How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?

Learn average house cleaning costs, pricing models, and what impacts your final quote so you can budget with confidence.

Investing in a professional cleaning service is one of the most effective ways to reclaim your time and improve your quality of life. However, because every home is unique, pricing is rarely "one size fits all." In the United States, professional cleaning rates are influenced by your home's geography, the specific needs of your household, and the expertise of the company you hire.

Quick Answer: Most Homes Fall Into a Range Based on Size & Frequency

On average, most American homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $250 for a standard maintenance cleaning. However, this range shifts significantly based on the square footage of the home and how often the cleaners visit.

Typical hourly rates vs flat-rate visits

There are two primary ways companies bill for their time:

  • Hourly Rates: Usually ranging from $40 to $80 per cleaner, per hour. This is common for independent cleaners or specialized deep-cleaning tasks where the workload is unpredictable.
  • Flat-Rate Pricing: Many modern professional services prefer flat-rate pricing based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. This provides the homeowner with a "guaranteed price" regardless of how long the team stays to ensure the job meets the company's checklist.

Why recurring service usually costs less per visit

It is a common industry standard that the first visit—the "Initial Deep Clean"—is the most expensive. This is because "maintenance cleaning" is significantly faster once the heavy buildup has been removed.

  • Weekly service is usually the most affordable per-visit option.
  • Bi-weekly (every two weeks) is the most popular choice for American families, balancing cost and cleanliness.
  • Monthly service typically costs more per visit than a bi-weekly schedule because more dust and grime accumulate between appointments.

House Cleaning Pricing Models

Understanding how a company calculates its quote will help you compare services more accurately.

Hourly pricing (pros/cons)

  • Pros: You only pay for the exact time spent. This is great if you only want specific rooms cleaned (e.g., "just clean the kitchen and bathrooms for 3 hours").
  • Cons: There is no "ceiling" on the cost. If the home is extra dirty, you might find yourself with a much higher bill than expected, or the cleaners might leave before the job is done if they hit a time limit.

Flat-rate by home size/bed-bath count

This is the most transparent model for the consumer. Companies use "bedroom and bathroom" counts as a proxy for square footage and labor intensity. Since bathrooms and kitchens take the longest to clean, a 3-bedroom/3-bathroom home will always cost more than a 4-bedroom/1-bathroom home, even if the square footage is the same.

Add-ons (inside oven/fridge, windows, etc.)

Standard cleaning checklists usually cover floors, dusting, and exterior surfaces. To customize your service, companies offer "Add-ons." Common US industry rates for these include:

  • Inside Oven: $35 – $50
  • Inside Fridge: $30 – $45
  • Interior Windows: $5 – $10 per window
  • Pet Hair Removal: Some companies charge a $20 – $40 premium for high-shedding households.

What Impacts the Final Quote

Beyond the size of your home, several "variable factors" can shift your estimate.

Home condition (buildup, pets, clutter)

If a home hasn't been professionally cleaned in six months, it requires more "elbow grease." Excessive pet hair requires specialized vacuum attachments and more time. Similarly, "clutter" (toys, papers, or clothes on the floor) slows down a cleaner because they must move items to reach the surfaces beneath them.

Number of bathrooms and high-detail areas

Bathrooms are the most labor-intensive rooms due to soap scum, tile scrubbing, and sanitization requirements. A home with multiple full baths will always command a higher price point than a home with mostly "dry" living spaces.

Deep clean vs maintenance clean

A Deep Clean includes hand-wiping baseboards, cleaning behind appliances, scrubbing grout, and detailed dusting of ceiling fans and light fixtures. A Maintenance Clean is designed to keep a home that is already in good shape looking its best. Most companies require a Deep Clean for the first visit to set a "baseline" for quality.

How to Get an Accurate Cleaning Estimate

What to prepare before requesting a quote

To get an accurate price without a home walkthrough, have the following info ready:

  • Total square footage of the areas to be cleaned.
  • Total number of rooms (including half-baths and offices).
  • Floor types (how much carpet vs. hardwood/tile).
  • Specific "pain points" (e.g., "the shower has heavy mineral deposits").

What to ask so there are no surprises

  1. "Do you have a satisfaction guarantee if a spot is missed?"
  2. "Are you bonded and insured?" (This is vital in the US for your protection).
  3. "Is there a cancellation fee?"
  4. "Do you provide a checklist of exactly what is included in the flat rate?"

FAQs

How much does it cost to clean a 2,000 sq ft house?

In the US, a 2,000 sq ft home (typically a 3-bed, 2.5-bath) generally costs between $180 and $280 for a standard cleaning, depending on the level of detail required.

Is it cheaper weekly or biweekly?

While the total monthly spend is higher for weekly cleaning, the price per visit is significantly lower. Companies reward frequent customers with discounts of 10% to 20% off the base rate.

Do cleaning companies bring supplies?

Most professional cleaning companies in the US bring their own commercial-grade vacuums, microfibers, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. However, if you have a specific floor type that requires a specialized product, you should mention this during the booking process.

Experience the Lily Maids Difference

Don't settle for "good enough" when it comes to your home's sanctuary. At Lily Maids, we believe in transparent pricing, meticulous attention to detail, and the peace of mind that comes with a professionally cleaned home. Whether you need a one-time deep scrub or a recurring maintenance plan that fits your busy lifestyle, our expert teams are ready to deliver a spotless finish every time.

Ready for a sparkling clean home? Click here to get your instant quote from Lily Maids today!