Key Takeaways
- Most residential cleanings fall between $120 and $350 for single visits; deep or specialty jobs can run $200–$2,000.
- Labor is the primary cost (typically 60–80%); materials and equipment are a smaller portion.
- Get written, itemized quotes, ask about insurance and bonding, and compare 2–3 local providers.
- You can save by bundling services, booking off-peak, or doing simple prep work before pros arrive.
- Watch for red flags like unusually low bids, no written estimate, or requests for cash-only payment.
Average Cost Summary
National Average: $120-$450 for most home cleanings; specialty jobs (carpets, post-construction) average higher
Typical Range: $100 - $2,000 per project
Cost Breakdown by Service Type
| Service/Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Recurring House Cleaning (1–3 BR home) | $120 | $300 | Typically includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom and kitchen surface cleaning. Price varies by frequency (weekly is cheaper per visit than one-off). |
| Deep Cleaning / Spring Cleaning | $200 | $600 | Adds baseboards, inside cabinets, oven/stove degreasing, and detailed scrubbing. Takes 30–50% longer than a standard clean. |
| Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning | $150 | $800 | Detailed cleaning to meet lease or sale standards: appliances, closets, trim. Larger or heavily soiled properties cost more. |
| Carpet Cleaning (per room / up to 200 sq ft) | $40 | $150 | Includes hot water extraction/steam cleaning. Prices rise for pet stains, heavy traffic, or odor removal. Commercial-grade jobs priced per sq ft. |
| Window Cleaning (interior & exterior, per window/pane) | $5 | $25 | Interior-only is cheaper; exterior and high-story work adds safety/ladder fees. Screens and track cleaning often extra. |
| Post-Construction Cleaning | $300 | $2,000 | Removes dust, debris, paint spots, and addresses HVAC dust. Size, finish level, and accessibility drive price. |
| Pressure Washing (driveway, siding, deck) | $150 | $600 | Fees depend on surface area and stain severity. Soft-wash for delicate siding may cost more. |
| Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaning | $80 | $450 | Per-piece or per-sqft pricing. Leather, delicate fabrics, or deep stain treatment increase cost. |
Factors That Affect Cost
Location and Local Labor Rates
Urban and high cost-of-living areas (e.g., NYC, San Francisco) typically pay $35–$80 per cleaner hour, raising project totals. Rural areas have lower hourly wages and reduced travel fees.
Home Size and Condition
Larger square footage increases labor time. Heavily soiled homes or properties not regularly maintained require extra hours and specialized treatments, raising costs significantly.
Frequency and Service Type
Recurring contracts (weekly/biweekly) reduce per-visit costs. One-time deep cleans, move-outs, or post-construction jobs are priced higher due to greater scope and time.
Add-Ons and Specialty Treatments
Extras—inside fridge/oven, interior windows, stain/odor remediation, mold remediation, or high-rise exterior work—are billed separately and can add 10–50% to the base price.
Timing, Access & Emergency Requests
After-hours, weekend, or last-minute bookings often include a premium. Difficult access (narrow streets, long carry distances, gated communities) increases labor/time costs.
Supplies, Equipment & Disposal
Use of industrial equipment (HEPA vacuums, truck-mounted carpet cleaners, power washers) and disposal of construction waste or hoarding materials adds to the total.
Labor vs Materials
Typical Labor: 60-80% of total cost
Labor covers hands-on cleaning time, travel, setup/tear-down, and operator expertise. Typical residential cleaner hourly rates in 2026: $25–$60 per cleaner in many U.S. markets; $35–$80/hr in premium metro areas. Complexity, two-person teams, and prep/repair tasks increase labor hours.
Typical Materials: 20-40% of total cost
Materials include cleaning chemicals, disposable supplies, specialty solutions (degreasers, enzyme treatments), and equipment rental. Basic supplies per job are $5–$40; specialty solutions or rental of pro-grade machinery can add $50–$300 depending on scope.
Money-Saving Tips
- Book recurring cleanings (weekly or biweekly) to reduce per-visit cost; many companies offer 10–25% discounts for contracts.
- Bundle services—combine carpet or upholstery cleaning with a deep clean to get package pricing.
- Schedule off-peak appointments (weekday mornings) to avoid weekend premiums and secure lower rates.
- Do light prep: declutter, wash dishes, and pick up toys so pros spend time cleaning, not clearing.
- Get 2–3 written, itemized quotes and compare services, not just price. Ask for references and recent photos of work.
- Negotiate by offering multi-room or multi-service packages; reputable companies will create custom quotes.
- Ask if the company supplies eco-friendly products if you’re willing to pay slightly more for green cleaning—some companies offer competitive rates for bulk chemical use.
- Avoid last-minute bookings for move-outs or post-construction jobs; scheduling in advance lowers urgency fees.
Red Flags & What to Avoid
⚠️ Unusually Low Quote
Why it's concerning: A price far lower than local averages may indicate cut corners, undisclosed fees, or inexperienced labor.
What to do: Ask for a detailed scope and written contract; get competing bids. Prefer companies that provide insurance proof and references.
⚠️ No Written Estimate or Scope
Why it's concerning: Verbal-only promises make it hard to enforce quality or scope; disputes about included tasks are common.
What to do: Request an itemized written estimate before work starts and require it in any payment agreement.
⚠️ Demands Cash-Only or Upfront Full Payment
Why it's concerning: Cash-only requests can be a tactic to avoid paper trails and liabilities; full upfront payments remove homeowner leverage.
What to do: Use credit card or check, pay a reasonable deposit (10–30%) and withhold final payment until a walkthrough verifies completion.
⚠️ No Proof of Insurance or Bonding
Why it's concerning: Without liability insurance or bonding, you could be liable for damages or theft; contractors may not cover workplace injuries.
What to do: Ask for insurance certificates and bonding info; verify coverage with the insurer if unsure.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? Can you provide certificates and references?
- What exactly is included in this quote (hours, number of cleaners, supplies, equipment fees, travel/disposal)?
- Do you have experience with this specific job (e.g., post-construction, pet stains, high windows)?
- What is your warranty or re-clean policy if I’m not satisfied?
- What are your payment terms, cancellation policy, and any additional fees (fuel, after-hours, stair carry)?
- Do you perform background checks on employees and provide uniformed/identified staff?
When to DIY vs Call a Professional
Tasks You Can DIY
- Routine surface cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, mopping) with standard products
- Basic window cleaning (interior panes) on ground-floor windows
- Kitchen appliance exterior cleaning and refrigerator coil vacuuming
- Spot treatments for light carpet stains using recommended cleaners
Tasks That Need a Professional
- Mold remediation, water-damage restoration, or asbestos-related cleaning
- High-rise window washing or exterior work requiring ropes/lifts
- Professional carpet steam/extraction for large areas and odor remediation
- Post-construction cleaning that requires industrial vacuums, fine dust removal, and disposal
- Deep HVAC vent cleaning and ductwork remediation in contaminated systems
Regional Price Variation
Cleaning prices vary widely across the U.S. In high-cost urban markets (San Francisco, NYC, Boston), hourly labor rates and per-job minimums push residential cleanings toward the high end of estimates; a standard clean that costs $150 in a mid-cost city may be $250+ in a dense metro. Rural and low-cost regions typically see lower rates but may include travel surcharges if technicians travel far. Local factors include prevailing wage laws, local licensing or business taxes, and competition density (more competition can lower prices). Climate also matters—snow/mud season increases deep-clean demand in some regions, while coastal salt and humidity increase frequency for exterior cleaning.
When to Invest More
Spending more is often justified for jobs that affect health, safety, or the long-term condition of your home. For example, professional mold remediation, HEPA-filter deep cleaning after water damage, or thorough post-construction cleanup reduces airborne particulates and protects HVAC systems—these require trained crews and specialized equipment. Invest more when you need warranty-backed work (e.g., professional carpet cleaning with a stain-protection add-on), when delicate surfaces require experienced technicians (antique upholstery, hardwood floor care), or when the property’s resale or rental readiness depends on a superior finish.
Ready to Get Started?
Thorough budgeting and clear scopes reduce surprises when hiring cleaning services. Ready to get started? Connect with trusted local cleaning professionals through FindTrustedHelp.com for free quotes.
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional when the job involves safety risks, specialized equipment, or potential health hazards. Examples: mold or sewage cleanup, post-construction dust removal that affects HVAC systems, or heavy-stain and odor remediation where DIY methods fail. Professionals have HEPA filtration, industrial extractors, and training to handle contaminants safely. Also hire pros when property condition impacts legal or financial outcomes—move-out cleanings for security deposit return, move-in cleans before occupancy, or pre-sale deep cleans. If a cleaning contractor’s work will be part of a warranty or contractual obligation (rental turnover, staging for sale), use a licensed company to ensure accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a one-time deep clean of a 2,000 sq ft home?
In 2026, a one-time deep clean for a 2,000 sq ft home typically ranges from $250 to $700 depending on condition, region, and included services. Expect higher costs if you require appliance interiors, inside cabinets, heavy stain removal, or post-construction dust removal. Get itemized quotes and compare what's included.
Do cleaning companies supply their own equipment and chemicals, or should I provide them?
Most reputable companies supply their own professional-grade equipment and cleaning solutions; this is usually folded into the quote. If you prefer eco-friendly products, request them in advance; some companies charge a small premium. Ensure the quote lists any material surcharges or special-treatment fees.
Why is professional carpet cleaning sometimes so expensive?
Professional carpet cleaning uses truck-mounted or commercial-grade extractors, specialized detergents, and technician labor. Cost rises for large areas, pet urine/odor treatment, and heavily soiled fibers. Proper drying, pre-treatment, and post-treatment protect carpet warranties and extend life—services DIY machines can’t match.
Can I negotiate price or discounts with cleaning services?
Yes. Providers commonly offer discounts for recurring contracts, bundled services, or off-peak scheduling. Ask for package pricing (e.g., deep clean + carpet cleaning) and request a written breakdown. Avoid accepting an unusually low bid without scope verification.
What should I do if I’m not satisfied with the cleaning result?
First, contact the company immediately and request a re-clean—most reputable cleaners offer a satisfaction guarantee or a re-clean within 24–72 hours. Document issues with photos and reference the original scope. If the company refuses, review the contract and dispute options via payment provider or local consumer protection agencies.