Hire a cleaner.

From regular weekly maintenance to intensive end-of-tenancy scrubs, a professional service ensures your property is cared for using the correct methods for different surfaces. This guide outlines what to expect regarding service levels, current UK market rates, and how to ensure your home is in safe hands.

What Does the Work Involve?

• General Dusting and Polishing: Systematic cleaning of all surfaces, including often-missed areas like skirting boards, door frames, and light switches.
• Floor Care: Thorough vacuuming of carpets and rugs, followed by mopping of hard floors (laminate, tile, or wood) using appropriate pH-neutral cleaners.
• Kitchen Sanitisation: Deep cleaning of worktops, degreasing of hobs and splashbacks, and cleaning the exterior of all large appliances.
• Bathroom Descaling: Intensive removal of limescale from taps, showerheads, and tiles, alongside disinfecting toilets, basins, and baths.
• Glass and Mirrors: Smear-free cleaning of internal windows, mirrors, and glass furniture.
• Waste Management: Emptying internal bins, replacing liners, and organising recycling for collection.

Typical Costs

Cleaning costs in the UK vary based on your location (London and the South East typically command a 20-30% premium) and whether you hire an independent cleaner or a managed agency. Prices below include VAT where applicable for 2025/26.

Factors affecting the final quote include the presence of pets (which increases vacuuming time), the level of "clutter" which dictates how much surface area is accessible, and whether the cleaner provides their own eco-friendly or industrial-strength supplies.

How Long Does It Take?

• 1-2 Bedroom Flat (Regular Clean): 2 to 3 hours per visit.
• 3-4 Bedroom Family Home (Regular Clean): 3 to 5 hours per visit.
• Full Property Deep Clean: 6 to 12 man-hours (often completed by a team of two in half a day).
• End of Tenancy: 8 to 16 man-hours, depending on the requirement for "white goods" and window cleaning.

DIY or Professional?

While most homeowners handle day-to-day tidying, professional cleaners bring efficiency and technical knowledge. Professionals understand which chemicals react poorly with natural stone or delicate finishes, preventing costly damage. For end-of-tenancy situations, hiring a professional is often a contractual requirement to ensure the full return of a deposit, as they provide an itemised receipt as proof of work.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability Insurance (minimum £1m) to cover accidental damage to your property or belongings.
• Vetting and DBS: For domestic cleaners entering your private home, ask if they have a basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
• Trial Period: Ask for an initial "paid trial" clean before committing to a weekly or fortnightly schedule.
• Key Policy: Clarify their procedure for key holding and alarm codes if you will not be home during the clean.

Pro Tip: Always ask if the cleaner brings their own vacuum and products. Some independent cleaners prefer to use your equipment to prevent cross-contamination between houses.

UK Regulations

• COSHH: Professional cleaning companies must adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations regarding the storage and use of chemicals.
• Employment Status: If hiring an individual directly, ensure you understand UK "worker" status vs. "self-employed" to avoid unintended employer tax liabilities.
• Insurance Certificates: You are entitled to see a copy of their valid insurance certificate before work commences.

Common Problems

• Unclear Scope: Misunderstandings often arise regarding "extras" like inside the fridge, oven, or high-level dusting. Always agree on a checklist first.
• Access Issues: Failing to provide a working key or correct alarm code can lead to "no-show" charges or lost time.
• Fragile Items: Not highlighting delicate heirlooms or unstable furniture can lead to accidental breakage.
• Product Sensitivity: Using harsh chemicals on natural materials (like vinegar on marble or bleach on certain metals) can cause permanent etching.

Frequently Asked Questions