Cleaning companies price per visit by home size or estimated hours for residential work, and per square foot or per visit for commercial contracts. Most offer a discount for weekly or biweekly schedules because recurring routes are efficient. Deep cleans, move-outs and add-ons such as inside the oven or windows are priced separately. Publish starting prices and what each package includes.
A simple package ladder
| Package | Includes | Typical pricing logic |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Kitchen, baths, dusting, floors | Recurring rate by home size |
| Deep | Standard plus baseboards, detail work | One-time, higher hourly basis |
| Move-out | Inside cabinets, appliances | Priced by size and condition |
| Add-ons | Oven, fridge, windows, laundry | Flat per item |
Avoid underpricing
- Walk through or request photos before deep cleans
- Charge a first-visit rate when homes need catch-up work
- Set a minimum per visit
First visit pricing
Homes that have not been cleaned professionally usually need a longer first visit. Many companies charge a first-visit or initial deep clean rate, then move to the recurring rate. Explain this on the quote so the second invoice is not a surprise.
Service menu and pricing logic
| Service | Includes | Pricing logic |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clean | Kitchen, baths, dusting, floors | By bedrooms and baths |
| Deep clean | Detail work, baseboards | Higher one-time rate |
| Move-out | Inside cabinets and appliances | By size and condition |
| Recurring weekly | Standard clean each week | Lower per-visit rate |
| Biweekly | Every two weeks | Recurring rate |
| Office cleaning | Desks, restrooms, kitchens | Per visit or square foot |
| Add-ons | Oven, fridge, windows, laundry | Flat per item |
Explaining prices
Post starting prices by home size, explain that heavily soiled homes or move-outs may cost more, and confirm the price before the first visit.
Sample checklist for a standard clean
- Kitchen counters, sink, stovetop, appliance exteriors
- Bathrooms: toilet, tub, shower, sink, mirrors
- Dusting reachable surfaces
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Empty trash
Explaining recurring discounts
Recurring clients get a lower per-visit rate because homes stay cleaner and scheduling is predictable. Explain on the pricing page that the first visit is usually a deep clean at a higher rate.
Keeping prices healthy
Cleaning prices should reflect time, travel and supplies. Track how long each home actually takes and adjust prices for homes that consistently run long. Explain recurring discounts, first-visit deep cleans and add-ons clearly, and raise prices yearly with notice. Underpricing leads to rushed cleans and turnover, which hurts quality and reviews.
One more thing to know
Review your prices each year as supply, fuel and wage costs rise, and give recurring clients notice before changes.
What affects your price
- Square footage and rooms
- Frequency (weekly, biweekly, one-time)
- Deep clean or move-out add-ons
- Travel distance
Free tools
Common questions
Should I charge by the hour or flat rate?
Flat rates are easier for customers; base them on hours you have measured.
Do I give recurring discounts?
Many do, because recurring routes cost less to serve.
How do I price commercial cleaning?
Usually per visit or per square foot after a walk-through.
Should we charge for cancellations?
Many companies charge a fee for late cancellations because teams are scheduled; state the policy clearly.
Give customers a clear way to describe the job and request a quote
A quote form that asks the right questions saves back-and-forth and makes your business look organized.
See websites with quote forms