Here’s what you need to consider before setting your cleaning prices, including the average rate of house cleaning in your area and the length of each job.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new house cleaner is how much to charge for your services. But picking a price point or setting an hourly rate can be tricky. You want to make your cleaning rates competitive while still making enough to cover your labor, supplies, and overhead costs. There’s no magic formula that will tell you what to charge, but there are some things you can keep in mind, including the going rate for house cleaning and how long it will take to clean the space.
How much you charge for cleaning services depends on several factors
The amount you charge for housekeeping depends on many factors, such as location and work. Consider these factors when setting your prices:
The area of your home
Look at current rates in your area before setting your hourly rate. According to Care.com’s current housecleaning rates for several major U.S. cities, the average hourly rate was between $15.255 – $19.25. However, prices varied widely across the country and even states.
By scoping out prices for house cleaning in your area, you can get a good idea of what the competition charges and, more importantly, what customers are willing to pay.
Care.com’s recent data shows some examples of rates for house cleaning services based on location.
The size of the area to be cleaned
It is essential to consider the size of your home or office when determining how much effort, time, and cleaning products (in some instances) you must spend to clean it.
Arthur Ruth, vice president of operations at Memphis Maids, says that his company bases its rates on the number and size of bathrooms and bedrooms in a house. He discovered that charging by the hour could make clients happier if cleaners finished earlier or later than anticipated. While square footage is an excellent way to estimate the size of a house, it may need to be able to reflect how much work needs to be done accurately.
Ruth says that estimating the size of a house by counting the number of bedrooms and bathrooms “is a good way to do it, and everyone’s happy.”
Fees
April Harned of Harned’s Cleaning in Eastern Maryland says that some house cleaners prefer to charge an hourly fee, while others may ask for a flat rate. It all depends on your preference. You can assign an hourly fee because you know exactly how much you will make for each hour of work. This can be useful when you accept a job from a client whose home or office requires more time than initially estimated. You don’t have to pay for those additional costs when you charge an hourly rate.
Hourly rates can also be limiting. You will be paid less for doing the same work the more efficient you become. Clients can be upset if you charge more for exceeding the allotted time.
Harned says that charging a flat rate makes it easier to accept more clients as you become more efficient. Your client also knows what they will be paying every time. She says that the risk of charging a flat rate is underestimating how long it will take to complete a particular job. However, this can be offset by other areas taking less time.
Cleaning Types
It would be best if you priced your deep cleans accordingly. There is a vast difference between routine and deep cleaning. Cleanings can be divided into different levels, each being more expensive.
Routine Clean: Routine cleans include cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, and wiping countertops. Because they don’t require as much time, cleaners charge less for them than deep cleaning. However, these types of cleaning assume that the house is regularly cleaned and in a good state.
Deep Clean: A deep clean may be needed if the area still needs to be cleaned. This involves cleaning things not included in routine cleanings, like scrubbing soap scum off blinds and baseboards. House cleaners might do a deep clean during their first visit or before an event. A new baby or on a seasonal basis (ex. A “spring clean.”
Move-in/move-out clean: A clean for moving-in/moving-out is a deeper clean. It includes all the things you would do to clean your home, including deep cleaning but also cleaning more obscure places like kitchen cabinets, vent grates, or under large appliances. This type of cleaning can be very involved, so house cleaners charge more for it.
Condition of the space
Harned explains that if a client wants recurring cleanings done, she usually performs a thorough clean and charges for it. A deep clean can help the subsequent cleanings run more smoothly if the space is in bad shape.
Before cleaning, a tour of the space can help you better understand its condition and how long it will take.
Occupants
Harned says that space with just one person is easier to clean. The messier their home, the more time it takes to keep the place clean. Harned charges more for homes with small children and pets that are messy. Floors get dirtier and require more time between cleanings.
Extra services
Decide what you will do for free and what you will charge extra. Harned, for example, doesn’t clean the refrigerator during her regular cleanings. However, she is happy to change client sheets for a small fee. Services that may warrant an additional cost include:
Cleaning large appliances like the oven or refrigerator is essential.
Cleaning baseboards.
Washing Windows Inside and Outside
Doing laundry.
Dishwashing or putting away the dishes.
Changing linens.
Spot-cleaning carpets.
Cleaning patios, patio furniture, and other outdoor areas.
The amount you charge depends on the work involved. You might charge $20 for cleaning most refrigerators, but you can charge anything for windows. You might also charge more for doing laundry for a large family than you would an individual.
Harned advises that you are clear with the client about what they will receive and won’t. Consider the long-term effects you may have on your initial visit.
