekly 0.85, weekly 0.80). Typical range 0.85×–1.2× the point price; crew time at $45/hr.
Worked example: An 1,800 sq ft, 3-bedroom standard one-time clean: base $192, price $192 per visit (range $163–$230), about 4.3 crew-hours.
When to use this
- You are hiring a cleaning service and the first quote needs a benchmark.
- You are choosing between one-time, monthly and biweekly plans in real dollars.
- You are pricing a move-out clean against your deposit.
How to use it, step by step
- Enter the home's square footage and bedrooms.
- Pick the cleaning type — deep for first visits and move-outs.
- Pick the frequency to see its discount applied.
- Use the crew-hours line to judge per-hour quotes against per-visit quotes.
What the inputs mean
| Input | What it is | Typical values |
|---|---|---|
| Home size | Square feet to be cleaned | 1,200–2,400 sq ft typical homes |
| Bedrooms | Adds $10 each to the base | 2–5 typical |
| Type | Rate per sq ft | Standard $0.09; deep $0.16; move-out $0.19 |
| Frequency | Recurring discount | Monthly −10%; biweekly −15%; weekly −20% |
Another worked example
A 1,200 sq ft, 2-bedroom home getting a deep clean on a biweekly rhythm: base = 1,200 × $0.16 + $20 = $212; biweekly price = $212 × 0.85 = $180.20 per visit (range $153–$216), about 4.0 crew-hours. The frequency discount nearly pays for the deep-clean premium over standard.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clean an 1,800 sq ft house?
Standard one-time clean, 3 bedrooms: $192 per visit (range $163–$230), about 4.3 crew-hours. The same home on a biweekly plan prices at about $163 per visit — frequency is the cheapest discount in home services.
How much is a deep clean for a 1,200 sq ft home?
Two bedrooms, deep clean on a biweekly plan: $180.20 per visit (range $153–$216) — the deep rate ($0.16/sq ft) minus the 15% frequency discount. A one-time deep clean of the same home runs about $212.
Why does a deep clean cost nearly double?
It is a different job list: inside appliances, baseboards, vents, grout attention, wall spots — typically 1.5–2× the hours of a maintenance visit. Services require it first because recurring pricing assumes a deep-cleaned starting point.
Is weekly or biweekly better value?
Biweekly is the market's sweet spot — 15% off and the home never fully relapses. Weekly (20% off) suits large families and pet-heavy homes; monthly (10% off) is really a recurring deep-ish clean wearing a discount.
How do cleaners charge — per hour or per visit?
Both models exist. Per-visit pricing (this estimator's model) protects you from slow crews; per-hour protects the cleaner from underestimated homes. Convert with the crew-hours line: at $45/hr planning, a $192 quote should buy roughly 4+ hours of actual cleaning.
🌿 Inside handled — what about outside?
The Lawn Care Cost Estimator prices the outdoor twin: mowing by lawn size, season totals, fertilisation and leaf cleanups itemised.
What is included in a standard clean?
Kitchens and bathrooms sanitised, floors vacuumed/mopped, dusting, mirrors, trash. Inside appliances, windows and laundry are add-ons at most services — confirm the checklist before comparing prices.
Should I tip the cleaners?
Customary at 10–20% for one-time and holiday cleans; recurring clients often tip per visit lightly or in a year-end amount. It is appreciated, rarely required, and never in these estimates.