Not sure how much to tip your house cleaner? See common tipping ranges, when to tip more, and alternatives like reviews.
Navigating tipping etiquette in the United States can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to service professionals working inside your home. While your cleaners are focused on making your home shine, you might be wondering about the proper way to show your appreciation. This guide breaks down the industry standards for tipping your house cleaning team.
Tipping is never a requirement for professional house cleaning services. It is a gesture of appreciation for a job well done. Unlike the restaurant industry, where tips make up a significant portion of a server's base income, professional cleaners are paid a wage by their company.
If you choose to tip, the most common practice is to offer 10% to 20% of the total service cost.
If you have a recurring service (weekly or bi-weekly), you are not expected to tip every single time. Many clients find it more convenient—and equally appreciated—to provide a larger "thank-you" bonus once a month or at the end of a particularly busy season.
Different service types often warrant different approaches to tipping. Here are the most common scenarios where tipping is traditionally considered.
Deep cleanings and move-out services are significantly more labor-intensive than a standard maintenance visit. Because the team is often dealing with months of dust, heavy scrubbing, or detailing appliances, a tip is a common way to acknowledge the extra physical effort involved.
For many recurring clients, the "Holiday Tip" is the primary way they show appreciation. A standard year-end bonus is typically the equivalent of one cleaning visit's cost, given in December. This helps build a strong, long-term relationship with the professionals who care for your home throughout the year.
Sometimes, a cleaning team does more than what is on the checklist. If your cleaners successfully tackled a difficult stain, spent extra time organizing a cluttered area, or worked around a chaotic morning at your house with a smile, a small tip is a great way to say, "I noticed the extra effort."
If you decide to tip, knowing the best way to distribute it ensures the right people receive the gesture.
If you are tipping in cash, it is best to provide individual amounts to each cleaner or a single amount and clearly state, "This is for the whole team." This prevents any confusion or awkwardness regarding how the money should be split.
If tipping isn't in your budget, or if you prefer other ways to support your cleaners, these gestures are highly valued by service professionals:
Generally, no. In the US, it is standard etiquette not to tip the owner of a business if they are the one performing the service. However, if they have a staff of employees, tipping the employees is the standard practice.
It is common to tip for the first visit, especially since "Initial Cleans" are much harder than subsequent visits. It helps establish a positive relationship with your new cleaning team from day one.
Professional cleaning companies do not expect tips, nor do they build them into the price. While it is not "expected" in the way it is at a restaurant, it is a very common and welcome practice for satisfied customers across the country.
At Lily Maids, our primary goal is your complete satisfaction. Our professional teams are dedicated to providing a high-quality, reliable service that makes your life easier. While our cleaners always appreciate a kind word or a gesture of thanks, the best tip we can receive is the knowledge that we’ve given you back your time and a beautiful, clean home.
Ready to see your home sparkle? Book your professional cleaning with Lily Maids today!
For a cleaner tomorrow, use Lily Maids today.